Things to Consider When Buying Your First Camper Van
With the rise of the “van life” movement, camper vans have become a popular alternative to sleeping in a tent or hotel. Camper vans have gained popularity for their ability to provide people with all the comforts of home while on the go. This can also be an affordable choice compared to buying a house or apartment. Despite their advantages, there are some things you should keep in mind when purchasing your first camper van:
How big of a camper do you need?
When it comes to the size of your camper van, there are three main factors to consider: how many people will be using it, what you will use it for and how much storage space you need. If you’re planning on travelling with friends and family, then a smaller vehicle might be more suitable than if you’re travelling by yourself. It’s also important to keep in mind that if your camper is too small or doesn’t have enough storage space then chances are someone will end up squished inside!
Do you need a new or used van?
If you’re looking to purchase a new van, it’s important to consider the cost. New vans are going to be more expensive than used vans, but they also come with a warranty. The price difference between new and used can be significant; for example, a Mercedes camper van may cost $20,000 less when bought second-hand as opposed to new.
If you’re planning on driving long distances or over rough terrain (or if you just want your camper van to have some of the most advanced safety features available), then buying new would be ideal because it will probably have more advanced features than what you’d find on a used vehicle.
On top of that, new campers tend to get better fuel economy than their older counterparts, 80% better in some cases, which could save you money both at the pump and over time if you plan on doing lots of driving with your camper van.
How are you planning to use it?
If you’re planning on living full-time in your camper van, then it’s important that the vehicle is large enough for all of your possessions. You will also want to consider whether there is enough room for personal space and privacy. A smaller camper van can be more manageable when used only occasionally but may feel cramped when used as a primary residence.
Gas vs. diesel vs. electric.
The next question you need to ask yourself is whether you want to go with a gasoline or diesel engine, or something else entirely. The answer will depend on your budget and how much maintenance your camper van will require over time.
Gasoline engines are generally cheaper than diesel engines and can be relatively easy to maintain as well (although this doesn’t mean they’re not worth the extra money). They also tend to have better fuel efficiency than their counterparts.
However, the higher cost of replacing parts like spark plugs makes them less appealing for people who plan on doing long-distance trips in their RV/camper vans regularly during their lifetime (like travellers who spend most of their time travelling abroad).
Nowadays, more and more people choose to use Aolithium battery as the electricity supply for van life.
Learn how to drive it effectively. It drives much differently than a car.
Now that you have your first camper van, the next step is learning how to drive it effectively. It drives much differently than a car. The steering wheel is located on the left side of the vehicle and each turn can be done by turning your wrist in any direction, as opposed to using your feet as in most cars. To park it, simply pull up alongside a curb and put your foot on the brake. Then shift into reverse and use your right hand to steer while holding down the clutch with your left hand (make sure you’ve checked for traffic first!). When you’re ready to get going again just release both pedals at once and take off!
The important thing is not to get frustrated when this happens because it will happen often! Don’t try driving around town until you feel comfortable with these basics. Otherwise, all those pedestrians will start looking like large slow-moving animals from another planet who want nothing but chaos!
Conclusion
There are many things to consider when buying your first camper van, but the most important thing is to make sure that you are comfortable with your choice. You should also make sure that the vehicle fits your needs, so you need to do some research before purchasing. In addition, it is important to consider the cost of the van and how this will affect your budget. You should also consider any additional costs that may be associated with owning and maintaining a camper van.
