How It Works
How it Works
So, you’re ready to explore the magnificent Pacific Northwest or Southern California in a fully-outfitted Vanagon from PacWesty. Cool! Here’s what you need to know.
general pricing
Some vans are special. Please check the Reservations form, as certain vans may be priced differently, based on features.
Rental period. We rent our sweet vans in 24-hr increments, commencing and ending at noon. Thus, each 24-hr period is referred to as a “night.” These are the base rental rates, per night.
Mileage allowance. Each 24-hr increment (“night”) includes 125 miles of van travel – more than enough to explore an abundance of incredible territory. For each mile in excess of 125 per night there is a $.65 per mile charge, calculated for the entire trip on a cumulative basis.
Cleaning fee. There is a vehicle cleaning fee of $65, but that’s waived on rentals of 4 nights or more.
Taxes. Applicable State and Local taxes apply (14.9% for PNW rentals and 16.5% for Southern California rentals).
locations
PNW Hub
Our office and shop are located on quaint Bainbridge Island, about 8 miles due west of Seattle. If you’re heading to the Olympic Peninsula, Bainbridge Island is the ideal spot to launch your adventure. If you have other destinations in mind, we’re happy to arrange van delivery in Seattle or elsewhere on the “mainland.” Note that Bainbridge Island is accessible via ferry from Seattle, and by driving around the southern end of Puget Sound.
Southern California Hub
Our office and shop are located in the heart of Palm Springs, a short 10-minute drive from the Palm Springs airport. This centrally located hub has many nearby attractions such as Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Salton Sea and the Coachella Valley.
mileage limits
To keep our vans sweet, we limit the maximum average miles traveled to 250 per night. For example, if you want to complete a 1,500 mile trip you would be required to book a 6 night rental.
Pnw Hub
Also, the operating area is generally limited to 500 miles from Seattle. This gets you to: the California-Oregon border (to the South), Boise (to the Southeast), Missoula (to the East), and the top of Vancouver Island (to the North). Wow!
If you’re planning a longer trip to, say, Yellowstone or California, please give us a call and we’ll work together to come up with a plan.
Southern California hub
The operating area is generally limited to 500 miles from Palm Springs. This gets you to: Utah (to the Northeast), Sonoma (to the Northwest), San Diego (to the South). Wow! Please keep in mind that the vehicles may not enter or be operated in Mexico.
If you’re planning a longer trip to, say, Yellowstone, please give us a call and we’ll work together to come up with a plan.
deposits & payment
Booking Deposit: $500 when you book.
Full Payment: Due 30 days prior to adventuring.
Security Deposit: Charged 24 hours before you pick up your van. ($1,500)
Cancellations: *(see Awesome Escape Clause).
- Cancel 60 or more days before departure and one-half (50%) of your Booking Deposit will be refunded to you.
- Cancel within 60 days of your departure and none of your Booking Deposit will be refunded to you.
- No refunds for cancellations made 30 days or less from departure.
*Awesome Escape Clause: If cancellation by Renter, 80% of non-refunded (forfeit) payments may be applied to another PacWesty rental for up to one year.
what’s included
This is kinda detailed, so please click on the inventory list. Our goal is to make your trip super-convenient and provide all the essentials you need to get rolling without hassle. In general, our vans are ready for adventure. For example, nifty cookware, utensils and cups are already on board; as is sleeping gear, chairs, towels and flashlights.
Essentials for 2 people are included in the nightly rate, and additional items can be added to your reservation for a fee. Examples include: Goal Zero portable power station and/or solar panel, rooftop luggage skybox, and bike racks. We can also assist with the renting of all sorts of outdoor items (bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, fishing gear etc.).
traveling with a Vanagon
mit Gefühl (with feeling)
Our fleet is comprised of VW Vanagons for a reason. They’re incredibly capable, fun to drive, and super comfy.
These sweet pleasure units are a wonder of engineering and innovation – yet they’re also full of whimsy and personality. They will bring you true joy; but for this relationship to flourish, you need to treat them with care. Here is some Vanagon relationship advice:
- Don’t be in a hurry
- Drive mit Gefühl (with feeling)
- Stay to the right
- Wave at other Westies to convey goodwill
(Oh, and check your van’s fluids each time you fuel up).
substitutions
We pride ourselves on keeping our machines safe, reliable, and in tip-top condition. We conduct inspections prior to every rental and complete required maintenance and repairs before any van sets off on a journey.
These are vintage vans, and from time to time we discover an irregularity that causes us to remove a machine from the programed reservation schedule. When this happens we provide renters with another van that’s just as sweet as the one originally reserved.
So, while you might start feeling a certain attachment to our family of vans (don’t worry, lots of people do!) please don’t get too set on any particular unit.
No matter which van you roll with, you’ll have a blast!
pets
We love our pets too, but since we’re committed to delivering super-clean and comfortable experiences, we only allow pets under special circumstances.
If you have a special circumstance, please contact us prior to making your reservation and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Travel with a pet requires explicit advance approval and is subject to van availabilty. Additional fees apply.
smoking
Sorry friends, smoking is not allowed in any of our sweet Westies at any time. This includes you, 420 fans… and you can’t claim you “forgot.”
security deposit
The Security Deposit is automatically charged 24 hours prior to pickup. In the unlikely event a van is damaged, the Security Deposit will be used to perform any repairs. At our discretion, Security Deposit may also be applied to the insurance deductible should there be a claim against the policy purchased as part of the rental.
required insurance
You must purchase rental insurance through our reservation partner Outdoorsy. There are a couple of options to choose from and we’d be delighted to help you decide what you need. Outdoorsy coverage is provided though Liberty Mutual and a standard deductible of $1,000 applies. We apply no mark-up to this service.
roadside assistance
For roadside assistance we require our renters to have either a AAA premier membership or purchase the 24-hour roadside assistance through Outdoorsy.
terms & conditions
Please review our rental Terms and Conditions. You must acknowledge and agree to these terms when you book your reservation.