Camper Vans
Camper vans are similar to motorhomes in that they do not involve a living space separate from the towing vehicle, as with a caravan: rather the living space is part of the vehicle. They are smaller and usually more basic than motorhomes, with furniture and accessories being focused on sleeping arrangements rather than catering and leisure.
Camper Vans
Camper vans have a history stretching back to the late 1940s, when VW vans were converted to perform a number of functions to aid the reconstruction of post-war Germany. Indeed, camper vans (especially VW camper vans) have served a number of functions: they have been ambulances, taxis, police vehicles, even mobile food service vehicles. However, their main function has been as leisure or recreational vehicles, and they became especially popular for this in the 1960s, when the growth of the counterculture meant many more people were looking for a cheap method to travel on long journeys. Cheap and readily available, camper vans were so often used that they became associated with the counterculture in the popular imagination, gaining the name ‘hippie vans’.
Used Camper Vans
The main way that most people acquire their first camper van is to buy a used camper van. This is an excellent way of getting started, as if the buyer researches the local market bargains can often be found. There are two main ways of acquiring used camper vans: through a second hand camper van dealer, or through a private sale. Obviously there will be more safeguards when buying through a reputable dealer, but it is advisable to still take the same precautions as when buying in a private sale: where possible, the vehicles history should be checked, and it should be fully examined to signs of wear and tear, both internally and externally. A used camper van should only be bought if the buyer is completely happy with it after conducting a thorough examination.
Camper Van Hire
Given the extra precautions necessary when buying second hand, many people new to camper vans start by renting. Camper van hire has become increasingly popular, especially during the summer: many people that would have taken expensive package holidays are now looking for holidays that satisfy their need for travel and adventure while being much more economical. Hire of a camper van for two or three weeks means holidaymakers can still access much of Western Europe, indeed it is arguable that holidaying in a camper van makes it possible to see much more of the countries visited and travelled through than when flying.
Camper Van Conversions
For people with good practical skills, an additional option is a camper van conversion. This is where a non-recreational vehicle is converted into being a camper van, using a variety of materials and methods. More and more camper van conversions are being performed due to the increasing availability of tools and camper van conversion plans, and many websites and communities have been started that offer advice. The big advantage of conversion is that the person performing it can build their camper van with exactly the facilities they require, rather than buying something that’s only partially acceptable, as is common when buying used camper vans.