El Monte RV is a nationwide motorhome rental company with locations in most U.S. states
El Monte RV rents Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes through a network of branches across the country. You reserve online or by phone, pick up your motorhome at a branch location, and return it to the same location when your trip ends. The company handles insurance, roadside information, and basic maintenance during your rental period — you pay a daily rate plus mileage, fuel, and optional add-ons.
Unlike some RV rental companies that operate through third-party owners, El Monte owns and maintains its own fleet. This means the motorhomes you rent are company property, and the rental agreement is directly between you and El Monte, not through a peer-to-peer platform.
Key Takeaways
- El Monte charges a daily rental rate plus mileage fees (typically 30 to 40 cents per mile) and requires you to pay for fuel when you return the motorhome.
- You must be at least 25 years old with a valid driver's license and a major credit card to rent; drivers under 30 may pay an additional young driver fee.
- Damage waivers and roadside information are optional add-ons that reduce your out-of-pocket cost if something goes wrong during your trip.
- Pickup and return happen at the same physical location, and late returns incur hourly charges that can add significantly to your bill.
- Reservation cancellations made more than 14 days before your pickup date typically receive a refund, but closer cancellations may forfeit the deposit.
Daily rates, mileage, and fuel costs
El Monte's daily rental rates vary by motorhome class, location, and season. Class B motorhomes (the smallest) cost less per day than Class A models (the largest). Peak season (summer and holidays) costs more than off-season travel. You can see the specific rate for your dates and location when you search on their website.
Mileage is charged separately at a per-mile rate that varies by motorhome class — typically 30 to 40 cents per mile. A 1,000-mile trip in a Class C motorhome could add $300 to $400 to your bill. Unlimited mileage packages are sometimes available for longer rentals; ask when you reserve.
You return the motorhome with a full tank of fuel. If the tank is not full, El Monte charges you for the missing fuel at a rate higher than retail gas prices. Refueling the motorhome yourself before return costs less than letting El Monte fill it.
Age requirements and driver restrictions
You must be at least 25 years old with a valid driver's license to rent from El Monte. If you are between 25 and 29 years old, El Monte charges a young driver fee (typically $15 to $25 per day) on top of the daily rental rate. Drivers 30 and older do not pay this fee.
Your driver's license must be valid for the entire rental period. An international driver's permit is accepted if your license is from outside the United States, but you will also need a passport or other government-issued ID.
Damage waivers and what happens if something breaks
El Monte's standard rental agreement holds you responsible for damage to the motorhome. A damage waiver (also called a collision damage waiver or CDW) reduces your liability if the motorhome is damaged during your rental. With a waiver, you typically pay a smaller deductible (often $1,000 to $2,500) instead of the full repair cost. Without a waiver, you pay for all damage except what insurance covers.
Damage waivers are optional and cost extra per day. The cost varies by motorhome class and location. You decide whether to purchase one when you make your reservation or at pickup.
Normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, small dents, or worn tires from regular use — is usually not charged. Damage from accidents, collisions, or misuse is your responsibility. If you cause damage, El Monte will document it, obtain repair estimates, and bill you or your waiver deductible.
Roadside information and what is covered
El Monte includes basic roadside information with every rental at no extra charge. This covers towing to the nearest El Monte service location if the motorhome breaks down, and emergency repairs at that location. If you break down far from a service center, towing costs beyond the first tow may be your responsibility.
Optional roadside information packages expand coverage — for example, covering fuel delivery, lockout service, or towing to a location of your choice rather than the nearest El Monte branch. These are add-ons you can purchase when you reserve or at pickup.
Your personal auto insurance or credit card may also cover roadside information for rental vehicles. Check your policy before you rent to avoid paying for duplicate coverage.
Reservation, cancellation, and late return policies
You reserve online at elmontervcom or by calling their reservations line. A deposit (usually a percentage of the total rental cost) is charged to your credit card when you book. The remaining balance is due at pickup.
Cancellations made 14 or more days before your pickup date typically receive a full refund of your deposit. Cancellations within 14 days of pickup may forfeit the deposit. The exact cancellation policy depends on the rate you booked — some promotional rates have stricter cancellation terms. Review the cancellation policy for your specific reservation before you confirm.
If you return the motorhome late, El Monte charges an hourly rate (typically $50 to $75 per hour) for each hour past your scheduled return time. A two-hour late return could add $100 to $150 to your bill. Plan your return time carefully and notify El Monte if you know you will be late.
Insurance and what your credit card or auto policy covers
El Monte's damage waiver is not the same as insurance. It is a liability reduction offered by the rental company. Your personal auto insurance or credit card rental car coverage may cover damage to a rented motorhome, depending on your policy.
Before you rent, contact your auto insurance company and ask whether your policy covers motorhome rentals and what the deductible is. Some credit cards (particularly premium travel cards) include rental car damage coverage. If your existing coverage applies, you may not need to purchase El Monte's damage waiver.
If you have no coverage through insurance or credit card, purchasing El Monte's damage waiver protects you from large repair bills. Compare the cost of the waiver against the deductible you would pay if damage occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent an El Monte motorhome one-way, or do I have to return it to the same location?
El Monte requires same-location pickup and return. You cannot rent in one city and return in another. Plan your trip so you return to the branch where you picked up the motorhome.
What happens if I run out of fuel or get a flat tire during my trip?
Basic roadside information covers towing to the nearest El Monte service location and emergency repairs there. If you get a flat tire, call El Monte's roadside number (provided in your rental documents) and they will dispatch help. Fuel delivery is not included in basic information but may be available as an add-on.
Do I need a special license to drive a motorhome?
Most states do not require a special license for Class B or Class C motorhomes. Class A motorhomes may require a commercial driver's license (CDL) in some states depending on the gross vehicle weight rating. Check your state's requirements before you rent, and ask El Monte whether the specific motorhome you are renting requires a CDL.
Can someone else drive the motorhome if I am the person who rented it?
Additional drivers can be added to your rental agreement, usually for a fee per driver per day. All drivers must meet the age and license requirements. Register any additional drivers when you make your reservation or at pickup.
What if I need to extend my rental after I pick up the motorhome?
Contact El Monte as soon as you know you need extra days. Extensions are subject to availability and may be charged at a different daily rate than your original reservation. Call the branch where you rented or El Monte's customer service line to request an extension.