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About Vanderlust Vans

Like many stories you will hear while in Alaska - I moved to Alaska for college, fell in love with the State and stayed. That was over 15 years ago! Alaska has so much to offer - snow capped mountain, best air quality, beautiful ocean views, wild animal, endless ridges and the most welcoming people you will encounter while traveling. I hope I can live up to the State's hospitality standards and be part of your unforgettable journey. We are a team of travel enthusiasts who love exploring the wild outdoors and experiencing new adventures. We believe that the best way to explore Alaska is by traveling in a comfortable, reliable and easy to drive campervans, which is why we created our rental business. All our vans are converted from high roof Mercedes Benz Sprinters and high roof Ford Transits, they are custom-made to fit particular traveler’s needs, ensuring that they are equipped with everything you need for an unforgettable journey. We take pride in offering high-quality, reliable vehicles that are perfect for families, couples, or solo adventurers. At Vanderlust, we are committed to providing exceptional customer service. Our team is always available to answer your questions and help you plan your trip, from recommending scenic routes to suggesting camping spots. We understand that planning a trip can be stressful, which is why we strive to make the rental process as easy as possible. Whether you are planning a week-long road trip or a month-long adventure, our campervans are the perfect way to explore the breathtaking beauty of Alaska. We are excited to share our love of travel with you and help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

5
Outdoorsy memberHost since May 2020

84% response rateTypically responds in less than 12 hours

Memories made on trips with Jin Chen's RVs


Martin M.

5September 2024

I would definitely recommend Vanderlust Vans to whoever is willing to travel Alaska in RV.These guys are impressively responsive: for example fridge in out van got disconnected somewhow (and we did not find where to plug it in) so they managed to arrange a video call immediately showing us how to resolve, and all that was at around 11PM!Great communications, nice pre-trip support and what is extremely important - a new van (our was called Mermaid).The other important advantage is that there is no hidden fees, what you pay is what you end up with (given you follow the rules), unlike what it happens with other providers who try to take as much from your security deposit as possible. Vanderlust returned my $1.000 deposit untouched! So initially they price may seem slightly higher but in reality you pay less.Another thing I liked about this particular Spriter - that was diesel, so I saved a lot on gas expenses, since new Mercedes engines consume very little.Lastly, their Mermaid has its independent power system and accumulators that automatically charge from solar panel on the van roof. Out power level have never fallen below 90% of charge! I used water kettle almost nonstop (alaska is cold state) as well as hot water, heating and shower and no need to use campgrounds to plug to ground power or water. Using toilet is also easy route - it is self contained.Finally, my plane arrived at 10PM so after a $15 quick uber ride I was at the venue. Van was fully prepared, new clean linen, clear instructions etc. I took a nap and went at 6AM, returning the van after hours at 9PM in the same self-service manner. Just make sure you drop the keys to the keybox. That saves so valuable time for your trip.Generally, I'd rate them 7 of 5 since the overall experience definitely exceeded my expectations!P.S. pro tip: bring your own dashcam, as Alaskan road are so scenery plus it may help in case of problems, that is what I did ended up with plenty of HQ road footage.

8 Photos submitted by Martin M.

Andrew D.

5August 2024

We loved the van! It was the perfect way to explore Alaska. We had a few minor issues with the electrical system, but Jin and her team were so helpful and supportive, and even let us keep it for an extra night to make up for our troubles. Would gladly rent from them again!

Guoliang S.

5August 2024

Outdoorsy

0August 2024

The Host canceled the booking 1 day before departure. This is an automated posting.

Jin’s answer

We unfortunately had to cancel the booking due to a repair needed to be done on the van. The substitute van we offered to the renter didn't meet their needs.

Richard R.

5August 2024

Fabulous experience. Dolphins- the name of our Sprintervan camper was perfect for a trip in Alaska where everything is a long drive from everything else. While a little expensive - everything in Alaska is. The one challenge was the cassette toilet - but thankfully alternate solutions to that particular issue were easily available. Jin’s availability to respond to the (minor) questions we had along the way was stellar.

5 Photos submitted by Richard R.

Benjamin R.

5August 2024

Kerby M.

5August 2024

Several of the latches on the kitchen drawers do not keep them closed. Drawers open an shut going around corners. Very annoying

Jason N.

5August 2024

Van exactly as described, very easy pickup / dropoff and great communication - would definitely use Vanderlust again

Maura O.

5July 2024

It was a great rental would definitely rent from him again! Van was perfect and communication was quick. Had everything we needed and more will absolutely recommend

3 Photos submitted by Maura O.

Curtis C.

5July 2024

Great layout with lots of room! Very good fuel economy. Good solar setup for dispersed camping.

Harsh D.

5June 2024

Taylor C.

5May 2024

Jin was great to work with! We had a few minor issues with some of the heating tanks in the van working, but it was easily resolved and we made sure Jin was aware for the next customers. We had an incredible experience with this van!

3 Photos submitted by Taylor C.

Margaret N.

5April 2024

Our trip was awesome! Explored some of Anchorage and Girdwood. Even though we visited in early April, we still had a blast! We are excited to rent this van again and do some more roadtripping in the summer.

Daniel L.

5September 2023

Great experience and great vehicle

Hillary W.

5September 2023

We had a great time renting Batman for a week! It was well equipped to live in and very cozy. Only complaint is some of the window covers have this ring and suction cup system and some of the rings were ripped off and it was very hard to get the existing rings onto the suctions and then the covers still didn’t stay up well. Some of them are magnetic which worked great. Other than that, we had an awesome time and loved the van!

Jean-philippe F.

5September 2023

The RV was amazing, we had a really nice time traveling Alaska with it.