When you begin thinking about buying a campervan, you may be looking forward to having the freedom to head out on road trips at a moment’s notice. However, there are some essential considerations you should make before deciding that you want to make this incredible purchase.
Here, we take a look at ten things you should think about when buying a campervan so you can make the right choice for you.
1. Decide on your budget
Purchasing a campervan is a big investment. The first and most important thing to think about is what you can afford and if you can get the best van for your budget.
2. Do you want to buy new or used?
Your first instinct might be to buy a brand new van, but used vans can be a great choice. Vans that have had a previous commercial life before can be converted and you know exactly what you are getting when you buy. On the other hand, a new campervan might be seen as an investment but may require fewer repairs over time.
3. How much storage do you need?
The size of your campervan is important, but the first thought might be how much storage your vehicle has. You should take a look at how much inbuilt storage your campervan has, and how much you normally need to travel with in order to make your choice.
4. Remember upkeep costs
As well as considering your budget when you make your initial purchase, you should also take the time to decide what upkeep costs are realistic for you. Maintenance and servicing, insurance, everyday running costs and repairs can add up with a campervan, and these can vary depending on the size and age of your vehicle.
5. How far will you be travelling?
Purchasing a campervan that can keep up with you is essential when you travel. If you will be travelling long distances over a consistent period of time, then you should make sure that you purchase a campervan that has a solid service history and good reliability (if used).
6. What size do you need?
If you are going to be heading out on road trips with your whole family, then a larger campervan might be appropriate for you. However, if you will be travelling solo or with one other person, then a smaller campervan might work best for you, both on and off the road. Compact campervans, like the VW Transporter, still have everything you need.
7. Where will you store your van?
You will probably not be on the road 365 days a year, so it is important to assess whether or not you have room to store your campervan – especially during the winter months when your van will need to be kept more carefully. Many people choose to have a VW Transporter campervan which they use as their main vehicle as it benefits them more financially than having a vehicle for leisure purposes only.
8. Who will you buy from?
There is a range of options when it comes to who you buy from. You can purchase new, from a private seller, or from a reputable seller (like camper_versions) of secondhand campervans. If you are opting for a used campervan, it is advisable to always go with a reputable seller who has a strong history of selling high quality vehicles, with all the paperwork and details you need
9. What’s on your wishlist?
Depending on how often you will be driving your campervan and who will be using it, you will have different utilities on your wishlist. Don’t be afraid to consider campervan conversions that make it easier for you to tick off every item on your list. For example, you want to ensure there are enough charging points in your van. Other wishlist items could be efficient heating, a stove, extra storage space, or a table to eat at. Fortunately, at camper_versions, we offer campervan conversions that are built to your specific needs.
10. Would you like one ‘off the shelf’ or built to your exact needs?
Campervans are built usually to a specification that the manufacturer knows will suit the majority of people’s needs. So buying a campervan ‘off the shelf’, ready to drive away, will have the basis of everything you need. But often, certainly at camper_versions, new owners need that extra kit that makes the campervan more suitable for their needs. For example they choose to encompass an awning, shower or toilet, that doesn’t come as standard. Buying from a manufacturer like camper_versions, the ready-to-go vehicle can be tailored, in-house, to suit your needs. Or you can have a campervan to be built from scratch to meet your exact needs, choices, colours and budget.
If you want to find the perfect campervan for you, then check out everything we have to offer from owning your campervan to hiring one! We offer a great range of campervans to suit your needs. Get in touch with us to see how we can help you begin your campervan journey.
