Motorhome and RV repair workshop

Motorhome owners, travellers preparing for long trips, dealers and hire companies without their own workshop.

Workshop labour rates, parts margins and fixed-price service packages, with extra income from accessory fitting such as solar, awnings and batteries.

• Mechanical, auto-electrical or RV trade experience
• Job scheduling and quoting
• Parts ordering and supplier relationships
• Customer service

• Council zoning and planning approval for a vehicle workshop, check before signing a lease
• Trade licences for gas, electrical and mechanical work, check your state's licensing body
• Public liability, tools and business premises insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
• Lease costs and quiet seasons, plan your cash flow
• Storage of oils, gas and waste must meet local environmental rules, check with your council or EPA

Startup costs are typically around $25,000 to $120,000, depending on workshop lease and deposit, equipment and tooling, parts stock and insurance. Premises with high-door access and the size of your fit-out are likely to affect the total.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on how many bays you run, your job mix and how busy you stay through quiet seasons. Estimates assume at least about 35 hours a week, before lease costs.

Check council zoning and planning approval for a vehicle workshop before signing a lease. Also check trade licences for gas, electrical and mechanical work, your insurance, and local environmental rules for storing oils, gas and waste.