A camper van rental offers unmatched flexibility for exploring stunning landscapes and unique destinations. But it also comes with some unique challenges and risks that you must be aware of to ensure a stress-free trip.
Here are five essential tips for renting a camper van to make your next road trip or camping adventure successful.
Plan Your Route Smartly
Considering campervan rentals in Iceland, you should set your trip goals first. This will help you narrow the options and choose a vehicle that fits your needs best. Then, you can focus on researching and preparing for your adventure.
Road travel is a great way to explore an area intimately. With a camper van rental, you can take scenic highways or random side roads to experience unique areas that aren’t on the main tourist path. Plus, you can always find a place to sleep at the end of the day.
When planning your route, consider the weather and terrain of the places you visit. This will ensure you have an enjoyable experience and avoid any unpleasant surprises along the way. For example, if traveling through mountainous regions, you should prepare for snowy roads and make sure your RV has enough clearance. It would help if you also researched local campgrounds to make sure they have amenities you need, like showers and wifi.
Research Your Options
If you’ve been watching the van life movement from afar, wondering if it could be your thing, there’s no better time to try it. Unlike hotel-hopping road trips or traveling by air, in which you have to pack and unpack every time you switch locations, with camper van travel, your lodging moves along with you!
There are a few ways to find a camper rental right for you. Some national companies offer a wide swath of vehicles in different markets, while others specialize in particular types of vans. You can also rent from a private owner, which will likely provide a more personal experience.
Once you’ve found a vehicle you’re interested in, it’s important to research your options before reserving it. It’s not unusual for companies to require a minimum rental length and specific pickup and drop-off times, so you’ll want to ensure these parameters work with your schedule. Also, it’s worth finding out if they’re prepared to handle one-way rentals.
Pack Light
If you want to try out van life or RV travel without investing in a vehicle, renting is a great option. Camper vans and RVs come fully stocked with all the essentials for a comfortable, cozy trip. Many even have kitchens, which can save money on eating out during your trip.
You can also save on hotel costs by staying at campsites instead. In addition, most RV and camper van rentals are pet-friendly so you can bring your furry friend with you on your road trip. This can save you money on pet boarding or finding a dog sitter for your trip.
Finally, camper vans are usually easier to drive because they are smaller than RVs or motorhomes. This can be a huge benefit if you’re a nervous driver or don’t have much experience driving a larger vehicle. Plus, they’re typically easier to maneuver in parking lots and narrow roads.
Check the Vehicle’s Insurance
Renting a camper van can be a great option if you’re looking for an affordable way to explore the islands. The vehicle will act as your accommodations and transportation, saving you money on hotel rooms and other forms of lodging. Plus, it will provide a more comfortable way to sleep during your trip.
If your trip is a group adventure, you’ll want to ensure the RV has enough space for everyone to fit comfortably. You should also check if the RV is pet friendly or not. This will save you the cost of pet boarding fees.
You can rent many types of RVs on sites. These marketplaces connect you with private RV and camper van owners who provide insurance protection and roadside assistance. They’re a great alternative to corporate RV rental companies, which often have highly scheduled pickup and drop-off times and locations and employees with varying degrees of enthusiasm about their jobs.
A peer-to-peer RV and camper van rental service offers various vehicles. Their vans are newer and more equipped than most of their competition, and they offer 24/7 support for any problems you might encounter on your trip.
Check the Vehicle’s Condition
Using a campervan to explore America is a fun and affordable way to see the country. It’s a great option for families, solo travelers, photographers, and anyone looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Check for obvious damage or wear when inspecting the vehicle before renting it. Look at the tires for uneven wear that could indicate suspension or alignment problems. Also, check that the tires are inflated to the proper pressure and that there is a spare tire, spare tire tool kit, jumper cables, and first aid kit in the vehicle.
Before your trip, you should also check that the air conditioning and heating are working correctly. Additionally, if you rent through a peer-to-peer platform, ensure that the owner knows your desired travel dates and times and that you agree on pickup and drop-off locations. Finally, check that any extra fees the owner may charge are clearly stated in the listing, such as cleaning, delivery, or waste disposal fees.
