What make VanGo Volkswagen Vanagon rental unique in the marketplace?
VanGo Rental’s VW Vanagons are classic and precious vehicles (over 30-years old). With that vintage history comes maintenance and replacement expenses for the many upgrades and repairs (new engines, transmissions, cooling system, fuel system, suspension, etc.) to keep these cool rides safely operating and on the roads. Ensuring customers are happy and safe driving VanGo’s rentals is a top priority. VanGo outfits the rentals with clean, high quality camping, sleeping, and kitchen gear. To protect you, the customer and the vintage rental, VanGo pays for extra classic RV insurance. You will find a classic camper experience well worth the money, when provided by a professional rental company.
Why are there strict Vanagon rental rules?
Please read the Terms and Conditions here. It is important you are informed of your responsibilities. Renting a classic amper is a privilege and with that comes renter responsibility.
What if I’m trying to reserve a Vanagon and my dates are not available for rental?
Email your desired travel dates to info@VanGoAutomotive.com or use the VanGo contact page on this site. Sometimes there are cancellations and we can contact you if something opens up for your desired dates.
Is renting a Classic VW Camper families with kids?
Absolutely! The owners have a toddler and they love creating memories in a Vanagon together – they want this for you too. There are 3-point seat belts for car seats and a ceiling anchor but no latch system under the seat. Regarding your precious kiddos – if you feel your little one(s) may not do well in a classic vehicle, this may not be a good option for your family at this time. The vans are super fun for kids and may feel like a playhouse; however, these classic vehicles cannot be treated as playhouses. Jumping on the counter tops, open/closing drawers and turning on/off buttons a gazillion times, rough housing inside the vans, not minding your muddy feet, etc. isn’t allowed. Unlike modern day rentals (which are a dime a dozen), when a knob breaks off or drawer is broken on a classic rental, for example, it may take a long time to find a replacement and/or may be very expensive because the parts are no longer being made. Please make sure you feel comfortable and responsible for your little ones in these rare vans. Please help us give this opportunity to others by treating these treasured vehicles with care and respect.
How is the Vanagon insured?
No need to purchase your own separate and special RV insurance binder, VanGo pays for and carries a special RV insurance policy that is in place for protection in case of a Vanagon incident. However, VanGo does require you have your own auto insurance to be used as primary insurance and VanGo’s RV insurance is used then as wraparound/secondary insurance to add even more protection for everyone/everything involved. More coverage means better coverage for you. If you do not currently have your own full coverage insurance that includes rentals, we have a 3rd party that we work with to help insure you. It is 20% of your base rental price (not with any add-on options or taxes). Please inquire about this option, if necessary.
How many travelers does the Vanagon sit and sleep?
Two adults/kids can sleep up top and two adults/kids can sleep on the bottom. The top bed is a little wider than the bottom bed. The bottom bed’s cushion and pad is a little thicker than the top bed.
I am a tall and/or larger person. Does the Vanagon work comfortably for me?
It’s up to your preferences for comfort. If you are taller than 6’2, you will need to curl your toes up. The top bunk will safely hold up to 350 pounds, the bottom bed would be more suitable for more weight.
I’m very sensitive to the temperature, do the vans have air conditioning and heat?
The vans do have A/C when driving; however, the air doesn’t get icy cold like modern day vehicles. The A/C blows from the rear vents so the passengers in the back seats may be more comfortable on a very hot day. Otherwise, many people find that rolling all the windows down works nicely too. VanGo provides two fans for when the van is turned off and the back hatch opens wide with a button-in bug screen. During the chillier days when the van is turned off, a Heater Buddy is provided that safely makes the entire van toasty and warm or some vans have built in heaters.
Why does VanGo Auto restrict their Vanagon rentals to the Midwest region – MN, WI, ND, SD, IA, and Upper MI?
Because these are 1980s vans, it’s important to keep these gems closer to home. They are safe and reliable; however, if any breakdown did occur (which is unlikely), we can more quickly attend to you and to the classic Vanagons. Also, there’s so much to explore in the Midwest – enjoy what we have in our own backyard!
How does the VW Vanagon drive?
Vanagons drive with ease and have an awesome turning radius. Don’t worry about lugging a huge cumbersome vehicle around. The Vanagons are much more forgiving; they can park in a normal parking spot. They are a little long and the driver sits over the wheels, so pay attention and take your turns a little wide.
Why is there a minimum rental 3-nights (shoulder season) or 4-nights (peak season)?
After each customer returns a rental camper van, it’s thoroughly detailed and cleaned, including all the gear. A very thorough mechanical inspection is performed on each camper. The intensity and time-commitment to this process doesn’t make it cost-effective to do for short-term rentals. You are welcome to book a one or two night rental; however, you will be charged for three/four nights.
How do cancellations work?
Rental cancellations with notification of 60+ days are subject to a $50 fee. Cancellations anywhere from 30-60 days are subject to a $250 cancellation fee. Cancellations under 30-days are 50% of the reservation cost. Renters are charged 100% of the reservation cost if there is a cancellation or no show within a 36-hour period of the scheduled trip.
Do we offer one-way Vanagon rentals?
No, not at this time.
Why is there a limit on free miles (150 miles averaged per day)?
We want renters to treat these vintage Vanagon vehicles with a little TLC. VanGo renters get 150 free miles averaged per night. You can have longer mileage days by paying the extra mileage ($0.35 per mile) or just driving less the other days. All we ask is that you don’t push the Vanagons too hard and take a few rests if you have longer mileage days. We want these campers to be good to you and the next Vanagon renter.
How does Vanagon check-out and return work at VanGo Auto?
You can schedule your orientation with a starting time as early as 9am and as late as 5pm. Please be prepared for a 40-minute orientation as well as check-out paperwork when you pick up the rental (ALL drivers need to be present for orientation). A rental night is for up to a 24-hour period. For example, if you pick up your rental at 9am, on your returning date, you return the rental at 9am. There is a 3-hour leeway past the 24-hour return period at no extra charge. Later returns past the 24-hours plus the 3-hour leeway time are possible for a $60 cost; however, all returns must be complete at 7pm. The return time must be communicated prior to your departure. All vans must be returned by 7pm or there’s an additional $75 tardy fee.
Can you explain the deposit and what that is for?
A $1,000 security and cleaning deposit is required the day of the rental. After the trip, there will be a full inspection of the Vanagon and gear to ensure there is no damage, missing inventory, or excessive cleaning needed. If all is good, the deposit return is processed by VanGo after the inspections (typically 24-48 hours standard business days later). Banks can take up to 3-4 business days to return the deposit after VanGo processes the deposit. If there is a need for VanGo to charge you, we will email you regarding the charge.
What if I want to use my own sleep, camp, and kitchen gear and/or don’t need any VanGo gear?
This is completely okay. Just notify VanGo of the items we should not include in your rental and we will make that happen. There is no discount for not using the gear.
What happens if we breakdown?
Although a thorough Vanagon inspection is performed and any needed repairs are completed before a Vanagon rental is released to a customer, it is a good reminder to understand these are vintage vehicles. In the unlikely event there is an issue, VanGo Auto will step in to resolve the problem ASAP. In the event you need a repair, we have relationships with repair shops throughout the Midwest and will hook you up with a speedy resolution. On the rare occasion that the repair will take more than a day, we will either provide a replacement vehicle or refund the unused portion of the trip and assist with changes in your itinerary.
Is off-roading okay in the Vanagons?
All of the Vanagon rentals are 2-wheel drive and not suited for unpaved roads or off-roading. Please stay on paved roads or well-graded and well-cleared forest service roads (tree branches can be harmful to the fiberglass top).
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! VanGo allows one well-behaved and trustworthy dog that will not chew or scratch up the classic ride. There is a $250 dog deposit. We recommend adding the VanGo Rental dog add-on package (with a seat cover, dog bed, pet dishes, outdoor/campsite leash, treats, etc.) if you choose to travel with your pup. Excessive mess on the seats will cause an extra cleaning fee. Please be transparent with us about traveling with your furry friend, otherwise there is an extra fee for not disclosing this information.
What is required to drive a VanGo Rental camper?
Drivers must be 25-years old or older, have a valid driver’s license, have insurance, and agree to the VanGo’s Terms and Conditions.
What hook-ups do I need for the camper?
There’s no need to limit yourself on a camp option if you are on a shorter trip and driving almost daily. Each camper has an auxiliary battery onboard; this means you can drive for 15-20 minutes and your battery for your camp features (radio, fridge, interior lights, etc.) will be fully charged for 1 ½ days of being stationary. If you plan to be stationary for more than two-days, shore power (electrical hook-up) would be ideal or two campers have solar power available. There are two options for water – filling up your 14-gallon water tank anywhere on the campgrounds or using the water hook-up for city water at your RV campsite. All that to say, if you are at an RV site, use those hook-ups but if you are not, you will be fine too.
Is there a hitch on the vans, can I bring my bike(s), can I tow items behind the camper?
Yes, we have a two-inch hitch receiver on each camper. Yes, you can bring your bike(s). You are welcome to bring your own bike rack; however, just make sure it fits our receiver. Otherwise, we do rent bike racks. No bikes are allowed in the vans and nothing is to be towed other than bikes.
Where can I camp in my Vanagon rental?
Plan ahead of time can score the prime state park campsites.
- Minnesota state campgrounds (VanGo has MN park permit)
- Wisconsin state campgrounds (VanGo has WI park permit)
- South Dakota state campgrounds
- North Dakota state campgrounds
- Iowa state campgrounds
- Upper Michigan state campgrounds
National parks are another option
There are private parks and campgrounds to look into if you want more amenities or options – private parks and campgrounds. HipCamp and AirBnB are great sites for private landowners renting out their land and property. These sites accommodate last minute trips and/or planned.
Dispersed camping in national forests is secluded and remote camping that is free – there’s typically no active facilities here but you are welcome to camp there. Just remember to leave no trace. If you are in the US National Forest Campgrounds – there’s a cost to these campgrounds and facilities, similar to a state park. A few sites for free and last minute camp spaces – Boondocking, freecampsites.net, and boondockerswelcome.com. A couple sites to browse for last minute but paid options – www.hikercentral.com and www.uscampgrounds.info.
