Owning a campervan comes with its own set of challenges. From financing the vehicle to keeping it secure, this article is the ultimate guide to owning a campervan. It will help you keep your vehicle in tip-top condition and offer your practical advice to get the most out of it.
Keep it Clean
Keeping your campervan clean is an important part of looking after it. This doesn’t just mean shampooing the upholstery; you need to give the exterior some attention too. Wash and wax your van at least once a month, not only will this keep black streaks away but also prevent road grime from building up on the paintwork.
This is particularly important if it is only a rental, as you may be charged for leaving it in a bad state. Of course, many people choose to use a service like Auto Finance Online to help finance their purchases. That’s because they accept 90% of people who apply and offer a quick and reliable service. If you own your campervan, then all the more reason to keep it tidy.
Rustproofing is one of the most important jobs for any vehicle, but it’s even more significant for a campervan. You can take your van to a specialist to have this done every two years, or you could buy an aerosol version and do it yourself. Either way, rustproofing ensures that the metal doesn’t corrode and create holes in the bodywork.
When you’re washing your campervan, pay particular attention to the seals and windows. They can become clogged with dirt, which leads to leaking and wind noise. If these areas aren’t cleaned regularly they will be more difficult and expensive to sort out later on.
Keep it Covered
When a campervan is built, the manufacturer will have taken steps to protect it from rust and corrosion. This means that you shouldn’t need to cover your van up all year round – although it may be an idea to keep a tarpaulin in the back of it for emergencies.
It’s always a good idea to apply a protective coating to the paintwork when you’ve washed and waxed your van. This will help keep out moisture, which can seep in through porous areas like bonnet hinges. One of the best products on the market is two-pack acrylic lacquer; this comes in aerosol sprays and pad applied formulas giving you plenty of finish options.
Make it Secure
A lot of campervans come with a pop-up roof that can be removed for added space and light, but this is also an easy way into the van for thieves. You should keep your roof securely locked at all times, or invest in a security cage that locks over the top of the van.
Boot locks are also a good idea if the van is parked on the street overnight. They can be attached to wheel nuts which can only be undone using a special key. This offers some peace of mind at night, but you should still make sure your vehicle is locked up tight once you’ve gone inside.
