Who better to rent your epic adventure vehicle from than other enthusiastic adventurers? That’s what The Adventure Travelers, aka Michael and Melissa Harlow, thought when they first decided to purchase an RV.
“We first decided to get an RV while sailing our boat across the Pacific Ocean en route to French Polynesia and listening to the RV Entrepreneur podcast,” the Harlows say. “An Outdoorsy co-owner was a guest on the podcast and we loved the idea right from the beginning. When we were done with our sailing voyage, we sold our boat and purchased the RV with the sole intention of renting it out, after we full-timed for about a year.”
Choosing well
Since they planned to live in their RV for a full year before renting it out, they knew they had to find the perfect setup.
Michael described the benefits of their rig: “Melissa loves to cook, and our RV has the most surface space we could find on any RV. We also love to dry camp and our RV allows for staying at amazing (non-hookup places) like Joshua Tree and many parts of Alaska. It has a powerful generator and, in addition, we have an awesome solar panel—it’s already pre-wired solar ready—that can go anywhere. Plus, all the beds are sooo comfy!”
Doing well
It seems Michael and Melissa chose well. Not only did their own year of RV travel go well, but their rental business is also working out nicely.
“We’ve made almost $14,000 since April 2018 renting part-time,” the Harlows say.
They even hinted at their plans to expand: “We plan to purchase two or more 4×4 vans in early 2019 and convert them ourselves, so we can help others have amazing off-road adventures, as we like to do.”
The Outdoorsy advantage
Another great decision the couple made? The decision to use Outdoorsy. “Outdoorsy has the best marketing we could find and we love working with the staff,” the adventurers gushed.
“We feel safe renting through Outdoorsy. We especially love the insurance they provide. It gives us a solid peace of mind, and we make it mandatory for our renters to get the 24/7 Roadside Assistance. We feel the star rating is a great way to get a feel for your renter and provide feedback after the rental.”
Want to learn more about how the Harlows feel about Outdoorsy and how they built their business? Visit their YouTube channel for some seriously helpful videos.
All about the Harlows
Favorite morning beverage:
“Coffee with creamer for Michael and a fresh glass of juice for Melissa.”
Favorite campsite meal:
“Anything Melissa makes is incredible, from handmade pasta to fish tacos.” – Michael
Music you like to play on the radio:
“‘Chill Out Radio’ on Pandora.”
Best game to play on the road or at your campsite:
“What kind of bear is that—black or brown?”
Favorite season:
“We prefer spring and fall to travel in our RV. We love people—however, we love to get away and boondock and have nature to ourselves. You are also able to easily find campsites without reservations during the off season.”
Last photo you took:
“Hiking on an amazing trail in Kauai.”
What’s your Outdoorsy spirit animal?
“Dino the dinosaur … he’s our mascot. Look for him in our pictures!”
If you could travel anywhere in an RV, where would you go?
“New Zealand! We are a couple of trips away from doing that. First, I’m taking Melissa back to her family’s homeland of Wales.”
