“Everything You Need to Know Before Making that Big Decision”

Buying a campervan is an exciting and rewarding experience. It gives you the freedom to explore the world and create unforgettable memories with your family or friends. With so many models, sizes, and features available, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. But by researching different options and understanding your needs, you can find the perfect campervan that fits your lifestyle and budget.

So are you ready to hit the open road in a campervan? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you. But don't worry, we have all the information and tips you need to make sure that your campervan purchase is a success. The best place to start looking first is by going to one of the Motorhome, Caravan, and Campervan shows at the NEC Birmingham UK.

Buying a Campervan

Buying a campervan is an exciting adventure that can lead to amazing experiences. But before you make the purchase, there are a few things to consider. From picking out the right campervan to finding a reliable converter, buying brand-new, or even second hand.

Buying a campervan is a big decision, but it can be a lot of fun too. Here are a few quick things to keep in mind when making your purchase:

• Your needs. What do you need your campervan for? If you're planning on doing a lot of camping, you'll need one with enough space for sleeping and cooking. If you're just looking for a vehicle to travel in, you might be able to get away with a smaller van.
• Your lifestyle. If you have a family, you'll need a campervan that's big enough to accommodate everyone. If you're single, you might be able to get away with a smaller van.
• Your style. There are many different styles of campervans available, from classic VW vans to modern luxury vans. Choose one that fits your personal style.

Once you've considered these factors, you can start shopping for campervans. There are many different places to buy campervans, including new car dealerships, used car dealerships, online retailers or motorhome, campervan, and caravan shows. Or motorhome and campervan dealerships who just sell motorhomes and campervans.

When you're shopping for a campervan, it's important to do your research. Read reviews, compare prices, and take test drives to find the perfect van for you.

Buying a campervan can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and travel the country. With a little planning and research, you can find the perfect van for your needs and budget.

Here are some additional extra tips for buying a campervan:

• Get pre-approved for a loan. This will give you an idea of how much you can afford to spend on a campervan.
• Inspect the campervan carefully before you buy it. Look for any damage or problems that could be costly to repair.
• Ask the seller about the campervans history. Find out if it has been in any accidents or has any other problems.
• Negotiate the price. Don't be afraid to haggle with the seller to get a better price.
• Get everything in writing. Once you've agreed on a price, make sure to get everything in writing, including the price, the terms of the sale, and the condition of the campervan.

Now let's take an indepth look at some tips on buying a campervan

1. Do your research. Before you start shopping for a campervan, it's important to do your research and figure out what type of vehicle is right for you. There are many different types of campervans on the market, so it's important to consider your needs and budget.
2. Decide on your budget. Campervans can range in price from a few thousand pounds to tens of thousands of pounds. It's important to set a budget before you start shopping so you don't overspend.
3. Consider your needs. What type of activities do you plan on using your campervan for? If you're planning on doing a lot of camping, you'll need a campervan with a lot of storage space. If you're planning on using your campervan for road trips, you'll need a campervan that's comfortable for long drives.
4. Shop around. Once you know what type of campervan you're looking for, it's time to start shopping around. There are many different dealerships and online retailers that sell campervans. Be sure to compare prices and read reviews before you make a purchase.
5. Get financing. If you're not able to pay for your campervan in cash, you'll need to get financing. There are many different financing options available, so be sure to shop around and compare rates before you apply.
6. Get insurance. Once you've purchased your campervan, it's important to get insurance. Campervans are expensive vehicles, so it's important to protect your investment.
7. Maintain your campervan. Just like any other vehicle, campervans need to be maintained. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for oil changes, tune-ups, and other maintenance.

 There are many great places to buy a campervan, but here are a few of the best:

• Campervan shows: Campervan shows are a great place to see a wide variety of campervans and to get advice from experts like the big ones at the NEC.
• Online retailers: There are many online retailers that sell campervans. This can be a convenient way to shop, but it's important to do your research before you buy.
• Dealerships: Campervan dealerships often have a wide selection of campervans and offer financing options.
• Private sellers: You can also buy a campervan from a private seller. This can be a great way to get a good deal, but it's important to be careful when buying from a private seller.

When buying a campervan, it's important to do your research and find a reputable dealer or private seller. You should also get the campervan inspected by a mechanic before you buy it. Just be very careful with private sellers. If you see a bargain, it may not be real.

Out of everything you have read, the best place to look at the latest leisure vehicles and get a feel of the van you are looking for is The Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC Birmingham.

So what can we see at a Motorhome Show that we can’t see anywhere else?

The Motorhome and Caravans show at the NEC Birmingham is a great place to look at the latest leisure vehicles from motorhomes, caravans, campervans, and camping accessories. Set in 11 halls across 21 acres of the NEC, it’s one of the UK’s biggest camping shows. It’s a great place to get good advice on what you are looking for. You may have had an idea of what layout you wanted, but when you see the van in real life it looks a little bit different. You may have wanted a fixed bed, but now you have seen the van it may not be what you like. This is why the NEC shows are a great way to walk around without a salesperson running after you. You can take your time, get advice from the people who know, and look around. You may have wanted a small campervan, but now you have seen it a bigger campervan could be for you. Or you may have wanted a campervan but now you have fallen in love with a motorhome or caravan. 

Prepare yourself for lots of walking and spending the whole day at one of these shows. There are plenty of places to sit and rest before you carry on looking around, One of the best places to sit and rest is the Inspiration Theatre. Interesting talks from well-known people from the TV, writers, YouTubers, and experienced travelers.

It’s a great place for shopping for all your camping accessories, like chairs, BBQs, tables, awnings, and plenty of camping gadgets, even something for your pet and something made of chocolate just for you. All the stalls are usually around the edge of each hall. I call it, “Hog the wall” just go around the edge of each hall. 

It’s also a good place to join one or both of the camping clubs. The Camping and Caravan Club, The Caravan and Motorhome, or Britstops for free one-night stopovers. All are available at the shows for you to chat with the experts, get advice, and join a club. Both the camping clubs have well-known personalities from the TV to YouTubers, presenting talks on their travels. If you are lucky you may catch a cooking demonstration from the club stands, and the smells coming from these are just amazing. It makes you stop and look and if you are lucky, sample a few of their delights.

So go catch one of the UK’s biggest shows held twice a year at the NEC Birmingham.

The next NEC Motorhome Shows for  2024

Motorhome & Caravan Show 2024

15th - 20th October tickets 

Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show Manchester

11th - 14th January 2024

The are many other shows around the UK run by Warners or Appletree Exhibitions.

Warners Shows

Stoneleigh,Yorkshire, Newbury, Newark, Norfolk, Malvern, Shepton Mallet, Lincolnshire.

Appletree Exhibitions Shows

Exeter, Stratford-Upon- Avon, Royal ShowGround Wadebridge Cornwall. 

There are other shows by smaller groups around the UK, Vanlife Festival, Overland Show, Vanlove Fest, Camperjam, VW Shows, Busfest, Camper Mart.

Check more details online.

* This article was written with the help of NEC Motorhome & Caravan Show 2024 and research done online.