Yes.  Current passport or "Real ID" are required, and if you're travelling to Mexico, you must purchase our Mexico Auto Liability Insurance (MALI).  Please be advised that in the unlikely event of a breakdown in Mexico, that Roadside support is not available while in Mexico. In addition, there are certain parts of Canada that do not provide assistance.

Traveling in or traversing Death Valley is not permitted in July and August. In May, June and September travel is permitted, however, customer is fully responsible for all mechanical problems and/or towing or vehicle recovery costs. Ground temperatures can reach 140º F or 60º C. During July / August clients may be required on pick up to sign and acknowledge these restrictions.

Yes, all of our vehicles are equipped with one tether anchor for a child seat. All other seats are equipped with a lap belt only.

We do not provide child seats or boosters.

Renter and all drivers must be a minimum of 21 years of age with a permanent, valid driver’s license (temporary replacement or provisional license not accepted) from country of residence and current identification. An International Driver's license translation is required if the original license doesn't have an English translation.

Traveling into Death Valley is not permitted between June 1 - September 30 due to the high heat. Traveling on any private, gravel, dirt, fire or logging road and other non-public roads, beaches, etc. is not permitted. Traveling in or through the inner cities of New York, Montreal and Quebec City (Canada) is not permitted. Traveling into Mexico is not permitted.

Travel in summer months and/or in extreme temperatures can strain motorhome systems such as roof and dash air conditioners, generator and refrigerator. We maintain our motorhome fleet to accommodate all weather conditions; however, clients should be made aware that performance of motorhome systems under extreme conditions cannot be guaranteed. Roof A/C units will only cool the interior of the motor home up to a maximum of 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature.

Winterization of the motorhome's water system is required in below-freezing temperatures to prevent damages to the water pumt, water tank, water lines, water filter, water heater and holding tanks. Damages to the plumbing system due to the lack of winterization are the renter's liability. Vehicles picked up from Denver, New York, and Seattle are always winterized between October 31th and March 31st. Depending on weather conditions this period may be longer. Vehicles out of other rental locations may be winterized as well, depending on outside temperatures. Renter can pay a fee to have the vehicle de-winterized (may not be available if local weather conditions are too severe). Vehicles picked up at locations where the vehicle is not winterized can pay a fee to have it winterized (may not be available at all locations).

No, travel through Manhattan is not permitted. In addition, you are not allowed to travel through the Holland Tunnel that connects Lower Manhattan to Hudson square.

Traveling on any private, gravel, dirt, fire or logging road and other non-public roads, beaches, etc. is not permitted.

Yes, pets are allowed in our motorhomes.  There is no charge to bring your pet, however, a cleaning fee or damage fee may be applied at return if the motorhome is brought back in unclean condition or because of the pet or any damages caused to the interior because of the pet.

Customers may provide their own bedding or rent a Personal Convenience Kit.

Yes, El Monte RV permits towing, however the following limitations apply. Please review carefully and adhere to these restrictions regarding towing. 

• Object being towed cannot weigh more than 1,500 pounds maximum. Small utility, motorcycle (capacity of 2 bikes) and single axle enclosed trailers no larger than 5ft x 8ft are usually less than 1,500 pounds.  
• Only one object may be towed at a time and the combined length of motorhome and object being towed cannot exceed 65 feet.  Towing is allowed with all unit types, except for the class B.  
• NO towing for one‐way rentals.  
• Towing fee is $25 per night.  
• Our motorhomes are equipped with a 2" x 2" square receiver and Bargman 7‐way plug. Customer will need to provide the ball & mount and plug adapter for the towed object. We neither carry nor provide the ball & mount or adapter, nor do we assist in the rental of these items.  
• IMPORTANT: El Monte RV provides no collision or liability insurance nor VIP coverage for damage to the towed object or third-party injury or damage inflicted by the towed object, under any circumstances

Yes, all our motorhomes are equipped with an air conditioner 

Yes, all of our vehicles are equipped with a generator.

To help ensure your pickup experience at our location runs smoothly, we require full payment 7 nights before your pickup date.  Payment can be made in our secure Self Check in portal. https://elmonterv.sci.thlonline.com/

To secure your booking, we require a $300 deposit/ down payment.  This goes toward the cost of your rental once the amount is paid in full. This is fully refundable if you cancel your booking within 48 hours, providing travel is more than 7 days away. If you cancel after this time, this deposit is non-refundable. If you make a reservation for pickup within 7 days, we require full payment to secure your booking.

Yes, at selected locations. Parking is $15 per night. Not every location has overnight parking for renters available, so please call-in advance to check. If you choose to leave your vehicle, it is at your own risk. We have a Vehicle Storage Agreement Form for you to fill out, so we are not liable.

All motorhomes have to be picked up and returned at the rental station. A few locations offer delivery and pick up for a fee. Please inquire with our reservations team for more information around delivery/pick up.

We recommend that the renter stores luggage in the RV (soft-sided or collapsible bags are the best since they don't take up much space). 

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate after-hours pick-ups. Renters arriving after-hours will be required to pick up their RV the next day the office is open.

(1) A current driver's license. The license must not expire during the rental period. 

Any additional drivers to be added on the contract must have their current driver's license as well and must be present at pickup.  Temporary licenses are not acceptable. No special license is required to drive our motorhomes, but a translation of your non-English license is required in addition to the original license. 

(2) A major credit card with sufficient available credit to cover the deposit, as well as any open balances.

Renters should expect to pick up the rental after 1 pm based on vehicle readiness, calling ahead to confirm your pick-up time is required. Pick up times could be different on the weekends, please contact your pick up location.

Call the pick-up location 1 to 2 days beforehand to arrange a vehicle pick-up time.

Renters must arrive at the pick-up station no less than one hour before the rental station’s official closing time.

There is no refund if client picks up later than the booked day of departure.

Renters should allow 1-2 hours after arrival for vehicle orientation and rental contract processing.

Tolls costs and payment methods vary throughout the country, some accept cash and/or credit and some toll-roads only accept charges made through prepaid accounts. We recommend that you research your travel plans in advance and prepare to pay for tolls based on the individual toll-plaza requirements.

Exception for tolls if the guest purchases Unlimited Toll Coverage at check-out. Guests are charged a flat nightly rate, and can pass through as many tolls as they need without worrying about toll recharges or administrative fees.

If you elect to purchase the Unlimited Toll Coverage at check-out, you will be charged a flat nightly rate anywhere from $5.95 - $19.95, and you will not be recharged for any tolls or toll administrative fees during your trip. If you decline Unlimited Toll Coverage, you will be recharged for any tolls incurred plus a one-time USD$50 “Toll Processing Admin Fee” in accordance with our Terms & Conditions.

The nightly rate is determined by taking the higher of the nightly rate of your pick-up or drop-off location. Generally speaking, tolls are most costly in the Northeast (e.g., NYC metro) and Southeast (e.g., Florida).

Read our Unlimited Toll Coverage overview document.

You must call the branch number 2 days before your rental to schedule a pickup time. 

Pick up times are after 1pm during weekdays and depends on location to location on weekends (contact your pickup location for weekend pick up hours). Please allow 1-2 hours for pick up procedures.

If your pick-up date is on a day where the branch closes early, you will be required to schedule a morning pick-up time.

The main renter and all additional drivers have to be present on pickup of the motorhome.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time guest, we provide a library of helpful videos and an orientation covering the most important aspects of the RV.

Our Guest Guide PDF's

These provide helpful tips like how to safely drive in any classes of our RV's, gives system information or just answers to commonly asked questions:

English: El Monte RV Class C Guest Guide

German: El Monte RV Class C Guest Guide

English: El Monte RV Class A Guest Guide

English: El Monte RV Class B Campervan Guest Guide

Our Video Walkthroughs

To change the audio language on Vimeo: Click the Settings icon (the gear icon), select Audio, then choose your preferred language from the list.

The side view mirrors need to be adjusted by hand. You will need to loosen a screw to move the mirror head, then tighten the screw to secure the mirror head. 

Tools Needed: 3/16 Hex Wrench

Our RVs have dual rear tires, meaning there is two tires on each side for the rear. 

Checking Air Pressure & Inflation Tips

• Wheel Cover: Remove the plastic cover to access the valve stems.

• Valve Stem Positions:

  • There is one valve stem for each tire.

  • Valve stems are diagonally across from each other.

  • The inner tire valve stem faces outward, toward you.

  • The outer tire valve stem faces inward, toward the RV.

• Inflator Recommendation:

  • Use an inflator with fittings on both sides of the hose to reach both valve stems.

• Tire Pressure Specs:

  • Located on the sticker in the driver-side door frame.

• Need Help?:

  • If you're unable to check or fill the tires yourself, visit a tire shop or a truck stop for assistance.

The RV has two electrical systems that power different appliances in the RV. The 12-volt system is powered by the Aux Batteries. The batteries can be charged by running your Engine, Generator, or plugging into Shoreline Power. 

Never use the Generator while you are plugged into Shoreline. 

The Aux Battery is used to start the generator, while the generator is running it will charge your batteries and power the 110-volt appliances. 

The 110-volt system is powered by the Generator or plugging into Shoreline, the 110 volt is not stored in any way. 

If the 12 Volt system is not working, make sure your Aux Battery switch is turned on by the entry door and charge the battery for at least 30 minutes, you should check the battery level every 6 hours and charge when necessary. If the 110 volt is not working, check the circuit breakers on the Generator or Shoreline connection, and in the fuse, box located on the bed frame or dinette bench frame.

The Furnace uses Propane (LPG) and the Aux Battery (12 volt) to heat the living space of the RV. The Furnace uses a lot of electricity and can drain your Aux Battery; it is important to check the battery level every 6 hours and charge when necessary. 

The Furnace will only blow air out of vents near the floor; it does not blow out from the ceiling. 

If the ceiling vents blow out air with the Furnace, then you need to set the fan to “Auto”. 

If the Furnace is blowing Cold air, then make sure you have propane and the tank valve is open. 

If the Furnace does not turn on, make sure your AUX battery is on and charged, you can also check the fuse box for a “Furnace” or “Appliance” fuse.

Smaller vehicles will have the thermostat near the bed, the top lever is used to turn the furnace on, the bottom lever is used to adjust the temperature control. The top “On/Off” lever can be hard to move so do not be afraid to push it hard to the left. 

For the furnace to be On, the lever must be straight up and down. 

For the Furnace to be Off the lever must be towards the right. You may have a different type of Thermostat with only one lever on the top. Slide to the left turns it off, and to the right adjust the temperature until the furnace turns on.

Larger Class C RVs may have a digital thermostat. Pushing mode once will take you to the fan controls, push up or down with the arrows to adjust. Pushing mode again will take you to the Furnace and Air Conditioner settings. 

If the temperature does not adjust higher than 34 degrees then push the two arrow buttons together to change it from Celsius to Fahrenheit

Motorhome Awnings extend from the Passenger side of the RV to provide protection from the weather. 

To use the RV Awning you must be parked with parking brake on, have your AUX Battery turned on, keys out of the ignition, and there will be a button by the entry door for the Awning. 

MAKE SURE THE AWNING IS CLOSED BEFORE DRIVING - KEEP THE AWNING CLOSED IN HIGH WINDS

How Does the Refrigerator Work?

The refrigerator uses the auxiliary battery to power on and operates using either propane (LPG) or 110V electricity to keep your food cold.

Refrigerator Modes & Controls

Dometic Refrigerator

• Settings

  • Gas Mode: Cools using propane.

  • Auto Mode: Switches between propane and 110V based on availability.

• Controls

  • The "Gas" button toggles between Gas and Auto modes.

    • If pressed in, the refrigerator is in Auto mode, and the "Auto" light will be on.

    • If the "Check" light is on, there may be a propane issue.

      • Ensure the propane tank is open.

      • Light the stove briefly to bleed air from the line.

      • Turn the refrigerator off and back on to reset.

Norcold Refrigerator

• Modes

  • Propane only

  • 110V only

  • Auto (switches between available sources)

• Display Icons

  • "A" = Auto mode

  • Plug icon = Using 110V

  • Liquid icon = Using propane

  • Green light = Operating properly

  • Red light = Refrigerator not cooling

    • If on 110V, check circuit breakers

    • If on gas, check propane level and tank status

    • Power cycle the refrigerator (off then back on)

• Temperature Setting

  • Snowflake icons indicate coldness setting

  • More snowflakes = colder temperature

Important Notes for Operation

• The RV must be level when parked to allow the refrigerator to function properly. Operating it on a slope can cause major damage.

• It takes about 6 hours for the refrigerator to cool down when empty. Load food only after it reaches the correct temperature.

• Don’t overfill the refrigerator—leave space between items for airflow.

• Never place hot food or drinks inside.

• Avoid opening the door unnecessarily, as this affects cooling performance.

• Many new models now use 12V power. Keep your batteries charged when dry camping.

To select a gear, pull the gear selector towards you, then move it up or down to choose the appropriate gear.

Tow Haul Feature

• The button on the end of the gear selector activates Tow Haul mode.

• Use Tow Haul only when towing a trailer behind the RV.

• It adjusts transmission settings for better towing performance.

Gear Options

There are 7 gear selections available:

• P (Park): Transmission is in neutral and the wheels are locked.

• R (Reverse): Moves the RV backward.

• N (Neutral): Engine is disengaged from the drivetrain; wheels can move freely.

• D (Drive): Automatically shifts between 1st and 4th gear and includes Overdrive (similar to 5th gear).

• 4: Shifts automatically between 1st and 4th gear—does not use Overdrive.

• 2: Limits the transmission to 2nd gear maximum.

• 1: Limits the transmission to 1st gear only.

Recommended Use

• Use gears “1” and “2” when driving up or down steep hills.

• These lower gears help slow the RV naturally, reducing the need for braking.

Fresh Water: This connection is used to fill the freshwater tank. You have to use the Water Pump to use water from the freshwater tank. 

City Water: This connection is used at the campground, city water does not fill your tank, and you must have the Water Pump OFF when using City Water

Santi Flush: This connection might not be labeled; it is used for washing the Black Waste Tank with clean water. We advise not to drink water from the freshwater tank.

GFI Outlets have a built-in circuit breaker to protect the system if too much power is used. If your outlets are not getting power and you are using Generator or Shoreline power, the outlet in the bathroom will have the reset buttons to reset all of the outlets in the RV.

There will be a “TEST” Button and a “RESET” Button at the center of the plug. 

Push “TEST” first then “RESET”. If this does not work, then you should check the circuit breakers on the generator or the campground shoreline post.

Please follow the instructions found in the glovebox. This includes getting a police report and contacting our On Road Care Team within 24 hours.

All vehicles use unleaded Gasoline only, NEVER USE DIESEL FUEL. 

Any octane 87 or higher is okay to use for the RV. Some states have 85 octanes, but this is not recommended to use.

 Remember when you return the vehicle, it must have the same Gasoline level as when you picked it up

In order to be eligible for any lost-use refund during the rental period, the renter must contact El Monte RV’s On Road Care team and start a Customer Service Log with them and must have followed all instructions, self-help tips, and/or recommendations for repairs.

In the event of a mechanical problem requiring repairs over $100 clients must call El Monte RV’s On-Road Care team for authorization.

It is recommended to stay at a campground. Information can be found here: https://www.gorving.com/get-started/find-a-campground. 

Dispersed camping is generally legal in the United States on public lands, as long as you follow certain guidelines.

Campgrounds in the United States are extremely popular vacation destinations, especially during the summer months. To ensure that you have a fun and stress-free vacation it's highly recommended that any campground reservations be made as early as possible.

The self-contained RVs and motorhomes we rent provide clean, private restroom facilities and convenient kitchen space. Those handy features, though, create the need to empty your RV’s wastewater tanks from time to time. If you’ve spent many hours in an RV, you know it’s essential to learn the locations of RV dump stations along your route.

That’s why we provide this link to a handy RV dump station locator. While we don’t control the information provided there, and so can’t guarantee it, we do know that it’s been extremely helpful to our customers.

Not only does RVdumps.com provide an online directory, by state, of dump stations, it also gives RVers great tips on dump station courtesy, proper handling of wastewater and a step-by-step guide to emptying your grey and black wastewater tanks.

If you’re completely new to RV travel, let us give you our top five facts about RV wastewater:

• The grey tank holds “soapy water”, from your kitchen sink, bathroom sink and shower.
• The black tank holds “wastewater” from your RV toilet.
• If you empty your grey tank after your black tank, it helps rinse the solid waste from your drain lines.
• Wearing rubber gloves is highly recommended when handling wastewater equipment!
• Water storage tanks must be emptied before returning the RV or you will be charged.

Since we strive to encourage RV etiquette, we urge all our renters to practice the golden rule. Nothing worse than driving up to a filthy dump station with your wastewater tanks at capacity!

Cleaning up spills, spraying down the area and following the rules for what’s allowed in the holding tanks makes life easier for everyone.  It’s an unfortunate fact that messy RVers can cause dump station operators to close down.  Let’s help keep dump stations free, safe and open by practicing common courtesy while we’re there!

We’ve provided a couple of resources for you to find RV dump sites. Be sure to visit one of these sites for a location at which to empty your tanks.

RVdumps.com

Sanidumps.com

It can make all the difference in ensuring a pleasant journey. Whether returning your unit at the end of an RV rental, or simply needing to empty your tanks, we know you’ll find this handy directory helpful.

If you elect to purchase the Unlimited Toll Coverage at check-out, you will be charged a flat nightly rate anywhere from $5.95 - $19.95, and you will not be recharged for any tolls or toll administrative fees during your trip. If you decline Unlimited Toll Coverage, you will be recharged for any tolls incurred plus a one-time USD$50 “Toll Processing Admin Fee” in accordance with our Terms & Conditions.

The nightly rate is determined by taking the higher of the nightly rate of your pick-up or drop-off location. Generally speaking, tolls are most costly in the Northeast (e.g., NYC metro) and Southeast (e.g., Florida).

Read our Unlimited Toll Coverage overview document.

Tolls costs and payment methods vary throughout the country, some accept cash and/or credit and some toll-roads only accept charges made through prepaid accounts. We recommend that you research your travel plans in advance and prepare to pay for tolls based on the individual toll-plaza requirements.

Exception for tolls if the guest purchases Unlimited Toll Coverage at check-out. Guests are charged a flat nightly rate, and can pass through as many tolls as they need without worrying about toll recharges or administrative fees.

Violations (e.g., speeding cameras, red light cameras, parking citations, etc.) will be processed and charged to contracts as received in the mail, along with a one-time violation administration fee. Unlimited Toll Coverage does not cover violations.

Yes. Please click this link for more information: 

Toll Facilities in the United States - Policy | Federal Highway Administration

Yes, however they must be present at the time of pickup and have a valid driver's license that will not expire during the length of the motorhome rental contract. Additional fee may apply at some locations.

Sorry, no unlimited mileage is available.

Motorhome rental is calculated by night, not by day, just like a hotel rental. 

Vehicle Pick-up time is in the afternoon after 1 PM based on vehicle readiness and staffing. 

The Vehicle must be returned by 10:30 AM.

You must be at least 21 years of age to rent a motorhome.

Sorry, no refund on unused miles.

Sorry, no refund for early returns or late pick up.

1. Please call our corporate reservation department at 1-888-337-2214. 

2. Make your reservation online at elmonterv.com. 

3. Call or visit your local rental office.

You can rent for 1 or 2 nights but a minimum 3-night charge (or more) will apply.

Debit cards can be used to pay for the balance due, but not for the Security Deposit

We require that all units be returned in a clean condition. Failure to do so will result in a $50 per hour cleaning fee which will be assessed upon return should the unit be unclean.

Yes, there is a $1,500 security deposit which is due at pick up. The security deposit must be paid by credit card in the primary renter’s name.

Tolls costs and payment methods vary throughout the country, some accept cash and/or credit and some toll-roads only accept charges made through prepaid accounts. We recommend that you research your travel plans in advance and prepare to pay for tolls based on the individual toll-plaza requirements.

Exception for tolls if the guest purchases Unlimited Toll Coverage at check-out. Guests are charged a flat nightly rate, and can pass through as many tolls as they need without worrying about toll recharges or administrative fees.

Visa card, Master card, Discover card or American Express can be used to pay for both the Security Deposit and for the balance due.

Stored Value/Pre-paid Cards and Gift Cards are not accepted for payment of Rental charges.

Yes, it costs 37 cents per mile traveled. When you make your booking, you can choose our 100-mile pack for $32.00. Additional miles will be charged per mile upon return.

One-way fees range from $200 to $750 depending on the drop off location.

If you are booking to travel within 30 days, we give you the option to pay in full, but no “Pay in Full” discount is offered. If you are making a booking for pickup within 7 days, full payment is required to secure your reservation.

If you make a booking for travel more than 30 days in the future, we are pleased to offer you a 2.5% discount on the value of the booking when you choose to pay the full value of your booking.  Please note, this discount only applies to products added at time of the initial booking.

We require a $300 deposit, or down payment to secure your reservation.   This goes toward the cost of your reservation when full payment is made. 

When you pick up your rental RV, we take an authorization from your credit card of $1500 to cover any damages that may occur while the vehicle is in your care.  

This is usually not a charge to your credit card, and the funds will not be taken from your card unless damages actually do occur.

To help ensure your pickup experience at our location runs smoothly, we require full payment 7 nights before your pickup date.  Payment can be made in our secure Self Check in portal. https://elmonterv.sci.thlonline.com/

To secure your booking, we require a $300 deposit/ down payment.  This goes toward the cost of your rental once the amount is paid in full. This is fully refundable if you cancel your booking within 48 hours, providing travel is more than 7 days away. If you cancel after this time, this deposit is non-refundable. If you make a reservation for pickup within 7 days, we require full payment to secure your booking.

RLI is Primary Third-Party Liability Insurance up to the required financial responsibility limits. So, if the renter accidentally damages someone else's property or injures someone with the motorhome, then the renter is protected from the claim up to the state minimums of whatever state the accident occurs in.

Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) starts where Primary Third-Party Liability Insurance ends. SLI is Additional Third-Party Liability Insurance which increases the protection against Third Party Liability claims up to $500,000 once the state minimums have been met. So, if the renter accidentally damages someone else's property or injures someone with the motorhome, then the renter is protected from the claim up to five-hundred-thousand USD.

VIP Coverage reduces the Deductible to $1,500 Per Occurrence of accidental damage to the motorhome (conditions and exclusions apply). If new damage occurs during the rental period, then the renter would be responsible to pay up to $1,500. Without VIP the renter would be responsible to pay the full cost of repair and down-time until unit is repaired.

The optional VIP Plus Upgrade is not mandatory. VIP Plus reduces the Renter’s financial responsibility for covered physical damage (exclusions apply) to the Rental Vehicle to $0.VIP Plus Upgrade is not an insurance and only reduces the financial responsibility of the renter if the rented vehicle is damaged or stolen.

Yes, you may make changes to your reservation during the course of your trip. Please be aware that changes may require the purchase of additional miles should you be travelling to a further destination. Please arrange any changes to your trip with one of our Customer Service Agents as early as possible.

Yes, you may make changes to your RV type based on availability. Please be aware that any changes to your reservation may result in additional costs. Please confirm your changes with a Customer Service Agent.

Bookings made and cancelled within 48 hours free of charge, providing the intended travel is more than 7 days away. In other circumstances, the reservation deposit/ downpayment is not refundable in the event of cancellation. 

Please contact our Reservations department if you want to extend your rental to see if this is possible based on availability. There is no refund on unused rental nights if you return the RV early.