Kickback Kampers, a family-run business established in Rayleigh, has doubled its operational capacity since launching in November 2021.
Founded by married couple Matt and Lyndsey Kelleher, the venture was inspired by the surge in demand for staycations during the pandemic when international travel was heavily restricted.
According to an article by Echo, The business has transitioned into a full-time operation, with Lyndsey managing daily logistics and Matt, a professional carpenter, overseeing all vehicle repairs and maintenance.
The company’s fleet has grown from two to four luxury VW campervans, catering to families and couples exploring both the United Kingdom and continental Europe.
To facilitate ease of travel, the company provides insurance coverage for trips to Spain and Portugal, while also encouraging visitors to explore domestic scenic locations such as Scotland, Snowdonia, and the Lake District.
For local departures, the Kellehers allow customers to leave their personal vehicles at the Rayleigh site for a direct swap, streamlining the start of their journey.
The Kellehers have invested significantly in the business to ensure the vehicles offer modern amenities that often surpass traditional home cooking and living facilities.
“We invested a lot of our own money into this business, and it is going well,” the couple stated. They noted that if booking demand remains consistent throughout the year, they intend to further expand the fleet.
Maintaining the vehicles in “immaculate condition” has resulted in a high volume of positive reviews across digital platforms, including a 100% recommendation ratio on Facebook.
The couple manages the business from a dedicated garden office, emphasizing that they provide a turnkey experience where travelers only need to bring clothing and food.
This sustained growth is significant for the RV rental industry as it highlights the continued viability of “staycation” business models even as international travel markets reopen.
For industry professionals, the success of Kickback Kampers underscores the importance of high-quality maintenance and specialized customer services—such as secure car parking and comprehensive European insurance—in building a reputable brand that can successfully compete with larger, more traditional rental agencies.