13 Clever Campervan Hacks You Need for Your Next Trip
Looking for the best campervan hacks for your upcoming trip? I love a campervan holiday, but it pays to be prepared. So, here are a few nuggets of advice I’ve picked up along the way.
All the best things in life start with a little leap of faith – especially true when hopping on new travel adventures. Going on a campervan trip might seem scary at first, as all kinds of questions pop into the mind. What should I bring along? How should I choose the perfect campervan? What about food?
By sharing my campervan experiences I aim to help to silence your inner control-freak, just read and take my advice and you’ll have a great time!
Here are our hacks for the campervan holidays.
13 Clever Campervan Hacks
Use these cunning campervan hacks to help you plan the ultimate motorhome adventure…
1. Practice with the right van
Although going on an adventure with a campervan is exciting and, typically, quite incredible too, it also comes with its challenges. You’ll have to give up the comfort you usually are used to. There might not be any electricity, easy access to hot water, and, of course, your internet connection will be worse too.
Being in a tiny space is not easy.
That’s why my top campervan hack would be to choose a campervan that’s comfortable and suits your needs. You must think whether you want to rent or buy a van, choose low top or high top. Of course, the type of van you need depends on your family’s size and how much you are willing to spend.
For example, Volkswagen campervans are a good choice for two adults and two kids, but it gets a bit trickier if your family is bigger. Of course, you can always bring a hammock or something else, but then you have to think if the hassle is worth it.
I’d strongly recommend hiring campervans for the weekend to try out before you commit to a specific one if you’re not totally au fait with campervans. I have a guide coming soon on the campervans I’ve rented, and the pros and cons of each. For now though, check out my guide on what you need to know before hiring a VW Campervan.
Campervan hack: check out rental companies like Gobooony and Camptoo to give a campervan a trial before you commit.
You can also consider checking out Wilderness Campervans if you prefer a unit that may come with accessories like camping tables, chairs, bike rack, portable barbecue, child restraints, and even Wi-Fi.
2. Prepare yourself for life in a campervan
Whether you plan to go on a trip that lasts just a few days or go on week-long adventures, you have to prepare for what is coming. Travelling in a campervan comes with plenty of advantages, and you’re guaranteed never to be bored.
If you plan to bring your partner and kids (or even your friends) with you, accept that you’ll have to be in a small space without almost no privacy. That means – finding time for yourself may be pretty difficult.
Probably the best way to prepare for this unusual adventure is to think about your expectations and end goals. Perhaps you should even make a plan.
Don’t put any extra pressure on yourself, and don’t worry about things going wrong. It’s all part of the fun!
For your first time, make sure to allow for extra time on your trip.
Don’t beat yourself up if you’re not enjoying every minute, you’ll soon relax into it.
3. Practice actually driving the campervan
Due to its larger size and turning radius, driving a campervan is not really the same as a regular vehicle. Driving the old VW we rented to go to Wales was HARD. That blummin gearstick and me just did NOT get on. That’s why it is crucial to make sure you actually know how to operate your chosen campervan. Then, make a choice and inquire about manual and automatic transmission before hitting the road.
In the past decade, most campervans have had a manual transmission, but the need for automatic ones prompted many makers to create one. Nevertheless, if you’re not a pro in driving a manual car, this is probably not the best time to try. Americans beware!
Research your campervan before you rent and know what you need to do. Check the vehicle offered to you carefully. Good thing there are many videos available online helping those who need answers in this matter.
4. Be spontaneous, but make plans when needed
One of the best aspects of travelling with a campervan is the fact you can stop wherever and whenever you want. You are truly free – if you decide you want to discover and explore a new place in the morning, you can easily hop in your car and go on the road. So, try to make the best of it. Don’t be in a hurry – instead, enjoy the slow-paced way of travelling.