Route 66 stretches 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, crossing eight states and countless chapters of American history. Whether you're planning your first RV adventure or you're a seasoned road-tripper, this guide answers the most common questions travelers ask about conquering the Mother Road.

Which RV Class Works Best?

Class C motorhomes provide the ideal balance for Route 66. These mid-sized RVs offer comfort and maneuverability, making them perfect for navigating small-town streets, vintage parking lots, and mountain passes while sleeping 4-6 people comfortably. 

Class A motorhomes deliver maximum space and luxury for families prioritizing comfort. However, tight turns in towns like Oatman and Seligman require extra caution with larger rigs. 

Class B campervans excel in fuel efficiency and easy parking. Perfect for couples seeking a compact, nimble option with all essential amenities. 

Explore all options at El Monte RV Rentals to find your perfect match. 

Essential RV Features

Air conditioning is non-negotiable for desert sections exceeding 100°F. Unlimited generator use (included free with every El Monte RV rental) powers climate control and appliances anywhere. Backup cameras help navigate tight vintage spaces, and full kitchens provide meal flexibility in remote areas. 

How Many Days Do You Need?

Seven days works for an express trip, hitting major highlights (250-350 miles daily). 

Ten days provides the sweet spot: 245 miles daily with time for museums, photos, and leisurely exploration. 

Fourteen days allows profound discovery with shorter drives, perfect for families wanting a relaxed pace. 

Twenty-one days offer the ultimate Route 66 experience. With daily drives averaging just 115-150 miles, you'll have time to explore side trips to the Grand Canyon, Santa Fe, and countless hidden gems. This leisurely pace allows for rest days, extended visits to national parks, multiple nights in favorite towns, and genuine connections with locals who keep the Route 66 spirit alive. 

Spring (April-May): Ideal temperatures, wildflowers blooming, manageable crowds. 

Fall (September-October): Route 66's finest season with comfortable weather, spectacular light, and better campground availability. 

Summer (June-August): Peak season with long daylight but extreme desert heat (100°F+). Book campgrounds 2-3 months ahead. 

Winter (November-March): Lowest rates and minimal crowds, but expect possible snow in Flagstaff and reduced attraction hours. 

Elevation Changes

Route 66 climbs from sea level to 7,000+ feet in Flagstaff. Engine performance decreases at altitude, so allow extra time for mountain passes and use lower gears on descents. Pack layers: temperature differences can reach 40°F between locations just hours apart. 

Historic Road Conditions

Original Route 66 pavement may include potholes and rough surfaces. Drive slowly to protect your RV and secure loose items. Narrow lanes built for 1930s vehicles require extra caution. Class A motorhomes over 35 feet should bypass the steep Oatman route via Interstate 40. 

Limited Services in Remote Areas

Fill up at half a tank: many small-town stations are closed or abandoned. Stock groceries in major cities: Chicago, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff. Download offline maps before entering areas with no cell service. Carry the EZ66 Guide for backup navigation. 

Start Early

Begin driving by 7:00-8:00 AM to beat the desert heat, enjoy attractions with smaller crowds, and arrive at campgrounds by mid-afternoon for better site selection. 

Optimal Daily Distance

Keep drives between 200 and 300 miles for the best experience. This allows for 4-5 hours of driving, including stops for fuel, photos, and attractions, without exhaustion. 

For twenty-one-day trips, limit daily drives to 100-150 miles. This ultra-relaxed pace eliminates rushing and lets you truly absorb each town's character. 

Weather Gear

• Layered clothing for 40°F+ temperature swings
• Sunscreen (SPF 30+), hats, and sunglasses
• Light rain jacket for Midwest storms

RV Supplies

• Leveling blocks for uneven campground sites
• Water hose and electrical adapters
• Camping chairs and an outdoor table

Safety Items

• First aid kit
• Flashlights/headlamps
• Printed maps (EZ66 Guide)

All El Monte RV rentals include 24/7 roadside assistance for peace of mind. 

KOA campgrounds ($50-75/night) offer consistent quality with full hookups and amenities. Book 2-3 months ahead for summer travel near popular areas. 

State parks ($25-45/night) provide excellent value with natural beauty and Route 66 proximity. 

Independent campgrounds offer character and local flavor. Check reviews first, as facilities vary. 

Reserve ahead for summer and holidays. Spring and fall allow more first-come flexibility: arrive between 2:00 and 3:00 PM for best availability. 

10-Day Route 66 Budget Estimate

Fuel: $800-$1,200 (2,700-3,000 total miles at 8-12 MPG) 

Campgrounds: $315-$675 (9 nights at $35-75/night) 

Food: $150-$800 per person (depending on cooking vs. dining out) 

Attractions: $100-$200 total (most roadside stops are free) 

21-Day Route 66 Budget Estimate

Fuel: $900-$1,400 (3,000-3,500 total miles including side trips at 8-12 MPG) 

Campgrounds: $700-$1,500 (20 nights at $35-75/night) 

Food: $315-$1,680 per person (depending on cooking vs. dining out) 

Attractions: $200-$400 total (includes Grand Canyon, extended museum visits, and exceptional experiences) 

Mileage packages available through Travel Extras. Monthly rentals include up to 1,500 miles, making them ideal for extended Route 66 adventures. 

Can I drive the entire original Route 66? 

Approximately 85% remains drivable. Some sections were destroyed or exist on private property, but brown "Historic Route 66" signs mark preserved portions.

Is Route 66 safe for RVs? 

Yes, with planning. Most roads accommodate all RV sizes, though Oatman's steep switchbacks challenge large Class A motorhomes. 

East to west or west to east? 

Most prefer west-bound (Chicago to Santa Monica) for the "chasing sunset" experience and Pacific Ocean finale. Both directions work equally well practically. 

Suitable for families with kids? 

Absolutely. Giant statues, quirky museums, and constant variety engage children naturally. RV flexibility accommodates nap times and energy levels perfectly. 

Do I need special permits? 

No. A standard US driver's license is sufficient for all El Monte RV classes. 

Is 21 days too long for Route 66? 

Not at all. Twenty-one days allows you to add significant detours like the Grand Canyon, Santa Fe, and extended time in favorite locations. You'll average only 115-150 miles daily, leaving afternoons free for hiking, photography, or simply relaxing. This pace particularly suits retirees, digital nomads, and families homeschooling on the road. 

Illinois

• Lou Mitchell's Restaurant (Chicago) - Legendary breakfast since 1923
• Gemini Giant (Wilmington) - 28-foot fiberglass spaceman
• Cozy Dog Drive In (Springfield) - Original corn dog

Missouri

• Chain of Rocks Bridge - Mile-long span with 22-degree bend
• Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (St. Louis) - Famous "concrete" dessert
• Cuba Murals - Dozen+ massive Route 66 paintings

Oklahoma

• Blue Whale of Catoosa - Beloved concrete landmark
• POPS (Arcadia) - 66-foot soda bottle, 700+ varieties
• Oklahoma Route 66 Museum (Clinton) - Excellent exhibits

Texas

• Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo) - Spray-paint your mark on buried Cadillacs
• Midpoint Café (Adrian) - Geographic center, "Ugly Crust" pie

New Mexico

• Blue Swallow Motel (Tucumcari) - Classic neon icon
• Albuquerque Old Town - Spanish colonial heritage
• Petrified Forest National Park - Ancient petrified wood and Painted Desert
• El Malpais National Monument - Volcanic badlands with lava flows

Arizona

• Wigwam Motel (Holbrook) - Sleep in concrete teepees
• Oatman - Wild burros roaming historic mining town
• Historic Route 66 Association (Seligman) - Route 66 preservation birthplace
• Grand Canyon South Rim - 60 miles north of Williams (perfect for 21-day trips)

California

• Santa Monica Pier - Official "End of the Trail"

Schedule RV pickup the day before departure to familiarize yourself with systems, load correctly, and test drive. El Monte RV provides a comprehensive orientation. 

Download these apps before losing cell service: 

• GasBuddy - Cheap fuel finder
• All Stays Camp & RV - Campground locator
• Roadtrippers - Route planning

Missouri: Kansas City-style barbecue and ribs 

Oklahoma: Onion burgers and chicken-fried steak 

Texas: Massive steaks and authentic Tex-Mex 

New Mexico: Red or green chile on everything: enchiladas, burgers, breakfast burritos 

Vintage diners with original neon signs provide an authentic Route 66 atmosphere and menus unchanged since the 1950s. 

Route 66 delivers stunning landscapes, quirky attractions, friendly towns, and pure freedom. Traveling in an El Monte RV ensures comfort and flexibility to explore at your own pace. 

The Mother Road rewards planning but embraces spontaneity. Let the road surprise you with discoveries, conversations, and lifelong memories. 

Explore RV options and current promotions at El Monte RV Rentals. Additional miles and travel extras are available through Travel Extras. 

Your Route 66 adventure starts now. The road is waiting.