Limited time offer: Register now to embark on a spring road trip in a brand-new RV starting at just $1 per day - Dinogo

Conventional vacation plans might still be out of reach for many Americans this spring. However, if you're looking for a unique, socially distanced getaway, you could opt to transport a brand new recreational vehicle (RV) from the factory to a rental site this season.

Even before I rented an RV for just $1 a day for the first time in 2018, I was already keeping an eye on factory relocation rental offers. After all, several RV rental companies provide significant discounts each spring for travelers willing to relocate new RVs from the factory to rental spots.

I didn’t monitor the factory relocation listings this year since I purchased a used El Monte RV to live and work in during the pandemic. However, my colleague Richard Kerr, a fellow RVer, noticed that El Monte has recently announced factory relocation rentals for this spring.

With many potential travelers searching for low-risk travel options right now, relocating an RV may be a tempting choice, even if renting an RV isn’t something you usually consider.

Today, I’ll explain everything you need to know about El Monte’s factory relocation offer. Keep in mind, these opportunities will fill up quickly. If you’re interested in relocating an RV, I recommend completing the form on El Monte’s website as soon as you can.

What exactly is an RV factory relocation rental?

I've previously discussed how to rent an RV for just $1 a day through relocation rentals. RV rental companies typically offer these rentals to shift RVs from one rental market to another based on demand. In some situations, these rentals may transport RVs needing repairs to a maintenance facility. Either way, the rental company usually sets a time limit for completing the relocation, making these rentals ideal for a quick one-way road trip.

However, factory relocation rentals provide several advantages over standard RV relocation rentals. First, you often have the flexibility to book for as many days as needed, within reason. Second, you can usually arrange factory relocations several months in advance, allowing for better trip planning. Lastly, you’ll get to drive a brand-new RV.

El Monte's factory relocation rentals

El Monte is now accepting reservations for one-way factory relocations in March. If you're interested in a factory relocation between April and June, you can fill out the form on El Monte's website. Please note that these factory relocations are available only to customers located in the U.S. due to international travel restrictions.

Typically, El Monte's factory relocation rentals begin at $9 per day. The website doesn’t specify the upper limits of the rental pricing or which relocations qualify for the $9 daily rate. However, based on previous years, it’s reasonable to assume that relocations starting in early April will be the most affordable.

If you're open to options and searching for a bargain, El Monte plans to introduce a special flash sale offering $1 per day for factory relocations soon. Feel free to submit a relocation request to join El Monte's waitlist and get updates when this sale goes live.

Routes for relocation

You can collect the RV from the factory located in Elkhart, Indiana. Alternatively, for an additional fee of $375, you can pick it up in Chicago, Illinois. If you choose the Elkhart option, you’ll probably need a rental car. However, El Monte may provide transportation from Chicago-area airports to Elkhart, depending on demand and availability.

By completing the factory relocation request form on El Monte's website, you can choose a preferred drop-off location from the following options:

• California: Los Angeles or San Francisco
• Florida: Miami or Orlando
• Nevada: Las Vegas
• New York: New York City
• Texas: Dallas
• Utah: Salt Lake City
• Washington: Seattle

It appears that El Monte needs to transport a significant number of RVs to California and Nevada, so you might consider selecting a drop-off location in one of these states.

Each factory relocation rental includes 2,500 complimentary miles, sufficient for reaching any drop-off destination. However, if you deliver your RV to California, it's essential to plan your route wisely. Should you exceed 2,500 miles, there will be a charge of $0.45 per additional mile.

Relocation Vehicles

You can specify a preferred RV length, but this is not guaranteed. All available RVs range from 22 to 30 feet in length and can accommodate up to four passengers. Specifically, you can choose from the following types of RVs available at the factory:

• Class C Small (C22)
• Class C Medium (C25)
• Class C Large (C28)
• Class C Family Sleeper (FS30)
• Class A Large (AC35, AF34)

Fortunately, every El Monte factory relocation rental includes complimentary, unlimited generator usage. This means you can power your devices, operate the air conditioning, and use the microwave even when you're not plugged into a power source.

Tips for Factory Relocation Rentals

Although I haven't participated in a factory relocation rental yet, I've considered it extensively over the past few years. Based on my planning and the two one-way RV relocation rentals I've completed, here are some tips.

Navigating the Factory Pick-Up

One of the most challenging elements of a factory relocation rental is the pick-up location. While El Monte might provide transportation from airports in the Chicago area to Elkhart, you may also need to arrange your own travel.

In any case, you might choose to rent a one-day car from a Chicago-area airport to maintain social distancing. This way, at least two adults could drive the rental car to the factory, collect the RV, and then return the rental car separately before starting their RV adventure.

Packing the RV

When booking your RV, you can opt for convenience kits that include bedding, towels, and table settings for $55 per person. Additionally, a kitchen convenience kit with pots, pans, and utensils is available for $130.

However, I suggest passing on these kits. It's often more economical to bring your own supplies or purchase what you need.

For instance, during our first relocation, my husband and I brought along sleeping bags, quick-dry camping towels, and backpacking kitchen gear. On our second relocation, we opted not to bring any supplies and instead bought everything necessary after picking up the RV.

Route Planning

Effective route planning is crucial when operating an RV. First, ensure you avoid low overpasses or tunnels that could pose a risk to the RV. Sticking to interstates and U.S. highways minimizes this issue. Focus on remaining within the 2,500 free miles provided.

Most RVs have poor fuel efficiency. For instance, our 30-foot Class C RV typically averages around 9 miles per gallon. Therefore, factor in fuel costs when mapping your route. Additionally, remember that driving an RV isn't the same as driving a car; we generally limit our speed to 65 miles per hour on the interstate. So, consider the slower driving speed when planning your daily travel distance.

When organizing our RV relocation routes, I began with the most straightforward path. Then, I checked along the route for attractions and national parks that were accessible. Depending on your journey’s length and available time, you might be able to significantly alter the direct route. However, this will increase your travel time and fuel expenses.

Campground Reservations

When it comes to reserving campsites during a relocation rental, you have two main options. One option is to book your sites in advance, which guarantees you a spot each night and helps keep you on schedule. The other option is to find sites on the day of arrival or search for a campground when you start feeling tired. This method offers more flexibility but can also lead to added stress.

You can also find free parking at certain locations, such as select Cracker Barrels, Cabela's, Walmarts, and casinos that permit overnight parking with management approval. I suggest using the RV Parky app to locate potential parking options, and then give them a call to confirm if overnight RV parking is still allowed.

Transportation Before and After the Relocation Rental

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, I would have suggested flying into and out of the closest airports at either end of your relocation. However, if you’re looking to avoid air travel during the pandemic, consider renting vehicles at both ends of your RV relocation rental. While this may increase your travel time, it can also turn into a fun road trip across the U.S.

When I search for a rental car, my go-to site is AutoSlash. Despite the general rise in rental car prices during the pandemic, I've often managed to find affordable rental options.

Conclusion

Although I currently own an RV, I still find factory relocation rentals thrilling. I've had a blast on the two relocation trips I've completed in the past. It's also possible to minimize contact with others during a factory relocation rental, so I encourage some of you to take advantage of this opportunity.

Other RV rental companies also provide spring factory relocation promotions. I highlighted El Monte in this article because it currently has the best offer available. However, don’t forget to check Cruise America, Apollo, Road Bear, transfercar, and imoova for budget-friendly relocation RV rentals.