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If you’ve been itchin’ to check out #VanLife but don’t want to spend big bucks on buying a van of your own, consider renting one. A new group of companies sell ready-to-camp, converted vans with everything you need to get outside, explore, and sleep.
Originally started in 2003 in New Zealand by three surfers, Escape Campervans expanded to the U.S. in 2009 and now offers converted vans available to rent from seven U.S. cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Las Vegas, New York, Denver, and Seattle. With two different models, each campervan comes fully stocked with bedding, a 2-burner stove, a sink with running water, a refrigerator or cooler, cooking and eating utensils, and picnic chairs.
The larger model, called the Mavericks, uses a Ford E150, sleeps three, and offers an optional rooftop tent to add another couple. The Ventura, a converted Dodge Caravan, sleeps up to two people. You can also rent additional tents, bike racks, and even snow chains.
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Where Escape Campervans separates itself from competitors like Denver-based Native Campervans is the company’s van artwork. Each van is unique and painted by local artists. As one of the largest camper van rental companies in the country, Escape now boasts over 300 vans, each a traveling work of art. When aspiring vanlifers book, you can select which style you prefer—Nature, Abstract, or Cartoon—and get ready for a whole lot of inspiring Instagrams.
Each rental includes 100 free miles per day and rates vary according to your pickup location, how long you rent for, and the time of year. Head over here for a quote.