Adventure seekers: what’s your go-to car rental for exploring remote spots?
Posted by LeftyOne22@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 7 comments
I’m planning a trip to some remote trails and need a reliable car that can handle rough roads. I’ve looked at Turo and noticed some 4x4s and rugged SUVs are available from individual owners. What do people usually rent for off-road adventures? Is it better to get something big and capable like a Jeep, or smaller but nimble? Also, did hosts provide guidance on picking the right car or insurance? I want a balance of performance, comfort, and safety. Hearing about what others have rented for similar trips would be really helpful - what worked, what didn’t, and what made the trip more fun.
Thanks!
211logos@reddit
Most rental companies forbid offroading, including Turo. You can get the LDW insurance, and hope that covers you, but it's a risk.
I'd look at Outdoorsy instead. They rent rigs like the ones people drive here. For example near SLC: https://www.outdoorsy.com/rv-rental/salt-lake-city_ut/2024_adventurer_scout-yoho_400555-listing?address=salt%20lake%20city&filter%5Brenter_age%5D=25&filter%5Btype%5D=b%2Ctruck-camper%2Ccamper-van%2Cother&renter_age=25&result_number=4&sleeps%5Badults%5D=2
Shmokesshweed@reddit
Taking a vehicle from Turo off-road is against the terms of service.
LeftyOne22@reddit (OP)
thank you for the answer
spirosand@reddit
You really can't go wrong with a jeep wrangler. Be sure to get insurance that covers of road. Their only problem is fragility in the modern ones, but that's not an issue if you rent. Even an Enterprise jeep rental will get you anywhere you want to go.
LeftyOne22@reddit (OP)
Thanks a lot for rec!
ninjawinch@reddit
Caveat: this is US-specific advice.
As a wrangler owner I'm going to disagree with the above statement, and I can't say I'd want to rent one that's been driven by who knows how many ninnies offroad. Nor would I take one with normal car rental company tires on anything beyond a well groomed dirt or gravel road.
In the US, outside of specific tourist destinations with companies that specialize in offroad rentals (Moab, etc) and companies that specialize in renting AWD van conversions for long trips, people don't rent for offroad adventure. The companies aren't prepared for it, their vehicles aren't prepared for it, and the renters largely aren't prepared for it.
Think about it. Is your rental going to have legit recovery equipment, tools, and spares? A compressor? If you have them - first, why, without a 4x4, and secondly how are you going to get them to it?
The whole scene of renting vehicles from individuals is pretty new, and for the potential expense involved if something went sideways it's hard to see why you'd do that instead of just buying a cheap vehicle and fixing it up. Specifically because if you are taking an unfamiliar vehicle somewhere alone, you'd better be able to fix one up already.
What type of vehicle you're talking about is the smallest part of the equation. It's about what you know how to do with it, and how you're doing it.
If you don't own a vehicle and absolutely had to get to some remote place, with one vehicle, Because Reasons...
- Be realistic about the durability and capability of highway tires. Err on the side of caution until you have more experience.
- You'd better know how to drive offroad, do repairs, and generally Not Die in remote places.
- Bring the right minimum tools/recovery/repair items. Skills can absolutely substitute equipment but if you have to ask then you should think carefully
- Be prepared to stay out there for as long as it may take for someone to find you and then some, whatever that means for the environment and climate. Sleeping bag, clothes, food, water.
- Bring a SPOT or InReach
Don't end up like the Death Valley Germans, or any number of lesser bad outcomes.
CW-Eight@reddit
Umm, which country?