Buying a camper? Read these useful tips

Are you going to buy a camper? Then you certainly won't make the decision overnight, as there are many considerations beforehand. The idea usually arises in the 'dream phase'. Because who wouldn't want to wander carefree through the most beautiful places in Europe? Your own bed, shower and toilet at hand, no hotel can compete with that. When the plans take serious shape, the search can begin and you will discover that many roads lead to Rome.

Every aspiring camper buyer will experience that it is not that easy to choose the right camper. Campers come in many shapes and sizes, but which camper best suits your own wishes and personal budget? The first and perhaps most important question is: what plans do you have for using the camper? Are you going to buy a camper with the intention of spending a few weeks' holiday, the occasional weekend and a short holiday in it? Or are you already in a phase of life 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 structure. These are all factors that help determine the choice of a type of camper. There are also cost-saving options: a small camper that is suitable for the holidays can sometimes be used as a shopping cart 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.

Camping van

Camping vans offer everything a person needs for camping in a relatively small space. The big advantage of the camper van is its compactness, so you can get and park almost anywhere. Such buses can also be used 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, this quickly dissipates a lot of heat.

Alcove camper

By building an alcove above the steering cabin, which can accommodate a double bed, you create a spacious and, above all, cozy sleeping place in an unused place. The alcove is the ideal 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 motorhome

The model that is particularly popular with seniors is the so-called semi-integrated camper. With 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 duos. The semi-integrated camper is generally longer than the alcove camper. A major advantage is the lower height, which means lower fuel consumption. Nowadays the semi-integrated camper is also available with a fold-down bed above the seating area. This model is especially interesting for families.

Integral camper

Here the original cabin has been replaced by a completely new structure. This creates a straight front with a large, curved window. The vast majority of models have a large fold-down bed above the dashboard and the front seats, which is barely visible when folded and therefore takes up no space. Climbing into the bed sometimes requires a small staircase, which can be a disadvantage for some.

Basic vehicle quality

When buying a camper, don't just look at the layout and design of the camping area. The basic vehicle is just as important. Most campers are 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 choice of engine is highly dependent on the desired driving performance.

Weight of the camper

Are you going to buy a camper? When purchasing, pay close attention to the empty weight and loading capacity of the camper. A modern camper has a lot of luxury on board, which makes the vehicle increasingly heavier. 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 that you have few restrictions. Some campers with a maximum total weight of 3.500 kg do not have sufficient loading capacity. It therefore makes sense to have the camper weighed before purchasing. You can then determine exactly whether all your belongings can be taken with you.

Do you get a warranty?

By law, the person who sells the camper must provide a warranty. Of course, most people prefer to buy a (used) camper that is in good technical condition. As a non-expert, this is often difficult to assess. With an independent inspection you will find out whether the camper is technically in order and what any repairs will cost. You then know exactly where you stand. When purchasing a camper, you are always obliged to conduct (or have conducted) research into its technical condition. In the event of a legal conflict regarding technical defects of the camper, an inspection will put you in a much stronger position. If you have purchased a camper with a warranty, it is advisable to have the camper (re)inspected before the warranty expires. Any defects can then be repaired in a timely manner under warranty conditions.

BOVAG Warranty

Purchasing a camper from a BOVAG-approved dealer and/or brand dealer has the advantage that clear agreements about the warranty are on paper. In the event of a dispute, the buyer and seller can contact the BOVAG Auto Ombuds Line. The ombudsman makes binding decisions for parties. Good agreements can also be made with non-BOVAG companies, but always record these in writing!

Take time for orientation

There is a wide range of used campers. Don't let yourself be put under (time) pressure and don't make a hasty decision that you will regret later. For a good idea of ​​the camper world, it is best to go to the Messe in Düsseldorf in early September. This is the Valhalla in the camper field 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 has to offer.

Would you like to take a look and see which campers are currently for sale? Take a look at it CampersCaravans.nl