Whether you’re thinking of buying a campervan for family holidays, to set off on month-long adventures, or weekend getaways, it can be difficult to know which will be right for you. And with such a wide range of types to choose from, there’s certainly no shortage of options. If you’re keen to invest but want to make sure you’re spending your money wisely, you’re in the right place. Here, we’ll go through four key factors to consider when buying a campervan.
1. When and where you’ll use it
The first thing you need to consider before you buy a campervan is when you’ll be using it. Do you plan on setting off on adventures regularly? Or will you be using it twice a year? Are you going away for months at a time, or for short weekend breaks? By working out how often you’ll be using it and how long you’ll be spending inside, you can get to grips with the facilities you’ll need on board. You should also think about where you’ll be taking it, as this will impact the type of campervan that will best suit you, whether that’s a high top, pop top or otherwise.
2. The amount of space and storage
Once you know when and where you’ll be using it, start to think about the space and storage you’ll need. If you’re retired and planning on setting off with your significant other, a small campervan for two may be perfect. Or, if you’re buying a campervan for holidaying with your partner and kids, a larger model with the right number of sleeping compartments will be essential. It’s also important to consider storage – will you be taking lots of food, drink and clothing with you?
3. Your essentials and priorities
Got an idea of the size you want? Then it’s time to consider the essentials you’d need from your campervan, prioritising ‘must-haves’ over ‘nice-to-haves’. For instance, will you be cooking meals regularly? Then you may want a good-quality kitchen space. Will you be heading on holiday all year round? Then heating is a must to keep you warm on chilly winter evenings. Or perhaps you’re packing up for a couple of months of travel round the continent? Then nifty storage may be top of your priorities. By understanding your key essentials, you can effectively narrow down your search.
4. Your upfront and long-term budget
The next thing to establish is how much you’d like to spend. Before you start searching, it’s important to set yourself a realistic budget in line with what you can afford, to avoid overspending. There are two costs to consider – one is the upfront cost of the campervan, which can vary greatly depending on the spec and size. The next is the ongoing expenses of running and maintaining your campervan, such as the insurance, fuel, servicing and tax. Remember, if you’re on a tight budget, there’s always more cost-effective options such as second-hand models.
Now that you know some of the key things to consider, why not start your campervan search today?
