Our Honest Blacksford RV Rental Review: Exploring Arizona in a Winnebago Solis

Looking for an honest Blacksford RV Rental review? Imagine cruising along the scenic Arizona highways, with stunning red rocks in the distance, knowing that wherever you’re staying that night, you already have everything you need with you.

That’s the beauty of renting a Winnebago Solis campervan with Blacksford RV in Phoenix. Not only do we have everything we need in terms of sleeping arrangements and cooking, everything is included with our rental price.

I’m going to give you my honest Blacksford RV review, including why we chose the Winnebago Solis, what it was like working with Blacksford RV, what’s included in the cost, and how we liked driving the campervan. The best part? Blacksford RV includes everything in the rental price!

My husband and I decided that to explore Arizona, it was best to have a campervan or small Class C RV. To cover the maximum amount of ground and save on rental car and hotel fees, we would camp in and around the National Parks of Arizona.

I’ve taken campervan trips to the National Parks with both of my children, but this time it was just my husband and me.

If you love road trips but aren’t sure about camping, a campervan is the way to go. On the flip side, if you want to camp but don’t want to set up a tent or drive a big rig, rent a campervan.

Blacksford RV provided us with a rental, however, all opinions are my own.

Here’s what you need to know before renting a campervan in Arizona.

Now, let’s dive into the full review!

Blacksford RV Rentals pride themselves on providing high-quality, fully outfitted, affordable RV rentals. Plus, from the moment you request a quote until your final drop off, you’re communicating with a team who care about your trip.

Every individual I encountered during the rental process, from booking to returning, was helpful, friendly, and genuinely interested in our trip.

In addition to the Winnebago Solis, Blacksford’s Phoneix RV fleet includes Winnebago Revel, Ekko, View, the Nexus Triumph, and the Thor Quantum. These are a mix of Class B (campervan style) and Class C RVs, that sleep between 2-6.

The Winnebago Solis: First Impressions

Arriving at Blacksford RV in Phoenix, one of the friendly staff provided us with a full walkthrough of the Winnebago Solis. Prior to our trip, Blacksford provided videos to help us orient ourselves with the vehicle.

As this was the first time we camped with a fully equipped Class B, it was helpful to know how to fill the water tank, empty the grey and black water tanks, as well as run the generator and check our propane levels.

He also showed us a few key features, such as a master switch for power, hose storage, and how to lock the fridge.

Overall, the Solis is 21′ long and feels like driving a large van. Considering your standard minivan is up to 18 feet in length, this shouldn’t feel much different.

One key thing to remember is the tank levels. The panel behind the driver provides you with your propane, grey water, and generator/power levels.

Our first mistake was not reading the levels correctly. After our first night in 40 degree temperatures, we used the heater. We thought that because the proper level read 3/4 full, we had used 1/4 tank of propane.

We filled up at the campground, and they had a nice little giggle about giving us only .7 pounds of propane. In reality, when the level lights are 3 out of 4, it just means it’s no longer full. We had multiple nights before the light dropped to the next level.

Inside the Winnebago Solis: Comfort and Functionality

Driving the Solis was a lot of fun and super comfortable. The captains’ chairs in front and the wide window made seeing the sights in Arizona exciting.

Seating

Behind the diving cabin were 2 more seats with seatbelts, allowing up to 4 people to travel together. The captain’s chairs up front swivel to face the back of the rig when parked, allowing everyone to sit around the oval table between seats.

Above, the Solis features a “pop-top” where 2 more people can sleep in a tent-like structure that opens from the roof.

Pro Tip: If you have older kids or teens, I’d recommend moving up a size from the Solis. Bigger kids will not find the additional passenger seats comfortable for long drives. I don’t think the loft tent would be comfortable for two adult-sized children either. I’d recommend the Ekko or bigger if you have older kids.

Kitchen and Bath

There is a closet with a toilet and shower. Keep in mind, it is not big. I found the shower to work best for rinsing and doing a “camp” shower. We had campgrounds that had full showers that we also used on the road.

The kitchen was perfect for two people to work side by side cooking. It contained a small fridge (think hotel size), 2 burner cooktop, sink, and countertop. A slide-out table provided more counter space. Beyond the kitchen, a fold-down table also provided more workspace when we needed it.

We cooked nearly every meal in the Solis while on our adventure. Pancakes or eggs and sausage in the morning, lunchmeat, grapes and cheese for lunch. Our dinners included tacos, spaghetti, and kielbasa and rice. We stocked up for our 10 days and only had small trips to the grocery store 1-2 times after.

Pro-Tip – open a window or screen when cooking. Otherwise, the smoke detector will go off with the slightest bit of sizzle on the stove.

Sleeping

At the rear of the campervan was storage and a fold-down bed. The bed was comfortable, and the cabinets above worked well for two people. The rear doors opened up for access from the back as well.

Both the slider door and rear double doors had screens. As we were traveling in January, we did not keep the doors open. But I could see how this would have been nice in warmer weather.

Driving and Setup: The RV Experience

If you’re unfamiliar with driving an RV, something like the Winnebago Solis is a great way to get started.

Class B RVs, like a Winnebago Solis, are very similar to driving a van. The main difference is that they are taller and slightly longer.

We had both back-in and pull-through camping spots and no problems parking in either.

Black, Grey, and Fresh Water

If you’re not familiar with an RV camping experience, one of the key things to learn is your sewar options.

Because this has a cassette toilet, we did not have full hook-up options in the RV. Every couple of days, we needed to empty the black water from the cassette. This involved going to a dump station, taking the “suitcase cassette” out from the side of the RV, and dumping it. We did this four times in 10 days, or about every 3-4 days.

You’ll soon learn to use other toilets when you can, but it is nice to have for evening and morning use.

The grey water, or water from your sink, also needed to be dumped at a dump station. We emptied the grey water 2-3 times.

Finally, fresh water in the Winnebago Solis, is fed through a fresh water holding tank which we needed to refill a couple of times on our trip. This is done via a hose into the back of the van.

Electricity and Generator

We had a 30 AMP cord included, and at most campsites we were able to hook up to the electricity. Electric provided lights and fans, and power to outlets.

The Solis is equipped with solar panels. As long as you’re driving or parked in a sunny spot, they’ll charge and power the rig.

The RV also comes equipped with a generator when you’ve run out of solar power.

Finally, a propane tank provides propane heat for cooking and heating.

For many National Park campsites, no electric hookup is available. For the three nights we camped at the Grand Canyon, we only ran out of solar power once. We then turned on the generator to provide heat and light for about an hour.

To make sure we were comfortable during our trip, our Blacksford rep texted us to check in periodically. We did have one moment where we couldn’t power on the generator. We were able to get on the phone with him, and he troubleshot with us to get it up and running. (Turns out it needed to be reset)

It was a huge comfort to know we had someone available to help us when we had questions. From the minor questions about Apple CarPlay not working (temporarily) to resetting the generator so we could have heat, Blacksford had our backs.

Things to Know Before Renting with Blacksford

How Early Should You Book?

If you’re considering renting with Blacksford RV, it’s best to book as early as possible, especially during peak travel seasons.

Campervan and RV rentals tend to fill up quickly, particularly in popular destinations like Arizona, where National Parks and scenic road trips attract travelers year-round.

We booked our Winnebago Solis six months in advance of January and found availability, but I wouldn’t wait until the last minute if you have specific dates in mind.

Insurance Requirements & Deposit Holds

Blacksford RV requires insurance coverage, but they offer different options depending on your needs. We opted for basic coverage, which gave us the reassurance that we’d be taken care of in case of unexpected issues on the road.

A refundable security deposit is also required at the time of booking. The amount varies depending on the RV model you choose. In our case, the deposit was reasonable and fully refunded after we returned the campervan in good condition.

Booking Process & Customer Service

The booking process with Blacksford was seamless. Their website is easy to navigate, and I appreciated the transparency in pricing—what you see is what you pay, with no surprise fees for linens, kitchen gear, or mileage.

From the moment we inquired about availability to the final confirmation, the Blacksford team was responsive and helpful. They answered all of our questions, provided details on what to expect, and even sent pre-trip orientation videos so we could familiarize ourselves with the Solis before pickup.

One standout feature? Their customer service was top-notch. They checked in with us during the trip, offering tips and troubleshooting assistance when needed. Having that level of support made us feel more confident, especially since this was our first time using a fully equipped Class B RV.

Pick-Up & Drop-Off Experience

Picking up our Winnebago Solis in Phoenix was a smooth process. A friendly team member met us, walked us through all the features of the campervan, and made sure we understood how everything worked—water tanks, power options, the generator, and even the best way to pack our gear.

Unlike some rental companies that rush you through check-in, Blacksford took the time to ensure we were comfortable before hitting the road. We also appreciated that they provided a spotless, fully stocked RV, so we didn’t have to run out and grab essentials before starting our adventure.

The drop-off process was just as simple. We returned the RV, did a quick inspection, and were on our way within minutes. Since the deposit refund was processed quickly, there was no hassle at the end of our trip.

Would we rent from Blacksford again? Absolutely. Their straightforward pricing, excellent customer service, and well-equipped vehicles made our Arizona road trip camper rental stress-free and enjoyable. If you’re looking for a hassle-free RV rental experience, Blacksford is a fantastic choice.

Cost and Value

Rental Cost Breakdown & What’s Included

One of the things that stood out about renting with Blacksford was their transparent pricing. Unlike some RV rental companies that add extra fees for essentials, Blacksford includes everything you need in the base cost. Our rental fee covered:

• Unlimited mileage – a huge perk if you’re planning a long road trip.
• Full insurance coverage (available at a reasonable rate).
• Kitchen essentials – pots, pans, dishes, utensils, and even a coffee maker.
• Bedding and linens – no need to bring your own sheets or sleeping bags.
• 24/7 roadside assistance – peace of mind in case of any issues on the road.

The total cost of our Winnebago Solis rental for a week-long trip was around $1,500–$2,000, depending on the season and availability. While this may seem steep at first, when you factor in what’s included (and compare it to hotels or vacation rentals), it starts to make a lot more sense.

Was Renting an RV Worth It?

For us, the answer was yes. Renting an RV gave us ultimate flexibility—we could wake up to incredible sunrise views, skip the hassle of packing and unpacking at multiple hotels, and enjoy the freedom of setting our own pace.

Here’s what made it especially valuable for us:

• Comfort – The Solis had a cozy interior with plenty of space for sleeping, eating, and relaxing.
• Convenience – We always had a bathroom and kitchen with us, which saved time (and money) compared to stopping for meals or bathroom breaks.
• Adventure – Staying in scenic campgrounds and national parks made the experience feel more immersive and memorable.

RV Rental vs. Hotels & Vacation Rentals

If we had chosen hotels or vacation rentals instead, we would have spent around:

• $150–$250 per night for a mid-range hotel (x7 nights = $1,050–$1,750).
• $200–$300 per night for an Airbnb or vacation rental (x7 nights = $1,400–$2,100).
• Gas & rental car costs – Adding a rental car (~$500/week) and gas could push total costs even higher.

While renting an RV wasn’t necessarily cheaper, the overall value was better. We saved money on food by cooking our own meals and didn’t have to worry about booking multiple hotels or juggling different check-in/check-out times. Plus, the experience of waking up surrounded by nature? Priceless.

If your family loves road trips and the idea of a home on wheels, an RV rental—especially with a company like Blacksford—can be a great investment in both comfort and adventure.

Exploring Arizona with the RV

Exploring Arizona with the RV

Arizona is made for road trips, and having an RV made it even better. We had the freedom to explore at our own pace, stay longer in the places we loved, and never worry about finding a last-minute hotel. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, here’s how we made the most of our Arizona RV adventure.

Family-Friendly Stops in Arizona

• Grand Canyon National Park – Our Blacksford RV gave us front-row seats to one of the most breathtaking sights in the country. We camped near the South Rim, which meant we could catch the sunrise without battling crowds and explore scenic overlooks before the midday rush.
• Sedona – The drive into Sedona was stunning, and having the RV meant we could pull over at scenic viewpoints whenever we wanted. We hiked Cathedral Rock, explored Uptown Sedona, and even found an easy parking spot for the RV at Red Rock State Park.
• Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend – Slot canyons are a must-see, and while Antelope Canyon requires a guided tour, having an RV made it easy to relax in between hikes. We also made a spontaneous stop at Horseshoe Bend, which was only possible because we weren’t locked into a strict itinerary.
• Monument Valley – One of the most surreal landscapes in the Southwest. Driving through the famous Forrest Gump Point with the RV felt straight out of a movie. We camped nearby and had a front-row view of the towering red rock formations.
• Route 66 Stops – No Arizona road trip is complete without a little Route 66 nostalgia. We made quick stops in Petrified Forest National Park, Jack Rabbit Trading Post, Winslow (“Standin’ on the Corner” Park), and Flagstaff.

Final Thoughts on our Blacksford RV Rental Review

If you’ve ever thought about renting an RV for a family road trip, Blacksford RV is a fantastic choice. From the seamless booking process to the top-notch customer service, they made our Arizona adventure stress-free and incredibly memorable.

Arizona is one of the best states for an RV road trip, and our Blacksford rental made it seamless and stress-free. Whether you’re chasing sunsets in the Grand Canyon or cruising down Route 66, there’s nothing like having your home on wheels to experience it all.