Still, stuck on your California plans? Alright then. We’ve got the perfect idea to make your vacation or holiday or getaway to the Golden State a momentous one. No price for guessing. We know you’ve probably seen the blog title. So yeah, taking on adventure motorhome rental California! What can be more exhilarating?! Here are the things to consider about Campervan hire and RV rental in California.
Inspire yourself also with our 10-day road trip itinerary in California
Campervan hire and RV rental California: how to make the best choice
Apart from the price, it’s just a compromise between space and fuel consumption. So we picked a Coachman motorhome (Class C Eurostyle Coachmen Freelander Micro D-22). It’s just perfect for two to four people (although it can have more onboard, it will be a little crowded). It served us well through the landscapes around California and the weather, from the negative temperatures in Yosemite to the hot weather in the Death Valley.
During the Campervan hire or RV rental in California, you might want to negotiate everything regarding customer support topics. Companies in the US are known to be customer-oriented. Another point worth considering is about your freshwater tank. Try to be as sparing as possible with your freshwater tank and the batteries in your car. Although batteries charge automatically while driving, freshwater filling sources can’t be easily found here.
Fell in love with this model: Class C Eurostyle Coachmen Freelander Micro D-22
With a motorhome (RV – Recreational Vehicle), you can discover the mysteries and beauty of the state. The motorhome is a special vehicle for recreation for the uninitiated, designed for camping out while traveling. It allows you to spend the night with nature, something most visitors aren’t privileged to behold. We recall our time at the Painted Canyons. It’s a real wonder with colorful mud-stones from pink to green with a breathtaking view that makes you feel small in front of a massive structure while you hike in-between them.
Convenience, cost, drivability, low depreciation, and versatility are factors people often choose a motorhome for ahead of a caravan. Another advantage of a motorhome is the priced opportunity of waking up to sunsets and sunrises in a nature-rich area. There’s something healing about this. We promise!
Adventure motorhome rental California: practical tips from our experience
Check also: important things to consider during your California road trip
Campervan hire and RV rental California: I highly recommend the Motorhome Republic to book camping cars and motor homes. I used it, and they have awesome customer support. (I had to do a lot with them when our entertainment battery gave its soul)
Negotiate everything when it comes to customer support topics. Companies in the US are very customer-oriented and tend to be flexible towards people.
On the highway: Avoid fueling in Highway-close fuel stations. They are more expensive than the smaller ones on normal roads. The gas heater of the motorhome can be refueled at the gas stations (once in a couple of weeks)
Navigation: bring an old smartphone and use it as a GPS and a WiFi Hotspot at the same time. You will then need to buy only one SIM card then, and you won’t need to rent a GPS device for a bunch of money.
Mobile data Hotspot: Be careful. Not all SIM cards support hotspotting in the US. Ask your provider upon buying a one. We bought ours from AT&T, and it was doing fine 10 GB for about 35$. However, we had to buy an additional 1 GB on the last day. Don’t forget to cancel any subscription you have made during the trip (AT&T usually works with subscriptions)
Let the adventure begin!
What comes next: Indulge Walmart
Walmart is a famous American supermarket and will be a beneficial brand for you throughout your US road trips. Considering that we were on a budget, it was easy for us to spend on the items of the big supermarket. Walmart items came cheap to our luck. We then bought the food for 10 days to win time and effort. And just to let you in on a little secret, think about Walmart’s parking spot. It will come to your rescue if you are run out of options and want a free parking place where you would spend the night. Let it always be your emergency plan.
Divided into northern, central, and Southern California, the state is a big one. So big and lively that you can only choose an area or city to explore when you travel there. You can spend several weeks in Oakland and still only scratch the surface of its exciting urban life and attractions.
Adventure motorhome rental California: Budget
- Motorhome rental for 10 days: 1100€ including kilometrage (you have to pay 200€ per 750km) and convenience kits (kitchen tools and bed stuff which have to be paid separately)
- US National Parks Pass: 65€
- 3G (10GB) + SIM card: 45€
- The average cost of spending a night at a campsite: 20€ (we did it only once)
- Propane fill: 20€ per tank
- Costs are average and in low / shoulder seasons
So we’ve gathered a list of places you can see in California and tips while hitting the road:
Campervan hire: final thoughts and general recommendations
- I was supposed to have a drive of 2500 km but I somehow ended up driving about 3300 km. So no matter how long you planned your trip, add at least 1/3 of the distance in a buffer.
- You can get rid of the black water of your RV anywhere in nature, except when it is literally prohibited
- You can find propane (for the heater) in most of the fuel stations
- Don’t forget to have an exceptional Mexican meal once you are South enough where it gets more delicious
- Have a quick stop at Malibu once you are on the PCH. The neighborhood is really beautiful (but expensive)
- Always check road and weather conditions when you drive in mountain areas. Some roads might be closed (this was our biggest mistake)
- Try to choose the best RV Parks for your Motorhome
- Try to be as sparing as possible with your freshwater tank and the batteries in your car. Although batteries charge automatically while driving, freshwater filling-sources can’t be easily found here.
- Don’t let your fuel tank get too empty. You will miscalculate and would face problems once in mountain areas (was my case)
Ash & Rym
21 comments
If you do not want the worry of maintaining an RV, rent! All RVs, without exception, require regular maintenance. One thing folks often fail to consider when they talk about how much renting costs is the rental company is responsible for maintaining their units, so they take on all those tasks, owners normally would have to do or pay to have done.
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