Choosing Your Campervan
Better decisions. Brighter adventures.
Buying or converting a campervan involves dozens of choices — and every decision affects something else. Explore our guides, watch the videos and learn from real-world experience, so you can find the campervan that works for you.
Explore the topics
What would you like to consider?
Ten key areas to help you find the right campervan for your needs. Click on a topic to explore guides, videos and practical advice.
Van size
SWB or LWB? City driving or maximum space?
Layout & beds
Rock and roll, fixed bed or something else?
Pop-top or roof
Pop-top, high roof or something custom?
Toilet
Do you really need one? Options and trade-offs.
Power & electrics
Batteries, solar, inverters and staying off-grid.
Solar
Is solar worth it and how much do you need?
Heating
Diesel heaters, gas or electric?
Water
Fresh, grey and waste water — how much is enough?
Fridge
Compression, absorption or portable?
Camping style
Campsites, off-grid and travelling further.
Not sure where to start?
How to use this section
You don't need to read everything at once. Start with the topics that matter most to you, or follow the journey from van choice through to living with your campervan.
Watch: How to use these guides- 1
Explore a topic
Read the guide, watch the video and see real examples.
- 2
Understand the trade-offs
Every choice involves compromises — we look at the pros and cons.
- 3
Find what works for you
There isn't one perfect campervan, just the one that fits your life.
Featured guide
Van size: SWB or LWB?
One of the first big decisions is the size of van. In this guide we look at the real-world pros and cons of short wheelbase (SWB) versus long wheelbase (LWB), including space, driving, parking, ferries and everyday usability.
- Compare real dimensions and layouts
- Understand the impact on driving and parking
- See what worked for me (and what I'd do differently)
Before you buy your campervan…
Get the Campervan Considered checklist
A simple downloadable checklist covering the major questions to think about before choosing a van or conversion.