Considerations When Selecting a Campervan

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Choosing the right campervan for a trip can be difficult and exhausting. Whether you want to buy or hire a campervan, you need to commit some serious time in researching in order to avoid some common pitfalls in this type of vehicle. Aside from the size of the vehicle depending on the number of occupants, there are many other factors that should be put into consideration. These include the following.

Type of campervan

There are many different types of campervans available today ranging from small vans to bigger buses.

• Car derived vans. Also called small panel vans, these are the smallest in size and most have a power steering which makes them easier to drive. Most also have a diesel engine which make them cost-effective to use. They offer the least space, are cheap and easy to use. They can be suitable for every day drives or short trips for one or two people.
• Medium panel vans. They are slightly bigger than car derived vans and offer larger space and storage. They are easy to drive and can be parked in most car bays. They can be used for long trips that include two or three people.
• Long panel vans: Long panel vans are also called small motor homes. They offer larger living and storage space compared to medium panel vans. They are harder to drive and park due to the size. They can accommodate a larger number of people—say at least five for long camping trips.
• Motor homes. These are the biggest campervans and can accommodate a greater number of people. They offer the ultimate mobile living space with lots of space for overnight camping. Motor homes are the most expensive to rent or buy and are difficult to drive and park.

Sleeping arrangement

The sleeping arrangement offered in the type of campervan is an important factor in ensuring maximum comfort during the night. For smaller campervans such as the car derived van and medium panel van, you might be required to make use of sleeping bags or temporary beds. Bigger vans such as long panel vans and motor homes have larger spaces for different types of beds.

Fixed beds are the most comfortable. Corner beds have cut-off corners that may reduce one's leg room. Over cab beds and garage beds may offer restricted headroom and one person may be required to climb over the other when leaving the bed. Ensure you choose a campervan that offers the sleep arrangement that suits your needs. It is also important to check the type of mattress offered.

Security of your campervan

Security is a very important factor to consider when choosing a campervan. You need a van you can safely lock up and leave whilst you head off sightseeing.  With all your belongings inside, this can be a daunting prospect.  It is essential to have an immobilizer which will stop the van from being driven away. A safe box that is bolted to the chassis is a great way to keep your passports and other valuable essentials safe.  When choosing a campervan, ensure the doors and locks offer maximum security.

These are among the most important factors that you need to consider when choosing a campervan. Factors such as cost of purchase or hire come into play, but these will depend on the type of van you want and your budget. It is important to ensure maximum comfort and security when choosing a campervan for your trip.

17 August 2015