RV Detailing Bay with Indoor Storage
Rent a large bay or unit to detail RVs year-round, including winter prep and restoration jobs.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A rented, drive-in bay or unit big enough for motorhomes, where you do full detailing, paint correction and restoration work out of the weather. You can offer indoor drying, polishing and protective coatings.
Your first three steps
- Price out industrial units or bays with high doors and floor drains in your area, and check the zoning allows vehicle washing
- Get experience through a detailing course or by working for an established detailer, then build a portfolio of before-and-after photos
- Agree referral deals with local RV dealers, storage lots and repair shops before signing a lease
Who pays
RV owners wanting a high-quality restoration, dealers preparing trade-ins, rental fleets and storage facilities that refer customers.
How it makes money
Higher-priced packages such as full paint correction, coating and interior restoration, charged per job, plus recurring prep work for dealers and fleets.
Skills that help
- Paint correction and coating application
- Managing a workshop and bookings
- Quoting jobs accurately
- Customer service
Watch out for
- Zoning, wastewater and floor drain rules for washing vehicles, so check with your municipality before signing a lease
- Commercial general liability and garage-keepers-style coverage for vehicles in your care, so ask your broker
- Rent and utilities are fixed costs that run through the slow season
- Chemical storage and ventilation rules for coatings and polishes, so check workplace safety requirements in your province
- WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff, with rules varying by province
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start an RV detailing bay?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the size of the bay, your equipment and the coatings and supplies you stock. Rent and utilities continue through the slow season.
What should I check before renting a bay to detail RVs?
Check zoning, wastewater and floor drain rules for washing vehicles with your municipality before signing a lease. Also check commercial and garage-keepers-style insurance with your broker, chemical storage and ventilation rules, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff.
How much can an RV detailing bay earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the jobs you take, such as restoration or coatings, and how full your bookings are. Expect at least 30 hours a week.
Other ways to run this business
Similar car and vehicle ideas
Mobile tire repair and swap van
Drive to homes, workplaces and roadsides to fix flats and swap seasonal tires.
- C$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Car A/C specialist workshop
Rent a small garage bay and focus on car and light truck A/C diagnosis, repair and recharge.
- C$20k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Car security and tracking install bay
Run a small heated install bay serving drivers, dealers and fleets with security and tracking upgrades.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Car upholstery shop for owners and dealers
Rent a small unit and take on full interiors, restorations and steady dealer and body shop work.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Mobile tractor and farm machinery repair
Drive to farms to service and repair tractors and equipment in the field or yard.
- C$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Radiator repair and cooling system workshop
Repair, recore and replace radiators and cooling parts for car and van owners from a small rented unit.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises