Mobile RV and motorhome detailing
Drive to RV owners and campgrounds to wash, polish and restore motorhomes on site.
- $3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
5,368 US businesses with employees in this field, +5.4% in a year
NAICS 811198 “All other automotive repair and maintenance”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A mobile service that washes, waxes, polishes and restores RVs and motorhomes, including roofs, awnings, slide-outs, decals and interiors, at the owner's home, storage lot or campground.
Your first three steps
- Learn the basics of fiberglass, gelcoat and rubber roof care through a detailing course or supplier training, and practice on a friend's RV
- Get a van or truck set up with a pressure washer, water tank, generator, polisher and ladders, then price your packages by RV length
- Contact local RV storage lots, campgrounds and dealers, and ask for a trial detail in exchange for reviews and referrals
Who pays
RV owners, retirees who travel, snowbirds, RV dealers, rental fleets and storage yards.
How it makes money
Fixed price by vehicle length and service level (wash, wax, full detail, oxidation removal), plus add-ons like roof treatment or ceramic coating.
Skills that help
- Machine polishing and paint correction
- Working safely at height on large vehicles
- Scheduling and customer service
Watch out for
- General liability insurance, ideally with coverage for damage to customers' vehicles (check for garagekeepers or care, custody and control coverage)
- Check with your city or county about a business license and any rules on wastewater runoff or washing at campgrounds and residences
- Falls from roofs and ladders, so use proper safety gear and never work alone on a wet roof
- Some storage lots and campgrounds have their own rules on outside contractors, so ask first
🔒 Full research report for US
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 a mobile RV detailing business?
Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your vehicle, polishing equipment, supplies and insurance. Ask about general liability coverage that includes damage to customers' vehicles, such as garagekeepers or care, custody and control cover.
What rules should I check before detailing RVs on site?
Check with your city or county about a business license and rules on wastewater runoff or washing at campgrounds and residences. Some storage lots and campgrounds have their own contractor rules, so ask first.
How much can a mobile RV detailer earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many jobs you book and the services you offer. Roof and ladder work carries fall risks, so use proper safety gear and never work alone on a wet roof.
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