Car rentals for hunting

[Dougfir]

Hi all,

I'm heading out to CO for a first rifle season elk hunt, in October (unit 54). My hunting partner and I will have to fly out and I'm curious about other people's experiences renting a vehicle for hunting. I'm unsure about whether we'll need a truck, or whether a small suv would be sufficient (we'll be mostly backpack hunting, but will likely be driving on some rough(ish) forest service roads). When looking for deals, it's hard to determine whether trucks have 4x4 or not. Have any of you done this before? Any advice on good deals, good vehicles, companies that are easier than others? Anything else I'm not thinking of with regard to car rentals? Thanks for any advice!

 

[Archerm]

When I used to fly to my hunts I would always arrange to lease a truck from the Ford dealer wherever I was flying in. It was about the same as a rental company but you can get a 4x4 with a cab from the dealer. Its hard to find 4x4s at most rental places. One note during fire season depending on where you are going tucks can be non existent. Oh no deals on 4x4s

 

[TEmbry]

I always rent Uhaul when possible. Cheapest weekly rates that I've found. Pick up trucks or could go the route I usually go and get the cargo van. Can literally just camp out of the back of the van if you so choose.

I've also rented small SUVs several times when Uhaul wasn't available or inconvenient due to to timing of arrival or leaving, location from airport, etc...

 

[Where's Bruce?]

I rent Jeeps. Never a worry.

 

[Trr15]

Most rental vendors at DIA (which is where I assume you're flying into) will have 4x4s available during that time of year.

 

[xziang]

I found the best rates using my costco membership and I usually end up going through AVIS I believe. I have used this for normal vehicles not 4X4s. I'm actually probably going to rent an econobox for a quick run out to CO begining of the season and have already thought about how to transport meat if needed. I'm renting for MPG and wear and tear on current truck.

With two people you'll obviously need a bigger vehicle and possibly 4X4, where I won't need 4X4.

 

[Jeff Martin]

I always rent Uhaul when possible. Cheapest weekly rates that I've found. Pick up trucks or could go the route I usually go and get the cargo van. Can literally just camp out of the back of the van if you so choose.

I've also rented small SUVs several times when Uhaul wasn't available or inconvenient due to to timing of arrival or leaving, location from airport, etc...

Thank you for this idea. I just saved $300 for the week over what i had booked !! Wow!

 

[COlineman78]

Thank you for this idea. I just saved $300 for the week over what i had booked !! Wow!

Don't forget though that UHaul charges by the mile where rental car companies don't, so it may end up as a wash.

 

[TEmbry]

Don't forget though that UHaul charges by the mile where rental car companies don't, so it may end up as a wash.

Uhaul has weekly rates with mileage included that in my experience still comes out cheaper than rental car companies for a big truck or van. If you compromise and get a tiny suv you may break even with Uhaul. I'm sure all areas are different though.

 

[COlineman78]

Uhaul has weekly rates with mileage included that in my experience still comes out cheaper than rental car companies for a big truck or van. If you compromise and get a tiny suv you may break even with Uhaul. I'm sure all areas are different though.

Didn't know that, but something to make sure is included. This being the case, I'm sure it's cheaper. Only downside is that most of theirs I've seen are not crew cab. Advantage is that you know you're going to get what you asked for. Everyone wants 4wd when renting here that time of year, so rental companies can run out. Another warning is that cab rides from the airport run about $50 so factor that into uhaul if you're flying. Also, if you're here for rifle you're going to want to think about chains for at least 2 tires. Additional advantage to uhaul is that they won't be as picky about cosmetic damage which can often happen when hunting.

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

I've done it a couple times and just requested a 4X4 and never had a problem. This was for AZ hunts.

 

[COlineman78]

I've done it a couple times and just requested a 4X4 and never had a problem. This was for AZ hunts.

I think in general they are pretty good at it and don't run out. That's primarily because they know people want them, so as soon as the snow starts hitting the mountains they crank the price up for all 4x4s. Speaking of which, 1st snow at the tunnel yesterday (11,000 feet)...

 

[5MilesBack]

Man, that's a tough one. For me I can't imagine renting a vehicle for hunting especially the rifle seasons. Of every rifle season that I've hunted over the years I've had all four tires chained up at least 75% of those seasons. Pushing snow with the bumper on many of those. No way I'm taking chains and chaining up with a rental. And then they're impossible to get clean afterwards before turning them back in. I'm pretty sure I still have mud and clay in places under my Toyota from 25+ years ago.

 

[Dougfir]

Thanks! I appreciate all the ideas.