Start an RV Washing Business at RV Parks — Low Cost, High Demand
Did you know that many RV parks actually require tenants to wash their RVs at least once a quarter?
Some even include it in their long-term stay agreements. Why? Because dirty RVs make the whole park look neglected, and that reflects directly on the park’s reputation and guest experience.
The problem? Most RV owners don’t have the tools, time, or energy to wash a 30-foot rig in the sun. And they don’t want to pay premium prices for high-end detailing services either.
That’s where the opportunity comes in.
By offering a simple, affordable, on-site RV washing and detailing service, you’re solving a real problem for both RV tenants and park managers.
You help the park stay clean and compliant, and the tenants stay comfortable, without them lifting a finger.
Let’s break down how it works, how much you can make, and how you can get this business up and running in under a week.
What’s the Business?
This is a mobile RV washing and detailing service that travels to RV parks and cleans rigs directly where they’re parked. No storefront. No massive overhead. Just you, some supplies, and the willingness to do quality work.
It’s the perfect mix of practical and profitable, and there’s demand baked right in.
Who Are the Customers?
You’ve got two main types of customers here:
- RV Owners: Retirees, full-time travelers, seasonal workers, and snowbirds. These are people staying for weeks or months at a time. They want their rig clean but don’t want to do it themselves.
- Park Managers: They care about the image of the park. Clean RVs = better curb appeal = more bookings. Many are already frustrated with tenants who don’t keep up with the park’s cleanliness standards.
You’re solving a visual and operational headache for both sides.
How Much Can You Make?
Let’s talk numbers.
You can charge $75 to $125 for a basic exterior wash, depending on RV size.
For full detailing – including wash, wax, tire shine, and window cleaning – you can go up to $175 to $300+.
Add-on services like roof cleaning (+$50), awning cleaning (+$30), and interior vacuuming (+$50–100) give you even more upsell potential.
Realistic solo scenario:
- 3 basic washes a day @ $100 = $300/day
- 5 days a week = $6,000/month
- Add a couple full details and upsells?
You’re easily looking at $5K–$7K+ per month
How to Start in 7 Days
This is one of those businesses you can literally launch in a week. Here’s how:
Day 1–2
Buy basic gear: pressure washer, soap, microfiber towels, buckets, brushes. You can start small—no need for a trailer or pro rig.
Day 3
Use Canva to design a simple flyer and some business cards.
Day 4–5
Visit 3–5 local RV parks. Ask if you can post your flyer in the clubhouse or office area. Offer a first-time discount to build trust.
Day 6–7
Book your first few clients. Do excellent work. Take before/after photos and ask for referrals.
Ways to Expand & Upsell
Once you’ve got a few regulars, here’s how to grow:
- Memberships: Offer monthly cleaning plans (e.g., $100/month = 1 wash + discounts)
- Interior add-ons: Vacuuming, fridge cleaning, window polishing
- Park partnerships: Give the park a small cut to promote you to every tenant
- Hire help: Train someone and double your volume
It scales. Fast.
What If I Don’t Have Experience?
Totally fair question.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be a detailing expert to get started. There are hundreds of YouTube videos that walk you through proper wash methods, RV-safe products, and tools.
You’re not detailing Ferraris. You’re helping people keep their home-on-wheels clean. As long as you’re respectful, thorough, and reliable, you’ll get repeat business.
No college degree. No certifications. Just a little effort, and the confidence to take action.
Download the Free Business Plan
If this sounds like something you’d actually try, I’ve put together a free downloadable business plan for you.
It includes:
- A startup checklist
- Sample pricing sheet
- Flyer template
- Script for pitching park managers
Enter your email to get instant access to the business plan plus future tools, templates, and updates I release for free.
Final Thoughts
This is a practical, easy-to-launch business that works especially well in high-traffic RV areas. It’s not flashy, but it’s clean (literally), profitable, and easy to scale.
If you liked this idea, check out more like it in the Ideas Into Income series, where I share real ways to turn simple ideas into real money.