Should I Rent or Buy a Campervan?

Similar to how we approach our campervan designs with simplicity and intelligence, we apply the same ethos to our advice. We are here to provide practical guidance on whether you should rent or buy a campervan, and some of you may want to do both!

Among our customers are those dipping their toes into van life, exploring the lifestyle without committing to ownership. This initial step is crucial, whether driven by a dream of wanderlust or simply to call one your own.

Here's why renting a campervan often makes more sense than buying one outright.

Financial Flexibility

If a hefty down payment isn't feasible or you prefer not to drain your savings on a campervan, renting is the clear choice. It offers the freedom to enjoy van life without the upfront and long-term financial commitment. Unless you will be camping more than a handful of times per year, the costs of RV ownership are much higher than renting.

Maintenance Cost Considerations

The expenses associated with owning a campervan go far beyond the initial purchase. Maintenance, vehicle registration, and insurance costs can add up significantly, making renting a more economical option, especially if your usage is sporadic. Depending on the campervan model you choose, parts and labor costs can vary widely.

Parking for Campervans

Limited space at home for parking? Renting eliminates the need to secure a dedicated spot or sacrifice valuable real estate. It's a practical solution for those without readily available parking arrangements. If you do choose to own a campervan of your own, consider one that is no more than 19 feet long. This way, the campervan can fit easily into standard parking stalls. Not to mention, getting around and parking at the grocery store will be a breeze.

Test Driving a Campervan

Uncertain about living in a van for an extended period? Renting allows you to take a campervan for a test drive before committing to buy. It’s also like taking a vacation somewhere before making a permanent move to experience the lifestyle first. The quality of the drive is just as important as the quality of the vehicle. Rent a campervan to get the feel for how it drives and enjoy a camping road trip while you're at it!

Design for Your Lifestyle

If you’ve decided buying is the way to go, renting allows you to explore different configurations. This firsthand experience helps you identify the ideal setup for your living and camping style. It's important that the necessities and basics are set up just the way you want them. Then you can determine the extra add-ons that are essential to make it your own.

We personally enjoy the flexibility of renting campervans at our travel destinations. That’s why we offer this service in our San Francisco and Los Angeles locations. Renting campervans gives you freedom to explore and firsthand exposure to what campervan layout is best to maximize space, comfort, and functionality. Whether you're renting a campervan to test drive before buying or have already decided that you prefer renting for your camping adventure, enjoy the ride! Make the most of exploring new destinations from California state and national parks to cross-country adventures, and figure out what works best for you.