El Monte RV Review

Pros and Cons

How El Monte RV Works

El Monte operates like a traditional car rental company. You book online, select your vehicle class and dates, add any packages or insurance and show up at the depot. A staff member walks you through the vehicle, you sign the paperwork and drive away. Return is the reverse — drop off at the depot, staff inspects, you're done.

The company is headquartered in California and has the strongest presence on the West Coast and in the Sun Belt. Their 35 locations cover major metros and tourist destinations but you won't find them in smaller cities or rural areas. If you need a pickup location in a small town, Cruise America's 130+ locations have better coverage.

Pricing and Hidden Fees

El Monte's pricing is more transparent than Cruise America's. Their rental packages typically bundle items that Cruise America charges separately — bedding, kitchen kits, generator usage and sometimes a higher mileage allotment. This means the sticker price looks higher but the all-in cost difference is smaller than it appears.

Mileage is where you need to pay attention. El Monte offers tiered mileage packages — 100 miles/day, 200 miles/day or unlimited. The right package depends on your trip. A 7-day loop from LA to Joshua Tree and back might only need 100 mi/day. A cross-country drive needs unlimited. Overage charges add up fast — always calculate your expected mileage before picking a package.

Insurance supplements run $15-$30/day depending on the coverage tier. The standard Collision Damage Waiver reduces your liability to $1,000-$2,500. The premium tier reduces it further. Your personal auto insurance or credit card may cover some or all of this — call your insurer before adding El Monte's supplement.

Vehicle Selection and Quality

El Monte's fleet variety is a genuine advantage. They offer compact campervans, standard Class C's (25 and 28 foot), large Class C's (32 foot), Class A motorhomes and even truck camper packages. Cruise America only offers three models. That range means El Monte can match a vehicle to your actual needs rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-most option.

Vehicle age is El Monte's strongest card. Most of their fleet is 1-3 years old. Interiors are clean, appliances are modern and the "new vehicle" feel is noticeable. They rotate vehicles out faster than competitors, which means less wear and fewer mechanical issues. Multiple users report getting current-year models, especially in the premium tier.

Customer Experience

El Monte's customer service gets better ratings than Cruise America across review platforms. The walkthrough process is more thorough. Staff at El Monte locations tend to be more knowledgeable about the vehicles and more patient with first-timers. The pickup and return process is generally smoother.

Common complaints focus on deposit holds ($500-$1,500 on a credit card) and the time-consuming return inspection. Some renters report nickel-and-dime charges for minor cleaning issues. Document the vehicle condition with photos and video at pickup to protect yourself.

Who Is El Monte Best For?

• → Travelers who want fleet consistency with a newer vehicle. If the standardized fleet model appeals to you but you don't want a 5-year-old RV, El Monte bridges the gap.
• → Renters who need a Class A or a campervan from a fleet. Cruise America doesn't offer these. El Monte does.
• → People who value all-inclusive pricing. If you hate add-on surprises, El Monte's bundled packages are more predictable.

Final Verdict

El Monte RV is the better fleet rental company in the US. Newer vehicles, more options and more transparent pricing justify the 10-15% premium over Cruise America. The limited location footprint is the main drawback — if they don't have a depot near you, that's a dealbreaker. For travelers near one of their 35 locations who prefer the fleet model over peer-to-peer, El Monte is the stronger choice.

Rating: 4.0 / 5 — Better vehicles and service than Cruise America, but fewer locations and higher pricing than P2P alternatives.

El Monte RV FAQ