5
Outdoorsy memberHost since March 2021
Communication
588% response rateTypically responds in less than 6 hours
About Travis Roof
I built my campervan completely by hand and love taking it to the coast to surf with my fiancé. We have traveled all over the western states and Canada and can't wait for more road trips in the future!
5
Outdoorsy memberHost since March 2021
Communication
588% response rateTypically responds in less than 6 hours
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Memories made on trips with Travis Roof's RVs
Chelsea R.
5September 2025
It’s in its mountain hippo era! Living out of the surf hippo for the last 12 days has been an absolute dream. Agreed with the other reviews that Travis has thought of SO many thoughtful details (blackout curtains, a comfy bed, bug net, a super-practical layout, lighting placement/ options, magnets for quick adjustments, tons of storage…), and it was so easy to use as a base with the reliable power and water. I’m typically a tent camper, so this was a fabulous upgrade!
I took the hippo out on a scenic loop to north cascades, over to glacier, back through northern Idaho, and down to Rainier. It handled the mountain and forest roads like a champ, and I even did some of the lower portions of Going to the Sun. Temps ranged from 100 in Spokane (whew) to 38 in Essex, MT. With the fans going or a warm pair of socks, I easily stayed comfy at both ends of the spectrum.
If you came to the reviews for helpful planning tips like I did, the things I brought along that I was glad to have were a small chargeable Bluetooth speaker, a lightweight camp chair, and a travel blanket. Trader Joe’s birthday cake optional, but recommended.
I took the hippo out on a scenic loop to north cascades, over to glacier, back through northern Idaho, and down to Rainier. It handled the mountain and forest roads like a champ, and I even did some of the lower portions of Going to the Sun. Temps ranged from 100 in Spokane (whew) to 38 in Essex, MT. With the fans going or a warm pair of socks, I easily stayed comfy at both ends of the spectrum.
If you came to the reviews for helpful planning tips like I did, the things I brought along that I was glad to have were a small chargeable Bluetooth speaker, a lightweight camp chair, and a travel blanket. Trader Joe’s birthday cake optional, but recommended.
5 Photos submitted by Chelsea R
Jonathon B.
5August 2025
The Surf Hippo is a great vehicle to take on a road trip around Washington! A comfy bed, convenient cooking space, cozy dining area, and many small, clearly well-thought out tweaks and features make driving and living in the Hippo a delight. Travis was attentive if we ran into a question or problem, and even helped with recommendations of activities in the area.
Jeff S.
5August 2025
Travis was a great host and the Surf Hippo was everything we could have hoped for. It was easy to drive and I really liked not having to worry about running out of power for the fridge/fans/outlets. Hoping to rent the Hippo again in the future.
1 Photo submitted by Jeff S
Brandi M.
5July 2025
Surf hippo was the perfect van for our adventure through the North Cascades! Easy to drive, had everything we needed, and the bed was very comfy. Travis is very kind and quick to respond. Would definitely rent again!
Jennifer S.
5July 2025
Camping in the Surf Hippo was delightful. We got to enjoy nature and get away from it all. The mattress was comfortable. Driving was comfortable. The kitchen was stocked with spices and made meals on the go easy. I hope to rent this van again soon!
4 Photos submitted by Jennifer S
Garrey C.
5June 2025
We spent two weeks traveling around Washington in Travis' van. We were able to visit the Enchantments Area, North Cascades NP, Orcas in the San Juan Islands, Olympic NP, and Mt. Rainier NP. We were looking for a van that supported off-grid camping and Travis' setup worked great. The solar/battery system and water carrying capacity allowed us to take advantage of "disperse camping" along forest service roads. We experienced daytime high temperatures reaching 110° (Leavenworth) and some evening low temperatures in the lower forties and the van was equipped to remain comfortable due to the ventilation system (and blankets). We learned that in the evening and when sleeping that exhausting air from the rear vent and just having the front vent open (but fan off) worked well and allowed us to easily turn the rear exhaust fan off in the middle of the night if it got too cold.
Travis’s answer
Thanks so much for the great review Garrey and for taking such great care of the Surf Hippo. It was a real pleasure having you as a renter! Hopefully our paths will cross again some day.
7 Photos submitted by Garrey C
Filippo T.
5May 2025
We loved our time with the Surf Hippo van. Everything worked as expected and the van allowed us to get the most out of our trip to Olympic. Travis is communicative, polite and knowledgeable about the area. Pickup and drop-off was smooth. Would highly recommend Travis' van for any trips in the PNW.
Joe N.
5April 2025
Cathy and I thoroughly enjoyed our four days of comfortable travel in the Surf Hippo. It is one sweet van! The layout is both efficient and elegant. We were cooking for 8-10 friends and family and the large stovetop and oven were perfect for our needs. The Hippo was very clean and well-equipped for camping and adventuring We let a few friends—who have outfitted their own vans—tour the interior of the Hippo and they were very impressed. I even sensed a little van envy :)
Travis’s answer
Thanks for all of the kind words, Joe. I'd love to have you rent the van again!
1 Photo submitted by Joe N
Erick G.
4January 2025
Jamie M.
5October 2024
The perfect house on wheels to visit Olympic NP. Surf Hippo runs smoothly. Bed is comfy. Never runs low on battery. Kept us warm. Travis is responsive and helpful. Will definitely use this next time we visit!
1 Photo submitted by Jamie M
Noah S.
5September 2024
The Surf Hippo was great to us. Took it to all 3 national parks around Washington and it never gave us any fits on any of the mountain roads or anything. Bed was super comfortable, more comfortable than any Airbnb we’ve stayed at.
Melaina M.
5September 2024
Travis was very communicative and the van was as advertised. 10/10 would rent this van again. The build was clearly very well thought out and made for a very comfortable trip.
Trent K.
5August 2024
We loved our time in the Surf Hippo! We’ve used commercial van rentals before, and this was such a better experience. Everything about the van felt personal and homey (not to mention the bed was super comfortable). Travis was extremely responsive and helpful with working around our flight times. We’d recommend this van!
Susan B.
5July 2024
Big trip to Banff and Jasper National Parks and the Surf Hippo was fabulous. Loved the layout and design, the solar panels powered us beautifully, and the bed was so comfy - we slept great every night! Travis was super to work with. Highly recommend the Surf Hippo!
1 Photo submitted by Susan B
Justin D.
5July 2024
Jason S.
5June 2024
The van is clean, well built, comfortable, functional and has a great vibe. We had a great experience exploring the national parks with it. The bed was very very comfortable. Travis was a great host who had great communication and was flexible and accommodating when possible.
3 Photos submitted by Jason S
