Our Essential Guide to Buying a Campervan

Buying a campervan is the first step towards unlocking incredible freedom on the road. At Rising Sun Campers, we know how exciting and sometimes overwhelming that process can be. Whether you’re planning weekend escapes or a full-on van life adventure, we’re here to help you find the perfect campervan for your needs.

This guide covers everything you need to consider before buying your campervan so you can hit the road confident and ready to explore.

1. How Will You Use Your Campervan?

Think about your ideal adventures and how you plan to use your campervan. Are you mainly looking for quick weekend trips or longer extended holidays with the full family? Longer trips usually require more storage space and additional comfort features to make life on the road easier.

• Will you be travelling solo, as a couple, or with family or friends? This influences how many sleeping and seating areas you need.
  
• Do you want to camp off-grid in remote locations or stay mainly on campsites with electric and water hookups? This affects the type of power and water systems you need.
  
• What climates or seasons will you travel in? Will you need diesel heating or extra insulation to stay warm?
  
• Will you need space for hobbies or gear, like bikes or surfboards?
  
• How important is easy manoeuvrability and parking for your travels?
  
• Will you be cooking inside your van or eating out mostly?
  

Having a clear idea of how you’ll use your campervan helps us recommend the best models and conversions to suit your lifestyle and adventure plans.

2. Setting Your Budget

Campervans come in a wide range of prices, and at Rising Sun Campers, we offer a diverse selection to suit many budgets. It’s important to set a realistic budget before you start looking so you can focus on vans that are right for you.

• Remember to factor in more than just the initial purchase price — insurance, regular servicing, MOTs, and potential upgrades or customisations all add up.
  
• Think about ongoing running costs such as fuel, repairs, and campsite fees.
  
• Decide if you want a new model with full warranties or a quality used van for value.
  
• Consider financing options or payment plans if you prefer spreading the cost.
  

We’re always happy to guide you through options that provide great value without compromising on quality or reliability.

3. New or Used Campervans?

One of the big decisions is whether to buy a brand-new campervan or a used one.

• New campervans come with the latest technology, full manufacturer warranties, and peace of mind.
  
• Used campervans can offer excellent value but require thorough inspections to ensure everything is in good working order.
  
• Ask for full service history and previous ownership details.
  
• Look for popular extras already fitted, like solar panels and upgraded heating.
  
• Our team specialises in quality used vans that have been carefully checked and maintained.
  

We’re here to help you choose the best option for your needs and budget.

4. Finding the Right Layout and Size

Not all campervans are the same, and one size definitely does not fit all.

• Decide how many sleeping berths you need — 2 berth, 4 berth, or more.
  
• Choose between fixed beds, rock ‘n’ roll beds, or convertible seating for versatile space.
  
• Consider roof options: pop tops, elevating roofs for extra headroom, or fixed roofs.
  
• Look at kitchen layouts — compact setups or fully equipped kitchens with fridge, hob, and sink.
  
• Check storage solutions for clothes, equipment, and supplies.
  
• Make sure seating and dining areas suit your needs.
  

We’re happy to talk through the different layouts with you and help find the best fit for your travel plans and comfort requirements.

5. Features That Make a Difference

When you buy a campervan through us, you benefit from fully checked vehicles that come loaded with practical and comfort-enhancing features.

• Reliable engines paired with smooth DSG gearboxes for easy driving.
  
• Quality insulation and diesel heating for comfort in all seasons.
  
• Leisure batteries combined with solar panels to keep you powered off-grid.
  
• Well-equipped kitchens including fridges, hobs, and sinks to make cooking easy.
  
• Extras such as reversing cameras, awnings for outdoor shade, and comfortable swivel seats.
  
• Safety features and water systems to enhance your experience on the road.
  

6. Take Your Time With Test Drives

We highly recommend taking your time to test drive any campervan you’re considering.

• Test the vehicle on different road types if possible — town, motorway, and country roads.
  
• Assess driving comfort, handling, and visibility.
  
• Try all onboard features — heating, appliances, lighting.
  
• Listen for noise levels and check insulation.
  
• Bring a friend or family member to get a second opinion.
  
• Ask our team any questions you have during the drive.
  

We want you to feel completely confident and happy with your choice before you make a decision.

7. Documentation and Peace of Mind

Transparency and trust are important when buying a campervan.

• Every van from Rising Sun Campers comes with full documentation, including a complete service history and MOT records.
  
• You will receive the vehicle logbook and all paperwork related to the camper conversion.
  
• Warranty and aftercare information is provided where applicable.
  
• We offer a detailed handover walkthrough so you understand everything about your new campervan.
  

This thorough documentation ensures you have peace of mind and a clear record of your campervan’s maintenance and features.

8. Insurance and Running Costs

Owning a campervan comes with ongoing costs beyond the purchase price.

• We can recommend trusted insurance providers specialising in campervan cover to help you get the right policy.
  
• Consider fuel consumption and servicing costs in your budget.
  
• Think about repair and maintenance expenses over time.
  
• Explore roadside assistance and breakdown cover options.
  
• Plan for campsite fees and parking charges.
  

Our team can provide advice on what to expect so you can plan your finances accordingly.

9. Customisation and Future Upgrades

Many of our customers like to personalise their campervans to fit their unique needs.

• Add solar panels for longer off-grid power.
  
• Upgrade interiors with better upholstery, curtains, or lighting.
  
• Install extra storage racks, bike carriers, or roof boxes.
  
• Enhance heating, ventilation, or insulation for year-round comfort.
  
• Upgrade tech with satellite navigation or WiFi boosters.
  
• Plan upgrades gradually to spread costs and improve your van over time.
  

We’re here to help you plan those future upgrades to make your adventures even more enjoyable.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

At Rising Sun Campers, we’re passionate about helping you find a campervan that fits your lifestyle and adventure dreams perfectly. Browse our current stock online or get in touch to discuss your needs and budget. We’re here to guide you every step of the way so you can start your next adventure with confidence.

Explore our campervans for sale today and get ready to hit the road.