“We decided to get an RV in 2016,” Desiree Cox tells us when asked when she and her husband Tom got their first rig. “We couldn’t decide between a boat or RV, but chose to get an RV because the season was longer. We originally chose a pop-up, but with our 3-year-old and our brand new puppy, we quickly realized it was a lot of setting up and breaking down to do.
“We decided after about two years to trade it for an upgrade and try a Hybrid Rockwood Roo. We absolutely loved the Roo, but with a growing daughter and dog, we decided last year that it was time for something bigger. So, we sold the Roo and currently camp out in our Coleman.”
Since that first RV purchase, the family has enjoyed a number of incredible trips together. “One of our favorite experiences camping was in Topsail Island, North Carolina,” Mrs. Cox reminisces. “We booked our camping trip so we could go see a favorite country artist of ours, Ryan Upchurch. We also had an amazing time fishing off the 1,000-foot pier into the ocean. Tom caught a shark, which was a first. It was so cool!”
As it happens, that amazing trip was also a learning experience for the couple. “We stayed at a small campground right on the coast, so storms were quick to form and let loose,” explains Desiree. “This led to our first awning story. We went out to the aquarium for a few hours and left our awning out. A thunderstorm rolled in. When we got back to our campground, we noticed we had a huge dip in the center, so Tom went to put one side of the awning down and the whole thing collapsed. We still had a great time, minus our $1,500 awning bill!”
Clearly, Tom and Desiree have thoroughly enjoyed using their RVs through the years, and that was all they ever intended to do with them. “We did not buy our RV with the intention of renting out,” says Desiree.
No, the couple just sort of stumbled upon the idea. “We chose to rent our RV on Outdoorsy after reading an article and joining the Facebook Outdoorsy community. There are such great people and tons of information on that page! Everyone helps one another and gives great advice. On top of that, we figured others could enjoy our camper rather than letting it sit. A lot of our weekends are now occupied with sports anyway.”
The Cox’s rental business was quick to take off. “It only took about 20 days to receive our first booking, and we’ve made a full $6,000 in just four months of renting,” Desiree shares.
The Cox family has enjoyed their time with Outdoorsy so much, they recommend it to other RV owners. “I recommend Outdoorsy to anyone who has a camper,” Desiree tells us. “Most of us say we have one but don’t use it as much as we’d like, so why not let it make money for you?”
Of course, there are certain things you have to do to find success. Desiree was happy to throw some of her favorite tips out there. “Take the time to send out your own quotes to renters and spend the time to follow up on all the leads Outdoorsy gives you,” she said. “Also, the listing coach is amazing! Make sure you schedule that as soon as you get a listing started.”
Another pro tip from the Cox family? Put care into every delivery and pay attention to the details. “We take a lot of pride in setting up our camper on delivery,” Mrs. Cox explained. “We love taking the time to set up the camping area as if we were staying for the night. Our customers love pulling up and seeing the chairs and campfire set up and ready for them.”
It seems Tom and Desiree have high hopes for those campfires too. “We hope our RV builds lifelong memories,” Desiree shares. “We have so many memories around a campfire—ones we will never forget. We hope our RV brings the same to others.”
All About Desiree and Tom
Favorite morning beverage: “Death Wish coffee.”
Favorite campsite meal: “Bacon-wrapped filet over the campfire.”
Music you like to play on the radio: “Pandora station: Upchurch, Demun Jones, NF.”
Best game to play on the road or at your campsite: “We play the letter game—one person starts the game by picking a word that is spotted outside the vehicle, the next person has to find a word outside the vehicle that starts with the last letter of the previous word.”
Favorite season: “Fall.”
Last photo you took: “Rainstorm going over the Bay Bridge.”
If you could travel anywhere in an RV, where would you go? “Corpus Christi, Texas.”
