Renting a camper van for the first time

As a platform dedicated to all types of camping (motorhome, caravan, mini-van or tent), we have collected, over the years, the questions to ask yourself when renting a motorhome for the first time. This article gathers the questions that are essential to best prepare your first motorhome trip.

Understanding how the camper van’s equipment works

Each camper van will operate differently depending on the services it offers. Take the time to ask all the important questions if you are renting a camper van, or do researches about it before you buy one. Here are some questions you can ask to your rental company or owner:

About the camper van :

• How often is the vehicle serviced ?
• What are the dimensions and weight of the vehicle? And make sure they match those on your driver’s license. (In Europe, having a driving licence B allows you to drive vehicles up to 3,500 kg).
• How does the equipments works ? (water, electricity, fuel, gas, heater…)
• How many seats are there in the vehicle ?
• How many electric plugs are there ?

About the camper van insurance :

• What does the insurance covers exactly ?
• Do you have access to a roadside assistance 24/7 ?
• What do you have to do after a car accident ?
• Are you allowed to drive the camper van in other countries ? If so, does the insurance covers you in case of accident there?
• Are the extra drivers included in the insurance ?
• Is there a mileage limit ?

General questions :

• Where can you park your car while you are renting the camper van ?
• Are domestic animals allowed on board ?
• Are blankets/towels and kitchen equipment provided ?
• Can you return the camper van in a different place to which you rented it ?
• Do you have to wash the camper van before returning it ?
• Do you have to fill in the water and the fuel etc.. before returning the camper van ?

Plan your route and stops

The advantage of having a camper van is flexibility; but you need to know the roads a little to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Tips :

1. Mark the HomeCamper gardens in which you plan to stay during your trip on your map
2. Remember to anticipate and evaluate before hand your consumption and plan when you will need to refuel.
3. Download a mapping app and take a screenshot of the area around the HomeCamper garden where you are planning to go before you leave. That is in case you don’t have an internet connection during your trip or if your navigation system stops working.

…but you should also be prepared for unforeseen events…

Driving a larger vehicle will require more focus from you: you’ll likely be more tired and need to stop more frequently than expected. Also, don’t overlook the fact that the camper van takes longer to get from a point A to a point B.

Make a check list for your first time in a camper van

Because you will be in a rush you may forget some essential details and we are here to remind you of them!

List of things to do before your departure

Equipments and installations

• Turn of the gas
• Turn of the water pump, the heater and the A/C
• Empty the trash
• Refill with fresh water
• Remove the wheel chocks if you have used them
• Remove the antenna
• Close the windows

Before the departure

• Check the tyre pressure
• Check the bike rack
• Define a route
• Check for trash and make sure nothing was left on a HomeCamper’s host ground

The essentials for a camper van trip

• Levelling ramps (pair): For levelling your camper van on uneven ground.
• Wheel chocks: To prevent the tires from sliding
• Electrical connection: To connect your motorhome to the electrical grid.
• Fresh water hose: To connect the vehicle to fresh water.
• Screwdrivers

You are ready for the big departure with your camper van! See you soon in the HomeCamper gardens!

© Header image : Leon Bublitz, Unsplash