You’ve seen the captivating images on Instagram: a couple waking up to a freshly brewed cup of coffee in their hands, gazing at the majestic Pacific Coast from the comfort of their Camper Van bed. The freedom, spontaneity, and adventure they must be experiencing at that moment is truly inspiring. This unique way of life has ignited the curiosity of millions of people worldwide, and if you’re reading this, it’s likely piqued your interest as well.
Here, we’ll break down everything you need to know before making that decision. Keep in mind that there is no perfect answer for everyone; it all comes down to your personal needs, desires, and level of dedication to the “van life.”
Renting a Camper Van
So, you’re ready to give van life a shot, but you aren’t sure if you’ll love it or you’re confident it’s the life for you and your free spirit, but with so many options on the market, which tickles your fancy? Renting is the ideal option in this case. Here’s what renting will look like, from compact and fuel-efficient campervans to spacious and luxurious motorhomes:
Pros:
- Top on this list: No monthly payments! You only pay for the rental period.
- There’s no need for a garage or space to store your van when you’re not using it.
- You won’t need to pay for insurance; the rental company will take care of that.
- As mentioned above, renting allows you to experience van life for yourself and try out different models.
- Renting is ideal if you live/want to stay in an area where van living is only possible during certain months of the year.
- Did you break down on the side of the road… in the middle of the night? No worries; most rental companies provide 24/7 roadside assistance.
- That brings us to maintenance and upkeep, which is not your problem when you rent 🙂
- Some rental companies will help you not only plan your trip in general but also find exactly where to park your van overnight that is safe, legal, and with a view. Their vans have all the necessities (shower, toilet, and kitchen), so oftentimes, you can simply pull over on the side of the road and avoid the campsites altogether.
Cons:
(of course, nothing is ever perfect, so here are a few reasons renting may not be your cup of tea)
- You went the safe and sensible route and decided to rent. But Glacier National Park is just so beautiful; you’d love to stay an additional week to squeeze in a few more breathtaking sunrises. Sadly you will probably be on a tight schedule when renting, so this level of spontaneity isn’t always possible, or easy.
- You’ve discovered van living is the only way to live! Renting may cost you more in the long run since rental fees tend to be higher than the monthly payments for a van you own.
- A Pacific Coast excursion may be limited to a small portion of the coast since many rental companies only allow a certain amount of miles during your rental period.
Buying a Camper Van
Your camper van rental trip to Southern Utah has made you question why you ever bought a house in the first place. So, you’ve taken the leap and purchased your very own camper van! Congratulations! Here’s what your new life as a camper van owner may look like:
Pros:
- Are you planning an entire US and Canada road trip? Buying will allow you to accomplish this incredible adventure. Think complete flexibility and freedom to go where you want, when you want.
- Customization to the max! Want your bed to convert into a couch? Do you want your kitchen inside or outside the van? Do you need extra height for the tall person in your life (maybe that’s you) to walk around? How much storage space do you need? All of this is possible when purchasing your own van… as long as your budget allows, of course.
- Oh, peak season, how much we loathe thee…if we’re renting, that is! Purchasing allows for that last-minute weekend trip to Yosemite in the middle of July. Most rental companies would have been completely booked up way in advance.
- You can live full-time in your new home on wheels.
Cons:
(this list may be a bit lengthy, so bear with us)
- To start, the initial cost of purchasing can be quite a sum of money all at once ($50,000 – 150,000 base models). From down payments to insurance costs to the customization process, think dollar signs, at least in the beginning.
- Unfortunately, the money horizon doesn’t get much brighter. When you’re not using the van during the dead of winter, you’ll have to find a place to store your new house on wheels. Storage costs are imminent if you don’t have extra space at your stationary home.
- When you’re on the road, you’ll have to handle all the maintenance costs and time to keep your beauty running like the day you got her. Upkeep costs can range from $1,000 to $2,000 a year, slightly less if you can do some of it yourself.
- If you decide to get rid of your camper van, selling it can be quite a challenge if you’re looking to make a profit, especially if you had it highly customized to fit your unique lifestyle.
If it isn't clear yet, rent before you buy! You'll learn so much about campers, their way of life, and, most importantly, whether it's right for you.
When selecting a rental company, it may be helpful to start with a more comfortable/hotel-like option. That way, the transition into the van lifestyle will be smoother.
Just beware, renting a decked out camper van may make you slightly spoiled if/when you decide to buy your own camper van 🙂
