Buying a campervan should be the start of your adventures with your new vehicle. But it can be confusing as to which campervan you should buy and what should you take on your campervan experiences.
What campervan should I buy?
The first thing you should do is to set yourself a game plan. You can do all the research in the world, but you’ll end up going in circles or buying the wrong thing if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Research is key but knowing where to start is even more important.
To help you decide when buying a campervan, the first thing to do is to figure out the answers to these questions:
- What is your total budget?
- Who will be travelling in the campervan?
- How far am I likely to travel in the campervan?
- How often will I use it?
It’s imperative you answer the above questions to save yourself from rushing into buying a campervan that is not suitable for your intended purpose.
What is the purpose of the caravan?
There are of course many purposes as to why you’re buying a campervan. You may wish to use it as a means for a weekend getaway, or you may be purchasing one to go on adventures when you retire. Or you could be looking to buy a fairly cheap one to use for a staycation holiday.
Narrowing down why you’re buying a campervan will make it easier to pinpoint how often you plan to use it and how far you are likely to travel in your new vehicle. Once you’ve worked this out it may change how much you are willing to spend on buying one.
Campervan essentials
Some campervans have a whole host of features that on the surface look amazing and essential, but in fact they’re not necessary for your intended trip and boost the price of your new home away from home. The following is a list of essential items to look out for when purchasing:
- Running water
- A bed
- Cooking facilities with a hob
- A fridge
- Gas
- Electric
- Table
- Heating
- Extra travel seats
- A leisure battery of at least 12 Volts so it doesn’t drain
- Storage space
- Portable chemical toilet
Where do you plan to take it?
Consider the fuel efficiency of the campervans you look at. If you’re going to be using it for frequent use then you’ll wasnt a lighter campervan which often offer fantastic fuel economy. If you’re planning to use it all year round, the lighter campervan is less likely to get stuck in any mud than a heavier motorhome.
Touring will always cause some wear and tear on your vehicle so it is worth looking into the price of servicing and maintaining your campervan. It’s important when the time comes to service or fix an issue with your vehicle that its going to come at an affordable price.
If you’re planning on travelling for a long period of time you’ll want to look into buying a campervan with some extra space, not only to ensure you don’t get claustrophobic, but for all of the additional equipment you will need.
If you’re looking to take your campervan on outdoor expeditions and travel through tough terrain, you should look at buying a reliable van that has been converted into a campervan.
Whether you’re looking to get a new or second-hand campervan or any other holiday vehicle insured, Sterling has you covered. Our experts are able to offer you great deals for all your travelling needs.
