Guide to buying a campervan

Guide to buying a campervan

Here's everything you need to know

  1. Home
  2. Advice & training
  3. Guide to buying and hiring a vehicle
  4. Guide to buying a Campervan

So you’re looking at buying a campervan? It probably seems like there’s a lot of things to look for, to avoid and perhaps there’s things you haven’t considered yet. We’ve written the perfect guide for you to make sure you’ve got all the facts and tips before buying a new or used campervan.

Why should I choose a campervan instead of a motorhome?

If you’re looking for something that’s small, easy to drive and doesn’t break the bank then the campervan is probably the right touring vehicle for you. As a whole, they’re usually cheaper than motorhomes when it comes to refueling, parts, tolls, insurance and tax. You will still need to book a standard pitch size at most campsites, however you’ll have more room around you on your pitch for all the outdoor fun you want.

What type of campervan should I buy?

We suggest you start with a plan. You can do this by writing down all the things that are must-haves in your campervan, and then write the things that are desirable, and then consider the things you don’t want. We all know research is key, so you’re already on the right track by reading through our handy guide. 

These are some things to think about when doing your research.

How will I sleep in there?

When it comes to the bed, most manufacturers start with the bed design and we agree that it’s a good place to start too. There are different options to choose from, for example a transverse bed, island, fold-away or bunk beds. It depends how much space you need in the back. It’s also worth thinking about how much room you have in terms of height, as you may also need a ladder if the bed is on a raised platform. 

How much room is in the front?

How much room is in the front? You’ll be spending a lot of time in the driver's seat, so is it comfortable and can you drive safely with the leg room? How much storage space do you need? This will be determined by the amount of time you’re going away for, but check for extra storage options, i.e cupboards, under-seat cabins, etc.

Who is going to be using it?

Decide if it's for lone-travels, a couples adventure wagon or for all the family to enjoy. This will help you determine what the sleeping and seating arrangement will be and how much storage space you will require.

What's your budget?

When you’re making an investment like buying a new or used campervan, it’s so important to set your budget at the start of your search. This will determine if you’re buying new or used, and will help you decide what’s necessary for your camper. Of course there’s other costs involved too, so be mindful that you could need extra money for the following

What size campervan would be right for me?

Mini-Campervan

A mini-campervan is perfect if you’re after something that's small, affordable and the easiest to park and drive. You can comfortably sleep 2 adults, but this will mean reduced storage.

Small Campervan

Similar to the Mini-Campervan, you can very comfortably sleep 2 adults, and still have a kitchen and toilet area. This option will give you slightly more storage space.

Medium Campervan

Depending on the model you choose, it’s likely that you can sleep up to 4 people, whilst still having a kitchen and bathroom space, as well as some storage.

Large or XL Campervan

On top of sleeping, kitchen and toilet space, there should be room for lots of extra seating and storage whilst having room to move around inside too.

Essential checks to carry out before you buy

Is it stolen?

Always check that the seller has all the relevant receipts for the purchase, servicing and any general maintenance work that’s been carried out. Also check for signs of damage from someone potentially tampering with the doors locks, windows, hitch, VIN or the weight plate. We would also recommend you check its registration history to ensure there’s no outstanding finance on the vehicle too.

Is there any water damage?

Water damage to any extent can be expensive to repair or replace. As campervans are used in all weather conditions, it's always worth checking the whole vehicle for any potential damage. We suggest either using a damp metre or get it checked by a professional. 

Are the tyres okay?

How many miles has it done on the existing tyres? Does the tread look okay? Are there any cracks or other damage to the tyres? If the campervan has been parked or in storage for a while then there’s the potential that the tyres could have cracks or splits in the side walls. We suggest changing the tyres every 4-5 years depending on the usage.

When was it last serviced?

In the same way cars are serviced every year, we suggest carrying out an annual service on your campervan too. There’s a lot of expensive equipment built into campervans, so for your safety, the gas pipes, electrics, heating etc. should be checked annually. 

Extra things to check

  • Glass - Check there’s no chips or cracks in all the windows and sunroof
  • Lights - Ensure all interior and exterior lights work
  • Heating and Air-con - These can be expensive to fix, check they both work
  • Brakes - Ask when the brake pads were last replaced
  • Oil - Checks for any leaks whilst it’s parked and after taking it for a test drive
  • Bodywork - Check for any rust, damage to the seals, and any other dents, scrapes or chips

What driving license and insurance do I need?

Driving License

If you received your driving license before 1 January 1997, you are able to drive any motor vehicle up to 7,500kg or 8,250kg including a trailer. If you received your licence after this date, or you’re over the age of 70 you have a limit of up to 3,500kg, meaning you will have to take an additional driving test to add the C1 category to your licence if your motor vehicle exceeds 3,500kg. 

Insurance

We know how precious your campervan is to you which is why we offer our own campervan insurance to our members. If you're not an existing member, you can join today for just £59.

You may also like

 

Buying a caravan

Choosing the right caravan can be a daunting task, even if it’s not your first time. To help you make sure you get the right caravan for your needs, we’ve put together some handy tips.

Read our guide

Buying a motorhome

Thinking of buying a motorhome? We’re here to help and answer as many of your questions as we can, whether you're browsing through second-hand motorhomes or buying a brand new motor.

Read our guide

Buying a towcar

Choosing the appropriate car to tow your caravan will ensure that your towing experience is enjoyable and relaxed for the whole family to enjoy - as well as being safe and legal.

Read our guide