Your First Campervan: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Your First Campervan:

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide


So, you're ready to own the open road. Let's make sure you do it right.


Buying your first campervan is a big decision—but it's also one of the most exciting investments you’ll ever make. Whether you're dreaming of spontaneous weekends, cross-country road trips, or a new lifestyle altogether, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to buy a campervan with confidence.

1. 🧭 Define Your Adventures

Before you even look at vans, ask yourself:

  • How will I use my van? (Weekend trips, long-term travel, festivals, remote work?)
  • How many people will travel? (Solo, couple, kids, pets?)
  • Where do I want to go? (City stealth camping, off-grid, UK only, Europe?)

👉 Your answers shape the kind of van you need—don't skip this step!

2. 🚐 Know the Campervan Types

There are a few main styles to consider:

  • Micro Campers: Compact, car-like, perfect for stealth city trips and solo adventurers.
  • Converted Vans (e.g., VW Transporter, Ford Transit): Flexible, customisable, and great for couples or small families.
  • Coachbuilt Motorhomes: Bigger and bulkier, but full of space and comfort—think bathrooms, fixed beds, and big storage.
  • Campervan Conversions: At Gatwick Campers, we specialise in quality converted vans with great layouts for real adventures.

3. 🛏️ Choose Your Layout Wisely

Think about:

  • Bed type: Fixed bed? Rock-n-roll fold-out? Pop-top?
  • Kitchen setup: Full hob, sink, fridge—or are you a BBQ-in-the-wild type?
  • Toilet/shower: Necessary for some, not for others (hello, campsite facilities).
  • Storage: Bikes, boards, boots—make sure your gear has a home.

4. ⚙️ Understand the Tech & Specs

Here’s where we get a bit geeky (but it’s worth it):

  • Mileage & service history: Lower isn’t always better—reliable service history is gold.
  • Fuel type & MPG: Diesel is still popular for torque and economy.
  • Leisure battery & solar: Want to go off-grid? You’ll need the right power setup.
  • Insulation & heating: For all-year comfort, check thermal lining and diesel heaters.

5. 💷 Budget & Financing

Set a realistic budget, and consider:

  • Initial cost: Vans range from £10,000 to £50,000+.
  • Ongoing costs: Insurance, tax, MOT, servicing, campsite fees.
  • Finance options: At Gatwick Campers, we can help arrange flexible finance or leasing plans.
  • Rental income: Offset costs by renting your van through our campervan management service.

Inspect Before You Buy

Whether new or used, always check:


  • 🚨 Signs of rust or damp
  • 🧰 Mechanics (get an independent inspection if unsure)
  • 🔌 Electrical systems and gas safety
  • 🛠️ Conversion quality—professional builds are safer and better long-term


We offer expert pre-sale inspections and only sell vans that pass our high standards.


Try Before You Buy

Still not sure what’s right for you?


Rent first. At Gatwick Campers, many of our buyers start with a hire. It’s the best way to see what works in real life before committing.


The Long Game: Resale & Upgrades

Look for:

  • Good resale value: Popular models like VW Transporters hold value well.
  • Upgrade potential: Can you add solar? Extra beds? A bike rack?
  • Community & support: We offer servicing, storage, and upgrade options to keep your van adventure-ready.


Why Buy from Gatwick Campers?

  • Handpicked, quality vans
  • Expert advice & no-pressure sales
  • Test before you commit with rental try-outs
  • Earn while you’re not using it with our rental management program
  • After-sale support, servicing, and community events

Ready to Start?

Come visit us, chat with our team, or browse vans online.
We’re not just selling vans—we’re helping you start your next adventure.

📍 Based near Gatwick Airport
📞 01293 123 456
📧
hello@gatwickcampers.com

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Read by a Wild Viewpoint Bring a stack of paperbacks (or your Kindle), a cosy blanket and pick a dramatic overlook—cliffs, fields, or woodland nooks. Challenge yourself: no moving until the sunset or you finish a chapter (or the whole book!). Ask Locals for Their Secret Spots Skip the tourist traps, Chat to a friendly local and discover hidden waterfalls, secret trails, or that cosy country café known only to the regulars. Wild Swim Adventure Find a secluded river, pine‑fringed lake, or coastal cove and take the plunge. The shock, giggles and eventual triumph are pure magic. Afterwards, lounge on a rock and sip tea from your flask while the world wakes up. Create a Road‑Trip Sketchbook No skills needed, doodle road signs, clouds shaped like sheep, or the face of that grumpy village shopkeeper. Captions optional but highly encouraged! Stumble Upon a Local Market, Then Picnic Wander the stalls, grab cheeses, fresh bread, berries, or something unrecognisable and feast al fresco. Imperfect utensils? No problem crisps double as spoons here. Local‑Only Cook‑Off Challenge yourself to cook using only fresh, local ingredients, egg, wild herbs, mystery veg, maybe a local cheese. Whip it up over your camp stove or under the stars. Take a “Stay‑Put” Day Park by a lake or forest and simply don’t drive. Nap, journal, stretch, cloud‑watch, or turn your camper into a spa with a face mask. No world-saving required today. Scatter Little Kindness Notes Leave cheerful messages (“You’ve got this!”) tucked into menus, trail rocks or loo mirrors. You’ll never see the smiles you spark, but it’s a quiet joy to spread. Navigate the Old‑School Way Pull out a paper map, plot your route with coloured pens, doodle stops and surprises. No GPS? No problem, embrace the mystery. Postcard Time Capsule Buy cheesy postcards and write to your future self about this moment how free, silly, peaceful you feel. Don’t mail them… stash them away and revisit during a dreary Tuesday back home. Why Go Offline? Unplugging from Wi‑Fi helps you plug into real moments: breathtaking views, spontaneous conversations, and the simple joy of doing absolutely nothing without distraction. You'll return with stories, smiles, and perhaps just a tad of mud, exactly what makes a campervan trip unforgettable.
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