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How to Choose the Right Campervan or Motorhome: A Complete Guide

Published by

Jayne Mitchell

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How to do your Research and choose your Compromise

Are you new to campervanning? Are you dreaming of the open road – but overwhelmed by the choice and don’t know where to start?

After 14 years of owning motorhomes and campervans, I have learnt the hard way that you have to choose your compromise; nothing is perfect. However I now know what I like and how to find it, and so if you are starting from scratch, here are some top tips:

Before you start:

Definitely hire out a few different vans before you part with your hard-earned cash. Experiment with layouts, storage, bathroom styles and kitchens. Consider whether you could live in that space in a week of rain – it’s not all Instagram life. Weather happens!

Visit a large show like the NEC, or the Warner shows to see what options there are. (Links below) Listen to the live talks and learn from the speakers there. The sheer size of the shows and number of vans can be overwhelming as there is such a huge choice, so have a strong idea of the kind of layout you might like, before you go.  Don’t be lured by aesthetics alone – they might be cute, but might not be the right layout for you.

Top Tips

Here are some helpful hints to begin with:

  • Budget: Your budget will determine a lot of the decision for you. You need to consider not only the van, but also tax, insurance, possible van-storage costs, as well as the actual travel costs you will incur, and any upgrades. If you are going for a second hand van, look carefully for problems and issues, such as water ingress. There are plenty of resources out there to help you know what problems to look for. Research and checks are really important.
  • Number of Travellers: How many beds do you need and where will everyone sleep? If you have children or teens, will they be happy sleeping near each other? Or do you need to separate them? By law, you need to have seatbelts for everyone.
  • Length of Trips: Will you be having the occasional weekend away, longer road trips, or are you wanting to live in it full time? This will affect what you need from a van.
  • Space: If it rains for a week, can all travellers spend time together in that space? Many are lured by the idea of a cute Instagram-style van, but ultimately some find that the lack of space is a problem.
  • Facilities: Do you want an on-board loo and shower? This decision will affect where you can stay the night. If you have to rely on public toilets, it will restrict your choice of travel quite a bit, and probably bump up the costs of your campsites.
  • Size matters: Think about where you want to travel and how easy it would be in a large motorhome. What kind of campsites are you looking at? Are you prepared to drive the Cornwall roads in 9 metre van? Or are you going to stick to motorways and A-Roads? If you are choosing a small van, can you manage in a small space? Ensure your driving licence covers the size of the van – not all do.
  • Layout: This is key and every van is a compromise somewhere. Personally, we love a u-shaped lounge so we can spread out during the day, and then we convert it to a bed at night. A fixed bed means less living space, and you may have to sit in an upright dinette during the day. A large bathroom may mean compromise in other areas of the van. Always consider how you will manage in the rainy days and winter dark nights.
  • Mod cons: Do you want air-fryers, microwaves, and tv’s, or do you want to be off-grid and low maintenance. Are you going abroad and need air con? It is all possible, but you may need to upgrade your battery and add solar panels, or choose to always have electric hook up.
  • Cooking: How many hob burners do you want? Do you want an oven? Some of the European designs are designed for outside living and so don’t have an oven. Do you want a BBQ point?
  • Storage: Storage in a van is key. Make a rough list of everything you might need to take. From clothes, pets, coats, to deck chairs, bbq’s, bedding and bikes. Then, when viewing your chosen van – think carefully about where you will put it all. Take the list with you, otherwise the overwhelm or excitement will skew your logic.
  • Power: Are you looking at off grid camping? A lithium battery and solar panels are something to look in to. If the van doesn’t come with it, you may need to upgrade, and that costs money.
  • Payload: Your van must not be overweight, or you could be prosecuted. You need to bear this in mind when you consider the gear you are taking with you. (See article link below for more info).

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