Message Forums

We are thinking about buying our 1st ever camper van and would like to know

1/ what sort of van you'd reccomend (preferably one that could be used as main vehicle as well, so nothing too big / for 2 adults 1 child)?

2/ how does the insurance compare to cars?

i like the bongos but they seem a bit pricey, oh like transporter van type thing 

thanks in advance

swifty

Hi Swifty

It really depends on what you want to do with the van other than use it as an alternative form of transport, please remember that your child is growing so it’s worth considering a slightly bigger van as well as the VW and Mazda Bongo conversion type vehicles.

The above 2 vehicles and the larger panel vans will always seem more expensive than a C class type MH, as the base vehicle cost more and the conversion parts are slightly more expensive.

As for preference, a friend of mine has a T5 (VW Base) camper van and he finds it OK for himself, but add the wife and small children, then it simply is not big enough, even with the awning fitted on the side.

I would recommend looking at the larger type panel van conversions such as the Renault based Timberland vehicle, these offer more living space and you have the height to be able to stand up (unless your very small) this is a real bonus.

Suggest you get out and look at several types before you buy, ask to test drive a few and get the salesman to demonstrate how beds convert, what it is like to cook in and all sorts of things, don’t forget that it’s an expensive purchase so get it right first time. Worth purchasing MMM (Motor Caravan and Motor Home Monthly) it’s packed with pages of adverts of the sort of vans you are looking for and it also has frequent articles relating to panel van conversion. Once you have a design that you like, go and check a few private adds, well worth the hassle and you may save a few pounds in the process

As for insurance – again this depends on what you are comparing costs against – the Caravan Club and other such clubs offer good discounted rates, but shop around, you’ll be suppressed how costs differ. Be aware that if it’s cheap it’s probably not a good a cover, as you need.

Lastly – don’t forget that you will also need to hold money back for other items that are not included in the sale of the camper – such as awning, electric cable, gas, etc..

You can get really carried away in camping shops, don’t forget all this stuff needs to be put away when travelling and therefore you need space to pack your cloths and other luxury’s.

Hope this helps.

Dave

One other thing to look at is the payload i.e. weight that can be carried, as this varies greatly between vans and can be insufficient for the numner of people who can be carried.  Our MH will seat 6 people, sleep 5  but they would need to manage without extra clothing and without food to stay within the payload.  If you have an awning this can also be quite heavy.

There are plenty out there and the problem is that they are all so different so take your time and look at what you need to carry with you.

Jean