Death Valley /Las Vegas 4x4 Rental
Dec 17th, 2006 | 12:08 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Death Valley /Las Vegas 4x4 Rental
Does anyone know if any rental car companies will rent a 4x4 for use on unpaved roads in Death Valley? We've reserved an SUV, but the contract does not allow use on unpaved roads. Additionally, I have my doubts it's actually 4WD since the reservation does not explicitly state it is a 4WD. The customer service rep said it must be 4WD since it is a Trail Blazer, but they make those in 2 and 4WD so I am skeptical. Most guidebooks recommend a 4x4 to drive on the unpaved roads to the trail heads for back country hiking.
Dec 18th, 2006 | 10:35 AM
#3
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,754
Likes: 0
Hi On,
The regular car rental agencies will not allow off roading. You should look for a company on the web that does 4x4 tours of Death Valley. They would probably be able to refer you to a 4x4 rental company, if there are any.
I have driven 4x4 in Death Valley with a group. If I had not been with a group, I would have been in trouble. My car battery broke (didn't know that was possible) and I had to be towed into the nearest town, which had no car parts stores. Had to get a ride the next day with someone to drive a hour to where I could buy one!
What time of year are you going? Do you regularly hike in the desert? Do you own your own 4x4 and go out regularly? You really, really, need to know what you are doing and go prepared regardless of time of year.
Otherwise, it might be best to go with a tour company.
The regular car rental agencies will not allow off roading. You should look for a company on the web that does 4x4 tours of Death Valley. They would probably be able to refer you to a 4x4 rental company, if there are any.
I have driven 4x4 in Death Valley with a group. If I had not been with a group, I would have been in trouble. My car battery broke (didn't know that was possible) and I had to be towed into the nearest town, which had no car parts stores. Had to get a ride the next day with someone to drive a hour to where I could buy one!
What time of year are you going? Do you regularly hike in the desert? Do you own your own 4x4 and go out regularly? You really, really, need to know what you are doing and go prepared regardless of time of year.
Otherwise, it might be best to go with a tour company.
Dec 18th, 2006 | 01:55 PM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Which roads and trailheads specifically are you talking about?
Unless you're spending your entire vacation in Death Valley, it might turn out to be cheaper to rent a car for the whole trip, and just rent an SUV when you really need it. Granted, you'd be paying for 2 vehicles for a time, but if it's just for a couple days that might be less than an SUV for the entire time.
Unless you're spending your entire vacation in Death Valley, it might turn out to be cheaper to rent a car for the whole trip, and just rent an SUV when you really need it. Granted, you'd be paying for 2 vehicles for a time, but if it's just for a couple days that might be less than an SUV for the entire time.
Dec 18th, 2006 | 01:58 PM
#5
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 75,081
Likes: 50
As Dayle says, can't be done w/ any of the mainstream rental agencies -- and likely not by rental car at all. What time of year are you going? Have you been to DV before? You probably need to stick to pavement and forget getting off road in DVNM.
Or as he says - join a tour.
Or as he says - join a tour.
