How to choose the right campervan for you

 OK. So you've decided to buy a campervan. But wait! Let us walk you through a couple of points before you take the plunge:

Are you sure you want a campervan?
The reason we mention this is because you will notice a lot of campervans changing hands in the adverts, often due to unreal expectations. If we can save you time and money - we will. Listen to the other side to the romantic ideal of campervanning, we'd rather you didn't make an expensive mistake:

 1. Campervans can be expensive to maintain - don't think it's going to like being run on a shoe string. A good campervan has a good maintenance schedule behind it, regular basic servicing is vital, even when they're off the road. That extra expense has to be balanced against running any other vehicles, food bills, mortgage etc. And rust can be costly to. We regularly hear of people buying a pretty looking campervan with 4 months MOT and presume it will fly through the next MOT, only to find it needs £2000 worth of welding. Tip: get the seller to agree to a proper garage/mechanic test for around £100 - it could save you an awful lot of woes.

2. You may be better off hiring a 'van when you need it - if you're only using your 'van a few weekends a year, it could be better value option to rent one for a couple of weekends.

How many people will you be taking with you?
This is more important than you might think. A young couple may want to only ever travel as a pair, and consequently need 2 seats with seatbelts. But if you're blessed with 3 children, then you need to make sure either that the campervan has enough forward facing seats and belts, or at least has the potential to have them fitted by a professional.

What do you want to do with your campervan?
Some people use their 'van exclusively as a day van, driving a relatively short distance for a day trip, stopping to make lunch, perhaps stay for tea - then head home. It's a great way to extend a visit, and is an ideal use for any campervan. But if you're buying with the idea of long distance touring, you will have different priorites. Size is an issue - you may want a slimmer, lighter van if you're wanting to use your 'van on a daily basis and for the odd weekend away, but if you buy too big a van, it'll slow you down.

Different types of campervan

• 1. Pop top campervans
  This offers you a lower more streamlined and more manouverable vehicle
  FOR: Compact design, keeps vans shape
  AGAINST: Won't like being folded down wet, not as durable, prone to leaks
  EXAMPLES: VW Bay window
  
  
• 2. Fixed hitop campervans
  FOR: Always room to stand, plenty of permanent storage, weatherproof sleeping area
  AGAINST: More weight, can make handling less sure-footed, some car parks out of bounds
  EXAMPLES: Ford Transit Hitop
  
  
• 3. Make your own campervan
  Quite popluar option with us Brits, we love to deck out our own vans to suit our taste.
  FOR: Usually a cost-effective option
  AGAINST: A lot are left as 90% finished projects, never has that coachbuilt feel
  EXAMPLES: Common choices are VW Type 4, Type 25
  
  
• 4. Coachbuilt / Demountable campervan
  EXAMPLES: Bedford Rascal / Bambi

Overall the most important thing is to try and spend some time in a selection of different campervans. There's nothing like really experiencing the space, dynamics and seating arrangements to help you make up your mind.

Do you have any suggestions you'd like to share? Get in contact with us.