This New Camper Van Service Is Like Airbnb for #VanLifers
The allure of #vanlife is hard to ignore—but most campers aren’t on the road for more than a month each year, which makes storage and maintenance burdensome. California-based camper van conversion company Texino just launched a new program that makes it easy for #vanlifers to rent out their rides while recouping costs and skipping some of the hassles of van ownership.
Texino can help you purchase or finance a camper van, which they’ll kit out with your choice of colors, materials, features, and equipment. You can then rent the van through Texino to help recoup costs—so long as it’s available for at least two weeks each month. After program fees, income generated from the rental is split down the middle.
Texino’s designers are experts at Sprinter conversions. These two-person excursion vehicles are packed with camp-ready functionality.
Texino’s cabinetry is sleek, hardy, and functional. In this Sprinter, a kitchenette with installed bench seating makes the saying "home is where you park it" a reality.
As a licensed upfitter with Mercedes-Benz, Texino excels at converting Metris and Sprinter vans. Their design team is adept at installing everything needed for on-the-road living—including cabinetry, kitchenettes, solar panels, shower attachments, and dimmable lights.
"We’re focused on providing a modern, minimal look in contrast to outdated aesthetics like tribal tattoo stripe kits you used to see in the U.S.," says company founder Nick Devane. "We are continuing to experiment with sustainable and durable raw materials: wool, cork, bamboo, recycled plastics, etc. We then pair our design with the best equipment and components available."
Share the Look
Texino’s rental model aims to make #vanlife accessible to more people by helping owners offset the costs of ownership, and by making more vans available to rent. But Devane is careful not to mince their offering with the lifestyle of the live-aboard road warrior. "We’re most interested in the part-time escape for urban dwellers and making owning and using a camper van more accessible," he says.
The income generated can help owners pay off the loan from financing the build. Those with already kitted-out vans can also rent through Texino to help cover basic ownership costs. Texino covers cleaning, routine maintenance, and storage of your vehicle when it isn’t being used.
This van conversion with an extendable shower head lets riders rinse off with heated water after a long day on the trail.
This Mercedes-Benz Metris conversion features a pop-top that provides extra standing room while camping.
Texino currently operates out of Los Angeles, where renters can pick up and drop off vans. One-way trips can also be arranged for an added fee—although Mexico is unfortunately off-limits for insurance reasons. And yes, you can take your dog with you.
Related Reading:
10 Cool Trailers and Campervans You Can Rent For Your Next Adventure
Published
Last Updated
Topics
Campers & TrailersGet the Dwell Newsletter
Be the first to see our latest home tours, design news, and more.