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Frequently Asked Questions regarding Cheap Campervan Rental California 

Rent a camper now or read on for answers to your commonly asked questions and get a step closer to starting your journey with Lost Campers…

Why should we rent a van from Lost Campers? ↓

Here at Lost Campers, we pride ourselves on offering quality, reliable cheap campervans for rent, with budget rates. Traveling in a camper van is a wonderful way to stay budget savvy and get the most out of your USA trip. Our hire vehicles provide you a rental car and hotel all in one great package, along with everything you need for cooking and dining.

With cozy, full-sized beds that comfortably sleep 2 adults (perhaps 3 or at a stretch 4), all of your cookware, dishes, and fresh bedding are supplied by us, along with much more. Cruising in a camper van, you’ll have the freedom to be spontaneous and visit a variety of places while being discreet as our vans are completely free of advertisement. They are much easier to drive and park than a motorhome and they will save you on your fuel expense as well. Go ahead and reserve your Van today!

We have awesome budget pricing, excellent service, and convenient offices near the airports in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Not bragging (well kinda…) Lost Campers has loads of 5-Star reviews in Google+, YELP and Facebook.

Click here now to check availability on our cheap campervan USA rentals in San Francisco & Los Angeles.

Call us today at 1 (415) 386-2693 or Toll Free 1 (888) 567-8826

What are your opening hours and your depot addresses? ↓

Regular business hours are 9am-6.00pm, Mon-Sat. Please check our Terms page for more detailed information.

You can find our depot addresses here: Location information

Am I required to purchase insurance coverage from Lost Campers? ↓

No. Insurance and the options you choose are completely your decision. Many renters utilize their own coverage for their camping car rental and this is acceptable with us, however it is the renter’s responsibility to be aware of what their policy covers. If you decline our optional insurance products, the risk falls on you to ensure you have appropriate coverage from elsewhere or be prepared to cover the cost of any damages or claims. Please see our insurance page for further information on our optional insurance products to reduce your liability. Renters are fully liable for the travel van whilst under the rental contract unless you purchase our Collision Damage Waiver.
https://www.lostcampersusa.com/lost-campers-usa-insurance/

Can we park our car at your depot while we travel? ↓

Nope and nor would you want to. We recommend utilizing public transit, rideshare, a friend or taxi to reach us or if you’re a superhero, spread your wings and fly. Please google search “long term parking” along with your pick up city and you will find several sites that provide great information on parking lots near our depots that might work for you. Here is a link to one example: https://www.parkingpanda.com/

If you are catching a ride to one of our depots, we recommend grabbing your van and driving it home to pack it up for your adventure.

What does Primary Driver mean? ↓

The primary driver is the person whose name is on the card we use for the security deposit. It doesn’t have to mean the person who is driving the most. You can still be the primary driver and have your secondary driver do most of the driving (you still get to choose the tunes, though). We use a major card in the primary driver’s name for the security deposit and you can find more information about that on our Terms page.

How far ahead should I book my Lost Campers Van? ↓
The sooner the better! During spring, summer, fall and around Holiday weekends our schedule fills up very quickly. And also on those warm California winter weekends! Also, you will likely get a better deal for booking earlier as the rates may rise the closer you get to your desired travel dates.
Can we bring our pet? ↓

We allow well-behaved dogs to travel in our vans for a non-refundable $65.00 pet fee. All pet hair must be removed from the van prior to returning the van and we’ll do a deeper clean after that. Should any damages occur due to the pet, the renter is fully liable for the cost of repairs. If pet hair isn’t removed, we may charge you an additional cleaning fee. We do not allow pets to go up in the rooftop tents in our Hotel class of vans. We do not allow cats or other pets in our vans. 

What bedding is included with my camper rental? ↓

Each bed comes with fresh linen – a fitted sheet, 2 pillows with cases and a warm Queen size comforter with fresh duvet cover. Our Hotel rentals include additional pillow cases and sleeping bags + a flat sheet. This bedding is included with your rental for free. Check out how easy and comfy the beds are in this 1 minute video.

What comes in the dish kit that is included in the van? ↓

Our dish kit includes: Plates, bowls, cups, mugs, fry pan, pot, saucepan, prep plate, serving bowl, chef knife, cooking spoon, spatula, tongs, wine opener, can opener, forks, knives, steak knives and spoons. We include enough dishes and utensils to accommodate the number of people traveling. These basic and practical kits are included with your rental for free!

Do you offer one way rentals? ↓

Yes. One-way hires are allowed between both of our locations based on availability. Relocation fees will apply. We do not offer one-way dropoffs to other remote locations where we don’t have a depot. 

Do I need an International Driver’s Permit to rent a campervan with Lost Campers ↓

Yes. Further proof of identification may be required for foreign drivers. If the driver’s license is not in the English language an International Driving Permit (or IDP), or a certified English translation done by an accredited translator is required.

Euro (European Union Licenses ) are accepted without translation.  Canadian licenses accepted without translation.  

Foreign drivers will also need to show their passport. Drivers must be at least 21 years of age and have had a full motor vehicle, driver’s license for at least one year (For the Redwood Vans, 25 yrs is the required minimum age to rent that vehicle type). We allow 2 drivers per rental contract, both drivers must be present at the time of pick up despite our rentals being done in a contactless manner. All drivers must hold a full and current driver’s license that is valid for the duration of the hire period. At least one driver must have a major credit card in their name. If you are in need of a translation for your foreign driver’s license prior to traveling with us, they are easy to arrange even a day or two ahead of time online through daytranslations.com .

What are the items not included in the van that we should plan to purchase or bring ourselves? ↓

Night time and outdoor lighting
    Lanterns or flashlights
Cutting board, colanders, pot lids, coffee press or tea kettle
    You can make a “lid” out of foil and you can boil water in the included saucepan.  
Propane
    Look for the green, Coleman brand propane that you can find in the camping our outdoor section of stores. A tank will last approximately 3-4 days cooking two meals per day.
Bungy cords and tie down straps
Towels
    Bath towels, tea towels, etc
Auxilliary cords and USB outlets
    Our radios will fit a double male ended aux cord that you can find cheaply at stores and gas stations.

A great attitude ready for fun and adventure! Happy to provide motivation and encouragement if required.

Is there a mattress included in the pop up camper rooftop tents and what type of mattress is found inside the van? ↓

Yes. The mattress in our rooftop tents are 6ft x 8ft and 2.5 in thick. The mattresses used inside the van are also firm but incredibly comfortable, for which we get many compliments. All mattresses are one whole piece and do not split into uncomfortable sections like found in other RVs or Campervans. We are certain you’ll have a great night sleep. Who doesn’t when camping under the stars?! Check out this video.

 

Can We Rent the van Without The Mattress? ↓

We don’t have the storage space for our renters to leave their mattresses behind. We rent campervans for adventurous travellers to sleep in and therefore the mattress must go with the van. 

What extra equipment can I rent from Lost Campers? ↓

GPS
Power inverters
12-volt coolers
Skeeter beaters
Electric heater with extension cord (for campsite with electric hookups)
Sleeping bags
Solar showers
Child car seats
Child booster seats

Please be aware that even with a prior request, we are unable to guarantee extra gear is in stock at all times; this equipment is rented on a first come first serve basis, however, we do our best to meet requests.* https://www.lostcampersusa.com/lost-campers-usa-equipment/

What is the longest amount of time that I can rent a van for? ↓

40 days is the maximum camper van rental length that we offer except for Wanderers which can go on the road for up to 30 days. For rentals over 30 days, we may need you to schedule an oil change on the van once it reaches 5,000 miles from the last oil change. We include a document with your rental packet regarding this. We also ask that you regularly check the fluids under the hood and keep the tires at the correct PSI. This assists us in maintaining our vans and keeping them in good condition. We do not compensate for mileage or provide alternative transportation for routine vehicle maintenance, however, we will cover the cost of the service. Most of the time, a routine oil change and general maintenance should not take more than an hour or two of your time if scheduled in advance. For more information, please email us at [email protected]

Is there AC / heat at night? ↓

No. Our vans are regular passenger vehicles and, just like your own car, you can only run the AC or heater when your vehicle is turned on. The amount of power required to provide this service would require a generator for e.g.

What is a dual battery & what can be plugged into it? ↓

Some of our vans come with a dual battery set up in the rear section of the van. A dual battery is an extra battery that will power small, electronic items plugged into the inverter when your van is off. When your van engine is running your dual battery gets charged (once the van battery is fully charged). This charge is stored and can be utilized when your van engine is off.

What are some examples of what I can plug into the power inverter?
You can use the inverter to charge small electronic items such as a camera battery or a laptop.

What are some examples of what I can’t plug into the power inverter?
Heaters (even ours). You’ll need a wall outlet. We provide you with an extension cord.
CPAP machine
Hairdryer
Electric blanket
Heating pad
Fan
TV

Do we have to camp at a campground? ↓

We recommend camping at campgrounds as they are safer and offer the basic necessities required for humans. However, we leave it to your discretion where you would like to camp. As long as there are no signs prohibiting camping or overnight parking you are likely okay to stay there at your own risk. Remember that our rental campervans are not off-road vehicles; insurance will not cover off-road incidences and these vans have very low clearance. Driving on beaches is also considered off-roading and not allowed.

Please use your common sense when it comes to the safety of the area where you wish to camp, along with the location and terrain of your chosen free campsite; paying for vehicle damage is much more expensive than the cost of a campground. Check out www.campendium.com for camping possibilities.

What type of petrol / fuel / gas should I put in your van? ↓

The gas (or petrol) our vehicles take is Regular Unleaded. There will be a choice of octanes (usually 85, 87 or 89) and any of those is fine. You can’t put diesel or Flex Fuel in our vans.

Gas Pump Image

Do you recommend reserving campsites ahead of time? ↓

Absolutely. From May through October many campgrounds book out very quickly. All of the National Parks and some State Parks leave a small section open for first come first serve campers, but this will not guarantee you a spot. For example, those wishing to obtain a first come site in Yosemite during summer, need to get there at sunrise if you wish to have a possible chance.

Many of our renters who don’t have reservations are usually very concerned when they first head out on their camping adventure, especially if heading to the popular spots in the height of summer. However, we hear stories like this all the time: “it all worked out and many last minute campsites were found”. If you can, try not to leave it to chance. Here are some websites to help with your campground reservations:

Campendium
Reserve America
Recreation.Gov
Forest Camping

*You can also find campground recommendations on the Lost Campers Blog! We are adding cool campervan camping and vacation tips and photos weekly here.

Do you allow travel into Death Valley? ↓

Lost Campers is one of the only vehicle rental company that will allow renters to travel into Death Valley and we will include paperwork for you to sign with your rental documents, based around our terms: https://www.lostcampersusa.com/lost-campers-usa-terms/

Lost Campers will allow vans to travel into Death Valley National Park after we’ve made sure certain guidelines are agreed upon first. You must agree that travel to this area is taken at your own risk. This is a remote area with very few services and a harsh climate. We ask that you pay close attention to the vitals of the vehicle and check all fluids before and during travel to Death Valley. Carrying additional vehicle fluids along with you is also recommended, along with plenty of water and first aid for yourself. **Renters are liable for any towing fees and for any roadside service we help provide to or from Death Valley.** You will be asked to sign a Death Valley document acknowledging this policy with your rental contract paperwork.

Cell phones don’t typically work in DVNP, but there are pay phones at all of the park communities/resorts/ranger stations and museums. If you have a breakdown or vehicular issue, it could be difficult for you to let us know and for us to get to you. You may not take the vehicle on the un-maintained or 4×4 roads in Death Valley NP. We also ask that you do not ride your brakes while driving into Death Valley. We have instructions that we provide to our renters on how to use the transmission in the travel van rentals to assist you with driving and they can be found in the binder we give you at pick up. It is always a good idea to keep a full gas tank in your vehicle as distances are great and fuel in the park is only available at Furnace Creek Ranch, Stovepipe Wells Village, and Panamint Springs Resort. Limited groceries may be purchased in the park at the Furnace Creek Ranch General Store. For more information, go to Death Valley NP Plan Your Visit: https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/index.htm

Do you offer airport or hotel pick up/drop off? ↓

We do not offer airport pick up or drop offs. However, our depots are conveniently located within 5-15 minutes of their major airports. The easiest way to reach us is by taxi, rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or public transit. Check out our Locations page for some more information.

Can I use my MP3 or iPod to listen to music over the van stereo? ↓

Our radios have an auxiliary plug that allows you to plug your device into the stereo as long as you have an auxilliary cord.  A double-ended, male auxiliary cord that will plug into the headphone jack of your device and also into the aux-in/headphone style port in the radio, is required.  You can find these auxiliary cords for a few dollars at any electronics store as well as many truck stops or highway gas stations. Our vans have CD players. We do not have Bluetooth-accessible stereos.

Are there charging outlets in the vans? ↓

Yes. All of our vans offer 12v (lighter) outlets for charging cell phones and other devices. Most of our vans do not offer USB connections, however, you can bring along your own USB lighter adapter. These are also found for a few dollars at electronics stores or gas stations. Your devices will receive power as long as the van is running unless your van comes with a dual battery. Check out our Which Van Should I Choose page to see which vans come with a dual battery. You can plug a power inverter into the 12v outlets to charge items such as a laptop.

Can you mail my belongings that I left behind? ↓

We sure can! In order to mail back your item, we charge a $15 admin fee + packaging + postage. We can charge your card that we have from your booking or we can email you a link to a secured vault where you can give us a different method of payment. We aren’t able to go to the Post Office every day, but we will post your item as soon as we can. We’ll hold on to any found items for a month before donating them. If you think you left something behind, please email us and give us a description of what you left as well as where in the van you think you left it. 

May we extend our rental after embarking on our trip? ↓

Yes. Extensions can be done from the road, however, they are based on availability and cannot be guaranteed, but we do our best to make it happen if we can. Call or email us as soon as you know you wish to extend, as we’d love to host you on your amazing adventure for as long as possible. If we are able to extend your rental from the road, we’ll send you a receipt and a new rental document to sign through DocuSign.

Will suitcases fit easily in your Campers? ↓

We recommend bringing backpacks or soft bags as these will fit more easily into our vans. There is a large storage area located under the bed box, but to access it, you must have “stuffable” luggage and there’s a metal bar that splits the opening in half. We understand it is easier to travel with suitcases, particularly when flying. You can certainly make it work if you do bring suitcases, especially if you only have 1-2 OR a few which are small/medium in size. Some smaller suitcases will fit under the bed when it is set up.

What age do I have to be to rent a Lost Campervan? ↓

Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have had a full motor vehicle driver’s license for at least one year to qualify for cheap campervan rental California. In addition, to be added to the rental agreement for our Redwood van, you must be at least 25 years of age. Drivers must provide a full & unexpired driver’s license that is valid for the duration of the rental period. See our Terms page for more information.

Do we rent snow chains? ↓

We offer snow chains to rent for a flat fee of $70. These must be requested at least 7 days in advance prior to pick up. Renters are liable for any damages caused by the improper installation of snow chains. Please watch online on how to properly install chains.

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Traveling, relaxing and hanging out in a Lost Campers Van will make your trip around the USA something to remember!!