Empowering You to Build the Ultimate CamperVan for Endless Adventures on the Open Road

The First Timer’s Guide to Campervan Roadtrip


Camper van journey presents the proper mix of journey and adaptability. It permits you to discover iconic American roads whereas uncovering hidden gems alongside the best way. 

That mentioned, in case you’re new to the world of camper van journey, planning your first highway journey can really feel thrilling but overwhelming. This van life guide is designed that will help you navigate each step, from choosing the proper camper van to planning your route and packing effectively. By following these steps, you’ll discover the method loads simpler for a enjoyable and profitable trip. Let’s dive in! 

 

How Do I Select the Proper Camper Van?

To decide on the suitable camper van in your highway journey, it’s worthwhile to contemplate a number of components, similar to finances, measurement, and facilities.

Renting vs. Shopping for a Camper Van

One of many first belongings you may contemplate is shopping for a highway journey van on the market or going with a highway journey van rental. For many first-timers, renting is the simplest and most cost-effective choice in comparison with shopping for. New camper vans can price over $100,000, whereas well-maintained used fashions can exceed $60,000. 

Renting by means of providers like Escape Camper Vans saves you cash and eliminates the effort of ongoing upkeep and storage wants. The typical particular person solely travels a number of occasions per yr, so relatively than storing a camper van year-round, most individuals discover it simpler to choose one up that’s well-maintained and able to go every time they wish to make a journey. 

 

Deciding on the Splendid Camper Van Mannequin

Most van lifers favor Ford Transit camper vans over different choices. At Escape, we provide a number of Ford Transit and related fashions for lease, such because the Ford T-350, Ford E-150, and Ford Transit Join. 

What makes these fashions nice is that they’re very compact however nonetheless function streamlined designs for straightforward use. When you’re a first-timer, these automobiles shouldn’t have a lot of a studying curve, making it simpler to get in and go if you wish to make a journey. 

Ford Transit vans and related fashions are additionally a few of the extra fuel-efficient choices in the marketplace right this moment. Throughout fashions, Ford Transit vans common about 15.5 MPG in all driving circumstances, and lots of can stand up to twenty+ MPG on the freeway. 

One of many high performers, the Ford Transit Join, can stand up to 27 MPG on the freeway because it’s essentially the most compact. It’s an important alternative for solo or {couples} holidays since it may comfortably sleep two folks.  

 

Facilities to Search for in Camper Vans

When deciding on a camper van rental, you also needs to contemplate the facilities that may improve your consolation and comfort. For example, vans with options like foldaway benches and tables are nice decisions since they provide additional comfort and space-saving potential. 

Fashions just like the Ford T-350 come outfitted with a queen-sized mattress, a pop-up rooftop for added sleeping area, a foldaway desk, and benches for eating or lounging.

Moreover, cooking gear similar to a compact propane range, fridge, and sink are important for meal preparation on the highway. Escape Camper Vans come absolutely outfitted with a kitchen match out and lots of additionally supply additional cupboard space in your gear, permitting you to pack effectively with out litter. 

 

What Are the Finest Routes for a Campervan Highway Journey? 

When planning a campervan America highway journey, there are quite a few iconic routes that present gorgeous surroundings and memorable experiences. Renting Escape Camper Vans, with places throughout main U.S. cities like Los Angeles, Denver, and New York, opens up many thrilling journey prospects. Listed here are a few of the greatest campervan journeys within the USA:

  • Pacific Coast Freeway (Freeway 1): Stretching from Los Angeles to San Francisco, this coastal route presents breathtaking ocean views, iconic stops like Huge Sur, Malibu, and Monterey, and loads of state parks and seashores to discover. 
  • Route 66: Beginning in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, this legendary route is filled with quirky sights such because the Wigwam Motel in San Bernardino, California, and the Route 66 Museum in Barstow. 
  • Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon: This desert journey passes by means of Joshua Tree Nationwide Park and the Mojave Desert, taking you to a few of the world’s most spectacular pure wonders. 
  • Orlando to the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park: Start in Orlando and head towards the scenic Smoky Mountains. This route is ideal for nature lovers, with loads of climbing, wildlife viewing, and tenting alternatives alongside the best way. 
  • Denver to Moab, Utah: When you’re renting a camper van from Denver, head west towards Moab. This route takes you thru the Rocky Mountains, with stops at breathtaking places like Arches and Canyonlands Nationwide Parks. It’s a paradise for outside fans​. 

 

What Ought to I Pack for a Campervan Trip? 

Subsequent, let’s discuss packing for a camper van trip. This requires cautious planning to make sure you have all of the necessities whereas maximizing the restricted area out there. Right here’s a fast information that will help you get organized:

    • Clothes: Pack layers to organize for altering climate circumstances. Convey moisture-wicking shirts, insulated jackets, and rainproof gear. All the time embrace additional socks, underwear, and a hat for solar or chilly climate. 
    • Private Gadgets: Don’t neglect your toiletries, sunscreen, bug spray, and a first-aid equipment​. 
    • Climate-appropriate gear: Relying on the area and time of yr, you could encounter various climates. Make sure you pack each heat and funky clothes, in addition to rain gear. Light-weight insulated jackets are good for cooler evenings. 
    • Kitchen necessities and meals storage ideas: For camper van journey, pack cooking gear similar to pots, utensils, and reusable meals storage containers. Top off on non-perishable objects like pasta, canned items, and snacks. Take into account space-saving kitchen instruments like collapsible containers and nesting cookware. 
    • Packing mild and staying organized: In small areas, much less is extra. Keep on with the necessities, and use packing cubes or storage bins to maintain issues tidy. Go for objects with a number of makes use of, like foldable tables or chairs that may be simply saved. 

 

How Do I Plan My Campervan Itinerary?

When renting a camper van for the primary time, making a well-structured but versatile itinerary is vital to a clean and pleasant journey. Right here’s how you can plan successfully whereas leaving room for spontaneous actions alongside the best way.

 

Setting Reasonable Journey Objectives and Timeframes

Begin by figuring out what number of days you’ll be able to decide to your journey and set sensible journey objectives based mostly in your timeframe. 

Limiting driving to 200-300 miles per day is a good suggestion for first-time camper van vacationers. This prevents fatigue and offers you adequate time to arrange camp, discover, and relaxation at every cease.

 

Figuring out Should-See Stops and Actions

Subsequent, analysis the places you’ll be visiting and make a listing of the landmarks, parks, or sights you don’t wish to miss. 

Whether or not it’s visiting nationwide parks, scenic drives, or charming small cities, understanding your must-see stops helps form your route. Prioritizing these locations will make planning your in a single day stops simpler and allow you to decide the time wanted at every location. Escape Camper Vans has tons of of blogs and Itineraries to reference if creating your personal feels too daunting. 

 

Utilizing Expertise and Apps for Route Planning

Reap the benefits of route-planning apps to map out your journey. Instruments like Google Maps, Roadtrippers, and AllTrails present insights into driving routes, factors of curiosity, and even one of the best climbing trails close to your stops. Many of those apps additionally allow you to discover campgrounds, meals stops, and gasoline stations for peace of thoughts as you discover. 

 

Flexibility and Spontaneity in Journey Plans

Whereas having an itinerary is useful, depart some flexibility in your schedule for spontaneous detours or additional time at surprising gems. With the ability to keep longer at a favourite spot or taking a shock scenic route usually results in one of the best reminiscences.

Take a look at our full Itinerary page right here for extra journey inspiration!

What Are Some Ideas for First-Time Campervan Vacationers? 

After getting the necessities of your journey deliberate, listed here are some additional ideas to make sure your first camper van trip is as profitable as potential. 

 

Familiarize Your self with the Campervan

Earlier than hitting the highway, take time to familiarize your self with how the camper van operates. Perceive how you can use important options just like the water system, range, and electrical hookups​. Guarantee you understand the place every part is saved, and observe establishing and packing down objects like foldable tables or awnings. This can make your journey extra comfy and assist keep away from pointless confusion when you’re on the highway.

While you lease from us at Escape, one among our pleasant workers members at every location will present you the ins and outs of the automobiles earlier than you set off in your journey. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to make sure you really feel comfy working the van and its options.

 

Put together for Sudden Challenges on the Highway

Even with cautious planning, surprising challenges can happen. Carry a primary toolkit, spare tire, and emergency provides like a first-aid equipment and highway flares when potential. Take note of climate forecasts, particularly if touring by means of areas recognized for unpredictable circumstances. Conserving apps like Google Maps or Waze useful may also help you navigate real-time visitors updates. 

 

Make Consolation and Security a Precedence

Consolation and security needs to be priorities all through your journey. 

  • Pack for varied climate circumstances. Convey layers, additional blankets, and even transportable heating for chilly nights. 
  • Verify your tire strain and guarantee all objects are securely saved earlier than hitting the highway to keep away from accidents. 
  • When you’re venturing into distant areas, pack sufficient meals, water, and energy to remain self-sufficient. 

 

Able to Hit the Highway? Hire from Escape Camper Vans!

When you’re a first-time camper van traveler, Escape Camper Vans makes your entire course of simple and pleasant. Our vans include the necessities you want for a cushty journey, similar to:

  • Queen measurement beds
  • Additional cupboard space
  • Foldaway tables and benches
  • Propane range
  • Fridge
  • Sink with a water tank
  • And extra

With a number of places throughout the U.S., we’ll set you up for an important trip, beginning in prime locations for a memorable highway journey. 

Reserve yours today, or contact us with another questions you’ve got. 

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