Here’s some of our top tips to help you find the right camper for your family.
This guide explores the key things to look out for when shopping for a family campervan, and highlights a few key models that give you a great place to start, bringing you one step closer to finding the perfect home on wheels for your adventures.
Whether it’s for weekend escapes or long summer trips, a campervan can be a great investment, and we’re here to help you pick the right one.
Things to look for before buying a campervan
Camper Size:
Firstly, think about the campervan size that will work best for your family. Most small families will want something with at least four berths (sleeping spaces), but other families may need a bit more space. The key is to make sure that the campervan will comfortably sleep everyone, without being so big that it becomes a challenge to drive it, park it, or store it!
There are some great tricks to making the absolute most of the space inside your camper, and you’ll no doubt see some great ideas while you’re hunting for the perfect campervan.
Adding an awning to the outside of your camper can help to add some extra space to your camping pitch, especially if you’re going to be using it during the summer.
Age and Condition:
The age of a campervan can make a big difference to the price and condition of the vehicle. Older campers are typically cheaper than newer models, which is ideal if you’re on a budget, but they can come with some additional risks.
A campervan that’s clocked a lot of miles or hasn’t had much TLC might need some costly repairs down the line.
That said, a well-maintained older model can be a real treasure, offering great value for money and plenty more miles on the road.
Every campervan is different, so it’s always best to check the service history and give it a thorough inspection before buying.
Ease of Driving:
If you’re new to driving larger vehicles, you might feel more comfortable with a mid-size camper. They’re easier to park, and they handle more like a car – perfect for all kinds of roads and destinations.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for more space and comfort, a larger camper might be what you need, especially if you’re planning longer trips or need to accommodate a bigger family. It really depends on what feels right for you and how you plan to use it.
We definitely recommend taking a camper for a test drive if you’re seriously considering buying it, especially if it’s a larger model like a Mercedes Sprinter or a Vauxhall Movano.
Availability of Parts:
Popular campervans from major manufacturers usually have spare parts that are widely available, which makes repairs and maintenance much easier and cheaper in the long run.
If you’re thinking about buying an older camper or planning to modify it, this might be something worth considering. Classic campervans like the VW T2 may be up to 70 years old or more, but there’s still a huge number of great quality parts and accessories available for them because they’re such treasured and iconic vehicles.
The same is true of a lot of different retro campers, but it’s worth double-checking before you invest your hard-earned money into a campervan.
Ease of DIY Work:
If you plan to customise your camper to really make it your own, or simply want to maintain your campervan yourself, look out for models that are known for conversions and accessible components.
While a lot of more modern vehicles are harder to work on yourself, due to the increasing complexity of vehicle designs and the need for specialist tools, you’ll still be able to do a lot of servicing and repairs yourself.
Alternatively, you could check to see if there are any specialist garages in your area which you could take your campervan to if needed.
Just Kampers has a garage finder on their site which will let you find workshops near you, so you can find out before you buy.
Pop-Tops:
For those of you looking for some extra headroom or sleeping space, a pop-top roof is a great feature.
These pop-up roofs provide extra room when parked, but can be kept closed while driving to maintain the lower profile. It’s a fantastic option, especially if you want to be able to easily stand up in a camper which doesn’t have a particularly high roof.
Hi-Tops:
Speaking of high roofs, high-top campervans provide extra headroom and more useful storage space, making your time on the road a bit more comfortable.
Unlike pop-tops, high-tops are a fixed height, which is great for interior space, but it might mean that certain areas (such as height-restricted car parks) are a no-go.
Awnings:
An awning is a great way to extend your living space, which can be invaluable for families. It offers shelter from the elements, shade on sunny days, and a comfortable outdoor area for activities, dining, or simply relaxing.
Insurance:
Insurance premiums can vary depending on the campervan’s age, value, and modifications.
It’s a good idea to get a quote from a trusted insurer before you buy, so there are no unexpected surprises. Don’t forget to disclose any upgrades or modifications to avoid invalidating your policy.
Tip: Just Kampers Insurance is one of the UK’s leading campervan insurance specialists, getting you the right cover at the right price. Get in touch with their friendly team to find out more.
Resale Value:
Some brands hold their value better than others, and although you won’t be planning on selling your camper any time soon, it might be worth keeping in mind.
For example, Volkswagen Transporters are always in high demand, and typically resell very well, so they can be a smart investment if you are planning to upgrade or resell later.
What are the best campervans for families?
With so many campervans to choose from, it’s all about finding what works best for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – it ultimately comes down to your budget, travel plans, and family requirements. To help you get started, here are a few options that are popular among families and adventurers:
Volkswagen T6
The VW T6 is currently one of the most popular campervans on the market. Its compact size makes it easy to handle on the road, while still providing enough space to accommodate a small family. With excellent build quality, a strong resale value, and loads of parts and accessories widely available, it’s a great choice – although you may pay a little more upfront compared to other mid-sized campers.
Overall, the Volkswagen T6 is a great choice for small families looking for a reliable, stylish, and compact campervan that’s comfortable but still easy to drive.
Ford Transit Custom
The Transit Custom is another popular mid-size campervan on the market. As a cheaper alternative to the VW Transporter, it offers a practical and versatile space that works well for small families. With plenty of parts and accessories available, plus a big community of DIY converters, it’s an easy camper to customise. It might not hold its value quite as well as a VW, but it’s still a great option for families on a budget.
Fiat Ducato
For families needing extra space, the Fiat Ducato has plenty to offer. With its tall roof and wide body, it gives you plenty of room to play with, making it a great base for a custom camper layout. This extra space is perfect for families or those wanting a more comfortable experience. Just keep in mind that it’s a bigger van, so parking and narrow roads might be a bit more challenging.
Looking for more ideas? These family-friendly campers are also worth a look:
• VW Crafter
• Citroen Relay
• Mercedes Sprinter
• Renault Trafic
• Ford Transit
Final Thoughts
The right campervan for your family depends on your budget, your needs, and how you plan to use it. There are so many campervans to choose from, so be sure to do your research and carefully consider all the options.
Remember to thoroughly check the vehicle over before buying, get the right insurance, and enjoy your family adventures.
Just Kampers Insurance
One of the UK’s Leading Campervan Insurance Specialists & VW Experts
Our colleagues over at Just Kampers Insurance have been providing specialist campervan cover for over 20 years.
Whether you own a classic Volkswagen camper, a modern VW Transporter, or any other kind of campervan, they can get you a great deal on your insurance while ensuring you're properly protected.
In fact, they're so confident that they can get you a great deal, they'll even send you a £50 Just Kampers gift voucher if they can't beat your like-for-like insurance quote!
PLUS, you'll also get 10% off parts and accessories from Just Kampers when you insure with Just Kampers Insurance - it's a win-win!
