4x4 hire in California
Discussion
Hi, I'm taking a trip to California and I'd like to hire a 4x4 - any type just capable on the unsurfaced national park trails in California so mostly desert and rock I expect.
The big names like Avis and Budget don't actually guarantee the model you get and you could end up with an SUV that isn't 4x4.
Anyone got any advice. And yes I know that in the dry many of the unsurfaced roads are driveable in a regular car with care.
Thanks
Mike
The big names like Avis and Budget don't actually guarantee the model you get and you could end up with an SUV that isn't 4x4.
Anyone got any advice. And yes I know that in the dry many of the unsurfaced roads are driveable in a regular car with care.
Thanks
Mike
Rental company 4x4s will most likely have tyres that will be totally unsuitable for what you plan to do.
I've done it before and got punctures in areas where, luckily, I was able to change wheels, albeit in 120 degrees.
In many National Parks, you won't have phone reception and there's the possibility that you won't see anyone passing to rescue you. $1000 recovery fee in Death Valley.
There's companies that rent specifically offroad Jeeps for this purpose. One such company is Farabee's in Death Valley and other locations.
Which parks are you planning to visit?
I've done it before and got punctures in areas where, luckily, I was able to change wheels, albeit in 120 degrees.
In many National Parks, you won't have phone reception and there's the possibility that you won't see anyone passing to rescue you. $1000 recovery fee in Death Valley.
There's companies that rent specifically offroad Jeeps for this purpose. One such company is Farabee's in Death Valley and other locations.
Which parks are you planning to visit?
Edited by Rollin on Sunday 20th January 20:24
Thanks for that, I admit I hadn't thought much about tyres as I wasn't planning anything too demanding just some unsurfaced roads in Joshua Tree Park and one or two others nearby.
I shall investigate that company. Avis for example seem to accept that unsurfaced roads are OK provided they are marked as such and I looked at getting some extra excess cover as well and they seem to suggest much the same.
It's not essential but I would like the option if it's possible.
Mike
I shall investigate that company. Avis for example seem to accept that unsurfaced roads are OK provided they are marked as such and I looked at getting some extra excess cover as well and they seem to suggest much the same.
It's not essential but I would like the option if it's possible.
Mike
drmcw said:
I shall investigate that company. Avis for example seem to accept that unsurfaced roads are OK provided they are marked as such and I looked at getting some extra excess cover as well and they seem to suggest much the same.
Avis' US terms & conditions specifically state that their vehicles may not be driven on unsurfaced roads. You don't need to buy excess cover as, with the possible exception of some very specialised vehicles, as a UK renter you'll get CDW & ALI/LIS with zero excess.Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff