• Renting Your Travel Trailer While You’re Not Using It

    The most under-used assets owned by Americans are recreational vehicles (motorhomes, travel trailers, 5th wheels, pop-up campers, toy haulers). If you’re one of the millions who own one of these you can make money renting it to others. Hence, don’t let it just sit around gathering dust and growing cobwebs. You can make extra cash with only a little effort.

    The phenomenon of sharing assets or the “peer-to-peer marketplace” is best reviewed in a 2013 article in The Economist, The Rise of the Sharing Economy. One of the stunning opening stats is “Last night there were 40,000 people renting rooms from private individuals,” and this was in 2013! Millions of people are enjoying renting space from private individuals instead of going through the hassles that come with booking hotel rooms and being slammed with the never-ending fees. You’ve experienced this frustration, right? Self-parking fee. Valet parking fee + tip. Wifi fee. Resort Fee. Hotel service fee. Per person fee. Booking fee. Athletic club fee. Facility fee. It’s time to say no to the fees.

    That’s why the so many people are looking and booking other types of travel and vacation rentals, because the market is HOT!

    If you have a travel trailer that you don’t use 100% of the time, now is the time to rent it to others. Stonebridge RV Park is proud to partner with Easy RV, the hottest, newest RV and trailer rental platform on the web.

    Included here are steps that will help you you get your RV listed online and viewed by potential renters.

    First of all, you’ll want to click on sign-up and create a profile, because renters are going to want to know a little about you. Next you’ll click on List Your RV and follow the prompts. Keep in mind the more information you provide, the more interest you will see in your rental. Come up with a catchy name that will draw attention. Similarly, create a description that forms a nice visual in the mind of the anyone who reads your listing.

    Most important, is the last step of  adding photos of your RV or trailer. Both interior and exterior photos will need to be taken & uploaded, therefore, you’ll want to put some thought & effort into creating just the right ambiance. Staging your photos will make your rental look inviting, and likewise, proper lighting is key to good pictures. Park it somewhere that has nice surroundings.

    For exterior pictures, set up chairs, a table, maybe a BBQ grill or hammock. Extend the awning. Bring out a plant or two and other items that you think look natural and inviting so you’re setting a scene that will attract renters. If you have family or friends that will serve as models include them in some of the pictures. Staging the interior is just as important, therefore, you’ll want to use nice bedspreads or blankets on the beds and pretty throw pillows. Set the scene with a board game on the table and colorful items on the counters. By creating a romantic table with pretty plates, flowers and a bottle of wine, you’ll show renters how versatile the space is.

    Once you have your photos uploaded, the last step is to add an account for your rental income deposits. Then your listing will be live and visible to renters. Need assistance with your listing? Do you have questions about renting your RV or trailer? Our support team can help, click on the chat button in the lower right corner of the site. Good luck!

  • RV Vacations Will Create Memories That Will Last a Lifetime

    As a parent, one of the funnest things you can do with your kids is to take them on vacations. RV parks, such as Stonebridge RV Park in Sweeny, Texas, offer beautiful scenery and great opportunities for family bonding time.

    When you watch this video, you will learn all about the benefits road trip vacations offer to young families. One of the most appealing things about traveling in an recreational vehicle is that you don’t have the added high costs of staying at hotels, and having to eat out for all your meals. You can pack food that you know your kids like and have them help you make some really fun campfire meals.

    Most families rent an RV close to where they live. Owners list them on sites like Easy RV, where the payment is handled safely, and all the details is worked out between the owner and renter directly. Once you have an RV or trailer reserved, you’ll plan your trip using tools such as RV Trip Wizard. Planning your trip route, stops and fueling are all important when traveling in an RV.

    Be sure to pick stopovers and a final destination that offers things your entire family will enjoy. You’ll want full hook-ups for water, electricity, and sewer. Room to run, play and swim is important for kids. What other activities do you want to enjoy? Hiking? Crafts? Bonfires? If you’re bringing along a pet, you’ll want to be sure you reserve spots at parks that are pet-friendly.

    When you hit the road, you will have the opportunity to bond with your kids like never before. So start planning your vacation now!

  • Helpful RVing Tips

    Whether you are new to the world of RV camping, or you are a long-time expert, learning some new tips & tricks can always come in handy. Watch this helpful video by RV Geeks for great reminders when traveling on the road or stopping at an RV resort.

    Let’s recap some additional tips a little later in this article that will be helpful as well.

    Inside the RV:

    • Stack your dishes with cloth napkins in between. This will keep them from rattling or breaking. You can wash the napkins after using them at an RV laundromat, like the one at Stonebridge RV Park in Sweeny, Texas.
    • Keep baking soda handy. The open box can sit in your refrigerator, removing bad food odors, and you can use it as a non-toxic cleaner.
    • A cooler dedicated to holding lots of ice.
    • Hand sanitizer, wipes and lots of towels.
    • Make all areas and items into storage space (sitting areas should open for storage inside; hang things on the backs & insides of doors & cabinets).
    • Bunge cords help keep cabinets from opening while enroute.
    • Shelf liners keep things from sliding around.
    • A can opener, a wine opener, coffee pot, coffee cups & filters, a sharp knife, a cutting board, aluminum foil, baggies, and heavy duty trash bags.
    • Bins and drawers for inside cabinets creates many more compartments for storing different items.
    • A good mattress pad will make every night and day better.
    • Keep tanks smelling fresh right from the start by cleaning often and dumping regularly. The fresh water tank can be sanitized regularly with a mixture of bleach and water. Find the best black water tank cleaner on the market, and use it as often as recommended.
    • Put screens over all drains to prevent food and other debris from going down the drains.
    • A fire extinguisher.

    Outside the RV:

    • To keep your BBQ grill clean, put tinfoil pan underneath. This will keep grease and food from building up. Rubbing a lemon half over the grill surface will keeping food from sticking.
    • An outdoor rug or mat will create an outdoor living space for entertaining and relaxing.
    • Bring some good chairs and a folding table.
    • Store a few wood blocks that be can used to help with leveling.
    • Keep your fresh water hose and sewer hose in separate, marked bins.
    • Always keep the black water valve closed.
    • Must have tools in your kit should include a cordless drill, a cordless screwdriver, extra charged battery packs, a socket set, tape, bungee cords, string, rope, a lighter, latex gloves, a water pressure regulator, an electric plug adapter and a surge protector.
    • Keep a high-powered flashlight handy.
    • Two-way radios or walkie-talkies will come in handy for numerous undertakings.

    Now some tips on the more personal side:

    • LED candles help create an awesome ambiance without having to worry about a fire hazard.
    • Find basic toiletries that everyone can share (body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion); less is more.
    • A varietal play-list and a blue-tooth speaker.
    • Must have items include hat(s), a backpack, sunscreen, water bottles, rain ponchos or umbrellas, rain boots, swim-suits, flip-flops for community showers and a first aid kit.
    • Cards, games, fishing poles and a miscellaneous craft box (if you have kids).
    • Toilet paper! (bio-degradable)

    Whether you’re just beginning or your very experienced, RVing is a lifestyle that can be enjoyed by anyone!