How this family turned caravans into cash

NAOMI and Chad Pridue are among a new breed of Australians creating extra cash from caravans, motorhomes and other recreational vehicles.

The couple have been using sharing platform Camplify – which describes itself as “the Airbnb of caravans” – to generate thousands of dollars of extra cash from holiday-makers wanting to hire a temporary home on wheels.

Mrs Pridue said the couple tried the platform after realising they only spent only four of five weeks a year using their caravan.

“We had no idea how popular it was going to be,” she said. “We received eight bookings in eight weeks on one van and were already turning bookings away, so decided to purchase another.

“The same thing happened to the next van and the pattern went on. The money we have made from hiring our caravans has enabled us to expand our fleet and turn it from a bit of fun into a fast-growing business.”

The couple now manage five caravans, including three that they own themselves, and have secured more than $12,000 of bookings before New Year’s Day.

“A lot of people don’t realise they can do this,” Mrs Pridue said.

“Perhaps people are also nervous about sharing their beloved caravans. We were reassured knowing that we had fully comprehensive insurance.”

Camplify founder and chief executive Justin Hales said there were now more than 3000 recreational vehicles (RVs) listed and these were expected to generate their owners more than $4 million over summer.

“The Australian market is very buoyant at the moment, and the outdoor tourism industry is an exciting place to be,” he said.

Mr Hales said owners could earn between $10,000 and $20,000 from their RV.

“A $20,000 camper trailer in the right market could make around $10,000 per year, and the right motorhome around $20,000,” he said.

“Camplify also uses the power of its owner community to negotiate deals, including insurance packages.”

Caravans aren’t the only set of wheels being shared. Peer-topeer car rental firm DriveMyCar says holiday-makers can save hundreds of dollars.

Its analysis found car rental companies charged 3.3 times as much for rentals in December than they did in November.

“Travelling is pricey enough without having to pay a car rental Christmas tax,” DriveMyCar chief executive Chris Noone said.

FLEET STREET: Camplify user Naomi Pridue