Looking to spend a night this fall camping by a fire, soaking up cooler temperatures and the beauty of the Ozarks? A new business in Springfield is there for you if you’re in the market to rent an RV for your adventure.
Joyride RV Rental offers towable camper trailers. It opened in June and has been busy ever since, said co-owner Carley Joy.
From cleaners to campers
Joy owns the business with her father Richard Williams. Previously, they owned SafeSpace and sold disinfecting products.
“Joyride is 180 degrees different from SafeSpace in that we were selling a disinfecting product only through the internet, and now we fulfill individual’s requests for camping trailers to rent,” Williams said. “It’s definitely more fun and less stressful in that we have the opportunity to get to know people, families and develop relationships.”
Williams started SafeSpace in 2005 and Joy joined him in 2015 after she graduated with a master’s degree in marketing from Drury University. After the pandemic, sales slowed and there were a lot of new policy changes concerning disinfectants. The business became 50% sales and 50% government compliance, said Williams.
“We decided to switch gears to something we enjoy, which was RVs,” Joy said.
So they converted their warehouse from stocking disinfectants to storing RVs.
Filling a need in the Springfield market
Camping soared during the pandemic and more people became interested in RV’s, although sales have dropped since then.
But people’s love for the outdoors has not waned.
Last year, there were 6 million new campers. Prior to the pandemic, the average was 2 million per year according to the 2023 North America Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report by KOA. In 2022, more than 58 million households went on at least one camping trip, according to that report.
“We saw an uptick in people wanting to RV, which was a good time to start the business,” Joy said. “We realized there was a need for RV rentals. People said ‘Oh my gosh, if you did that we would rent. We want an RV but don’t want the responsibility or commitment.’”
Starting small, with designs on growing
Right now, they have eight in their fleet but plan to add one or two more per year. In the first few months, they are trying to gauge what their consumer wants and needs. Most of their RVs are teardrop trailers, which are smaller. The smaller RVs appeal to a lot of people — especially if they don’t have a big truck to pull it, she said.
“They are lightweight and easy to pull, especially if you have a midsize SUV,” Joy said. “If you are minimalist or a beginning camper, they are perfect because they are super low-key and less intimidating.”
While sales of larger RVs have taken a hit since the pandemic, mini-trailers continue to see gains. According to an article in Fortune Magazine, the only segment of RV sales that grew in 2023, year-over-year, were mini-trailers, which were up 3%.
‘They just hand in the keys and go home'
Joyride’s customer base has been a mix of people considering buying their own RV and wanting to try one out first, people who prefer glamping and others who just don’t want the responsibility of ownership.
“Sometimes people were going to buy and then they tell us we changed their minds,” Joy said. “They think this is so nice, they just hand in the keys and go home and don’t have to winterize or clean it or do the storage, and they decide just to rent when they want one.”
There are also customers who planned to tent camp but then realized the weather wasn’t going to be conducive, so they rented an RV last minute.
Rentals are a two-night minimum. Depending on the size, rental prices range from $79-$109 per day. Their smallest trailer fits two (you could fit a small child or dog in that one); the largest, Big Ride, sleeps five comfortably. They are thinking about adding one that sleeps eight next year.
Most people pick up the trailers, but Joyride will deliver within 60 miles for an extra $150. There are optional add-ons like coolers, folding camp tables or kids kits, which include a variety of outdoor toys and activities for young campers.
First-time renters get 10 percent off with a coupon code on their website.
“It’s a way to have an affordable vacation,” Joy said. “If you have your lodging with you the whole time, it makes it more affordable. The campfire is fun. It’s great memories. Fall has cooler temperatures. Fall has surprised us.”
Entrepreneurship is in their blood
For Joy and Williams, camping and entrepreneurship are in their blood.
“I am a fourth-generation entrepreneur in my family, which makes Carley fifth generation,” Williams said. “Making a living by your own efforts and wits isn’t for everybody, but it seems to be the norm in our family.”
Joy jumped at the chance to work with her dad years ago and said it has been even more exciting to launch their own business and share their passion.
“Who doesn’t want to be able to see their family every day? I am an only child so it’s important to see my family,” Joy said. “The flexibility has been great with a kiddo and another on the way to have your own hours and make your own decisions.”
She is expecting her second child in December; her husband also helps in the business part-time.
Sharing the family's love of the outdoors
Joy’s love for the outdoors was instilled by her parents. The family grew up taking road trips, visiting to national parks and camping. What are some of her favorite spots in the Ozarks?
“Branson,” Joy said. “With kiddos, you can’t beat it. Kimberling City or Branson State Marina. They have quick access to the lake and you can go into town. Eureka Springs is beautiful. They have great camping areas and a lot of festivals. Stockton is really nice. It is low-key. A nice change of pace.”
With Joyride, Joy and Williams want to help other families make amazing travel memories and continue to grow their business.
“My hope is that Joyride will always be a great source of income and work satisfaction for our family for years to come,” Williams said.
Find it: Joyride RV Rental, 4236 S. Hillcrest Ave., Springfield; (417) 631-4570; follow them on Facebook or visit their website
