Small RV repair shop
Rent a small bay or unit and service motorhomes that need lifts, bigger repairs or longer jobs.
- $20k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
84,859 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.9% in a year
NAICS 811111 “General automotive repair”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A small workshop with one or two bays handling servicing, chassis checks, brakes, appliance and body repairs, and winterizing for RVs and motorhomes that can't be fixed at the roadside.
Your first three steps
- Look for a unit or bay with a tall door and enough yard space for large vehicles, and check zoning with your city or county
- Price your hourly rate and flat-rate jobs against local RV and truck shops
- Set up supplier accounts for parts and arrange insurance before opening
Who pays
Local RV owners, snowbirds, seasonal campers and sometimes small rental fleets.
How it makes money
Labor charged hourly or by flat-rate job, parts markup, and seasonal service packages. Storage or a drop-off service can add extra income.
Skills that help
- Strong RV and vehicle repair experience
- Estimating jobs and ordering parts
- Managing a workshop and customer bookings
- Basic bookkeeping
Watch out for
- Zoning, fire and environmental rules for waste oil, coolant and batteries; check with your city, county and state agencies
- Garage keepers and general liability insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
- Seasonal demand: winter or off-season slumps can hit cash flow
- Some states regulate RV dealers or repair facilities, so check your state's requirements
- Customer vehicles left on your lot are your responsibility
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: small RV repair shop
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an RV repair shop?
Estimates put startup costs at typically around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the workshop space you rent, the tools and equipment you buy, and your insurance. A small unit with one or two bays sits toward the lower end.
How much can a small RV repair shop make?
Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on how many bays you run, the jobs you take and how busy the season is. Winter or off-season slumps can affect cash flow, so plan for quieter months.
What rules should I check before opening an RV repair shop?
Check zoning, fire and environmental rules for waste oil, coolant and batteries with your city, county and state agencies. Also check garage keepers and general liability insurance, workers' compensation once you hire, and whether your state regulates RV dealers or repair facilities.
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