hi forumWe are a family of 5 (2 adults 3 kids (3,5,9)) that are planning a 2.5 month trip from Houston up and down the west coast with final stop in Los Angeles. Dates jan. 2 nd through March 15th. 2014. Trip distance about 5000 miles.We are experienced campers but only from Europe.We want to do the trip in an Class C motorhome. We are looking for input on the following:1) Since it is a long trip, should be buy or rent. If we buy our budget would then be 45.000 to 50.0002) If we rent i have read that you can rent for arround $400/month but cant seem to finde those offers anywere.3) Should we rent private or through recommended dealer?4) how far up the west coast can you travle at that time of year before it gets too cold and rainy?

Hello!I am not from the west coast so I cannot answer most of your questions.....But, as to the cost of the rental, I can say for sure that you will not be able to rent for $400/month. In fact, it may be a challenge to find a rental for $4,000 a month depending on what you are looking for.

Other than southern California your dates are the absolute worst time of year to visit. Oregon and Washington don't officially start decent weather until July 5. The time of year your looking at is mid winter. Cold and lots of rain.

Even with the high cost of rental, I don't think buying for 2.5 months would be smart either. You would then have to sell it when you're done. I would rent from a reputable dealer and purchase appropriate insurance. You can find temperatures and rainfall-snow amounts on www.weather.com for each month. Look for averages. You might have to search by city. You may also need snow chains for your tires if you go to higher elevations.

Check out ElMonte, they Rent and will be competitive in pricing....

Renting will be way too expensive for you. It's best to buy a good used one and sell it upon return. Or...you might really like it and just keep it for other trips!As stated, Jan - March are not good months for travel. You'll be hitting a LOT of rain and cold weather. The rainy season starts in October/November - earlier in some places north. Good weather for the coastline above San Francisco would begin in May, possibly April in some places.I would suggest you start from Houston in April and head to San Diego and upward finishing your trip mid-June or else do a summer trip or leave Houston in August and return mid-October.

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23 Replies

sdianel_-acct_c
Explorer
Jul 15, 2013
Even with the high cost of rental, I don't think buying for 2.5 months would be smart either. You would then have to sell it when you're done. I would rent from a reputable dealer and purchase appropriate insurance.
You can find temperatures and rainfall-snow amounts on www.weather.com for each month. Look for averages. You might have to search by city.
You may also need snow chains for your tires if you go to higher elevations.
donn0128
Explorer II
Jul 15, 2013
Other than southern California your dates are the absolute worst time of year to visit. Oregon and Washington don't officially start decent weather until July 5. The time of year your looking at is mid winter. Cold and lots of rain.
johnwalkerpa1
Explorer
Jul 15, 2013
Hello!

I am not from the west coast so I cannot answer most of your questions.....But, as to the cost of the rental, I can say for sure that you will not be able to rent for $400/month. In fact, it may be a challenge to find a rental for $4,000 a month depending on what you are looking for.

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