Updated about 1 month ago on .
From Road Life to Revenue: Converting my 2022 RV to an STR
Investment Info:
Other buy & hold investment.
Purchase price: $120,000
Cash invested: $60,000
I bought a 2022 Heartland Cyclone Toy-hauler RV and lived in it for ~2 years while traveling, brokering RV/MHC deals, and scouting investments. It now operates as a unique Airbnb at my RV park in Nephi, Utah—guests love the countryside RV experience. Strategy is a long-term hold with steady cash flow; I still use it occasionally for personal trips. Simple, operator-friendly asset that fits our outdoor-hospitality thesis.
What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?
Lifestyle first—travel the U.S., learn the industry from the road, and ultimately place the unit as a unique Airbnb at my RV park. It also supported my long-term plan to acquire more outdoor-hospitality assets.
How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?
I negotiated with three dealers for the right finishes and layout—specifically a toy-hauler with a second sleeping area, half bath, and loft for Airbnb flexibility—then worked competing quotes to land best price.
How did you finance this deal?
Part bank, part cash.
How did you add value to the deal?
RVs depreciate (no denying that!)—but I created cash-flow value by converting it into a turnkey STR: guest guide, smooth cleaning turnover, keypad entry, and placement in a countryside setting guests love.
What was the outcome?
Two years of on-the-road learning, plus an experiential Airbnb that fits our brand and adds steady income. I still use it occasionally for personal trips.
Lessons learned? Challenges?
RV life is more expensive and energy/resource-heavy than expected. Maintenance, winterization, and logistics are real—but the education and perspective on the RVer journey were worth it.
Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?
Short bio: I’m CJ Ledy, broker with Yale Advisors (15+ years, $100M+ closed across RV/MHC/multifamily) and founder of Up$ide AI, where we build operator-ready automations (AI voice receptionist, online self-check-in, call tracking/analytics) battle-tested at my park. Happy to connect and swap notes!
