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Hello, traveling friends! Here I am again, ready to share with you every detail of our exciting journey along the West Coast of the United States in a comfortable motorhome.

As you know, I am passionate about travel, a mother of two children and an enthusiast of motorhome adventures. Join me on this exciting journey in which I will tell you how we rented a motorhome in the United States, our adventures through the national parks and some fun anecdotes.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the experience of renting an RV in the United States and discover all the tips I have in store for you.

We start with good news!

The company with which we rent the large volume camper in the USA, Roadsurfer, wanted to offer us a discount for all of you! It is a European company and the experience on our part was positive, so we recommend it without a doubt.

About us

Renting a Motorhome in the United States: our own experience

Let me immerse you in the exciting adventure we experienced during our Three-week tour exploring the West Coast of the United States in a large-volume camper van. It is important to tell you about our trip and what we rented, before telling you tips and how renting a motorhome in the United States works. '

And yes, you read that right! Despite being passionate motorhomers in Europe, we decided to opt for a camper, albeit a large one, for this American experience. Now I will also tell you the reason for this.

Arrival and rental of a motorhome in the US for 3 weeks

After an exciting direct flight from Barcelona to Los Angeles with Level, where our flight was first delayed 24 hours and then cancelled, we finally arrived in Los Angeles.

However, the call of the road was irresistible and 3 days later than planned we still headed straight from the airport to pick up our mobile home for the next 3 weeks, where we visited essential and spectacular dream places of the city. US West Coast.

 We had chosen to rent a large camper, high volume calls, with Roadsurfer. A well-known company in Europe that also operates in the United States, which gave us the peace of mind of close coverage.

In addition, it was the one that gave us the best price on the market for the high season dates in which we went. He offered us a discount both for us and for all of you, our readers, and it's really not bad at all!

It was 3 weeks with a large volume camper van for 4 people, very comfortable and spacious, in fact, in which we drove enjoying the landscapes and camped in wonderful campgrounds in the middle of the great National Parks of the United States. We visit places such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Craters of the Moon among other visits such as Calico, Sequoias National Park, Lake Tahoe and taking Route 66 by motorhome.

A luxury route and one of the best trips we have made so far.

Without a doubt, the West Coast of the USA by motorhome is now in our Top 3.

Rent a camper or motorhome in the United States?

Now you'll wonder Why do we choose a large-volume camper instead of a conventional motorhome if we are lifelong motorhomers here in Europe?

I tell you.

First of all, the idea of ​​driving a large motorhome for long hours on American roads, but that generated a certain insecurity in me, especially because the motorhomes there are not like the European ones and They are much larger in width and length.

On our route, where we would have to drive at least 2-3 hours a day, if not 5 or 6, it was mandatory that I drive, as we always do with Jose on long-distance routes. Therefore, I had to be comfortable to drive the rental RV (recreational vehicle, as they call both motorhomes and campers in the US) that we decided on.

Furthermore, it is well known that the roads there are wide, but in our case we were considering a route of natural parks and more mountains where the roads are not as wide and there are restrictions for large motorhomes. Opting for a smaller camper meant more comfort for my own driving, especially because all vehicles in the United States are automatic, and the campers are also easier to drive due to its smaller size and meant be able to access roads within the National Parks of the United States without problems of restrictions. An example is the Sequoias National Park road where vehicles taller than 30 feet are prohibited.

But there was more. We wanted to make the most of the public campsites within the National Parks, our main attraction on this adventure. By choosing a smaller camper, we had a greater availability of pitches in these campsites. What made our stay easier in the midst of nature throughout our route, without increasing unnecessary travels to go spend the night at RV parks outside the National Parks.

The large volume camper fit perfectly, giving us the freedom to explore without worries and without having to give up the comforts of having a toilet, shower, space to cook and sleep for 4 comfortably.

Summary of differences between motorhome versus large volume camper

This table summarizes the key differences between a motorhome and a large-volume camper in terms of space, capacity, pricing, driving, amenities, campsites and route flexibility.

I hope you find it useful!

Oh and remember that these campers are not the small Volkswagen California type campers, these campers are the so-called large volume ones that are larger. The others do not normally even have a toilet, much less an indoor shower.  

How much does it cost to rent a motorhome in the United States? Our costs.

Ah, the financial aspect, always crucial in our travel plans! You're probably wondering, how much did this exciting motorhome adventure through the United States cost us?

The Prices vary depending on the time of year, week and day of reservation. In general, the cost range for renting a motorhome in the United States is approximately 200 to 450 dollars per night and a Large volume camper like the one we rented from 140 to 350 dollars/night.

In our case, I'll be honest, we paid a dollar and a half to travel the last week of August, but then the first two weeks of September the price was more normal, although it was also a bit expensive.  

The strong thing is that this Roadsurfer camper was the cheapest we found for these dates, imagine the other prices! I also have to tell you that if you travel from October or April prices drop a lot and cost almost half, if you can set it up for low season dates, don't even hesitate! If you are looking for end of September at Roadsurfer they already have prices of 100 and a little Euros per day.

Really, if you can travel in the low season, it is very worthwhile!

But isn't it better to go to hotels?

The answer It is relative and depends on how you compare. Considering that we were four people, costs were similar accommodation in shabby hotels and far from the center of the national parks. It was around 200-250 dollars per night for the 4 of us, which didn't save us much for the inconvenience of moving to go to sleep and packing suitcases. In the end, the price did not vary much, and with the camper we gained comfort and flexibility, and We could also save on meals and eat healthier throughout our route. So that's why, finally, we believe that it was actually cheaper than the hotels. To think that on meals we didn't spend even an octave of what it would have cost us to have eaten out every day for the 4 of us, therefore every day we saved about 200 euros on meals alone.

Requirements to rent a motorhome in the United States

Before we get going, let's make sure you know the essential requirements for renting a motorhome in the United States. We already made a super detailed post to know all the requirements to travel to the United States, both legal and recommendations to take into account when planning your trip, but now here I summarize the most important ones that have to do with renting a motorhome in the United States:

1. Driving license: You will need a valid driving license and, generally, be greater than 21 years. Although the Spanish driving license is valid, I would recommend obtaining the international driving license, accepted without problems by the US authorities.
2. Bond: You must be prepared to leave a deposit that is usually around the 850 dollars which is what they asked us for in our rent. This amount will be held for the duration of the rental period and will be refunded to you at the end if there are no issues. Roadsurfer has returned it to us super quickly and without problem.
3. Insurance: Before you leave, carefully review your motorhome insurance options. We opted for basic insurance that included all-risk coverage with a franchise of 1500 dollars and does not include glass or tires. If we wanted complete coverage, we had to pay an additional $500.

Tips and recommendations for renting a motorhome in the United States

Now, what would a personal blog article like ours be without some practical tips to facilitate your adventure in a motorhome through the United States? So here are some valuable tips. from our own experience renting a motorhome in the United States or rather renting a camper or RV as they call it there.

Take out travel health insurance in the United States

Do not underestimate the importance of comprehensive health insurance that covers all eventualities. Medical costs in the United States can be exorbitant. Make sure you have adequate coverage to enjoy the trip with peace of mind. ¡Breaking your arm like what happened to a friend cost him 185.000 euros and without hospitalization more than one night!

He only had health insurance from his private mutual insurance company in Spain, it only covered 20.000 euros and that is why he had to become a debtor in addition to never being able to return to the United States.

Don't even risk going without travel insurance to the United States in a motorhome, camper or whatever, always with travel insurance and I would say a minimum coverage of 500.000 euros or 1 million.

In our case we take out the insurance Iati Star, more expensive than iati family, but that covered up to 1 million euros in health expenses in the United States. Be that as it may, they are both very well and they are the ones who best price coverage they give. In addition, I leave you here a discount that will be applied to you at the end of requesting the quote by clicking on the following link:

Internet connectivity on the move in the United States in a motorhome

Purchase a mobile card that provides you with connectivity during your trip. This way you can enjoy the Internet and use the GPS without worries. On motorhome routes through the United States it is It is essential to use apps that help us, but you need the internet, hence it is essential that you hire something to have an internet connection there.

Offline maps for GPS in natural parks without network

Download offline Google Maps maps of natural parks before leaving for them.

Many areas within the parks lack mobile coverage. Downloading offline maps will allow you to navigate with GPS easily and explore without missing anything if you do not have an internet connection.

It is very easy to go to Google Maps, in the upper right corner with your profile, click, go to offline maps, choose the area to download offline and ready to navigate on your mobile as GPS when you do not have coverage within the National Parks.

Plan your route and reserve your overnight places so that your route is 10

 Since Free overnight stay is prohibited in the United States in a motorhome, camper or any vehicle, plan your route in advance and reserve public campsites within natural parks as soon as possible.

These campgrounds fill up quickly, so be sure to make your reservations in time to enjoy the best sleeping location in America's national parks.

In summary: our experience renting a motorhome in the United States

Our journey along the West Coast of the United States in a rental motorhome or rather camper was an experience that we will always carry in our hearts. I undoubtedly consider that it is the best way to tour this country and make the most of your time enjoying it.

From the exciting moment of picking up our camper in Los Angeles to the natural wonders of national parks and exciting urban destinations, every day was a new adventure.

Ultimately, renting a motorhome in the United States is a unique opportunity to explore the country. Explore Amazing landscapes, enjoy the freedom of the road and create unforgettable memories.

With the right choice of vehicle, detailed planning and some practical tips, you can immerse yourself in a unique experience. An experience that will take you through the natural treasures and urban wonders of the American West Coast. So get ready to embark on an exciting journey and create stories you will tell again and again!  

Finally, if you are considering renting a motorhome in the United States, be sure to take into account keywords in your search engine such as: rent a motorhome in the United States, how to travel to the United States from Spain, how much does it cost to rent a motorhome in the United States, motorhome in the United States United States, motorhome rental USA, caravan rental USA, camper rental USA, camper rental United States, camper rental United States, motorhome rental USA, motorhome rental USA, motorhome United States, USA in motorhome and United States in motorhome. All of them will help you find valuable information you need about renting a motorhome in the USA.

Ethical code:

On our blog you will find affiliate links. These are always placed with our highest ethics. We never publish any service or product that we have not used before and that we are sincerely happy with. That is why our recommendations are always ethical. In addition, there is no additional cost for you to book through our links and, on the other hand, it means a small commission for us that helps us maintain this blog so that you can continue enjoying it for free.