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Choosing a Mini Camper Van – Big Adventures with Little Space
Campervans have long been a symbol of freedom and adventure, allowing travellers to hit the road and explore the world with all the comforts of home.
While large motorhomes are popular, a growing trend in the UK market is the rise of small campervans, often referred to as mini campervans. These compact and nimble vehicles offer a host of benefits for different types of adventurers.
In this article, we'll explore who mini campervans are ideal for, important considerations before purchasing one, some ingenious hacks to make the most of the limited space, and the best small campervans available in the UK market.
Who are Mini Campervans Good For?
Mini camper vans aren’t for everyone, but there are some demographics that are perfectly suited to a smaller van.
Savvy Solo Travellers
Couples
Weekend Explorer
Nature Enthusiasts
Everyday Use
Mini Campervan Considerations
Here are some things you’ll need to consider when buying the smallest campervan:
Space Optimization
This one is obvious, but really important - mini campervans come with limited space, so it's crucial to optimize every inch. Consider versatile furniture and storage solutions to make the most out of the available room. You will absolutely want a pop-top roof if you can get one, because suddenly you’ve added a whole separate sleeping space, freeing up the back of the campervan for other uses.
Amenities
Determine which amenities are essential for your needs. Are you someone who needs an indoor cooking space? If you are, that’s going to take up most of your room. If you intend to camp through the winter in the UK, you’ll need comfy indoor seating, too.
Driving and Parking
Like we’ve already explained, since mini campervans are smaller than traditional motorhomes, they are easier to drive and park. However, they’re still bigger than a car, so it’s important to be comfortable driving one if you are using it along narrow roads or other tight spaces. It’s easy to get complacent in a mini camper but they are still a decent size.
Budget
Mini campervans generally come at a more affordable price compared to larger vans. However, the age, condition, and complexity of the conversion will all have an impact. Set a budget and stick to it, but remember to balance cost with quality and necessary features.
Mini Campervan Hacks
Here are some key hacks to help you make the most of a mini campervan’s limited space:
- Multipurpose Furniture: Invest in foldable and multipurpose furniture to save space during the day. Tables that can fold against the wall and seats that double as storage are excellent space-saving solutions.
- Organizational Containers: Use stackable and labeled containers to keep your belongings organized. This will make it easier to find what you need without creating clutter, when you really don’t have the space for any.
- Magnets, Hooks, Nets and Ropes: Utilize magnetic strips and hooks on the walls to hang lightweight items like utensils, keys, and small gadgets. It's an efficient way to keep things accessible and prevent them from getting misplaced. You can also install nets and ropes to hold other small items in compact spaces that couldn’t otherwise hang.
- Collapsible Cookware: Opt for collapsible cookware and nesting pots to save space in the kitchen area. These compact items are perfect for preparing meals without taking up too much room.
The Best of the Smallest Campervans
Here are some of the best options for small campervans that you can buy right now:
1. Volkswagen California
The VW California is a popular choice, offering a perfect balance of style, comfort, and reliability. There are a few different models used for campervan conversions.
Image Source: Parkers
2. Ford Transit Connect Campervan
The Ford Transit Connect conversion offers a practical and affordable solution for mini campervan enthusiasts, with customizable options.
Image Source: Parkers
3. Fiat Doblo
The Fiat Doblo camper conversion provides a budget-friendly option with decent amenities and a compact size. The roomy people carrier makes for a relatively comfy camper once converted.
Image Source: dvleisure
Insuring Mini Camper Vans
Smaller camper vans will often mean a lower price for campervan insurance. Again, there are many factors at play, but a smaller vehicle is generally easier to maintain, less likely to crash, and has less power – all of which can bring down the cost of an insurance policy.
Start Your Mini Camper Van Journey
There’s a lot to think about when choosing a mini campervan, including whether or not it’s right for you.
Don’t buy one if you like space. You might feel like it’s a good budget decision, but as soon as you have your first cramped camping trip with bad weather, you’re going to feel like you’ve wasted your money.
But if you’re a minimalist or you enjoy cozy spaces, then a mini camper van is absolutely worth looking at. Just be prepared to get creative with storage solutions when you’re on the move.
