Your first campervan trip: ten things to know
Licence, height barriers, water, where to sleep: what nobody tells you before your first night in a van.
A first trip in a campervan feels like a holiday and a camping course at once. These ten things will save you a few surprises.
- Your car licence is enough for any vehicle under 3.5 tonnes, which covers nearly every van and most motorhomes.
- Measure the height. A pop-top van fits under most car park barriers; a high-top or a motorhome does not.
- Fill up with water every day, and empty the grey water just as often.
- Plan short stages. Two to three hours of driving a day leave time to stop where you like.
- Arrive before dark on your first nights, to level the van and find the tap.
Where to sleep
Campsites, farm stays and motorhome areas are always allowed; wild camping depends on the country and the town. Your owner usually has a list of their favourite spots: ask them at the handover.
Photo: Shixart1985 (CC BY 2.0), Wikimedia Commons
