RV-sharing website keeps Alberta couple who created it too busy to camp

Chad and Cherie Ball may be looking for a vacation after a summer of matching wannabe campers with RV rentals.

The Okotoks, Alta., couple is into their second season running Wheel Estate, a business that helps owners rent out their towablecamping trailers in a style similar to that of Airbnb.

They got the idea for the business 10 years ago when they tried to rent a neighbour's RV and discovered his insurance would be void once money changed hands.

"We were hit by the recession pretty bad back then and we just wanted an affordable getaway, trying to hit the reset button,"Cherie Ball told theCalgary Eyeopeneron Monday.

It took the couple six years to secure an insurance policy to back their idea and launch the business, which they didlast year.

Nowthey even own their own RVbut mostly take it out just for charity or promotional events.

"We haven't had time to use it," Ball said. "We've been busy, so that's a good thing. But we would like to get out a little bit more if we could, for sure."

The season is going well, with people taking part from British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador, Chad Ball said, and no one has trashed an RV yet. In two years, the only insurance claims have been for a few awnings damaged by wind, he said.

"Mother Nature's kind of our biggest nemesis right now," he said.

Variety of options

The online rental site allows people who have RVs sitting empty in their driveway to make a few dollars. RV companies do rent out motorhomes, but Ball said the price is prohibitive due to the insurance costs for commercial operations, as well as upgrades for gear.

Using their service, Ball said RVs go foran average price of $107 a night and often come equipped with camping equipment, such as cutlery, linens and an axe for firewood. Some owners deliver the RV and allow pets, as well.

"You want that tent trailer just to get off the ground? You're looking at $40 a night," Ball said. "If you want that luxury fifth-wheel-toy-hauler experience, $250 will get you that."

Wheel Estate takes a 15 per cent commission, he said.

There are a few similar companies out there, but he said Wheel Estate's goal is to focus on good experiences, rather than becoming the largest.

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With files from Tahirih Foroozan and the Calgary Eyeopener.