Introduction

Route 66 stretches 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, crossing eight states and multiple climate zones. Understanding what's included in your RV rental, and what requires additional planning, transforms this legendary journey from potentially stressful to confidently managed.

An El Monte RV rental provides the foundation for comfortable Route 66 travel, but knowing exactly what's included helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. Whether you're planning to do Route 66 in a weekend or spend a month on the Mother Road, knowing what's included in your rental can help create a stress-free journey.

Generator Use: Unlimited and Free

Every El Monte RV rental includes unlimited generator use at no additional charge. This isn't a limited daily allowance or metered service; it's genuinely unlimited throughout your rental period.

Why Unlimited Generator Use Matters on Route 66

Route 66 crosses extreme climate zones where temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in Texas and desert sections, then drop to the 60s in Flagstaff's mountain forests. Generator power runs your RV's air conditioning, heating, and all electrical appliances regardless of whether you're connected to campground power.

Desert Sections: Between Amarillo and Albuquerque, and throughout the Mojave Desert crossing, daytime temperatures routinely reach 95-110°F from June through August. Running air conditioning during midday stops keeps your RV comfortable and protects electronics, medications, and food supplies from heat damage.

Mountain Elevations: Flagstaff sits at 7,000 feet elevation, where evening temperatures can drop 40°F below daytime highs. Generator power runs heating systems for comfortable sleeping.

Photography and Electronics: Unlimited generator use means you can charge camera batteries, laptops, and phones continuously. For photography-focused Route 66 trips, this eliminates power anxiety when shooting extensively at attractions like Cadillac Ranch, the Blue Whale of Catoosa, or Tucumcari's neon corridor.

Generator Operation Basics

Generators automatically power RV systems when you're not connected to shore power, also known as campground electrical hookups. You control the generator with a simple on/off switch, typically located near the driver's area or in a dedicated panel.

Noise Considerations: Generators produce noticeable sound. Most campgrounds restrict generator use to specific hours, typically 8 AM to 10 PM. When boondocking or staying at locations without hookups, be considerate of neighbors and follow posted quiet hours.

What Unlimited Generator Use Powers

Your RV's generator runs:

• Air conditioning and heating: Full climate control regardless of external temperatures
• Refrigerator: Keeps food fresh even without shore power
• Microwave: Allows cooking without propane when preferred
• Electrical outlets: Powers laptops, phone chargers, camera equipment
• Water heater: Provides hot water for showers and dishwashing
• Lighting: All interior and exterior lights
• Entertainment systems: TV, stereo, and other electronics

The generator does not require shore power to function. It creates electricity independently, making your RV fully self-sufficient for electrical needs.

Mileage Allowances: Understanding Your Included Miles

Mileage policies vary significantly between rental durations. Understanding what's included prevents surprise charges and helps you budget accurately for Route 66's considerable distances.

Standard Rental Mileage

Weekly and daily rentals include a base mileage allowance. The exact amount varies by rental duration and should be confirmed during booking. Additional miles beyond the included allowance can be purchased.

Long-Term Rental Mileage: 1,500 Miles Per Month

Monthly rentals include up to 1,500 miles per month. This generous allowance supports extended Route 66 exploration, regional travel, or using your RV as a mobile base while working remotely.

What 1,500 Monthly Miles Covers:

A complete Route 66 journey from Chicago to Santa Monica covers 2,448 miles one-way. With 1,500 included miles, you could drive from Chicago to approximately Albuquerque, New Mexico before needing additional mileage.

For travelers using monthly rentals for regional exploration rather than cross-country journeys, 1,500 miles provides substantial freedom. You could explore all of Oklahoma's Route 66 attractions multiple times, or make several trips between Albuquerque and Flagstaff.

Purchasing Additional Mileage

Additional miles are available for purchase through Travel Extras. Purchasing miles in advance through prepaid bundles typically costs less than paying per-mile charges at return.

Strategic Mileage Planning:

Calculate your Route 66 itinerary's total distance including:

• Main Route 66 alignment miles
• Detours to attractions, such as the Grand Canyon or Santa Fe
• Local driving around cities
• Driving between campgrounds and attractions
• Return trip distance if completing a round-trip journey

Add 10-15% buffer for spontaneous detours, wrong turns, and the exploratory driving that makes Route 66 special.

Mileage Examples for Common Route 66 Itineraries

Classic Journey: Chicago to Santa Monica, 10 days: 2,448 miles one-way, plus approximately 200-300 miles for local driving, detours, and campground access. Total: approximately 2,650-2,750 miles.

Western Adventure: Albuquerque to Santa Monica, 5 days: 860 miles one-way, plus approximately 150-200 miles for detours. Total: approximately 1,010-1,060 miles.

Weekend Express: Oklahoma City to Albuquerque, 3 days: 540 miles one-way, plus approximately 100 miles for local exploration. Total: approximately 640 miles.

Round-Trip Considerations: Travelers returning RVs to pickup locations double the one-way mileage. A round-trip Classic Journey would require approximately 5,300-5,500 total miles.

Insurance: Required Coverage Options

Insurance is required for all El Monte RV rentals. However, the type of insurance and how it's included varies by rental duration.

Standard Rentals: Insurance Included

For weekly and shorter rentals, basic insurance coverage options are available during the booking process and are typically included in standard rental packages.

Long-Term Rentals: Insurance Sold Separately

Basic insurance is not included with long-term rentals, also known as monthly bookings. Coverage must be added separately via Travel Extras.

This policy reflects how long-term rentals function more like extended leases than vacation rentals. You select and purchase the coverage level that matches your needs and risk tolerance.

Available Coverage Options

El Monte RV offers multiple protection plans through Travel Extras:

Liability Protection: Covers damage you may cause to other vehicles or property. This is typically required by law and represents the minimum coverage needed for legal RV operation.

Collision Damage Waiver: Reduces your financial responsibility if the RV is damaged during your rental. Different waiver levels offer varying deductibles and coverage limits.

Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against non-collision damage including theft, vandalism, weather damage, and animal strikes, particularly relevant for Route 66's remote sections where wildlife encounters occur.

Trip Insurance: Covers trip interruption, cancellation, and emergency expenses unrelated to vehicle damage.

Security Deposits

A refundable security deposit is required for all rentals, typically collected at pickup. The deposit amount may vary based on rental duration and selected insurance coverage. Deposits are refunded after return inspection confirms the RV is undamaged, clean, and returned on time.

What Affects Deposit Refunds:

• Vehicle damage beyond normal wear and tear
• Missing equipment or accessories
• Late returns without prior arrangement
• Failure to refill fuel and propane tanks
• Excessive cleaning requirements
• Mileage overages beyond purchased amounts

Proper insurance coverage protects against major damage reducing your deposit refund, but won't cover policy violations like late returns or missing equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run the generator while driving?

Yes, generators can run while driving, though it's typically unnecessary. The RV's alternator charges batteries while driving, powering refrigeration and basic systems. You might run the generator while driving if passengers need air conditioning beyond what the vehicle's dashboard AC provides, or if you're running power-hungry appliances.

What happens if I exceed my mileage allowance?

Excess mileage is charged at per-mile rates determined at return. Purchasing additional mileage in advance through Travel Extras typically costs less than per-mile overage charges.

Is insurance really required for long-term rentals?

Yes, insurance is required for all rentals. For long-term rentals, you must purchase coverage separately via Travel Extras rather than having it included in the rental package.

How much fuel does the generator use?

Typical RV generators consume approximately 0.5 gallons per hour. Running the generator 8 hours daily during a 10-day trip uses about 40 gallons.

Can I use the generator at all campgrounds?

Most campgrounds restrict generator hours to specific times, typically 8 AM to 10 PM. Some prohibit generator use entirely, though this is rare. When connected to shore power at campgrounds, you won't need generator power anyway.

What if I damage the RV despite having insurance?

Insurance coverage reduces your financial responsibility depending on the protection plan selected. You may still be responsible for deductibles and amounts exceeding coverage limits. Review coverage details carefully when purchasing insurance through Travel Extras.

Do I need special insurance for crossing state lines?

No additional insurance is required for interstate travel within the United States. Your El Monte RV insurance coverage applies across all states along Route 66.

How does mileage tracking work?

Odometer readings are recorded at pickup and return. The difference between these readings determines total miles driven. Be accurate during your pickup inspection to ensure correct starting mileage is recorded.

Booking Your Route 66 Adventure

Understanding insurance, mileage, and generator policies transforms Route 66 planning from confusing to confident. Route 66 rewards preparation. Knowing these policies before pickup means you can focus on the journey itself: photographing the Gemini Giant, spray-painting Cadillac Ranch, swimming in Blue Hole, and watching sunset at the Santa Monica Pier.

Ready to start planning? Explore RV options at El Monte RV Rentals and check current promotions at Rental Deals. Review insurance options and additional services at Travel Extras.