Looking to Buy a Campervan? Here’s Why You Should Rent One First

Vesper Campervan Rental
Jan 18
3 min read

Buying a campervan is a dream for lots of us, the thought of the freedom of the open road, spontaneous getaways, and waking up in nature is enough to make most people make the jump. But before you commit to a purchase, there’s one crucial step most experienced vanlifers recommend: rent a campervan first.

At Vesper Campervan Rental, we’ve helped hundreds of customers decide whether campervan ownership is right for them. Time and time again, renting helps you to buy with complete confidence.

Here’s exactly why renting a campervan before buying one is the smartest move you can make.

1. Campervan Ownership Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Not all campervans suit all travellers. Layouts, sizes, engine types etc. When you rent a campervan, you get hands-on experience with:

Bed layouts (fixed bed vs pop-top vs convertible)
Kitchen setups and storage space
Manual vs automatic driving
Heating, electrics, and off-grid capability

Many people buy a van only to realise after their first trip that it doesn’t fit their lifestyle. Renting first lets you test what actually works for you.

2. Renting Is Far Cheaper Than Making the Wrong Purchase

A campervan is a major financial commitment. Purchase prices, insurance, servicing, MOTs, and storage all add up quickly. Renting allows you to:

Compare different campervan styles before buying
Decide whether campervan life suits your travel habits at all

Even a few campervan rental trips cost far less than buying the wrong van and selling it at a loss later.

3. You’ll Discover How You Really Travel

Everyone imagines vanlife differently — until they actually do it. When you rent a campervan, you learn:

How you actually travel
Whether weekends or long road trips suit you better
How comfortable you are driving and parking a larger vehicle
Whether you prefer campsites or wild camping

Some customers realise they love campervans but only travel once or twice a year — making renting long-term the better option. Others fall in love and buy knowing exactly what they want. Both outcomes are wins.

4. Real-World Experience Beats Online Research

You can watch YouTube tours and read reviews all day — but nothing replaces real-world use. Renting a campervan lets you experience:

Night-time comfort
Storage limitations
Power usage
Cooking in a compact space
Weather performance in the UK climate

5. Try Before You Commit to Vanlife

Vanlife looks incredible on social media — but it isn’t always glamorous. Limited space, shared sleeping areas, weather challenges, and setup time can surprise first-timers.

A campervan rental gives you an honest trial run without long-term commitment. If it’s not for you, you walk away with memories — not a resale headache.

6. Learn What Features Are Actually Worth Paying For

When buying a campervan, upgrades add up fast. Renting helps you figure out what’s essential and what’s unnecessary. You might realise:

You don’t need a built-in shower
Solar power matters more than you expected
A smaller van is easier and more enjoyable to drive
Certain layouts feel cramped after day two

This insight can save thousands when you eventually buy.

7. Renting Gives You Confidence When You Do Buy

Customers who rent before buying almost always make better purchasing decisions. They:

Know the exact layout they want
Understand running costs
Feel confident driving and maintaining a van
Buy with clarity, not impulse

That confidence is priceless — especially with such a big investment. Many of our renters go on to buy campervans — and they do so knowing exactly what they want. If you’re thinking about buying a campervan, renting one first isn’t a delay — it’s an investment in making the right decision. You’ll save money, avoid regret, and gain real experience that no brochure can offer.