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FAQ

Below are the questions we get the most. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, contact us via phone, chat, or email.

Booking & Purchase Questions

Our pricing varies by season and duration. Generally, the longer you rent, the cheaper the nightly rate. Get pricing by following these easy steps:

  1. From the homepage or booking page, select the San Francisco or Los Angeles location, and your pickup and dropoff dates. Click Submit.
  2. Choose your Add-Ons to customize your experience. The Preliminary Quote on the right-hand side of the screen will update accordingly. Click Get Quote.
  3. Enter your first and last name, phone number, and email address. In order to email you the quote, you will need to check the 1st Consent box. Check the 2nd Consent box if you want to receive special promotions and updates from Trekker Vans. Click Continue. (Note: Automated emails will come from our booking platform domain, @reply.outdoorsy.co. Please check your Spam folder if you don’t see your custom quote.)
  4. Answer the Questions from Trekker Vans including pickup/dropoff times, destination for mileage estimate, and other questions that will help us prepare your camper van rental. Click Next.
  5. Confirm your Add-Ons again. This is a good time to choose a prepaid mileage package. Otherwise, Add-Ons can be adjusted up to a few days before your trip begins. Scroll all the way to the bottom and click Next.
  6. Choose the insurance Protection Program you want. You can also decline insurance coverage, but you will be required to prove coverage by other means. Many insurance companies will not cover RV rentals, so be sure to verify you're protected. If your insurance company does not cover RV rentals, you will need to purchase the Basic Protection Program at a minimum. Click Next.  
  7. If you want to reserve a Trekker Van camper, enter your payment information. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, American Express, JCB, PayPal, and Affirm. When using an international card, you may be charged an additional 3% international transaction fee. This is where you can also enter a Discount Code if you have one. Click Save and Continue.
  8. The following pages will guide you through other options to add if you'd like:
    • Roadside Assistance: 24/7 Unlimited Roadside Assistance covering towing, flat tires, battery jumps, and emergency gas. 24/7 RV Technical Assistance Hotline for answering common vehicle operational questions. Concierge Services on the road for RV Park, campground, restaurant reservations, and more!
    • Trip Insurance: Coverage of the non-refundable costs of the RV rental, fees, and taxes in case of a covered emergency trip cancellation, interruption, or delay. Emergency assistance and transportation coverage, plus access to 24/7 emergency assistance services if you or a travel companion become sick or accidentally injured. Trip insurance plans are administered by Generali Global Assistance. Free look: take 10 days to review your plan and decide if it's right for you.
    • Damage Protection: Broken appliances and electronics, damaged interior doors, walls and furniture, stained bedding or linens, lost keys and re-keying costs, pet damage (Trekker Vans allows service animals only).
  9. Review and sign digital rental agreement.
  10. Have an epic camping road trip with Trekker Vans!

During the quote or checkout process, you will see “Outdoorsy Protection Program/Package”. You can choose one of the three options below or decline coverage. If you decline coverage, your existing insurance company will need to fill out an Insurance Binder to prove you are covered for RV rentals. The quote on the right-hand side of the page will update with pricing accordingly.

Basic ($29.95 per day)

  • Property damage protection up to $100,000
  • Insurance protection: State minimum liability
  • Protection: Windshield coverage
  • $150 trip coverage

Essential ($44.95 per day)

  • Property damage protection up to $150,000
  • Insurance protection: State minimum liability
  • Protection: Windshield coverage
  • Assistance: 24×7 Roadside Assistance
  • $150 trip coverage

Peace of Mind ($51.95 per day)

  • Property damage protection up to $250,000
  • Insurance protection: Up to $1M liability coverage
  • Protection: Windshield coverage
  • Assistance: 24×7 Roadside Assistance
  • $150 trip coverage

In the case that you choose to decline the insurance options we offer, you will need to prove that your personal insurance covers RVs. We will contact you if you decline insurance to provide you with an Insurance Binder Request. This is a document that you send to your insurance provider that includes the type of van you will be renting, the dates you’ll be renting, your contact information, and the minimum insurance requirements for the rental. Insurance companies are familiar with this document, and it is standard operating procedure for them to provide a Binder confirming that you are covered while driving one of our campervans on public roads. If they do not approve the Binder, then you will need to choose one of the three insurance options we offer.

We recommend booking a camper van rental as soon as you know your travel dates, especially if you plan to travel during the high season or popular holidays. Below are some guidelines:

  • High/Peak Season (April, May, June, July, August, September):
    • Book 3-6 months in advance.
    • Spring, Summer, and Fall are some of the best seasons to experience California. That's why we recommend a longer lead time to reserve a camper van during these peak times.  
  • Shoulder Season (October, March)
    • Book 2-4 months in advance.
    • If you want to avoid the crowds but still enjoy beautiful California weather, travel during October or March. With lower demand, you need less time to secure a camper rental.  
  • Off Season (November, December, January, February):
    • Book 1-3 months in advance.
    • Outside of Thanksgiving week and in between Christmas and New Years Day, Winter season availability is noticeably better and nightly rates are significantly lower. Many customers choose to reserve during these slower months for snow trips (we provide snow chains). Weather in California even during the Winter months can be relatively mild and temperate compared to other parts of the country!  

See our Campervan booking availability here. If your requested dates are booked, message us or give us a call at 1-877-350-VANS (8267) or 1-415-830-5660 to confirm. Sometimes we have last-minute cancellations and can accommodate your request.

You can read our Terms and Conditions in detail here.

If you need to cancel for whatever reason, we will give you a full refund minus the Reservation Deposit (20% of the reservation or $250, whichever is greater) as long as you cancel a minimum of 30 days prior to the pickup date. Cancellations within 14 to 30 days prior to pickup date, we will refund 50% of the amount of the rental, minus service fees. Cancellations within 14 days of your pickup date, the reservation is non-refundable. If there is a “no show” on the day of the pickup, we will keep the full amount of the rental.

We require a 20% or $250 (whichever is greater) deposit to secure a Campervan. Trekker Vans will then send you a confirmation email that your booking was confirmed.

Two days before your pickup date, we process a security deposit of $1,000 as an authorization on your credit card. This is not an actual charge that takes the funds, it is only an authorization. The security deposit, minus any additional fees incurred during your rental, will be released on your credit card 7 days after the Campervan has been returned and the reservation is complete.

Below are a few websites to help you find the perfect campground. If you are looking for a campground last-minute, check out our tips here.

  • Recreation.gov: Book campsites in National Parks, National Forests, and other federal lands. You'll find tons of information on hiking, fishing, boating, and other recreational activities for your camping trip.
  • Reserve California: Book a campsite at one of the 280 California State Parks, the largest state park system in the United States. Many campgrounds accommodate RVs or campervans.
  • Reserve America: Find and book campsites in national, state, and private campgrounds across the United States including availability, amenities, and pricing. A great resource for campground research.
  • HipCamp: Similar to Airbnb but for campsites, HipCamp has private and diverse camping spots to choose from. Filter by amenities to find the ideal camping spot for you!

We include all essential items with each rental at no extra cost. We believe in providing everything you need for a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience. We also offer other add-ons for an extra fee if needed. Click here for detailed specifications on Trekker Vans.

Interior Features:

  • Queen-sized bed with mattress (approximately 60” x 80”)
  • Dining area with table and bench seating with storage
  • Bedding kit (warm comforter with duvet, clean sheets, and 2 pillows)
  • Privacy curtains and front sun shades

Kitchen Amenities:

  • Portable 2-burner Coleman cooking stove
  • 2 canisters of butane cooking fuel
  • Refrigerator (8-gallon/30-liter powered by dual battery)
  • Sink and faucet
  • 7-gallon fresh water tank
  • 7-gallon grey water tank
  • Cookware (pots, pans, plates, bowls, cups, utensils, cutting board, drip coffee maker)

Outdoor Gear:

  • Camping chairs for everyone in your group (up to 4)
  • Portable table

All Trekker Vans campervans can seat up to 4 people (4 seatbelts) and sleep up to 5, depending on the van configuration you choose. During the reservation process, you can specify whether you want 2 seats or 4 seats. The interior queen-sized bed comfortably sleeps two adults or three small children. For additional sleeping space, you can add the Rooftop Tent, which accommodates two more adults or provides an option if you prefer to keep the interior space set up as a dining area. The dinette easily converts from an eating area to a sleeping area.

The minimum rental period is 2 nights, with no maximum limit on the number of nights you can rent. Additionally, the nightly rate decreases the longer you rent.

At Trekker Vans, there are no hidden fees. All costs and fees are clearly outlined on our website and in our Rental Agreement. Please read our Terms of Service for detailed information. We are always upfront and honest regarding any costs or fees associated with renting from us. Here are some key points to consider beyond the cost of the campervan rental:

Mileage

If you do not purchase one of the mileage packages below in advance, a fee of $0.32 per mile driven will apply upon return.

  • 100 miles/night for $29/night: Additional miles are charged at $0.32/mile. Mileage is calculated at the end of your trip.
  • Unlimited miles/night for $75/night: Some restrictions apply. Please let us know if you expect to drive more than 300 miles per night on average.

Fuel Upon Return/Drop-off

Customers are asked to refuel the Trekker Van to the same fuel level as when picked up. If you choose not to refuel, you will be charged a $20 fee plus the local fuel rate at the time of refilling to match the pickup level.

Cleaning

Please clean the van inside and outside before returning. Failure to return the van in a reasonable condition will result in a cleaning fee. A general guideline is to leave it better than you found it.

Tolls

You are responsible for toll payments during your trip. Any toll invoices received post-trip will be charged to your credit card on file. Note that toll invoices may be received several months after drop-off.

As always, please don't hesitate to ask us if you have any further questions. 

Driving and Insurance Questions

All Drivers are required to have insurance while renting a Trekker Van. Renters are required to prove coverage or purchase insurance through Trekker Vans. Note that many insurance companies will not cover RV rentals, so be sure to verify you’re protected.

We offer three insurance options (the Protection Package):

Basic ($29.95 per day)

  • Property damage protection up to $100,000
  • Insurance protection: State minimum liability
  • Protection: Windshield coverage
  • $150 trip coverage

Essential ($44.95 per day)

  • Property damage protection up to $150,000
  • Insurance protection: State minimum liability
  • Protection: Windshield coverage
  • Assistance: 24×7 Roadside Assistance
  • $150 trip coverage

Peace of Mind ($51.95 per day)

  • Property damage protection up to $250,000
  • Insurance protection: Up to $1M liability coverage
  • Protection: Windshield coverage
  • Assistance: 24×7 Roadside Assistance
  • $150 trip coverage

Here is more detail about what is covered:

  • Roadside Assistance: 24/7 Unlimited Roadside Assistance covering towing, flat tires, battery jumps, and emergency gas. 24/7 RV Technical Assistance Hotline for answering common vehicle operational questions. Concierge Services on the road for RV Park, campground, restaurant reservations, and more!
  • Trip Insurance: Coverage of the non-refundable costs of the RV rental, fees, and taxes in case of a covered emergency trip cancellation, interruption, or delay. Emergency assistance and transportation coverage, plus access to 24/7 emergency assistance services if you or a travel companion become sick or accidentally injured. Trip insurance plans are administered by Generali Global Assistance. Free look: take 10 days to review your plan and decide if it's right for you.
  • Damage Protection: Broken appliances and electronics, damaged interior doors, walls and furniture, stained bedding or linens, lost keys and re-keying costs, pet damage (Trekker Vans allows service animals only).

In the case that you choose to decline the insurance options we offer, you will need to prove that your personal insurance covers RVs. We will contact you if you decline insurance to provide you with an Insurance Binder Request. This is a document that you send to your insurance provider that includes the type of van you will be renting, the dates you’ll be renting, your contact information, and the minimum insurance requirements for the rental. Insurance companies are familiar with this document, and it is standard operating procedure for them to provide a Binder confirming that you are covered while driving one of our campervans on public roads. If they do not approve the Binder, then you will need to choose one of the three insurance options we offer.

No. Additional drivers are free.

You can add a driver after renting a campervan by following these steps:

  1. Open your reservation confirmation email.
  2. Click the "Sign Document" button within the reservation details.
  3. Ensure your birthday is included to complete verification.
  4. Navigate to the "Add Driver" section to add a driver.
  5. Additionally, you can add Roadside Assistance, Trip Insurance, and Damage Protection if needed.

You and any additional driver(s) need to be at least 25 years old with a valid Drivers License.

Traveling from another country to tour the US and/or Canada? We make it easy, no need to pay additional fees for daily insurance coverage. Our Insurance Protection Packages cover international travelers when they rent for both Liability and Comprehensive & Collision policies. International travelers must have a valid international license / International Driver’s Permit and we may ask for additional documentation (such as a scan of the drivers passport) for verification. Once a driver is verified they are automatically covered for all rental vehicles for the rental period.

We charge $0.32 per mile driven for the duration of your trip unless you purchase one of our add-ons below:

  1. Purchase 100 miles/night for $29/night ($0.32/mile above that)
  2. Purchase Unlimited Miles/night for $75/night (restrictions apply, please contact us regarding extreme mileage rentals)

Both options need to be purchased before your trip begins.

Fuel Upon Return/Drop-off
We ask that customers refuel the Trekker Van to the same fuel level upon picking up the vehicle. If you choose not to refuel the vehicle to the same fuel level, you will be charged a $20 fee plus the local fuel rate at the time of refilling to bring the fuel level up to where it was during pickup.

Pick-up and Drop-off Questions

Yes, on a case-by-case basis! In addition to offering round trip camper van rentals from San Francisco or Los Angeles, we also accommodate one-way rentals from each location. This gives you flexibility if you are flying into the San Francisco Bay Area and want to explore the coast down to Southern California, or vice versa.

We also accommodate one-way rentals from our San Francisco location to other parts of the country such as the popular San Francisco to Seattle or San Francisco to Las Vegas route. 

One-way rentals require an extra fee for relocation services depending on the destination distance. If you are interested, send us a chat, email info@trekkervans.com, or give us a call at 1-415-830-5660.

We ask that you return the van in the same condition that you received it. Please spend a little time to clean the van, inside and out, so that we can quickly have it back in tip-top shape for the next renter. We will charge a basic cleaning fee of $200 if the van is returned dirty. If we find that there is excess dirt, dust, animal fur, etc., we will charge a minimum $500 for a detailing fee.

Trekker Vans offers convenient pick-up and drop-off times. We are open daily between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM by appointment only. Choose the times that work best for your trip!

Let us know if you require an appointment outside of our standard hours. While we can't guarantee availability, we'll do our best to accommodate your request. An after-hours fee may apply.

We also offer contactless camper van pick-ups and drop-offs for your convenience. If we can't be there in person, we'll send you clear instructions before you pick up or drop off, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Included Features & Extra Add-on Questions

Below are the add-ons Trekker Vans offers for an additional fee:

  • Roof Top Tent (RTT) – $30/night (Hard-shelled tent that mounts to the roof rack that adds sleeping room for 2 additional people. Our vans only have room for either the Roof Top Tent OR Storage Box; i.e. one or the other.)
  • Roof Storage Box – $15/night (The Roof Storage Box is the perfect solution for those who pack heavy, bring extra gear for activities, or for groups that want to free up space inside the van. Please note that the Van only has room for either the Roof Top Tent OR Storage Box; i.e. one or the other.)
  • Prepaid 100 Miles Per Day – $29/night (This add-on allows you to drive 100 miles per day at a fixed rate. For example, if you rent for 7 nights, you will get 700 miles to use at $29 per night. Anything above that, you will be charged $0.32 per mile.)
  • Unlimited Miles – $75/night
  • Bike Rack (fits up to 4 bikes) – $20/night
  • GPS – $7/night
  • Child Seat – $30/reservation (Children under 2 years of age shall ride in a rear-facing car seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds OR is 40 or more inches tall. The child shall be secured in a manner that complies with the height and weight limits specified by the manufacturer of the car seat. (California Vehicle Code Section 27360.) Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat.)
  • Booster Seat – $30/reservation (A child is ready for a booster seat when they have outgrown the weight or height limit of their forward-facing harnesses, which is typically between 40 and 65 pounds. Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat.)
  • 3 Person Tent – $45/reservation
  • Extra Camping Chair – $14/reservation
  • Extra Camping Table – $30/reservation
  • USB Charger – $5/reservation
  • Aux Cable – $5/reservation (The Aux Cable is a standard “Mini Jack” cable for plugging your phone or other media device into the van stereo for music.)
  • Snow Chains – $75/reservation
  • Sanitation Kit – $12/reservation (Our Sanitation Kit includes Wet Wipes, Cleaning Wipes, Tissue, Toilet Paper, Dish Soap, Dish Sponge.)
  • Extra Stove – $20/reservation
  • 4 Pack Stove Fuel – $20/reservation
  • Inverter – $5/night

Trekker Vans does not allow pets inside the Campervans at any time except for service animals.

Yes, we have both booster seats and child seats available to rent if needed. Our two rear seats can safely accommodate child restraint systems. Please take note of current California law below:

  • Children under 2 years of age shall ride in a rear-facing car seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds OR is 40 or more inches tall. The child shall be secured in a manner that complies with the height and weight limits specified by the manufacturer of the car seat. (California Vehicle Code Section 27360.)
  • Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat.
  • Children who are 8 years of age OR have reached 4’9” in height may be secured by a booster seat, but at a minimum must be secured by a safety belt. (California Vehicle Code Section 27363.)
  • Passengers who are 16 years of age and over are subject to California’s Mandatory Seat Belt law.

Travel Questions and Tips

Trekker Vans stars places on this Google Map identifying all our recommended locations to visit during your stay. We will kindly share with you our own experiences and customer recommendations. Wherever you plan to stay, please remember to be kind to our earth and minimize the footprint you leave so others can enjoy the experience too!

You can travel to every State in the U.S. and also into Canada at no extra cost. You cannot travel into Mexico.

We appreciate and respect the art and innovation that accompanies The Burning Man Festival and the greater “Burner” culture. We are allowing a small number of our camper vans to rent for Burning Man on a case-by-case basis.

Our vans are like family to us. We take great care in the maintenance and repair of them so they are clean, comfortable, and reliable for all our customers' camping trips. If you want to rent a camper van for Burning Man, please be aware of the following conditions.

  • There is a flat $1750 non-refundable fee that we will add to your reservation if you plan to go to the Burning Man Festival.
  • Please do not sneak our vans out to The Burning Man Festival. Failure to tell us in writing that you are attending the festival will result in a minimum $1750 fee for appropriate cleaning and maintenance to bring our campervan back up to Trekker Vans' standard of excellence.
  • We do not allow rooftop tents at the festival due to their vulnerability to alkali dust and wind storms.
  • We strictly adhere to the terms of service of our insurance provider, Outdoorsy. The playa dust at Burning Man can cause significant damage to our campervans, and there is an increased risk of physical damage on the festival grounds. Therefore, Burning Man is considered an unauthorized festival according to Outdoorsy's terms of service. Consequently, Outdoorsy insurance does not cover our vans on the festival grounds, nor does it cover any festival-related damage, including damage caused by playa dust to the interior, exterior, mechanical or electrical components, or vandalism.
  • If you are planning on attending Burning Man, Outdoorsy offers liability-only coverage for the Trekker Van to ensure it is road legal to and from the festival. However, if the campervan is involved in a covered loss and you are at fault, it will not be covered, and only damage to other people's property will be covered. Therefore, any costs incurred will have to be paid out of pocket. Additionally, Outdoorsy's liability-only coverage is provided at the state minimum level of coverage.

We’ve spent months in the desert in the USA and abroad. We love the natural beauty that goes along with it, but we also know all too well what it does to a van. Please consider these factors carefully before booking with us. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out at info@trekkervans.com or +1 (415) 830-5660.

Locations
Trekker Vans S.F. 205 Michelle Ct South San Francisco, CA 94080
Trekker Vans L.A. 2226 E. Gladwick St. Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220
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