Buying a camper? Read these handy tips

Are you buying a camper? Then you're certainly not making a hasty decision; many considerations precede it. The idea usually arises in the 'dream phase'. Because who wouldn't want to wander carefree along the most beautiful places in Europe? Your own bed, shower, and toilet at hand – no hotel can beat that. When the plans become serious, the search can begin, and you'll discover that many roads lead to Rome.

Every aspiring camper buyer will find that choosing the right camper is not so easy. Campers come in many shapes and sizes, but which camper best suits one's wishes and personal budget? The first and perhaps most important question is: what plans do you have for using the camper? Are you buying a camper with the intention of spending a few weeks' holiday, an occasional weekend, and a short holiday in it? Or are you already in a life stage with a lot of free time, for example, to spend the winter in the south of Europe? Use during winter sports places different demands on the construction. These are all factors that help determine the choice of a camper type. There are also cost-saving options: a small camper that is sufficient for holidays can sometimes be excellently used as a shopping vehicle around the house.

Which type of camper to buy?

Broadly speaking, we distinguish four types of campers: the camper van, alcove camper, semi-integrated camper, and the integrated camper.

Camper van

Camper vans offer everything a person needs for camping in a relatively small area. The big advantage of the camper van is its compactness, so you can get and park almost anywhere. Such vans are also good to use as a means of transport for commuting. A disadvantage of the camper van is the large sliding door on the side, which makes a lot of noise, especially at night. In winter, a lot of heat quickly escapes through it.

Alcove camper

By building an alcove above the cockpit, which can accommodate a double bed, a spacious and especially cozy sleeping place is created in an unused spot. The alcove is pre-eminently the camper for families. The advantage of this type is the generous living space. The disadvantage is a somewhat higher fuel consumption because the alcove catches quite a lot of wind while driving.

Semi-integrated camper

The model that is particularly popular with seniors is the so-called semi-integrated camper. In this type, the original cabin has been left intact, and the superstructure has been placed behind the cabin. The layout with two single beds is very popular with couples. The semi-integrated camper is generally longer than the alcove camper. A big advantage is the lower height, thus lower fuel consumption. Nowadays, the semi-integrated camper is also available with a pull-down bed above the seating area. This model is especially interesting for families.

Integrated motorhome

Here, the original cabin has been replaced by a completely new superstructure. This creates a straight front with a large, curved window. By far most models have a large pull-down bed above the dashboard and front seats, which is barely visible when folded and therefore takes up no space. A small ladder is sometimes needed to climb into the bed, which can be a disadvantage for some.

Quality of base vehicle

When buying a camper, don't just look at the layout and furnishing of the camping area. The base vehicle is just as important. Most campers are built on a Fiat Ducato chassis; occasionally, the Renault Master or Ford Transit is used as the base vehicle. Fiat has designed a special chassis with a special engine for the camper industry. The Mercedes Sprinter and Iveco Daily are rear-wheel-drive vehicles. The engine choice largely depends on the desired driving performance.

Weight of the camper

Are you buying a camper? When purchasing, pay close attention to the unladen weight and the payload of the camper. A modern camper has a lot of luxury on board, which makes the vehicle increasingly heavy. The majority of drivers have a B driving license and are allowed to drive a camper with a maximum total weight of 3500 kg. With a C driving license, you can purchase a camper that has a higher total weight, so you have few restrictions. Some campers with a maximum total weight of 3,500 kg do not have sufficient payload. It is therefore useful to have the camper weighed before purchase. You can then precisely determine whether all your belongings can be taken along.

Do you get a warranty?

By law, the person selling the camper must provide a warranty. Of course, most people prefer to buy a (used) camper that is technically in good condition. As a non-expert, this is often difficult to assess. An independent inspection will tell you whether the camper is technically sound and what any repairs will cost. You will then know exactly where you stand. When purchasing a camper, you are always obliged to investigate (or have investigated) its technical condition. In the event of a legal dispute about technical defects of the camper, an inspection will put you in a much stronger position. If you have bought a camper with a warranty, it is advisable to have the camper inspected (again) before the warranty expires. Any defects can then still be repaired in time under warranty conditions.

BOVAG warranty

Purchasing a camper from a BOVAG recognized dealer and/or brand dealer has the advantage that clear agreements about the warranty are on paper. In case of a dispute, buyer and seller can, if necessary, engage the BOVAG Auto Ombudslijn. The ombudslijn makes binding decisions for the parties. Good agreements can also be made with non-BOVAG companies, but always put them in writing!

Take time for orientation

There is a wide range of used campers available. Don't let yourself be pressured (by time) and certainly don't make a hasty decision that you will regret later. For a good overview of the camper world, it is best to go to the Messe in Düsseldorf in early September. This is the Valhalla of campers and you can see every model with your own eyes. In any case, try to make your camper dream come true and enjoy all the beautiful things the world offers us.

Want to take a look at which campers are currently for sale? Take a look at CampersCaravans.nl