Looking for Camper Van Rental Options..

[Rhett Davis]

I am planning a trip to the Southwest next May and would love to find a way to
economically rent a VW camper van. Would anyone have any suggestions?

New to the whole thing but just getting my feet wet....

Thanks
Rhett Davis

[Joe]

Economically + camper van + rental is not possible.

They cost too much to keep running, so while there are several places to rent them, the word "economically" never enters the equation. If you are on a tight budget, there are inexpensive car rentals by the week, but they are not camper vans. You would need to bring a tent, etc.

Another thing to consider is that the temperatures, even in May, can be troublesome. Not "Atlanta hot", but hot just the same. A modern vehicle will always have air conditioning. Travelers tend to get especially cranky when they have the windows open at highway speeds. The sensation of hot air blowing onto your face gets old rather quickly. (This is never a problem in a VW camper, as our buses never go highway speeds)

Just my $.02

Oh, and welcome!

[Rhett Davis]

Thanks for the reality check Joe! We were planning to rough it some but you have opened my eyes! All the same, if you have any recommendations of who I can contact for either a van rental or cheap auto rental out that way, I would still appreciate it very much.

Rhett

[Joe]

OK, let me plan your vacation for you.

You get Southwest Airlines tix long in advance (to get the lowest fare) and fly into Phoenix. There, you pick up a subcompact that you have rented for two weeks via Hotwire. Total cost, ~$500.00. You will drive for about 2500 miles and figure 25 mpg @ $3.00 a gallon. You will stay in campgrounds $25/night) for most days, and spring for a Patel motel once a week ($40.00) so that you can shower. You will prepare your own breakfast and dinner (<$10.00), and eat a burrito or burger somewhere with a drive-up window ($10.00, including salsa). You will drink lousy beer or wine ($5.00 a day) and try to avoid cigars, opium, horse racing and showgirls.

[mj]

These are not vw campers but I have seen these pretty inexpensive campervans while out camping

http://www.wickedcampers.ca/
http://www.escapecampervans.com/Faq.html

[Rhett Davis]

Joe Ehrlich said:

OK, let me plan your vacation for you.

You get Southwest Airlines tix long in advance (to get the lowest fare) and fly into Phoenix. There, you pick up a subcompact that you have rented for two weeks via Hotwire. Total cost, ~$500.00. You will drive for about 2500 miles and figure 25 mpg @ $3.00 a gallon. You will stay in campgrounds $25/night) for most days, and spring for a Patel motel once a week ($40.00) so that you can shower. You will prepare your own breakfast and dinner (<$10.00), and eat a burrito or burger somewhere with a drive-up window ($10.00, including salsa). You will drink lousy beer or wine ($5.00 a day) and try to avoid cigars, opium, horse racing and showgirls.

[Rhett Davis]

Joe
sounds like this is not your first Rodeo. Thanks for the great advice all. Not sure I can give up the show girls though..