Living In A Camper Van: Is It Possible?

Living in a campervan is a dream for many, but it's not for everyone. The idea of the open road and the thrill of moving to a new location whenever you want can be very attractive. However, there are some important things to consider before making the switch.

First of all, it's essential to know the laws around living in a campervan full-time. In the UK, there is no law that prevents you from making a motorhome your primary residence, as long as it's roadworthy, taxed, insured and has a valid MOT. The same is true for Europe, although the rules have become more complex since Brexit.

One of the biggest challenges of campervan life is finding places to park up and stay. Wild camping is forbidden in many parts of the UK, and you'll need to research where you can and can't park. This can be tricky, as local authorities may have restrictions on where you're allowed to park overnight.

Another thing to consider is the limited space in a campervan. This can be a pro if you want to save time on cleaning, but it can be a con if you like having a lot of possessions with you. If you're living with another person, you'll also need to share the same bathroom and have your beds very close together.

Cost is another factor to think about. While living in a campervan is generally cheaper than living in a house, there are still expenses to consider such as campground rent, insurance and gas.

Overall, living in a campervan can be a fantastic way to embrace minimalism and have constant adventures. But it's important to do your research and be prepared for the challenges that come with this unique lifestyle.

Is it legal?

There is no law in the UK that prevents you from making a camper van your primary residence. The same is true of caravans and motorhomes. The only legal stipulation is that it must be roadworthy, hold a current MOT certificate and be taxed and insured. Plus, you must only pitch up in permitted places.

Parking up a camper van year-round

That last point is crucial. Living in a camper van saves you the expense of owning property and gives you a wonderful amount of freedom. However, finding places to park up and stay is not always straightforward. There are many parts of the UK where ‘wild camping’ is expressly forbidden, and you will face hefty fines and possibly wheel clamps if you overstay your welcome in many UK towns and cities. The key to living in a camper van is doing lots of research to find affordable sites and places you can park. Keep in mind the fact that leisure sites that welcome camper vans don’t operate year-round. They shut during the quieter winter months as demand falls. It’s against the law for leisure parks to open all year (unlike residential parks).

Friends and family with land or driveways can be handy when the availability of sites is scarce. Or, you could explore the possibility of temporarily staying in residential parks, alongside what is sometimes referred to as Park Homes. Some owners of private land rent out pitches to camper vans, and of course, there’s always the option of driving to the continent in the winter in search of the sun! If you locate your camper van on your own empty land for any length of time, you may need planning permission to site a residence there.

Other legal considerations

• If you are renting or selling up your property to live in a camper van and don’t have a bricks-and-mortar base to return to, then you’ll need to take out full-timing insurance. This is generally more expensive than regular insurance, and you may be tempted to not tell the insurance about your circumstances, but this could invalidate your insurance if you have an accident.
• If you are travelling in Europe, you will need travel insurance to supplement your EHIC/GHIC health insurance card. Back-packer insurance tends to be the best as it will cover you for up to 24 months, although lots of companies limit you to a year if you’re over 55 years old.
• You will need a UK fixed address for your driving licence and V5 document and this address will also need to be used for camper van insurance. Lots of full-timers use a family member’s address for DVLA, insurance and banks which helps maintain a credit footprint in the UK. You could also be added to the electoral roll at that address – you don’t need to actually live there.
• If you are travelling in Europe, it is still possible to travel full-time on the continent, but you can now only spend 90 in every 180 days in the Schengen area. This means leaving European countries we are familiar with, and heading for Morocco, some of the Balkan countries, and Turkey.
• If you are travelling with a dog, make sure you are aware of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) and the rules around travelling with pets.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros:

• Mobility and freedom: You can travel anywhere in the UK and Europe and have a bed to sleep in wherever you are. You can stay in one place as long as you want and move on whenever you feel like exploring a new place.
• Lower cost of living: The cost of buying and maintaining a motorhome is much lower than that of owning a house. Campground rent, insurance, and gas are also relatively affordable.
• Easy to clean: Motorhomes have limited space, so cleaning the interior and exterior takes less time and effort.
• Closer to nature: You can park your motorhome in relatively wild areas, which can make you feel more relaxed and improve your mood.
• Constant travel and adventure: You can constantly see new places, meet new people, and experience different ways of living.
• Opportunity to try a minimalist lifestyle: You can find out how having fewer possessions affects you and discover that you don't need as many items to be happy.
• Meeting new people: You will meet other campers, hikers, campground hosts, and more.

Cons:

• Limited space: This can be challenging if you like having a lot of possessions or need privacy, especially when sharing the motorhome with others.
• Messy: Living in a small space can get messy, but this can be mitigated with the right self-discipline and control.
• Driving difficulties: Motorhomes are large vehicles that can be challenging to drive, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Some motorhomes may also require a special driving license.
• Lack of a fixed address: This can cause difficulties with receiving mail, filling out forms, insurance, and paying bills.
• Distance from family and friends: While you can make new friends on the road, you will be far away from your loved ones.
• Finding parking: You need to choose the right area to park your motorhome, and this may come with additional costs.

What are the essential items?

Living in a camper van is a big decision, but it can be a rewarding one. Here are some essential items to make your new life on the road more comfortable and enjoyable:

Safety and Security

• Alarm system and autostart: The Viper 5906V system allows you to start your van remotely and will alert you if the alarm is triggered.
• Tracking device: Apple AirTags can be hidden in your van and will allow you to track its whereabouts as long as there is an iPhone nearby.
• Satellite messaging device: The Garmin inReach Mini is a potentially life-saving device that can send messages and SOS alerts when your phone has no service.
• Electronic safe: Bolt this small safe box to the wall of your van to keep your valuables secure.
• Car emergency kit: Be prepared for breakdowns with a kit that includes jumper cables, tow straps, tire repair materials, an air compressor, and a seatbelt cutter.
• Fire extinguisher: A compact and reliable fire extinguisher could be a life-saving accessory for van life.
• Carbon monoxide detector: Powered by two AA batteries, this device will alert you with an 85-decibel beep if deadly carbon monoxide is present.
• Hydraulic car jack: Flat tires are inevitable, so be prepared with a car jack that can lift your van off the ground.

Tech Gadgets and Accessories

• Solar kit: A solar setup will boost your rig's livability by powering your gadgets whether or not the van is running.
• High-capacity power bank: Attach solar panels to this to keep all your electronics running.
• Electric 12-volt cooler: This is a favourite piece of van life technology, keeping perishable food and beverages cool.
• Portable power bank: A backup power bank can be used to charge your phone or satellite device in an emergency.
• USB touch light: This light is handy when you want illumination without drawing power from your external battery.
• USB-rechargeable clip-on fan: This compact and portable fan has a built-in battery that charges via USB and lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge.
• Waterproof Bluetooth speaker: The JBL Go 3 is compact, puts out great audio, and can take a beating.
• Wireless charging car mount: This car mount connects magnetically to your phone and slowly charges it as you drive.
• Hand vacuum: A compact, USB-rechargeable hand vacuum is a must-have for keeping your small space tidy.
• 12-volt air compressor: With this, you can control the air pressure in your tires and never pay for air at a gas station again.
• 12V chargeable jump starter: This versatile accessory can jump-start your car battery, fast-charge devices, work as a flashlight, and has a built-in compass.

Kitchen Staples

• Butane camping stove: Lightweight and reliable, this stove is perfect for cooking non-liquid meals.
• Isobutane camping stove: Ideal for cooking ramen, soups, curries, and other liquid-based meals.
• Compact water boiler: Connects with the same lightweight stove as the MSR above and is used to boil water for beverages and meals.
• Portable cooler bag: A lightweight, portable, and versatile option to keep contents cold for days.
• Insulated thermos: Double-wall insulation keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold for extended periods.
• Cast-iron pot: A sturdy pot that cooks food evenly and is rugged enough to withstand campfire cooking.
• Cutting board: A large and sturdy cutting board is essential for food preparation.
• Tableware set: This enamel-coated steel set is compact, lightweight, durable, and able to endure the rigors of life on the go.
• Folding table: A lightweight aluminum table provides a surface for cooking, eating, working on your laptop, etc.

Other Valuable Gear

• Cashback credit card: The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card offers 6% cashback on groceries and 3% on gas and transit expenses.
• Ventilation system: A fan with a remote to change fan speeds, reverse direction, and turn on/off will keep fresh air circulating.
• Do-it-all toolset: A reliable toolset will give you the freedom to fix anything from a broken bed frame to serious repairs under the hood.
• Portable toilet: A lightweight and affordable portable toilet is a necessity when nature calls.
• Propane heater: Instantly warm up your space with this propane-powered heater. Remember to always use ventilation and a carbon monoxide detector.
• Gravity-fed water filter: This filter can purify even the nastiest water, safely removing harmful contaminants.
• Camping chairs: Rest your aching bones at the end of a long day with these ultralight camping chairs.
• Portable laundry system: This system eliminates the need for expensive laundromats—just fill the bag with water, drop in your clothes and soap, scrub, rinse, and hang to dry.
• First-aid kit: Pack a lightweight and portable first-aid kit to treat any injuries on the go.
• Wet wipes: A quick freshen-up with wet wipes can boost morale when showers aren't an option.
• Camp shower: When wet wipes aren't enough, a camp shower provides a more thorough cleanse.
• Earplugs: Block out external noise and fall asleep effortlessly with super comfortable earplugs.
• Inflatable 2-person raft: This raft will open up a new world of possibilities for floating lakes, creeks, and lazy rivers.
• Frisbee: Get out of the van and stretch your legs with a game of frisbee.
• Hammock: Few things are more relaxing than swaying in a sturdy, dreamy hammock that comfortably fits two people.
• Portable espresso maker: This luxury item creates restaurant-quality espresso with coffee pods, hot water, and your own two hands.
• Waterproof playing cards: Thick, durable, waterproof cards allow for hours of shuffling and dealing without the worry of spills.
• Cornhole toss game set: This lightweight, portable cornhole set packs into a convenient carrying case.

Helpful Storage Systems

• Rooftop cargo: Rooftop storage triples the meager storage space in your van and is a great place to store larger items like a raft, stove, tools, table, etc.
• Hanging mesh pockets: These pockets are meant for hanging on the back of a closet door but work well inside a van, creating easy-to-reach access to smaller gadgets and tools.
• Travel-sized laundry bag: A featherlight and stylish bag with a detailed world map to gaze at as you dream of your next destination.
• Packing cubes: Utilize packing cubes to ensure that all clothing has an accessible home and maintain organization in your small space.

How do I choose the right van?

Choosing the Right Van

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right van to live in. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you make an informed decision:

Budget and Cost

One of the most important considerations when choosing a van is your budget. Vans can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the type and condition of the vehicle. Consider how much you are willing to spend on the van itself, as well as any necessary conversions or upgrades. Keep in mind that a more expensive van may have lower maintenance costs in the long run, while a cheaper van may require more frequent repairs.

Size and Space

The size of the van is another crucial factor. Think about how much space you will need for living and storage. If you plan to live in the van full-time, consider a larger van that can accommodate a bed, kitchenette, and other amenities. On the other hand, if you prioritize mobility and ease of parking, a smaller van may be a better option.

Condition and Maintenance

When buying a used van, pay close attention to its condition. Look for a well-maintained vehicle with a clean interior and exterior. Check for any signs of damage, rust, or mechanical issues. It is also a good idea to have a trusted mechanic inspect the van before making a purchase.

Fuel Efficiency and Mileage

Fuel efficiency is an important consideration, especially if you plan to travel long distances. Look for a van with good fuel economy to save on gas costs. Additionally, consider the mileage of the van. A van with higher mileage may be more affordable, but it may also require more frequent maintenance and repairs.

Layout and Customization

Think about how you want to utilize the space in your van. Consider your daily routines and what features are most important to you. Do you need a fixed bed, or are you comfortable with a convertible bed/seating area? Would you like a separate shower and toilet, or are you willing to use public facilities? Consider your personal preferences and prioritize the features that matter most to you.

Mechanical Skills and DIY Conversions

If you plan to convert the van yourself, assess your mechanical skills and comfort level with DIY projects. Converting a van can be a rewarding experience, but it requires time, effort, and some level of expertise. If you are not confident in your abilities, consider hiring a professional conversion company or purchasing a pre-converted van.

Driving Experience and Maneuverability

Consider your driving experience and comfort level with larger vehicles. Some vans may be easier to drive and maneuver than others. If you are new to driving larger vehicles, opt for a smaller van or one with good visibility and maneuverability.

Safety and Security

Safety should always be a top priority. Look for a van with a good safety rating and consider adding security features such as alarm systems, motion sensors, or window tinting. Additionally, think about your personal safety when choosing where to park and camp.

Research and Test Drives

Before making a purchase, thoroughly research different van models and read reviews from other van lifers. Consider renting or test-driving different vans to get a feel for their size, layout, and driving dynamics. This will help you make an informed decision about which van is right for you.

Insurance and Registration

Don't forget to factor in the cost of insurance and registration for your van. Insurance rates can vary depending on the type of van, its value, and your driving history. Make sure to shop around and compare rates from different insurance providers. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the registration process and any applicable taxes or fees.

Resale Value and Longevity

Consider the resale value and longevity of the van. Some vans may hold their value better than others, which can be a factor if you plan to sell or upgrade in the future. Additionally, think about how long you plan to live in the van and choose a vehicle that aligns with your long-term goals.

Community and Online Resources

Take advantage of online communities and forums dedicated to van life. These platforms can provide valuable insights, recommendations, and support from experienced van lifers. You can learn from their experiences, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of the different van options available.

Try Before You Buy

If possible, consider renting a van or trying out a friend's van before making a purchase. This will give you a firsthand experience of living in a van and help you determine if it is the right choice for you. It will also allow you to test different layouts, features, and driving dynamics to find what works best for your needs and preferences.

What are the costs?

The costs of living in a camper van can vary depending on your setup and lifestyle. Here is a breakdown of the expenses you may incur:

Initial Costs

The first expense to consider is the cost of the camper van itself. The price of a new or used camper van can vary greatly, ranging from as low as $10,000 for older used models to over $200,000 for state-of-the-art new vehicles. If you're handy, you may be able to save money by buying a cheap but mechanically sound van and renovating it yourself.

Conversion Costs

In addition to the cost of the van, there may be additional expenses for converting it into a living space. A basic conversion can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, while a high-end conversion can cost $10,000 or more. If you hire a professional conversion company, the price will depend on their level of experience, the complexity of the build, and the quality of the materials used.

Monthly Costs

Once you're on the road, there are several recurring expenses to consider:

• Fuel: This is one of the most significant expenses for van lifers, and the cost will depend on the fuel efficiency of your van, gas prices, and how often you drive.
• Insurance: The cost of insuring your camper van will depend on the state or country, your driving record, and the type of van you own.
• Parking and Campsite Fees: These costs can vary depending on the location and amenities offered. Some people choose to park for free in places like large parking lots, parks, or roadside pull-offs.
• Maintenance and Repairs: It's important to budget for regular maintenance and unexpected repairs. The cost will depend on the age and condition of your van.
• Food and Groceries: The cost of food will depend on your eating habits, whether you cook your own meals, and where you shop.
• Utilities: This includes the cost of propane or other fuel for cooking and heating, as well as the cost of electricity if you have solar panels or a generator.
• Phone and Internet: The cost of cell phone service and internet access can vary depending on your provider and data needs.
• Entertainment and Activities: This includes things like gym memberships, eating out, coffee shops, local events, and nightlife.
• Health Insurance: The cost of health insurance can vary widely depending on your location, income, and health status.

Overall, the cost of living in a camper van can range from $1,000 to $2,000 per month or more, depending on your lifestyle and travel habits. It's important to carefully consider your budget and plan accordingly to make sure you can afford the van life.

Frequently asked questions