What Is A Camper?

It can sometimes be hard to differentiate between a camper van and an RV, especially for those not particularly well versed in the topic of mobile homes.

That’s where we come in, as we are going to be looking at what exactly defines a camper and how it differs from an RV.

We are also going to be taking a closer look at the camper in general to see how you can go about obtaining one and what they offer in comparison to the RV.

Let’s get started.

What Is A Camper?

A campervan or camper trailer (also known as a motorhome) is a vehicle that has been adapted to provide temporary living accommodation for one or more people.

Whilst the campervan as we know it now had its start in the 1950s, the very first iteration of the vehicle goes as far back as one hundred years prior to that in the 1850s.

The first campervans were designed to travel long distances on roads with little or no infrastructure, such as dirt tracks and trails.

They were also used as touring vehicles, providing a base for camping out of season. In recent years, they have become popular among young families who use them as second cars.

The most common type of campervan is the pop-up camper, which consists of two parts: a rigid shell mounted on a frame and a fabric cover hinged to the shell.

When closed, the cover forms a flat roof over the interior space. To open the cover, the user pulls down a handle attached to the front edge of the cover.

This allows air to enter the camper through vents in the top of the shell. The camper is then ready to sleep in.

The camper is usually equipped with a bed, table, chairs, storage compartments, and cooking facilities, although some may only have a bed and kitchen area.

Some vans offer additional sleeping areas, including fold-down beds, bunk beds, and even trundle beds. Many modern vans include a shower, toilet, sink, and other amenities.

In addition to the basic components mentioned above, many campervans feature optional extras, such as satellite television, DVD players, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dishwashers, microwave ovens, hot water heaters, electric stoves, gas cooktops, sinks, toilets, showers, and so forth.

How Is The Camper Different From An RV?

There are several differences between a camper and an RV. First, there is an obvious difference in size. An RV is much larger than a camper.

Most RVs are around 35 feet long, while campervans tend to be about 20 to 25 feet long. Secondly, both types of vehicles have different purposes.

While a camper is meant to be used as a home away from home, an RV is intended to be used primarily as a place to stay when you’re traveling.

The design of each vehicle is also very different. An RV features a large living room/kitchen area in its center, surrounded by bedrooms.

The exterior of an RV is typically covered in vinyl siding, aluminum, fiberglass, or other similar material. On the inside, the walls are often made of wood paneling or plywood.

Campervans, on the other hand, are built with a steel frame and a canvas or vinyl covering.

The interior of a campervan is generally divided into three sections: a bedroom, a kitchen area, and a bathroom. There are exceptions to this rule, however.

For example, some campervans have a single room with a double bed at one end and a small kitchen area at the other. Others have a full kitchen and dining area located near the driver’s seat. Still, others combine all three functions into one room.

When it comes to cost, a camper can be significantly less expensive than an RV. However, because of their smaller size, campervans do not always come with all the same amenities found on an RV.

Also, because they are not as well insulated, they are more susceptible to damage from extreme weather conditions.

Campervans And Campgrounds

Most people who buy a campervan choose to camp out rather than rent a hotel room when camping. A campervan provides everything needed for a comfortable night under the stars.

It gives them the freedom to explore new places, but still enjoy the comforts of home.

In fact, many people prefer campervans to hotels because they provide greater privacy and independence.

They also allow you to travel without having to worry about checking into a hotel. This makes them ideal for those looking for adventure and flexibility.

If you’re planning a trip that involves lots of driving, you should consider purchasing a campervan instead of renting an RV.

Should You Get An RV Or A Campervan?

This all depends on what your exact intentions are with your vehicle. If you plan to use it only occasionally, then a campervan would probably make sense.

If you want to take advantage of the benefits offered by an RV, though, then you might want to purchase an RV instead.

The Best Way To Buy A Campervan

There are two ways to go about buying a campervan. One option is to find a dealer who sells them directly. Another way is to buy online. Both options offer advantages and disadvantages.

Buying a campervan from a dealership offers you the opportunity to test drive the vehicle before making a final decision.

But if you decide to buy online, you’ll need to research the company thoroughly before doing so.

Buying Online

When shopping for a campervan online, you should look for a reputable seller who has been around for a long time. Look for vehicles that have been inspected by a third-party inspection service.

These services check the vehicle for mechanical problems and ensure that it meets safety standards.

When buying online, you should also read reviews of the vehicle. Reviews will tell you whether past customers were satisfied with the product.

Finally, look for a warranty. Some dealerships offer warranties that cover repairs done by authorized repair shops. Other companies offer extended warranties that cover parts and labor costs for up to five years.

Buying From Dealerships

If you decide to buy a campervan from dealerships, you will most likely need to finance the vehicle.

Many lenders require buyers to put down a deposit equal to 20% of the total value of the vehicle.

This means that you will need to pay $2,000 upfront, even if you only intend to spend $10,000 on the campervan.

The good news is that financing a campervan is usually easier than financing an RV. Most lenders will accept credit scores as low as 580. Some even offer loans for borrowers with bad credit histories.

However, some dealerships may ask you to sign a contract in which you agree to certain terms before you can receive financing.

For example, some contracts state that you must be able to repay the loan within three months. Others stipulate that you cannot return the vehicle after three months.

Make sure that you understand these terms before signing anything.

Final Thoughts

A camper van is a great choice for anyone who wants to experience the outdoors while staying close to their home base.

With a camper van, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, whilst being able to stay near civilization.

You can also travel with family members, friends, and/or pets. A campervan can be a fun and affordable way to vacation.

However, there are some things you need to keep in mind when choosing one.

For example, you may want to consider the size of the vehicle before you buy it. Smaller models tend to cost less, but larger ones give you more space.

Also, you should think about how much storage space you need. If you’re going on a road trip, you’ll need plenty of space to store your belongings.

If you’re just traveling locally, you can get away with smaller spaces.

Thanks for reading!