Date: Mon, 9 May 2016 09:01:05 -0400
Reply-To: "kenneth wilford (Van-Again)" <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "kenneth wilford (Van-Again)" <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Vanagon rentals are catching on
In-Reply-To: <019b01d1a960$53f9cf10$fbed6d30$@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
It is not an easy business to be in. My sister and her husband bought
North East Camper Rentals about 10 years ago when they had a windfall from
selling a house at the peak of the market boom. It sounded like a great
business for them to be involved in since I live the next block from them
so, if the vans needed repairs, etc. there was a great place to get the
parts and the work done right nearby. It turned into a nightmare for them,
and then their marriage hit the rocks so the whole business just
evaporated. But even if the marriage didn't have problems, I think they
would have given up the business after a couple of years just because it
was so risky.
The vans were in excellent condition and the guy who had the business
before them took extra good care of them. He had a stockpile of new and
used parts ready to repair any ailment the vans might have. We got them
along with the business and they filled up a large storage building.
So what was the problem? Was it the vans. Not really. It was the
renters. Actually it was a certain type of renter. Single, older women
who knew nothing of mechanicals. They would just drive the vans until the
"magic smoke" came out of the back, and then call us from the middle of no
where to say they were broken down on a Saturday or Sunday night when you
were trying to relax from the week. One time, I got a call when the lady
took her dog to a park and then dropped her keys into a pond and couldn't
find them. Another time from no where ville in Maine when the van broke
down because she kept the AC on even though one of the hoses blew and all
of the freon leaked out because it was hot and her dog couldn't take the
heat. Early AC system with no pressure switches (thanks VW) and the
compressor locked up, threw off the belt and took the water pump belt with
it. She kept on driving. After all, it's a rental.
I would avoid this business like the plague. It takes all of the fun out
of Westy and Vanagon ownership. If you have this business every weekend in
the spring, summer and fall, you will be dreading that call that is
coming. The call of the broken down van that most likely suffered at the
hands of someone who shouldn't be driving it. Not a fun way to spend the
summer. Believe me I have lived it.
Ken
On Sun, May 8, 2016 at 3:32 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com>
wrote:
> It is risky, and if it isn't profitable after a year Harley says these
> vans will be for sale.
>
> It's pretty much like renting any other car as far as the renter is
> concerned, including insurance. They will try to fix anything within 24
> hours or send another van if one is available. They have a network of
> service shops in the three states you can travel.
>
> There are limitations including no off-road driving and no travelling to
> Canada. They are limited to OR, WA, and ID with a daily 150 mile limit
> unless they grant an exception, which you will need to get to the best of
> the coast from Seattle. Since it will cost around $1800 for the minimum six
> days, or $300/day plus gas ($80 total) for a 500 mile trip, the
> irresponsible should be kept away. Diving record check, 25 and older, and
> they do have some automatics for the "shiftless" folks. They all have a
> TruckFridge, so that eliminates one of the more problematic features of the
> Westy.
>
> I'll be following this to see how it goes.
>
> http://www.peacevansrentals.com/faq/
> http://www.peacevansrentals.com/vw-camper-van-rental-terms/
>
> Stuart
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of Dennis Haynes
> Sent: Saturday, May 07, 2016 3:31 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Vanagon rentals are catching on
>
> I have to wonder who is responsible for what after a break down or
> accident. What are the recovery or get home options? This seems like a huge
> risk for both parties considering vehicles that are not readily replaceable.
>
> Dennis
>
--
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
| 
