While camping is one of America’s favorite pastimes, not everyone has fond memories of trying to stay warm inside a damp and uncomfortable canvas tent. However, Peace Vans Rentals have made it their mission to provide a positive experience for those who would like to give an old-fashioned road trip a try with a hint of nostalgia along the way. If you’re looking to hit the open road this spring or summer, read on to learn about Seattle’s newest van rentals that provide the perfect combination of easy camping and easy access with all the comforts of home.
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photo: Peace Vans Rentals
A Mechanical Makeover
While the whole fleet of Peace Vans range from the vintage to the more modern, they insist that every one of their rentals comes well-stocked, complete with everything you need for cooking and eating (along with a few local treats, too!). To ensure everyone’s safety, Peace Vans has at least $20,000 of mechanical work done to each rental van before it hits the road and provides a 50+ point safety inspection service before every pick up. Each rental van also comes with a refreshed and thoroughly detailed interior which means you don’t have to worry about getting stuck with a musty smelling van.
While some vans are a little bigger and a few are a little smaller, each van will equip most families consisting of two adults and 1-3 kids comfortably. Psst…Peace Vans says that kids love hanging out in the beds (that sit on top) so much that sometimes the owners have a hard time getting their kids to come out.
photo: Jeffrey Totey
Which Van is Best for Your Family?
Vanagons are the more classic VW style van and tend be a bit more “vintage,” says Peace Vans. Although there are a few exceptions, these vans generally lack air conditioning and are not well-suited for long trips. “On the plus side, they tend to get a lot more looks, are a bit more fun to drive, and generally more evocative of the classic VW experience,” says Peace Vans.
Eurovans are more like modern vans, but are outfitted for camping with pop tops. And because of their modern electronics and larger engines, they tend to be a better choice for longer trips. These vans also come equipped with a small kitchen set up that includes a sink, two-burner stove and lots of cool cabinetry, packed full with everything you need for your camping adventure, and air conditioning.
If you’re traveling with four or five adults, consider renting a Vanagon Weekender model. The downside here is that the Vanagon Weekender doesn’t have a built-in kitchen, but it does have more space. Full campers come with a modern AC/DC fridge, a heater and powerful batteries to keep things powered up quickly.
Vintage vans are available for day trips around Seattle and short camping trips, and are perfect for a romantic weekend getaway for two. But they are older, so they can be a bit trickier to drive.
photo: Jeffrey Totey and Peace Vans Rentals
What Do You Get With Your Rental?
Every Peace Van rental comes with a modern refrigerator, heater, pop-top tent with three windows (which sleeps two people), bench seat that converts into a bed (and also sleeps two people), full curtain set for privacy, screens for the windows, swiveling driver and passenger seats, premium sound system and modern additions like blue tooth radio sound systems and USB outlets.
For the outside, most vans come equipped with an awning, along with matches, fire starters, a lighter, small table, multi-tool for whittling, folding camp chairs, a two-burner propane stove for outside cooking (and two bottles of propane). Peace Vans Rentals also outfits each van with dinnerware, including plates, bowls, cups, thermal mugs and utensils for four along with a cookware set (think: cheese grater, garlic press, whisks, measuring cups, knives, cutting board, mixing bowl, pots, skillet and hot water kettle) and an assortment of paper and disposable items like paper towels, Ziploc bags, aluminum foil, cling wrap and everything you need for cleaning up, including dish soap, sponges, a spray bottle for washing, trash bags, recycling bags and whisk broom. To aide you with your cooking, each van includes a selection of spices as well as a supply of mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise and even Sriacha!
photo: Peace Vans Rentals
Along with cooking supplies and dishes, the vans come with a corkscrew and wine glasses as well as a French press and one pound of Conduit coffee; Martini glasses are available upon special request. Psst…Peace Vans Rentals is known to sneak a few Starbucks VIA instant packages into your spice kits for those mornings you can’t wait the four minutes for the coffee to steep! Vans also contain a 40 oz. Hydro-Flask thermos bottle; a 64 oz. Hydro-Flask beer growler is available on request.
And last but not least, Peace Vans Rentals offers linens such as pillows, sheets, sleeping bags or Rumple blankets and towels for an extra $135/week for two people or $155/week for three-five people. An overflow tent is also available for larger families for an additional $95.
photo: Jeffrey Totey
What’s the “Going” Rate?
High Season: May through September
The rental rate is $1,290 for 6 nights, with $215 per additional night. Note: The Modern Mercedes are $245/night.
Shoulder Season: October through April
The rental rate is $1,020 for 6 nights, and additional nights are $170. Note: The Modern Mercedes are $200/night.
Taxes collected include a 10.1% Washington sales tax and a 7.7% Seattle rental car tax. And insurance is required on all rentals and must be obtained through Peace Vans Rentals. The policy provides full coverage for collision and $1M in liability coverage, and there is a $1,500 maximum deductible. There is a 10% charge for this insurance.
photo: Peace Vans Rentals
The Nitty Gritty
Peace Vans Rentals will provide you with almost everything you’ll need for a fun and seamless trip. However, there are few things you will need to know:
1. There is a six night minimum on rentals.
2. Rentals are generally available for pick up after noon on the starting day of your rental and are due back by 1 p.m. on the last day of your rental.
3. For rentals longer than 12 nights, Peace Vans Rentals offer a 10% discount.
4. Your rental includes 125 miles per day with additional miles charged at $.35/mile.
5. Peace Vans Rentals will go over every detail of your rental before you leave, and are available 24 hours a day via phone or email once you’re on the road.
6. If this is your family’s first road trip and you don’t know where to go, Peace Vans Rentals will provide you with a list of suggested itineraries in the Pacific Northwest, along with insider tips and tricks.
Peace Vans Rentals
2443 6th Ave. S.
Seattle, Wa 98134
206-467-8267
Online: peacevansrentals.com
Have you tried a rental from Peace Vans Rentals? If so, what did you think? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
—Jeffrey Totey
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