What’s the difference between campervans, campers, camper vans, motorhomes, motorvans and RV’s?

A. Very little – it’s quite common for someone to use any variation of campervan, motorhome or RV and be referring to the same type of vehicle.  Technically speaking, the names refer to different sizes and vehicle capabilities but generally as a consumer, you can’t go wrong with the use of “campervan”.

What is a berth?
 

A. Berths refer to the number of beds available in the campervan for hire.

Who facilitates the campervan hire for www.webcarhire.com/campervans?

A. Webcarhire has teamed up with a company called EU Bookings, a specialist broker in worldwide campervan hire who have been in business for over 8 years and are based in Ireland.

Webcarhire is one of the largest independent car rental agents online based in Australia and in existence for over 7 years.

The great deals you see on www.webcarhire.com/campervans are the result of partnerships with worldwide campervan hire suppliers.

Where can I get a picture of the vehicle and full specifications?

A. Once you’ve clicked ‘Search’ in the ‘Get a Rate / Book’ panel, you’ll see images of the campervans available for hire based on your selection criteria as well as a brief description for each.

Click on any picture to be shown more detail. This normally includes diagrams of the ‘day’ and ‘night’ layouts including sleeping arrangements as well as full technical specifications of the vehicle.

How will I know the total cost of the campervan hire?

A. Once you enter the details of the hire you wish to make, you will see a list of campervans along with their prices. These are the base prices, without extras.

After you’ve selected a campervan, you will be taken to the Optional Extras page. All extras will be listed here, along with their prices. Select the extras you want and the summary on the next page will add these new costs to the base price.

You can send yourself the quote via email at any stage during the process.

Are there other charges to consider?

A. The bulk of the cost for your campervan hire is represented in the base price which appears in the search results. Optional extras are added as you select them.

It is important to note, before returning your RV, campervan or motorhome, it is normally required that you clean the vehicle. If you return the vehicle in a condition that is considered not ready for use by the next renter, it’s likely you’ll be charged the cleaning fee.

Another cost you can avoid is the price the depot will charge for refuelling the vehicle should you not return it with a full tank. Just like for more car rentals, the vehicle will come pre-filled with diesel or gas when you pick it up. On returning the vehicle you will need to fill the tank. It’s in your best interests to do this at a fuel station as the cost of refuelling it at the depot will be significantly more.

Once you’ve returned your campervan you may have to pay for extra per mile costs for any mileage over the free or pre-purchased amounts. Costs vary from location to location. It’s best to speak to the depot on pick up to have a clear understanding of mileage costs before you drive.

What will I have to pay upfront?

A. This is dependent on how far in advance you are booking the vehicle before the pick up date.

When your booking is made over 52 days prior to picking up the vehicle: Generally, a deposit of 40% of the total rental cost is taken from your credit card when confirmation of the booking is received. This percentage, however, will vary from supplier to supplier. The remainder of the rental charge is taken approximately 52 days before pick up.

When your booking is made less than 52 days prior to picking up the vehicle: We will need to take the full rental amount from your credit card to secure your booking.

Please note: Your credit card will be charged the amounts outlined above after we have received confirmation from the supplier that the vehicle you’ve booked is available.

Will my payment be secure?

A. The site uses a thawte SSL 123 Certificate offering secure communications by encrypting all data to and from the site. When you are about to key in your payment details, click the thawte symbol for additional confirmation of the certificate’s validity.

Is unlimited mileage included in the price?

A. The search results will display limited or unlimited miles/kilometres for each quotation. If a particular selection offers a limited mileage package, this will be displayed clearly next to the price of the vehicle.

The system will also display information on the miles/kilometres available for you to expend per day and how much is charged for exceeding this amount.

How will I know my booking is confirmed?

A. Once you’ve completed the booking, a voucher will be generated for you. The voucher lets you know which trusted supplier is supplying your campervan hire at your chosen destination.

It is very important you print out this voucher and take it with you on your holiday as it will contain all the detailed information needed to get you to your pick up point.

Is insurance included in my rental?

A. Yes, insurance is included in all our quotations. Typically there is an excess amount clause in the insurance which means you would be liable for a specified amount should there be any damage done to your vehicle. This amount is outlined clearly for you in the terms and conditions.

On returning your campervan, the depot will check for damage and take the necessary payment from the credit card supplied for the security deposit.

If the vehicle is returned undamaged, the deposit will be refunded in full to your credit card. Depending on the supplier, the return of the deposit can take up to 2 weeks.

The cost of the excess or damage deposit will vary from supplier to supplier. In some instances, you will be able to take advantage of an excess reduction package. If this option is available for your specific vehicle, it will be listed as an Optional Extra for your campervan.

Are taxes included in the price?

A. All local taxes, such as GST, state and provincial taxes applicable are included in each price.

Is there is a minimum rental period?

A. Minimum hire periods vary from supplier to supplier and are dependent on the season. In general, minimum hire periods range between 3 to 7 days for off-peak to 14 days high season.

If you require the vehicle for less than the minimum days allowed but are willing to pay the minimum price, check with the customer service centre as some suppliers may restrict your ability to do this in some seasons. Generally, this should be okay.

Can I pick up and drop off the campervan on a Saturday or Sunday?

A. It is sometimes possible to drop your vehicle off on a Saturday but this is dependent on the supplier. Generally, no suppliers operate on a Sunday so more often than not a drop off on this day won’t be possible.

Our booking engine will make Saturday and/or Sunday pick up and drop off available if the supplier allows it. If it is not possible, a "No Quotation" message will appear. In this case you should change your pick up and drop off to other days.

What times apply for pick up and drop off?

A. Choices for vehicle times of pick up and drop off are displayed on the booking engine. If you happen to select a time that is outside the depot’s working hours, you will be prompted to select a new pick up and or drop off time from a list of valid options.

Is a one-way hire possible?

A. A one-way hire refers to unique pick up and drop off locations for your campervan hire.

DOMESTIC ONE-WAY HIRE: For one-way campervan hirewithin the same country/region.
Simply select your pick up location on the booking engine and the system will instantly display the one-way options possible within the country or region. Please note, a one-way charge may apply to the booking. You will be advised of the one-way fees before confirming your rental.

INTERNATIONAL ONE-WAY HIRE: For cross border/international one-way campervan hire.
There are a few suppliers in some countries that offer international one-way rental. As you select your pick up location the booking engine will show all the drop-off locations including cross border locations available. These are the only one-way options possible.

What is the address of the pick up and drop off depot/s?

A. Once we have confirmed your campervan hire with the supplier, you will be emailed the depot’s address for pick up and drop up.

Can I pay in a different currency?

A. All rentals are quoted in the local currency of the local supplier. For example, in Australia it will be AUD, in the United States, USD, in Europe, EUR. Specifying your currency in the booking engine will convert the local price. With this in mind, the prices you see if they not in the local currency are approximate and are only provided as a rough guide due to varying exchange rates.

How do I get to the pick up or from the drop off point? 

A. Usually depots can be reached by public transport or more easily by taxi. Airport pick up and drop offs are possible for certain locations, which are transfer locations where you would be taken from the airport to the depot to pick up your campervan, and vice versa on drop off. The cost of this transfer is usually included in the quoted price. For city locations, you will need to make your own arrangements.

Is it possible to pick up or drop off a campervan from an airport?

A. For security reasons, in general, suppliers are not allowed to deliver or recover campervans airport locations.

When arranging your drop off, please allow enough time for the processing. It can take the depot up to 2 hours to process the necessary formalities. For early morning flights, it’s advised that you arrange for drop off the night before. 

How long does it take to pick up the campervan? 

A. Processing the pick up of a campervan is quite different to that of a rental car, so please allow 1 to 2 hours for collection.

The pick up and drop off formalities require paperwork and contracts to be completed, credit card processing and a thorough review of your vehicle.

On pick you will be shown how to use the vehicle systems (heating, waste treatment, cooking etc.) and the campervan must be inspected to note any pre-existing damage. You will be then asked to sign a document stating your agreement of the inspection’s findings. Before you take the vehicle, the security deposit will be charged to your credit card.

Just remember – pick up and drop off formalities can’t be rushed, allow for enough time.  

Can I pay the security deposit or insurance excess in cash or traveller’s cheques?

A. Generally, the answer is No.

Security reasons require the deposit to be paid with your credit card. This is to avoid someone renting the campervan, paying a cash deposit and never returning their vehicle.

For the few depots that allow cash or traveller’s cheques (some exist in Italy and Portugal), you be informed this is the when you book.

Can I pay the security deposit or insurance excess with someone else’s credit card?

A. No, you cannot pay the security deposit or insurance excess with a third party’s credit card even if you have their permission. The person with the credit card at the depot must be the owner of the card, as the terms and conditions of any credit card stipulate.

What kind of help and instructions will I be given about how to drive the vehicles and use their appliances?

A. On pick up of your campervan, you will receive a full orientation of your vehicle, including maintenance operations and your responsibilities as the campervan operator.

Be aware, in some Italian locations, there may be limited or no instruction in English.

An inspection of the vehicle will be carried out to note any pre-existing damage. Once this review takes place, you will be asked to sign a document stating you agree to the inspection’s findings.

Do I require an international driver’s licence to drive a campervan overseas? Do I need a special driver’s licence to drive a campervan?

A. Generally, your full national license is sufficient. A special driver’s licence to drive a campervan in most cases is not required.

In Germany where you can rent vehicles that weigh more than 3500 kilograms, however, you will need a licence to drive this vehicle. Generally, this is a Class C licence for vehicles 3500 kilograms or larger.

You can see the full details of these licence requirements on the quotation and booking. 

What happens if the campervan breaks down during my holiday?

A. Campervan rental companies have 24 hour roadside assistance or 24 hour vehicle operation assistance, accessible nationwide.

As most vehicles are under 2 years of age, more often than not they are still under manufacturer warranty.
In the instance of a break down, simply call the depot of pick up – their telephone details will be on your confirmation paperwork. If you have trouble locating the document, look at the campervan itself – a contact number is generally printed on the side panel.

Are campervans difficult to drive?

A. Not at all! They handle very much the same as a car. You just need to be aware, however, of the size of the vehicle. Take extra care parking in cities as campervans are longer and will be more difficult to park.

How many seatbelts are in each vehicle?

A. The berth size indicates the number of seat belts based on the number of passengers the vehicle is designed for. Seat belts are compulsory in most countries.

Where does everyone sit?

A. This is dependent on the vehicle type, however, generally 2 people can sit at the front. The remaining seatbelts are located around the dining tables.

Will there be enough storage for suitcases?

A. Yes, however, it is strongly recommended that you use soft bags instead of hard suitcases as your luggage. Soft bags occupy less room and fit easier into the campervan storage cupboards and lockers.

You’ll find ample storage under the beds, and for some campervans across Europe there is a large compartment in the rear which can also store bicycles.

Will my campervan be air-conditioned?

A. Most commonly in Europe the vehicle will only have air-conditioning in the driver’s cabin area. The reason for this is there have been too many accidents by vehicles with external roof mounted units, damaged when travelling under low bridges or hit by tree branches.

In Australia, USA and Canada, air-conditioning units are available for campervans in the main living area.

Is it difficult to hook up the campervan to campsite facilities?

A. Connecting the campervan to campsite facilities requires no technical expertise. Instructions will be given to you at the time of pick up. You’ll see that is it quite simple to plug into the main power supply, fill your water tank and empty your toilet cartridge in the toilet facility.

What type of fuel does a campervan use?

In Europe, most campervans have a turbo diesel engine which, is very efficient. In the United States and Canada the majority are Gas/Petrol engines.

What type of power supply does a campervan have?

A. The heater, water heater, refrigerator, stove and range operate on propane gas. The driver’s air-conditioner is powered by the engine while driving and other items rely on an outside 230V power supply. Campervans have a dual battery system where the engine battery is separate from the battery system, allowing it be used for internal appliances, such as the fridge, lights and water pump.

The appliance battery system lasts approximately 12 hours when fully charged. Worth noting is that batteries only recharge while you drive the vehicle. Since the engine battery is separate, if you drain the appliance batteries, you will still be able to start the engine and drive. All vehicles have the ability to plug into an external electricity supply.

When you plug into the campsite’s electricity facility, all accessories automatically switch over to run off 240V electricity available rather than the batteries. You can then use appliances such as the television, microwave and rear air conditioning that only run off electricity.

Where can I stay in the campervan?

A. You’re able to park your campervan anywhere in Europe as you would a car unless signs state you cannot park in that location. Generally, it is much safer to park overnight in a campsite.

To find a campsite for your campervan hire, be sure to check out http://www.alanrogers.com/ and other campsite directories you can find online.

Are we allowed to travel with a pet in the campervan?

Each supplier has different terms and conditions relating to pets. In most cases suppliers allow for pets to travel with you in your campervan hire. Strict guidelines exist, however outlining the responsibilities of the pet owner to ensure pets do not spoil or damage hire vehicles. Those travelling with pets will be charged for any necessary pet related cleaning costs. This includes having pet hair removed.

To find out if the supplier you’re about to book allows for pets, please contact our customer service team. 

Is it possible to stay outside of campsites?

A. It is possible but not always advisable. For security reasons, we do not recommend overnight stays at motorways or autobahn rest places as these are not always safe. Practise caution and common sense when planning overnight stays in your campervan. 

Is there heating in the campervan?

A. A gas heater is supplied, which uses a balanced flue. This takes air from outside and expels the gas fumes externally, making it safe to leave on low overnight if required. Also supplied is a gas boiler for hot water, which feeds water both to the sink and shower.

How long can I camp without power or water supply?

A. This depends on how much water you use. No real limit exists as you can recharge your batteries to work the interior lighting by running the engine while your cooker and refrigerator can be operated on gas. Generally, you can go from 3 to 7 days without refilling your water supply.

Can I hire a campervan in the winter? If so, can I drive to the ski slopes?

Heated campervans make for pleasant travel in winter. It is possible to drive to the ski slopes, the drive is manageable. With this said, beware of poor road conditions which make driving a campervan to the ski slopes not recommended.

What is the minimum age to drive a campervan?

A. Generally the age varies between 21 and 25 years of age but varies between suppliers. You’ll see the minimum age specified in the terms and conditions of the supplier, which you can click through to via a link in the quotation. The terms and conditions are also emailed when you send the quotation to yourself.

Are refunds offered for the early return of the campervan hire?

A. Unfortunately a refund cannot be supplied in this instance.

Are there late fees for returning the vehicle past the agreed time?

A. Yes. Substantial hourly fines are worth avoiding by delivering your campervan to the drop off location on time. Be considerate, a late drop off delays pick up for the next renter.