Planning a camper van road trip is exciting, but unexpected fees can quickly turn that excitement into stress - especially when it comes to mileage charges. Are there mileage limits when renting a camper van?
Yes, most camper van rental companies impose daily mileage limits, typically between 100-150 miles per day. Some companies offer unlimited mileage packages, while others charge $0.25-$0.45 per mile over the limit.
While this is the standard policy, it's worth reading on because there are several ways to avoid or reduce mileage charges, and knowing these strategies could save you hundreds of dollars on your next camper van adventure.
One of the most effective ways to avoid excess mileage charges is to opt for an unlimited mileage package when available. While these packages typically cost more upfront, they can save you money if you're planning to cover long distances. For example, if you're charged $0.35 per extra mile and you drive 200 miles over the limit, that's an additional $70 in fees.
Many rental companies also offer weekly or monthly rates that come with higher mileage allowances. Instead of booking several shorter rentals, consider combining them into one longer rental period to maximize your included mileage.
Several major rental companies provide unlimited mileage options. Escape Campervans offers unlimited miles on rentals of 14 days or more in most locations. Native Campervans includes unlimited miles in their "All-Inclusive" package. Lost Campers USA provides unlimited mileage on all their weekly rentals during off-peak seasons.
However, be aware that unlimited mileage packages often come with geographic restrictions, such as not being allowed to drive to certain states or requiring the van to be returned to the same location.
Start by mapping out your intended route and calculating the total mileage. Then, compare the cost of the standard rental plus potential overage fees against the unlimited package price. As a rule of thumb, if you plan to drive more than 200 miles per day, an unlimited package usually provides better value.
Keep in mind that unlimited mileage packages often include other benefits like reduced insurance deductibles or included camping gear, which can add to their overall value proposition.
Most rental companies have specific rules about where you can and cannot take their vehicles. Many prohibit travel to Mexico, while travel to Canada may require additional insurance or documentation. Some companies restrict travel to Death Valley during summer months due to extreme heat, or to Alaska due to road conditions.
Urban-based rental companies often prohibit off-road driving and require renters to stick to paved roads. Breaking these geographic restrictions could void your insurance coverage and result in substantial penalties.
One-way rentals, where you pick up the van in one location and drop it off in another, are available but limited. Companies typically charge a one-way fee ranging from $150 to $500, depending on the distance between locations. Some companies only offer one-way rentals during specific seasons or between certain locations.
The advantage of one-way rentals is that they allow you to cover more ground without backtracking. However, they often come with stricter mileage limits and higher base rates than round-trip rentals. Additionally, you'll typically find fewer vehicle options available for one-way trips, as rental companies need to maintain balanced fleets across their locations.
Before booking a one-way rental, compare the total cost (including one-way fees) against the cost of a round-trip rental plus return transportation like a flight or train ticket. Sometimes, returning to your starting point can actually be more cost-effective.
While camper vans are perfect for small groups seeking adventure and accommodation in one vehicle, they may not be the best solution for larger groups or families who need more passenger capacity. For groups traveling together to events, reunions, or group camping trips in areas like New England, you might find that local 15-passenger van rentals in Rhode Island paired with separate accommodation bookings can be more cost-effective than multiple camper van rentals. This approach eliminates mileage concerns entirely for the passenger transportation portion of your trip and often provides more flexibility for daily activities while maintaining the group cohesion that makes road trips memorable.
Before booking your camper van rental, take time to map out your complete route using Google Maps or a similar tool, making note of the total mileage you expect to cover. Armed with this number, you can accurately compare standard rental rates plus potential overage fees against unlimited mileage packages, ensuring you choose the most cost-effective option for your specific journey.
