Happy Camper
Happy Camper by Roger Urbaniak
Recently I was following behind a motor home on the freeway with a bumper sticker “Happy Camper”.
Linda and I once owned a VW Eurovan camper for 15+ years, traveling all of the lower 48 states in it and the bumper sticker on the van ahead triggered many pleasant memories. Traveling around the country in our camper had been a lifelong wish and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. When we sold our van 4 years ago, we sold it to a company named Peace Vans, who rented out similar vehicles for those wishing to vacation in them. We hoped that others would enjoy the driving experience with it as we did.
Since I was curious about the arrangements that others renting our camper needed to make, I contacted Peace Vans, 206-467-8267 to get rental details from them. Peace Vans currently own a fleet of 22 vehicles, either Eurovan or Vanagon, and rent them for a minimum of 6 nights per outing. We named our old van Yakima when we sold it to them. Rental rates vary from $215 per night in peak season to $170 per night September through May. In addition to the basic rental rate there is a charge for taxes and insurance plus $.35 per mile for mileage over 125 miles per day. These charges include roadside assistance during your trip. If driving averaged roughly 350 miles per day you could expect to pay about $2000 for your 6-night adventure plus the cost of gas and staying at campgrounds. During peak season use it is recommended that you reserve a vehicle at least 3-6 months in advance. 90% of the people that rent from Peace Vans fly in from out of town to rent them.
Our Eurovan averaged about 20 miles per gallon on our longer trips. Campground costs varied for us from free, alongside the road or Walmart lots to as much as $75 per night if we went deluxe. Normally our rates were about $25 per night. Typically, we traveled off season. When our refrigerator began acting up one year, we decided to just buy a bag of ice and camp at what campgrounds called primitive sites. This turned out to be quite a positive experience for us as these sites were often larger, cheaper, generally away from the crowd, sometimes having a pond or other natural features included.
For a comparison of rates and rental features I called Cruise America to see what rental options they offered. Since Cruise America, 1-800-671-8042 is a much larger company with a variety of rental vehicles, I found their rental options attractive. With over 5000 rental vehicles and rental facilities in 33 states, drop off options were expanded for one-way trips. Vehicle options ranged from truck camper rentals at $79 per night to compact, standard and large RV rentals with a capacity of up to 7 people. Mileage charges were also $.35/mile but were half price from September to December. Most vehicles had toilets and showers to go with refrigerators and microwave, air conditioning and also pet friendly. Both Cruise America and Peace Vans sell vehicles if you decide camping should become a way of life.
Flying around the country might get you there quicker, driving a car or taking the train might get your there cheaper, but if you wish to really see America off the beaten path it is hard to match the experience of a camper van.
Sharing stories around camp fires with fellow campers while listening to elk bugle in the background becomes a way of life plus counting stars overhead grows on you.
If you decide to try a few outings, we just might see a “Happy Camper” sign on the rear of your new vehicle?
