Freedom on the road.
Meet Gertrude and Violet, two hand-painted campers with queen beds and kitchens out the back, plus a family-sized trailer we bring to you. Grab your people, pick your dates, and go, from $99 a night.
Color Wagon Rentals launched in 2026 with a simple idea: the freedom of a camper van shouldn't require buying one. Heidi and Will found two one-of-a-kind hand-painted Ford Econoline campers (cozy queen-bed interiors, rear-access kitchens and all) and put them on the road for everyone to enjoy.
Camper vans are the easy way into van life: they drive like a regular vehicle, park in a regular spot, and average around 16 mpg, the best gas mileage you'll find in an RV.
We're based in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, near the SS Badger ferry dock. Head for the Northwoods, follow the Lake Michigan shore, or hop off the ferry and into a van. Wherever you go, you won't blend in.
Two hand-painted camper vans you drive, plus a family-sized trailer we deliver. Each one has its own story and style.
The Classic
The Showstopper
Delivered to You
We're based near the dock where the historic SS Badger car ferry crosses Lake Michigan between Ludington and Manitowoc. Sailing over from Michigan? Your Color Wagon can be ready when you land.
From browsing to the open road in four easy steps.
Meet the vans, browse the photos, and pick the wagon that speaks to you.
See open dates on the booking calendar and send us your request with a deposit to hold your spot.
Heidi goes through the rental agreement with you, and the balance is due 7 days before your journey begins.
Pick up your van in Manitowoc; we'll walk you through everything before you roll out.
Both vans come fully set up so you can pack light and focus on the adventure.
The bench seat folds out to a real queen bed, with cozy bedding and linens included.
Pull-out propane stove, sink with a 5-gallon water tank, refrigerator, and prep space, all out the back doors.
Curtains all the way around for cozy, private nights wherever you park.
A pair of camp chairs rides along so you can set up around the fire the moment you arrive.
Every rental includes 100 miles per day, plenty for a classic Wisconsin loop. Just $0.45/mile after that.
We walk you through the whole van before you leave so you feel confident and ready to roll.
Manitowoc, WI. Pickup by appointment, SS Badger dock pickup available
We're a family business, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can, usually within 24 hours.