In the RV world, there are a lot of options: You can choose a small two-person camper, a massive fifth wheel trailer that will easily accommodate more than 10 people or just about anything in between.
If you’re looking for easy driving and versatility, the Class B motorhome, also known as a camper van, is an excellent choice for your weekend getaways. Renting a camper van is easy, and in this guide, you’ll be able to learn the ins and outs of the process.
Why Rent a Camper Van?
Why rent camper van RVs? Camper vans are some of the most versatile RVs in existence because of their nature as a van conversion. Class B motorhomes are actually RVs that are built atop the frames of standard vans; as a result, driving them isn’t much different from driving a large car or SUV.
Driving on the highway is very easy in a camper van because they have a very small body, are easier to maneuver and have a rear-view configuration that’s very car-like. Even taller camper vans can usually be maneuvered through underpasses, so getting around in one doesn’t pose a challenge for campers.
Additionally, parking at the campsite is usually a quick, single-step process. When you arrive, you can simply pull into your spot like you would with a car; there’s no need to pull through to make things easier like some might consider with a Class A or a Class C RV.
In fact, one of the coolest features of a camper van is that you don’t even need a campground or an RV park. These vehicles can easily be parked in most standard parking spots due to their van sizing.
Where to Find Rental Camper Vans
Like many types of RVs, you can usually find camper vans in just about any RV rental agency or dealership, but the advantage of a Class B motorhome is that you’ll find them in many more locations than you’d find other types. Across the U.S., many dealerships and rental agencies limit their stock; one agency might only deal with mid-size vehicles and above while another may only have space for mid-size and small RVs.
Camper vans don’t take up much space, so most RV dealerships will have these types of motorhomes in stock, and you’ll be able to find them fairly easily.
In addition, you may even be able to find these motorhomes in places that typically don’t offer standard RVs at all. Locations that may have motorhomes in stock include rental car agencies and storage facilities that may have U-Haul and other moving van-style inventory. Class B motorhomes blend in well with these types of stock, and as a result, you can find them in places like these with relative ease.
Small Camper Vans for Rent
If you’re planning on making a trip with one other person, a camper van provides a convenient and comfortable way to travel. The smallest camper vans will usually accommodate two people with ease. For couples, many people find that this type of trip is romantic because you’ll usually have a queen-size bed, a kitchenette and a dining area where you can eat.
Renting a van of this type is easy, and you’ll be able to simply pull up into a clearing and camp without worrying about hookups or finding a site. These smaller camper vans are also very easy to use when you need to drive through trees or navigate rough terrain, so if you want to explore a bit, a smaller camper van makes camping fun.
Camper Van Rental Cost
When you’re thinking about a Class B van conversion, it’s important to understand what you’ll be spending. When it comes to a rental of this type, expect to spend $100 per night or so. While it’s definitely possible that you’ll spend less for an accommodation of this type, keeping your expectations over $100 will provide you with a reasonable budget.
When you’re renting this way, also always remember that some rental agencies will charge a deposit. The deposit protects the camper van from damage, so if your trip is uneventful, you will then see a full refund of this initial cost.
Tips for Choosing the Right Small Camper Van
Renting a camper van is easy, but it’s also a good idea to go into the rental with a bit of foreknowledge. Before you rent, try to follow these tips:
• Get a vehicle with a bathroom. It’s possible to find a small camper van with at least a half bath to make your camping trip more convenient. This is especially useful when you’re going to be roughing it; having a bathroom will mean that you won’t have to find facilities near where you’ll be parking.
• Try to rent a vehicle with unlimited miles. Some dealerships have a tendency to charge you a few cents per mile, and these mileage charges can definitely add up quickly. If you want to go exploring, find a rental agency that offers unlimited miles so that you don’t have to feel constrained.
• Rent well in advance. RVing has its seasons, so renting in the fall or winter may be much cheaper than renting in the spring or summer. With this in mind, you can take advantage of pricing in the offseason by reserving early to save a lot of money on your camper van rental.
Luxury Camper Van for Rent
While many associate luxury with the larger types of recreational vehicles, it’s easy to find a camper van with some nice amenities. BMW and Mercedes-Benz both produce luxury variants of their camper van line, so if you want to ride in style, look into these rentals.