5 Tips for Choosing a Campervan for Your Trip

Nothing is more exciting than a camping trip, especially if you’re taking a RV! But choosing a RV for the first time can be tricky, as there are many things to consider. There are just so many types available, from cosy little Volkswagens to overcab RV's. So here are our five tips for choosing the right RV for your next camping trip, to ensure you have the best adventure possible!

People often opt for a RV with a toilet and shower, simply because it seems like the better option. But if you plan to stay at campgrounds with facilities, then you don’t actually need these amenities. It’s quite a hassle to clean out a RV toilet, so if you can avoid it, you should!

Similarly, if you don’t think that you’ll cook in your van, you shouldn’t prioritise a vehicle with kitchen appliances. There are various amenities available in RV's, so take a moment to consider which you actually need rather than going for them all. Nowadays you can find RV's that come equipped with awnings, heaters, air conditioning, ovens, TVs, microwaves and more. On RV sharing platforms like Goboony, you can filter the results based on the amenities offered.

It’s easy to assume that a large luxurious RV is the best option for their trip. If you’re main focus is comfort and space, then go for it! But consider whether you really need, or want, a big RV for your trip.

If you plan to visit large cities, you might struggle with your large RV. Big vehicles can be difficult to manoeuvre on tight streets and it’s a huge hassle to find a parking spot. Also consider whether you’ll be driving on rural roads, as you don’t want to get stuck!

The size of your RV is also impacted by the size of your traveling party. Remember that some RV's have more sleeping places than seatbelts, so ensure that you check this before choosing your vehicle.

Most RV's can be driven with a regular driving license, but some bigger vehicles will require a different license. Always check the license requirements before booking. Ensure that you meet the age requirements for insurance, and sometimes they’ll even have requirements on where your license is from, e.g. EU versus non-EU. Check before you book to avoid disappointment later!

Driving in a RV for the first time can be quite daunting! 

They’re often bigger than you expect with plenty of blind spots to keep in mind. So when you’re hiring a RV for your trip, remember that you’ll have to actually drive in it. Consider how confident you are as a driver, and then let that influence your decision. 

If you lack driving experience or confidence, go for a converted van instead, as these are the most similar to driving a car. 

But if you do want to hire a larger RV, then just make sure to practice. Ask if you can come for a test drive with the owner, or arrange to drive a similarly sized vehicle. 

Booking with JetCamp allows you to easily search through all the options available in Europe. You can filter based on various factors, including type of campground, type of accommodation, whether pets are allowed. If you’ve got your heart set on a beach vacation, you can ensure your campground is walking distance from one!

You don’t need to book your campground before arranging your RV hire, but you might want to have a rough idea. Depending on the facilities offered at the campground, you can determine what you need in a campground. It’ll impact how much time you plan to spend in your hired vehicle. 

Some people also prefer staying at one campground for the duration of their trip, then you might opt for a bigger RV. But if you plan to embark on a proper road trip, you might prefer a smaller RV which is easier to drive and cheaper for fuel costs.

With these five tips in mind, you’re ready to find the perfect RV for your camping trip! Your first time in a RV will also highlight what you do and don’t need, and what you’d like for next time. Slowly but surely you’ll find the RV of your dreams, to enjoy on many more trips.