Driving a camper van: tips for beginners

It looks imposing, but driving a camper van is easier than you think. If you can drive a car, you can also hit the road with a camper van. There are a few things you need to keep in mind. CampersCaravans provides tips.

A camper van is considerably heavier than a passenger car. And taller, longer, and wider. To start with the latter: you will have to drive a bit closer to the center line with a camper van to keep it in the middle of your lane. Due to its height, the camper van is also more sensitive to crosswinds and gusts of wind from passing coaches – so check your mirror more often so you are not surprised by them. Something else to consider: the weight. You are on the road with a vehicle that is almost three times as heavy as a passenger car, and although camper vans brake excellently, it is wise to keep some distance from other road users.

Tip: sticker on your dashboard

Stick a sticker with the dimensions of your camper van on the dashboard. This way, you have the height (including satellite dish!), width, length, and weight immediately at hand if you suddenly see a warning at a bridge or viaduct.

Something new camper drivers need to consider is the wheelbase: the distance between the front and rear wheels of the camper van. With a camper van, this is larger than with a passenger car. Therefore, when driving a camper van, you need to take turns wider to avoid driving over the curb with the rear wheels. So, steer in a bit later. In sharp turns, you also need to consider the length of the camper van behind the rear wheels. The back of the camper van protrudes quite a bit, sometimes one and a half meters, which means you have a significant 'swing out', especially in sharp turns. You will notice this especially when exiting parking lots, after refueling, or when turning into narrow streets. The ultimate tip for these situations: use your turn signals, adjust your speed, and don't let yourself be rushed. Look carefully in your mirrors and, if necessary, ask your co-driver to give directions from outside.

Tip: before you start driving

Before departure, check that windows, luggage hatches, and roof hatches are closed (also in the bathroom). Store loose items and keep the window blinds open: for better all-round visibility and to prevent you from being startled if they suddenly come loose when you drive over a bump.

Campers have double mirrors on each side: a 'regular' rearview mirror and a so-called blind spot mirror. The latter can be adjusted so that you can see overtaking cars right next to the camper, but also cyclists at traffic lights, for example. The blind spot mirror also shows a large part of the side of the camper: this way you can easily see if you are still between the white lines of your lane. Another important aid when driving a camper is the reversing camera. This usually has two positions: straight down, as a maneuvering aid when reversing into a parking space, and straight back. The latter position can also be used as an 'interior mirror' to keep an eye on traffic behind you.

Tip: loading

Light items in the overhead lockers, heavy items at the bottom, preferably between the axles of the camper. Beware of overloading. Don't immediately fill your entire fresh water tank – twenty liters of water is more than enough for on the road. And only take groceries for the first few days.

Despite their considerable weight, modern campers can keep up well with traffic. A good cruising speed on major roads is around 100 km/h: fast enough to easily overtake trucks. On smaller roads, 80 km/h usually applies. On winding country roads, perhaps even a little slower, because the camper usually leans a bit in bends due to the higher center of gravity. This can cause a traffic jam behind you. If that happens, just find a place to stop so that the string of passenger cars can pass you.

Tip: camper navigation

A 'normal' navigation device does not take into account the dimensions of your camper – special camper navigation (such as from Garmin and TomTom) does: you can enter height, width and length, after which the device calculates an adjusted route.

The fun of camper holidays is that you can easily cover long distances on the highways and then enjoy scenic routes. However, do take into account the dimensions of your camper. Trees do not grow perfectly straight up and overhanging branches – or rocks – can damage your camper. The same applies to crooked lampposts, especially if there is also a manhole cover next to the pavement – when parking, you can easily hit such a lamppost; damage is in a small corner. Also pay close attention on location. A reversing camera perfectly sees how much space you still have at the rear bumper, but that overhanging branch near the roof… it doesn't see that. In unclear situations, it is useful if the co-driver looks along from outside. And not behind the camper but next to it, at the back. This way you maintain eye contact with the driver and with the window open you don't have to shout at each other.

Tip: overnight stay

With a camper, you can go to campsites and special camper pitches near a village, a marina or a restaurant. Once you have found your spot, it is pleasant if the camper is level. That sleeps better. For this, you use special ramps for the front wheels. Be careful not to shoot off the wedge; let your fellow passenger give directions from outside.

Looking for?

At CampersCaravans you can choose from a large selection of campers. Also if you are looking for a caravan, you have come to the right place. Of course, you can also find many more camping tips and camping news on our website. Your adventure starts at CampersCaravans.nl.