Can I rent a van for a cross country trip?

The short answer and what to expect

You can rent a van for a cross country trip, but the best choice depends on your route, group size, and how you plan to sleep. Options range from 7 to 15 passenger vans at national agencies, to fully outfitted campervans from specialty providers, to peer to peer rentals that run from basic cargo vans to boutique builds. The right rental balances comfort, safety, range, and cost while covering insurance, mileage, and one way logistics. Plan early for summer and holiday departures, and confirm policies in writing before you swipe a card.

Common rental sources

• National car rental brands with passenger vans
• Campervan specialists with built in beds and galleys
• Peer to peer platforms with hosts offering varied rigs
• Commercial truck rental firms with cargo vans for gear

Documentation and driver rules

• Valid driver license and credit card are standard
• Minimum age and young driver surcharges often apply
• Additional driver fees may be charged per person
• International travelers may need an IDP depending on state

Which van type fits a cross country drive

Your choice shapes comfort and budget. Start with how you will travel every day, not just where you sleep.

Passenger vans

Best when shuttling families or teams and staying in hotels. They have proper seating, airbags, and climate control for every row. Expect limited cargo with all seats installed, modest privacy, and higher fuel use. If you plan to sleep in the vehicle, confirm that the seats can be removed or folded safely and legally.

Campervans

Great for self contained travel. Typical features include a fixed bed platform, compact galley, portable toilet, and house power via batteries and solar. Benefits include flexible overnights and fewer hotel stops. Watch for height restrictions in parking decks, winterization needs in cold climates, and per night pricing that can exceed hotel rates in peak season.

Cargo vans

Ideal for hauling bikes, boards, camera kits, or adventure gear when lodging is planned off vehicle. Cargo vans are simple, often cheaper, and easy to keep organized with bins and tie downs. Addons like a bulkhead, roof rack, or hitch rack can matter more than trim level. Verify anchor points and bring ratchet straps rated for your load.

Policies that change your budget

Small print can grow costs quickly. Read every section tied to distance, damage, and drop off.

Mileage and one way terms

• Unlimited miles vs per mile caps will swing total cost
• One way drop fees vary by route and season
• Some companies restrict state or border crossings
• Document odometer and fuel level at pickup and return

Insurance and damage protection

• Liability is required by law but limits can be low
• Collision damage waivers reduce or remove out of pocket risk
• Personal effects coverage may be optional or excluded
• Glass, tires, roof, and underbody are often excluded unless covered by a specific waiver

Roadside support and maintenance

• Confirm roadside assistance coverage and response times
• Tire, wheel, and windshield coverage can be separate
• Ask how maintenance alerts are handled mid trip
• Photograph every panel and wheel at pickup and drop off

Comfort, safety, and drivability on long days

Long highway days reveal the difference between okay and great. Small features prevent fatigue.

Seating, climate, and noise

Adjustable seats with lumbar support, multiple air vents, and good cabin insulation keep everyone comfortable. Bring travel pillows and lightweight blankets. Earplugs help light sleepers if you share driving shifts.

Tech and visibility

Look for adaptive cruise, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, a strong backup camera, and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. These features reduce workload and improve focus on unknown roads.

Fuel, range, and terrain

Understand the engine and expected range. Mountain passes, headwinds, and heavy loads raise consumption. Plan fueling in rural stretches, and check tire pressures at elevation swings to maintain proper contact and braking.

Packing and daily setup

A tidy van makes miles easier.

• Pack cubes or bins sized to the cargo area so they stack cleanly
• Keep a roadside kit with triangle, hi vis vest, gloves, and a tire inflator
• Store food and scented items in sealed containers to avoid odors
• Use soft duffels that compress under beds or seats
• Assign each traveler a small personal tote for quick grabs at fuel stops

Route planning and overnight strategies

Mix interstate efficiency with scenic byways. Stagger long legs with shorter days to explore trailheads, museums, or local cafes. For campervans, use campground apps to book sites near water and showers, and confirm dump stations if you carry a cassette or portable toilet. In cities, research safe overnight parking options and height limits before arrival. In winter, check chain laws and keep a weather eye on mountain corridors.

Renting with kids, pets, and gear

Car seats require proper anchors and airbag placement, so check compatibility before pickup. Pets may require fees and proof of vaccination, and some rentals ban animals entirely. For bikes and boards, confirm hitch class ratings and roof rack load limits, then bring locks and soft straps to protect finishes.

When renting is not ideal

Peak season pricing, strict policies, or specific accessibility needs can make renting tough. If you require a wheelchair friendly layout, a unique gear garage, special power systems, or a bed tailored to height, a rental may not fit well. In those cases, ownership with a purpose built interior can be more practical over time.

How OZK Customs fits your road plans

We do not rent vans. Our lane is building and upfitting purpose built recreational vans that match the way you travel. If your cross country habits are consistent each year, a tailored build can remove the guesswork of finding the right rental every time, while giving you familiar systems, storage, and comfort.

• Explore our Recreational vans to see what a dialed road setup looks like for long range travel.
• If you want a ground up cabin with the exact layout you need, visit Custom build van for our design to delivery process.
• Want a finance friendly starting point we can upfit for trips now and bigger miles later, see Mainstream vans.

At our shop in Fayetteville Arkansas, we design cabins around real travel days. Sleeping comfort, power management, storage for bikes and boards, airflow, lighting, and safety are core to what we build. When you are ready to stop hunting for the right rental and start driving your own road home, we can map a plan that suits your routes, budget, and timeline.

Ready to plan your build

Tell us how you travel, how many miles you log, and the gear you carry. We will translate that into a clear design, transparent quote, and a handoff experience that teaches you every system before you leave. Start the conversation today so your next cross country drive feels like second nature.