Why You Should Own a Campervan

If you are considering buying a campervan, this is why you should:

This is Wyatt;

Wyatt, is a converted 2001 short wheel based Volkswagen Transporter T4 1.9TD 800 Special.

Wyatt was converted from a panel van, in to a two berth campervan in 2017.

Whilst I've been the owner of Wyatt, I have made further modifications to fit my family of four. Most importantly, a pop top bunk, to increase the sleeping capacity to four berth.

They make camping easy.

I've always enjoyed caravanning and camping, along the length and breadth of the UK. Having the campervan, makes pitching up that little bit easier. All you need to do, is park up! No more winding down stabiliser legs or pitching your tent in the rain (I said I enjoyed camping in the UK, afterall), and no more packing a soaked through canvas into an impossibly tiny bag (I'm actually quite good at this, but prefer not to do it). More importantly, no more wondering whether your tent will make it through a night of gale force winds (from my experience, they don't).

They are the perfect vehicle for a day out. 

There aren't many vehicles where you can park them up on a sea view car park, then put the kettle on.

They are not as cramped as you think.

At six foot one and 114kg, I take up a lot of space. But due to the clever layout of the conversion, I am able to stand up, walk around and sleep comfortably in the camper.  

If I need the extra space, for a longer break or holiday, I'll attach my drive away awning, which will give me almost another 15²m of floor space. This is perfect for storing baggage or anything we don't need in the 

van whilst we go out exploring.

They can be like a little home from home.

Some vans are fitted out very basic, with just a bed and extra lighting. Others can be a little more 'luxurious', and include a kitchen and extra storage.

Our kids love it!

Whether it's a day out, a weekend away, a festival or a two week holiday, our daughters love the adventures we go on.

You can have a reasonably priced holiday in a campervan.

By paying the same pitching fees as tents or caravans, it's possible to have an affordable holiday in some of the more expensive areas of the UK and Europe. Camping organisations, such as the Camping and Caravanning Club, offer pitch fees as little as £7.50 per night.

One of our favourite things to do in our camper, is to visit the festivals.

A typical camper festival will be made up of the campsite, trade and accessory stalls, food and drink area, entertainment marquees and a music stage. These weekends are a great way to spend time with like minded campers and spend an arm and a leg on merchandise you didn't know you wanted until you'd seen it.

The UK campervan community is HUGE!

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the public realised the potential benefits of owning a campervan and the number of owners soared. In June 2020, one supplier saw their sales exceed their targets by 250%. The increase of vans on the road, saw an increase of owners reaching out to one and other for tips and advice. The majority of 

experienced campervan owners welcomed the newcomers with open arms and the membership numbers of campervan clubs increased.

Why not use it for the commute?

If you're finding it hard to justifying having a vehicle just for the weekends, there's no need. I use mine for the daily commute. Though I've never had the chance to do it, I've been tempted to head out to the car park at lunch time and jump into bed, or watch a little TV.

A campervan is great for your mental wellbeing.  

There is nothing more satisfying after a tough week at work than throwing a few essentials in the back, for example, bacon, eggs, sausage, bread, butter, the wife and kids, then heading to the coast. As I get closer to the sea air, I feel the week melt away, as if I've escaped it and left it behind.

You don't need to stress over where you're going to stay. I've never struggled to find a campsite. These days there are a number of country pubs and restaurants that allow you to stay the night in their car park, in return for buying a meal.

There are two tips that I give everyone looking to buy a campervan.

1. The van is more important than the conversion.

You may have found the perfect interior layout for you, but if the base vehicle is unreliable, most of the journeys you'll be making will be to the garage, on the back of a recovery vehicle.

2. Was the van converted by a professional company?

Although I personally have no issues with a DIY build (the best, unique vans at shows are generally self builds). Not all campsites allow self built or DIY vans due to the risk of fire or explosion caused by poorly fitted equipment.

Thanks for taking the time to read another one of my blog posts. I hope I've convinced you that the way forward is by campervan.

Andy