Frequently Asked Questions

The complete Route 66 journey takes 7-21 days depending on pace. Seven days is tight; 10 days balances highlights and flexibility; 14 days allows deeper exploration; 21 days offers the most immersive experience.

Spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer has full attraction hours but high desert heat and busy campgrounds. Winter has lower rates and fewer crowds but possible snow/ice and reduced attraction hours.

Yes. Route 66 works in both directions. Many prefer westbound from Chicago to Santa Monica, while eastbound travelers may enjoy tailwinds and dramatic landscapes first.

Reserve in advance for summer, holiday weekends, and popular areas. Shoulder seasons can allow more flexibility. Winter rarely requires reservations except near warm-weather destinations.

Route 66 is excellent for families with children of all ages. 

The journey naturally engages children through constant variety: giant roadside statues, quirky museums, swimming holes, vintage diners, and ever-changing landscapes prevent boredom that might occur on monotonous interstate highways. 

RV travel eliminates hotel check-in stress and allows flexible scheduling around nap times, mealtimes, and energy levels. Children can nap while you drive, play games at the dinette, or watch scenery from comfortable seats. 

Shorter driving days (200-300 miles) with frequent stops suit children's attention spans better than marathon highway drives. The 10-day or 14-day pace works particularly well for families. 

Interactive attractions like spray-painting Cadillac Ranch, feeding wild burros in Oatman, exploring caves at Meramec Caverns, and playing at campground pools create memorable experiences. 

Educational opportunities abound: American history, geography, geology (Petrified Forest), cultural diversity, and local crafts provide learning disguised as adventure. 

Comfortable capacity depends on RV class and your group's expectations: 

Class B campervans sleep 2-3 people comfortably. Perfect for couples or solo travelers with one companion. 

Class C motorhomes accommodate 4-6 people with sleeping areas including the over-cab bunk, dinette conversion, and rear bedroom. Ideal for families or small friend groups. 

Class A motorhomes sleep 6-8 people in multiple sleeping zones with greater living space for daytime activities. This is best for larger families or groups prioritizing space and comfort. 

Consider that sleeping capacity differs from comfortable living capacity. While an RV might sleep six people, spending days together in limited space requires patience and good humor. Groups should realistically assess their tolerance for close quarters. 

Yes, Route 66 suits senior travelers exceptionally well, particularly with proper planning. 

RV travel eliminates hotel loading and unloading every night. Your belongings stay organized in one place throughout the journey. 

Climate control ensures comfort regardless of outside temperatures. Air conditioning battles desert heat while heating handles cool mountain mornings. 

The 14-day or 21-day pace allows shorter daily drives (140-175 miles for 14 days, 115-150 miles for 21 days) with ample rest time. There's no pressure to rush through attractions or drive exhausting distances. 

Campground amenities at KOA locations provide clean bathrooms, laundry facilities, swimming pools, and social opportunities with fellow travelers. 

Accessible attractions characterize most Route 66 stops. Many roadside attractions, museums, and vintage sites offer easy walking with minimal stairs or rugged terrain. 

All El Monte RV rentals include 24/7 roadside assistance, ensuring help is always available if needed. 

Try deep-dish pizza and corn dogs in Illinois; Kansas City barbecue, St. Louis ribs, and frozen custard in Missouri; onion burgers and chicken-fried steak in Oklahoma; steaks and Tex-Mex in Texas; red/green chile and sopapillas in New Mexico; Southwestern flavors and fry bread in Arizona; seafood and California-style Mexican food in California.

A mix works best. Cook breakfast in the RV, eat lunch at iconic Route 66 diners, prepare dinner at campgrounds several nights per week, and splurge on special regional dinners. Stock groceries in larger cities.

Cell service varies. Major cities have excellent coverage; small towns generally have adequate service; remote desert sections may have no service for 30-60 miles. Download offline maps.

Conditions vary across 2,448 miles. Modern highway sections are generally good. Historic alignments may have old pavement, potholes, cracks, narrow lanes, and steep grades. Secure loose items and drive cautiously.

Yes, with proper planning. Most sections accommodate Class A, Class B, and Class C RVs. Large Class A drivers should consider bypassing the steep, tight route through Oatman, Arizona.

You can drive approximately 85% of the original Route 66 alignment. Some sections were destroyed or are on private property, but most remains drivable using Historic Route 66 signs and guidebooks.

RV fuel economy varies by class, driving conditions, and loaded weight: 

Class A motorhomes: 8-10 MPG on highways, less in stop-and-go traffic or mountain driving 

Class C motorhomes: 10-12 MPG on highways, slightly less in challenging conditions 

Class B campervans: 14-18 MPG on highways, the most fuel-efficient option 

Headwinds, mountain grades, air conditioning use, and stop-and-go driving all reduce fuel economy. Budget conservatively using the lower end of these ranges. 

For Route 66's 2,448 miles plus side trips and backtracking, expect to travel 2,700-3,500 total miles depending on your itinerary and detours. 

Total costs vary significantly based on trip duration, RV class, group size, and dining preferences. 

10-Day Route 66 Budget Estimate (per person):

• RV rental (share cost among travelers)
• Fuel: $800-$1,200 total (2,700-3,000 milesat 8-12 MPG)
• Campgrounds: $315-$675 total (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)

Total per person: Approximately $2,000-$4,000, depending on choices 

21-Day Route 66 Budget Estimate (per person):

• RV rental (share cost among travelers)
• Fuel: $900-$1,400 total (3,000-3,500 milesincluding side trips)
• Campgrounds: $700-$1,500 total (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 and extended visits)

Total per person: Approximately $3,000-$6,000, depending on choices 

These estimates exclude RV rental costs, which vary by class and season. 

Learn through museums such as the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum and Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, local town museums, Historic Route 66 Association, state Route 66 associations, books like The Grapes of Wrath and Route 66: The Mother Road, EZ66 Guide, documentaries, and local visitor centers.

Several strategies reduce Route 66 costs without sacrificing experience: 

Travel during shoulder seasons (spring or fall) when campground rates drop and fuel demand decreases. Avoid peak summer pricing. 

Cook most meals in your RV rather than dining out three times daily. Stock up on groceries in major cities where prices are lower and selection is better. 

Book longer rentals to take advantage of weekly or monthly rates that offer better per-day value. 

Check for promotions at Rental Deals before booking. El Monte RV frequently offers special rates for bookings or specific travel periods. 

Use GasBuddy to find the cheapest fuel prices along your route. Price differences of 20-30 cents per gallon add up over 3,000 miles. 

Choose state park campgrounds over private RV parks when possible. State parks typically charge $25-45 per night versus $50-75 at private facilities. 

Focus on free attractions. Most iconic Route 66 roadside attractions (Cadillac Ranch, Blue Whale, Gemini Giant, vintage motels) charge nothing for photos and visits. 

Useful resources include Roadtrippers, Google Maps offline downloads, EZ66 Guidebook, GasBuddy, AllStays Camp & RV, Weather.com/Weather Underground, Route 66 Facebook groups, and the Historic Route 66 Association.

Route 66 delivers everything a great American road trip promises: stunning landscapes, quirky attractions, friendly towns, and pure freedom. Traveling in an RV from El Monte RV ensures comfort and flexibility to explore at your own pace. 

Explore available RV options, check current promotions at El Monte RV Rentals, and review special offers at Rental Deals. 

Additional miles, insurance options, and Travel Extras like kitchen kits, linens, and camping equipment customize your rental to match your needs perfectly. 

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

Must-see attractions include Lou Mitchell’s, Gemini Giant, Chain of Rocks Bridge, Ted Drewes, Blue Whale of Catoosa, POPS, Cadillac Ranch, Midpoint Café, Blue Swallow Motel, Petrified Forest National Park, Wigwam Motel, Oatman, and Santa Monica Pier.

Top photo opportunities include Cadillac Ranch, Wigwam Motel, vintage neon signs, Gemini Giant, Blue Whale of Catoosa, POPS, Petrified Forest/Painted Desert, Chain of Rocks Bridge, Blue Swallow Motel, Cuba murals, and Art Deco districts.

The South Rim is about 60 miles north of Williams, Arizona. It may be too much for 7-day trips, possible for 10-day trips, highly recommended for 14-day trips, and essential for 21-day trips.

Most iconic roadside attractions are free, including Cadillac Ranch, Blue Whale of Catoosa, Gemini Giant, neon motel signs, murals, and historic buildings. Paid attractions include national parks, caves, museums, and dining.

Yes, with standard precautions. Stay in established campgrounds, share your itinerary, keep your phone charged, carry a backup battery, trust your instincts, and join Route 66 communities for updates.

All El Monte RV rentals include 24/7 roadside assistance. Pull safely off the road, call the roadside assistance number, provide location and RV details, follow coordinator instructions, and wait safely. In remote no-service areas, drive to signal before calling if possible.

The best RV class depends on your group size, comfort priorities, and driving confidence. 

Class C motorhomes provide the ideal balance for most Route 66 travelers. These mid-sized RVs (typically 25-32 feet) offer comfortable sleeping for 4-6 people while remaining maneuverable through small-town streets, vintage parking lots, and mountain passes. Class C RVs include full kitchens, bathrooms, and over-cab sleeping areas. 

Class A motorhomes deliver maximum space and luxury for families or groups prioritizing comfort. With spacious living areas, multiple sleeping zones, and premium amenities, Class A RVs create a true home-on-wheels. However, their larger size (typically 32-40 feet) requires extra caution on tight turns and narrow historic sections. 

Class B campervans excel in fuel efficiency and easy parking. Perfect for couples or solo travelers seeking a compact, nimble option, Class B vans provide essential amenities (sleeping area, small kitchen, bathroom) while achieving the best fuel economy and most effortless urban navigation. 

Several features transform a Route 66 trip from challenging to comfortable: 

Air conditioning is non-negotiable. Desert sections through Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona regularly exceed 100°F during the summer months. All El Monte RV rentals include air conditioning systems capable of handling extreme heat. 

Unlimited generator use powers your RV's climate control, appliances, and electronics anywhere, regardless of campground hookups. Every El Monte RV rental includes unlimited free generator usage at no additional charge. 

Backup cameras help navigate tight vintage parking lots and small-town streets where Route 66 attractions were built decades before RVs existed. 

Full kitchen facilities allow meal preparation on your schedule. Rural Route 66 sometimes offers limited dining options, making self-sufficiency valuable. Cooking in your RV also saves money compared to eating at restaurants three times daily. 

Adequate fresh water and waste tank capacity ensure comfort between campground stops, particularly if you plan any dry camping at vintage motels or parking areas.

RV rental costs vary based on vehicle class, rental duration, and travel season. 

Weekly and monthly rental rates provide better per-day value than daily rentals. Monthly rentals include up to 1,500 miles, making them ideal for extended Route 66 adventures with additional exploration. 

Additional mileage packages, insurance options, and Travel Extras like kitchen kits, linens, and camping equipment are available to customize your rental. 

Check current rates and promotions at El Monte RV Rentals and Rental Deals for the most up-to-date information. 

No special license is required for any RV class offered by El Monte RV. 

A standard driver's license valid in the United States is sufficient for operating Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes. No commercial driver's license (CDL) is necessary. 

If you're an international traveler, check whether your country participates in the International Driving Permit (IDP) program. Some rental companies accept IDPs along with your home country's license, though requirements vary by state. 

For heat, drive early, use A/C, hydrate, avoid peak-hour hiking, and park in shade. For storms, monitor forecasts, avoid driving in intense storms, stay inside during lightning, and lower antenna/jacks in high wind. For snow/ice, check road conditions, slow down, increase following distance, delay travel if needed, and carry chains if required.