Renting a Camper Van for the First Time: What to Know Before You Go
- Nick
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
(Featuring Our 2023 Winnebago Travato 59KL in Las Vegas)
Renting a camper van for the first time is exciting, but it can also feel like a lot to take in. If you’ve never traveled in an RV before, a Class B camper van is one of the easiest ways to start. It gives you flexibility, comfort, and freedom without the learning curve of a large motorhome.
This quick guide is written specifically for renters considering our Las Vegas–based 2023 Winnebago Travato 59KL, but the advice applies to anyone new to camper van travel.
What a Class B Camper Van Actually Offers
Class B RVs, often called camper vans, are built on a standard van chassis. They’re much smaller than traditional motorhomes, which makes them easier to drive, park, and live with, especially if this is your first rental.
Our Winnebago Travato 59KL includes everything you need for a real road trip, just in a compact footprint:
Sleeping: Comfortably sleeps two adults
Kitchen: Refrigerator, sink, and cooktop for simple meals
Bathroom: A full wet bath with toilet and shower
Climate control: Heating and air conditioning for desert days and cool nights
If you’re used to hotels or Airbnbs, the biggest adjustment is space. Everything is closer together, but that’s also what makes the experience simple and efficient.
Why a Camper Van Is Ideal for First-Time Renters
One of the biggest concerns new renters have is driving. A Class B camper van drives more like a large SUV than an RV. There’s no towing, no trailer sway, and no special license required.
Our Travato is a great first-timer option because:
It’s easy to handle on highways and city streets
Parking is straightforward compared to larger RVs
Backup cameras and mirrors make maneuvering easier
You can reach national parks, campgrounds, and urban areas without stress
Many renters tell us they’re surprised by how quickly they feel comfortable behind the wheel.
Planning Your Trip From Las Vegas
Picking up a camper van in Las Vegas gives you quick access to some of the best road trip destinations in the Southwest.
Popular routes from here include:
Zion and Bryce Canyon
Grand Canyon (North or South Rim)
Death Valley
California’s national parks and coastline
Utah’s scenic byways
The Travato is fully self-contained, so you’re not dependent on hookups every night. You can mix campgrounds, RV parks, and more remote locations depending on your comfort level.
Packing Tips for a Camper Van
Space is more limited than a house or hotel, so packing smart makes the trip much more enjoyable.
A few practical tips:
Pack soft bags instead of hard suitcases
Bring layers instead of bulky clothing
Choose multipurpose kitchen items
Don’t overpack food, grocery stops are easy along the way
Most first-time renters bring too much. Less gear usually makes the trip smoother.
Understanding Power, Water, and Daily Use
Before your trip, it helps to understand a few basics about how a camper van works.
Power: Lights and outlets run off the van’s electrical system. Charging devices while driving helps conserve battery.
Water: Fresh water is limited, so short showers and mindful use go a long way.
Waste: Grey and black tanks need to be emptied at designated dump stations. We show you exactly how this works at pickup.
You don’t need to be an expert. A quick walkthrough at pickup usually answers most questions.
Setting Up Camp Is Simple
One of the advantages of a Class B van is how fast you can settle in.
Typical setup includes:
Parking and leveling the van if needed
Extending the awning for shade
Setting out chairs or gear
Locking up before heading out
Breaking down camp is just as easy, which makes spontaneous stops and short stays more enjoyable.
A Few Final Safety and Comfort Tips
Take breaks when driving longer distances
Check weather forecasts, especially in desert or mountain areas
Keep phones charged and navigation handy
Bring personal comforts like pillows or favorite snacks
The goal is not to do everything perfectly. It’s to enjoy the freedom of moving at your own pace.
Is a Camper Van Right for You?
If you want a flexible road trip, easy driving, and the ability to explore without constantly checking in and out of hotels, a camper van is a great choice, especially for first-time renters.
Our 2023 Winnebago Travato 59KL, based in Las Vegas, is designed to make that first experience straightforward and comfortable, without the intimidation of a large RV.
If you have questions before booking, we’re always happy to help clarify what to expect so there are no surprises on the road.
Thinking About Buying an RV Someday?
Many people who rent a camper van for the first time end up asking the same question halfway through the trip: “Should we buy one of these?”
That question is exactly why renting before buying matters.
Owning an RV is very different from renting one, and the financial mistakes first-time buyers make are often expensive and irreversible. After owning multiple RVs and learning some hard lessons firsthand, I wrote a book specifically to help people avoid those traps: The First-Time RV Buyer’s Survival Guide: The No-BS Guide to Avoiding Traps, Saving Money, and Choosing the Right Rig
The book is written for people who are serious about ownership but want the truth before stepping onto a dealership lot. It breaks down how RV pricing actually works, why MSRP is largely fiction, and how dealers use fees, financing markups, and add-ons to inflate the real cost. It also explains payload, towing, and ownership math in plain language so buyers don’t end up with a rig their truck can’t safely handle or a monthly payment they regret.
Inside, the guide covers:
How RV pricing and “discounts” really work
Common dealer tactics and how to counter them
The true cost of ownership beyond the purchase price
Red flags when buying used
Step-by-step dealership scenarios with real counter-moves
Practical checklists you can actually use while shopping
Renting a camper van like our 2023 Winnebago Travato 59KL is a smart way to learn what you like and don’t like before buying. If ownership is something you’re considering down the road, this book helps make sure that decision is informed, deliberate, and financially sound.
The book is available on Amazon here: https://a.co/d/12OBzKM
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