Need some advice

Europeans do that trip all the time. But you will want to fly into LasVegas Nevada, not Denver. LasVegas has plenty of RV rentals. You will want to rent that 20 footer. It actually measures 19 feet. It is perfect for a couple who can handle the upper bunk.

As far as where to go, that is one of my most favorite parts of the USA.
- Canyonlands National Park (rent a 4x4 Jeep in Moab and drive into the canyon for the day)
- Arches National Park (see every arch that time permits (hike the loop trail at the far end, and NEVER miss Delicate Arch)
- Zion National Park (hike to Angel's Landing and also in the water through the narrows)
- Bryce Canyon National Park (a 2 to 4 hour hike in the canyon is awesome)
- Grand Canyon National Park (what can I say?)
- Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument (hike to hoodoos and in water-cut canyons)
- Capital Reef National Monument (a beautiful drive-thru)

I see you also mentioned other national parks and monuments. We have been to all of them and they are all worth seeing. 5 weeks is going to be enough time to see everything you want as long as you don't get lazy and burn away days relaxing excessively.

There is at least one visitor center in each national park and monument. Be sure to stop in and talk to park rangers for recommended trails and a free trail guide, and weather forecasts. Spring time can bring spring rains, and rain can bring flash flooding. Just be mindful, not paranoid.

I think your best bet would be to rent a large SUV for your travels, and stay in AirBandBs. Also, Hostels.

Bienvenue!!

Let me see if I can help with some answers and suggestions :

Renting a RV is expensive. Prices vary enormous. Can anyone help us with finding a good and reliable rental agency in the neighborhood of Denver?

Yes – it is expensive. There’s a daily rate and a mileage surcharge. I believe you pay $0.25 for every mile over 100 miles per day.

4000 miles over 5 weeks – is 4000 miles over 35 days. About 114 miles per day. So you would want to consider the additional expense.\
Last time I looked there were two rental agencies in the Denver area. But that was three years ago.

Bear in mind you will fly into Denver International Airport and then need to get transportation to the Rental Agency. There should be plenty of Uber and Lyft cars available for you.

We think an RV with a length of 20 feet is sufficient for a couple. I get the impression that 25 feet is very popular. But it seems to big for just a couple. And it consumes more. Any advice in this matter?

Our first RV was 23’ and we were a family of five. I would let price dictate my choice. If you can afford a bit more, then I’d prefer the 25’.

Our National Parks will be easier to navigate as long as you stay in the 20-27 foot range. Smaller will be easier to drive.

Compared with a large car, SUV of something like that is a RV limited in the roads you can taken?

Yes – you may encounter a road in a National Park that says “No motorhomes (Rvs) allowed” or “No RVs over Length X”

You will be able to visit more places if you’re in an SUV or a Van.

Our current RV is a 31 foot Class C and if we know we’re going to need a car, we often rent one at that location.

Lots of agencies talk about standard and additional assurances. What is necessary and what is advisable?

Are you referring to additional Insurance coverage on the RV? If so the rental agency will have some advice.

You may want to call them way in advance and post what they tell you here. Then we can add our opinions.

Is it difficult to find camping places and should they be booked in advance? Further I have seen free camping places (including Wall Mart). What are the experiences with these places?

Yes. I’m sorry to be so blunt – but yes. It is difficult to find places to camp without making reservations.

Many of our Walmart’s out here no longer allow Free Overnight Stays. There are Rest Areas and Truck Stops along the interstates that allow free overnight camping. But we use them only if we cannot find a camping spot.

My suggestion would be to really plan out your trip. And make reservations with campgrounds at each day’s destination.

Camping (caravaning) is very popular here and campgrounds fill up quickly.


I wish you Bon Voyage!

Here is a list of RV Rental Companies and sites to look at that may be of help to you.

RV Rentals

I would cut out San Francisco and Yosemite then you might have a good trip. If SF is a must do a fly in at the first or end of the trip. If you are thinking about taking the mountain pass from hwy 395 to Yosemite, it usually isn't open until June or July.

Guess, I will offer another option:

Rent car and air B&B's.

With 4 people, a viable option.

We have done that (with my brother and his wire, so 4) all over the world. Last long trip was 2 months in Australia this past summer. 7,500+ KM in rent car. 21 different Air B&B's. We considered two RV's but they would have been more money and less flexibility than a car and 2 bedroom houses/apartments.

We have also done this in Chile, Costa Rica, etc.

While I love RV's, they are not always the best choice for overseas travel.

Rbaart,

Yes, renting an RV is expensive, but so are H/motels and restaurants.

Our own coach is only 23ft and we find it adequate, but not spacious and we have lived in for more than a month at a time often. The fuel consumption will vary little until you go over 25ft.

In May, campgrounds will already be crowded on weekends. There are a number of smartphone apps that can assist you to locate places to over night park (ONP). You will need a US enabled phone.

The majority of roads you should encounter will be suitable. I will advise that you not go anyplace that you do not see passenger cars. American trucks are very large on an international scale and most roads are adequate for them.

Now, you are thinking of a 4000 mile excursion in 35 days?
Many RVers limit a day to 200 miles. Very experienced and hardened will do some 400 mile days and that is all interstate (like autoroute). This still is very tiring. What you don't seem to have allowed is that the best speed for you will about a 60MPH average. Then, this has to include fuel stops and meal breaks. So, your outline has the potential to be 20 driving days and not much sightseeing. I have not worked your route, but I am not sure it is even actually possible to enjoy the planned excursion.

You will be able to get a lot of advice and support here if you stay in touch along the way. With a tablet linked to a phone, this will on be difficult along the interstate routes because cellphone coverage there is adequate.

I hope this is more of an help than a discouragement. There is a lot to see in the USA and the two of us been working on it for years.

Matt

In May, you'll need reservations for all but Death Valley (REALLY HOT). The rest? You'll need to get reservations ASAP. They fill up fast. Motorhomes and San Francisco do not not belong in the same sentence. You might consider renting a car and staying outside of some of these places. Private party rentals might be less expensive, and more accommodating...and less expensive.

Welcome! Enjoy your trip! In a 20 to 25 foot RV you’ll be able to easily visit all your destinations except San Francisco. I’d suggest parking outside the city and using BART, buses etc. Most campgrounds will be available without reservations except for Yosemite and near Memorial Day weekend. Some Walmarts allow overnight stays...but some don’t.