How can One Way Rental be so cheap?
Rental companies frequently need to move and relocate campervans around the country. These one way rentals can be due to seasonal changes or because demand for vehicles is greater in different cities due to festivals, sporting occasions or other events. Rather than pay for a driver to relocate a campervan, the rental companies offer them as cheap, extremely discounted, one way campervan rentals to the travelling public at knock down prices producing the perfect win-win outcome. The discounts involved cannot be overstated, a $250+ per day vehicle can be as little as $5 per day with fuel allowances often thrown in!
Is there a catch?
These one way rental deals are published on a daily basis, as and when, the rental companies need their vehicles moved. As such the pick up and drop off locations vary and you need to be able to travel at short notice, within the next 30 days. There is minimal flexibility in choice of pick-up dates and the vehicle must be delivered by a specific date with very limited, if any, options to extend the rental period (which would be at a higher daily cost). Each relocation comes with a free kilometre allowance that allows you to get from A to B with some exploring on the way, after which there is a per km charge.
Bookings are subject to last minute cancellation and here’s why. Vehicles that are about to be relocated can be pressed into service should another vehicle breakdown or should a booking come in at full price for the same travel dates. In our experience over 15 years, this rarely happens, but it is a risk to be aware of and comes with the cheap one way rental rate. Essentially your booking is like a standby airline ticket where a seat on a plane may or may not be available. Please take this into consideration when making your booking and planning your trip.
The THL group (Maui, Britz, Mighty brands) reserves the right to amend a relocation booking where applicable and cancel a relocation booking if there is no longer a need to relocate the vehicle.
THL (Maui, Britz, Mighty brands) recommends booking flexible travel arrangements as relocations can be changed due to scheduling requirements. No refund will be given for any flights, accommodation or other reservations that may have been effected by the vehicle being withdrawn. Travel insurance is strongly recommended if you have flights booked and made additional arrangements.
Most Popular Time of the Year
Although rental companies relocate vehicles throughout the year in Australia there are two peak periods. After Easter when Campervans are being moved north from the southern states for the winter season, the Northern Territory and Far North Queensland being two of the most popular destinations. Conversely in early spring vehicles are heading south for the Australian summer touring months. Having said that, generally all year round there are one way relocation rental deals to be found right across the country for those with flexible timeframes.
How it Works
- The Campervan Rental Relocation list is updated each day at between 8.30am-9.30am (AEST) for travel in approximately the next 2-3 weeks. This is when the list is fresh and vehicles most likely to still be available. It's the best time to submit a relocation request as we are more than likely able to confirm your request. Relocations book out quickly and therefore as the day progresses the availability becomes more limited.
- Select from the list of published deals above and complete the online request form.
- Vehicles are grouped by category 2R = 2 berth, 4R = 4 berth, 6R = 6 berth and 4WDR = 4 Wheel Drive
- You will be allocated a THL vehicle from the group selected. Vehicles are grouped per the table below. Please note that depending upon the relocation requirements on the day your vehicle may be upgraded to a larger model at pick-up.
For example if you select a 2 Berth Campervan you may be upgraded to a 4 berth, 6 berth or 4WD Camper (with tent) when picking up the vehicle. Vehicles will always be upgraded never downsized. For example selecting a 4 or 6 berth vehicle will not be changed to a 2 berth.
- Once you have submitted your request, call us straight away on +61 3 9095 7460 or 1300 547 214.
- Rental days are calculated per calendar day.
- Rental cost is $5 per day up to the minimum days indicated.
- Any additional day is calculated at a fixed rate of $75.00 per day to the maximum days allowed as indicated.
- A holding fee of $75-$90 will be charged to your credit card and applied to your booking. This fee will be deducted from the cost of your rental when you pick up the vehicle – if the cost of your rental is less than the holding fee you will be
reimbursed the difference. It is not a booking fee.
For example:
The cost of your rental is $15 and you have taken no optional extras so your total payment due to the rental company is $15. You have paid a $75 holding fee. When you collect your vehicle you pay nothing and will be reimbursed $60.
The cost of your rental is $95 and you have taken no optional extras so your total payment due to the rental company is $95. You have paid a $90 holding fee. When you collect your vehicle you pay the rental company $5.
- The Australian mileage allowance for campervans for each rental is based on distance between pick-up and drop off location plus 550kms. Any kilometres travelled above this will be charged at AU$0.55 per km. For cars, allowances are by individual deal.
- When travelling in Australia you may receive a fuel allowance. You will need to complete your rental and keep your tax invoices (EFTPOS & Credit Card receipts on their own are not accepted).
This fuel allowance will be reimbursed up to the given amount on completion of your rental.
- When booking with DriveNow there are absolutely No Booking fees and No administration Charges. We believe in passing the full value of the deal through to you.
- Please ensure that you read the
Campervan Relocation Terms and Conditions for Maui, Britz & Mighty - before submitting a request as these vary from standard rental agreements. If you are booking an let's Go Motorhomes, CamperMan, Cruisin, Redspot, Travellers AutoBarn relocation, please contact DriveNow to discuss Ts & Cs
Vehicle Grouping Categories
| Bookable Category |
| 2R |
Action Pod, Hi-top, Highball, Voyager, Double Down, Ultima, Venturer, Deuce, Ultima Plus, Venturer Plus and Deuce Plus |
| 4R |
Beach, Cascade, Explorer, Discovery, Double Up |
6R |
River, Oasis, Frontier, Traveller, Big Six |
| 4WDR |
Outback 4WD and Safari Land Cruiser 4WD |
Frequently asked questions on Australian Campervan Relocation rental
Below are some of the more popular questions asked of our Reservations team and many of these are covered in more detail in the Australian Campervan Relocation Terms and Conditions.
What fees will I be charged?
DriveNow charges no booking fees. We take a holding fee which is $75-$90 at the time of booking but this comes off the total cost of your rental. In the event that you cancel a confirmed booking or fail to pick up the vehicle AU$50 cancellation fee is charged by the rental company.
When will my booking be confirmed?
Once a DriveNow Reservations Team member has spoken with you on the phone and taken credit card details we will contact the campervan supplier, confirm the booking and email through details to you.**Please note the vehicle type booked may change prior to departure or be cancelled at the rental company's discretion, even on the day of travel**.
Can I book a relocation vehicle for pick up in 4 weeks' time?
Sometimes! However all campervan relocations are last minute so they are generally in the next 2-3 weeks but definitely keep an eye out on the list!
Is there a Security Deposit/Bond on the vehicle? How do I pay for it?
Yes. The suppliers charge a $1000 security bond on collection of the vehicle. This has to be available on a credit card as the suppliers will debit these funds. Unfortunately cash and American Express cards are not accepted by the suppliers. The credit card will be processed and credited back at the end of the rental providing the vehicle is returned on time, undamaged and with a full fuel tank and gas bottle.
**Time to time DriveNow receives campervan relocations from our other suppliers (Let's Go Motorhomes, CamperMan, Cruisin Motorhomes, Travellers AutoBarn relocation) their conditions and security bond amount may differ, contact DriveNow to discuss.
Can I reduce my liability on the standard Excess Insurance?
Yes. Options are available by paying a daily fee. Regardless of which option you take out the $1000 bond is still required at collection of the vehicle.
Each campervan relocation deal will have a minimum and maximum number of days allocated to it. You pay $5 for each of the minimum number of days and can add in additional days at AU$75 per day up to the maximum days allocated. Sometimes the extra days are not available but we will always double check for you.
How do I receive payment for Fuel?
You will need to keep your tax invoices whilst you are travelling (EFTPOS & Credit Card receipts are not accepted). Please make sure these state that you have purchased petrol! You will be reimbursed up to the agreed value when dropping off your campervan.
Are there any allowances for Tasmanian Relocations?
Yes. The supplier uses your allowance to book the vehicle and 1 driver on the Spirit of Tasmania. All other travellers are required to pay their own way.
What time can I pick up and drop off the vehicle?
The depot hours for relocations are 10am till 3pm. You can pick up and return the vehicle anytime between the depot hours. You must return the vehicle no later than 1500 hours (3.00pm) on the last day otherwise there is a late fee of $150 if returned between 3.00pm and 4.00pm and AFTER 4.00pm this late fee becomes $1000.
Can I drive on unsealed Roads?
No. All Vehicles are not allowed to travel on any unsealed roads. This includes 4WD campervans. Full costs will be charged for any damage occurring on these Roads. A penalty of $300 will be applied by the rental company for any driving on unsealed roads.
How is the free kilometre allowance determined?
The number of free kilometres on each deal is the distance between the pickup and drop off location plus 550km (refer to chart below). Any travel beyond that is charged at AU$0.55 per km. For instance, Brisbane to Adelaide is 2056kms, including the added 550km, your free travel allowance would be 2606km.
