Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to reach you?
Email is great - (alex@cypressoverland.com). You can always text us or whatsapp call or message at +1(510)906-7446. All vehicles are equipped with Garmin satellite messenger so you can reach us or emergency services anytime
What do past customers say about their trips?
"The Jeep came with the highest quality gear I have ever seen" - Palash N, San Francisco.
How do you go about planning customer itineraries?
Once the trip is booked, we work with our customers to plan the road trip of their dreams. We are explorers ourselves and we are often away exploring places like Death Valley, High Sierras, Yosemite NP, Big Sur, Southern California etc. We are always on the mission to find awesome dispresed camp spots. So when the customer says "We want to see Yosemite, Death Valley and Big Sur in 8 days" - we work together to develop a day-by-day itinerary with GPS coordiantes for overnight stays.
This is our first time overlanding - camping in the roofop tent. Is that ok?
We love beginners! We were all beginners once and remember how intimidating this all seemed. Rest assured, you will feel ready to get on the road after going through the vehicle and gear orientation, which is mandatory when you pick-up the vehicle. No joke - we once hosted an expedition guide from Iceland and he still received orientation from us. To give you peace of mind, every vehicle comes with a satellite messenger - you can always reach us even in the most remote of places with no cell reception.
What's the minimum driver age?
As per our insurance requirements, minimum driver's age is 25 years.
How does insurance work for international drivers?
Same as for local drivers - everyone has to have a valid drivers' license to be eligible for the 4x4 vehicle insurance.
Can I drive off-road?
Depends. If it's a gravel road that will lead you to an awesome secluded camp spot - absolutely. If it's rock crawling on the iconic Rubicon trail - absolutely not. Our vehicles, while iconic for off-roading, are stock and do not handle extreme trails well.
How does insurance work?
If you are a local and have your own car insurance policy, check with the provider whether it provides RV insurance. Most insurance companies won't deal with vehicles that were off-roading. Same with credit cards that provide insurance - those only cover insurance for big rental companies like Hertz. A $1000 deposit will be charged before departure and refunded upon return.
What's your animal policy?
As much as we love animals, we don't allow them since some of our customers are allergic to them.
What's the security deposit for?
We charge $1000 security deposit the day you depart and refund it upon your return. In an unlikely situation where something breaks or need repair, we hold the deposit until we sort the incident out with insurance.
How far can I drive the vehicle?
Daily mileage limit is 150 miles/day. Every additional mile will be charged at 30 cents/mile.
Can we camp in areas that are not campgrounds?
In short, yes, you can camp anywhere, but only within the boundaries of national forests.
I am travelling with a toddler - is that ok?
Absolutely! We have had multiple customers bring their kiddos - age groups between 2 and 6. We don't provide child seats so plan to bring their own. Rooftop tents are safe and suitable for 2 adults and one child.
Can I get picked up at the airport or my hotel/airbnb?
Absolutely - we can arrange pick-up and drop-off to and from San Francisco Airport, Oakland Airport and San Jose Airport, as well as your hotel or airbnb, for an additional fee. SFO airport pick up and drop off is $170 USD.
Why should we book with Cypress Overland?
Reason #1: we give you the tools to get off the beaten path and enjoy nature. It's in our DNA and the main reason we created Cypress Overland. It's simple: we are on a mission to reconnect people with nature. This modern world has made us more stressed than ever - we see the incredible transformation our customers experience when they spend time in nature, away from the stress of their everyday lives.
Is there camping in California in the winter?
Yes! We love California because it lets us camp year-round. Summer months, between June-October, are perfect for exploring Sierras, Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. Pacific Coast Highway and Big Sur are beautiful any time of the year. Winter time is a great time for heading to places like Death Valley, Mojave Desert and Joshua Tree National Park. Too hot and dry in the summer, they are best expored between the months of October to May.
Do I have to worry about wild animals like bears?
We will cover all the questions you have during orientation upon vehicle pick-up but in a nutshell, bears in California are rarely dangerous and if not provoked, will never attack you. However, there are rules for bear safety. Every vehicle comes with bug spray to protect you from mosquitoes, ticks and bees.
What's the main difference between RVs and your vehicles?
No walls! Head to https://www.cypressoverland.com/post/overlandingvsrv to read the rest.
Do you ever provide any discounts?
Yes! We want more people to experience outdoors and come back calmer and more relaxed - so for all bookings over 8 days/7 nights, we provide a discount of 10%.
Is it possible to rent the vehicle for a one way trip?
At this time - unfortunately not. We don't have the infrastructure in place to accomodate one way rentals. Speak to us if that's the only way you can manage the trip and we will discuss. Otherwise we will work with you on making the itinerary in a way that doesn't feel like you're doing the same route there and back.
Can the rigs be driven into Canada?
Yes! We love Canada. Please speak to us in advance about crossing the border.
Why is the Satellite Messenger fee mandatory?
Some of California's most beautiful and remote locations don't have cell reception. Should anything happen - we want you to have access to us and emergency services. Your safety and well-being is our main priority.
What's the deal with the rooftop tent? How does it work?
We love rooftop tents! Once you've tried them - it's hard to go back to traditional tents on the ground and RVs. Adventure travellers in Australia and Africa have been using rooftop tents for decades and the trend is finally arriving to North America. All our rooftop tents have mattresses and are super comfortable. You are guaranteed a great sleep under the Milky Way.
What's included in my rental?
We realize that this type of travel may not be cheapest but when you think of how much gear and equipment you're getting - it's so worth it!
How should I handle a break down or accident?
Always call us first or message us through the Satellite Messenger provided - +1(510)906-7446. All the bookings also come with Roadside Assistance for your peace of mind.
What am I responsible for while the vehicle is in my posession?
- You are required to use the correct fuel (all our vehicles use the standard 87 fuel) and return the vehicle with a full tank of gas. If returned not full, we will refuel at a standard rate and charge the security deposit.