3 Camper Van Buying Mistakes to Avoid Before You Buy

Buying a camper van is a big purchase, and it's easy to get caught up in floor plans, features and prices before figuring out what you actually need.

When Hank sat down with Nick Recchio, GM of Coachmen Class B, they compared some of the mistakes they've seen camper van buyers make—and a few they've made themselves.

Three pieces of advice stood out.

1. Try Camper Van Life Before You Buy

Nick's first suggestion was simple: rent a camper van.

A few days actually traveling in one can teach you things that hours of online research can't.

Maybe you think you need a bigger van because the grandkids will travel with you. Maybe you're convinced you need a huge electrical system but end up staying mostly in campgrounds. Or maybe you discover you want to travel farther off the pavement than you expected.

Renting gives you a chance to figure some of that out before making an expensive purchase.

Nick's point was that spending a relatively small amount to rent can be worthwhile if it prevents you from buying a van that doesn't fit how you actually travel.

Not Sure Which Camper Van Is Right for You?

With so many floor plans, features and options, narrowing down the choices can be difficult. Our free Vanalyzer helps you compare what matters to you and find camper vans that better fit how you plan to travel.

Find Your Camper Van with the Free Vanalyzer

2. Talk to People Who Already Own the Van

Owner communities can be one of the best sources of information before you buy.

Nick specifically recommended talking with existing owners because they'll tell you what ownership is really like—including problems that may never come up during a sales presentation. As he put it, buyers need more than just “rainbows and butterflies.”

Look for owner groups dedicated to the manufacturer or model you're considering.

Ask what they love. Ask what breaks. Ask about service. Ask how the manufacturer handles problems.

The goal isn't to find a camper van that nobody has ever complained about. It's to get a more realistic picture of ownership before you're the owner.

3. Don't Shop on Price Alone

Price matters. These are expensive vehicles.

But the cheapest camper van isn't necessarily the best deal.

A lower price doesn't help much if you end up with the wrong floor plan, features or capabilities and want to trade the van shortly after buying it.

Look beyond the number on the windshield. Consider the van itself, the manufacturer standing behind it, the dealership selling it, warranty coverage and service support.

And don't automatically assume MSRP is what you have to pay. Pricing varies by manufacturer and dealership. Some brands use fixed or transparent pricing, while others leave room for negotiation.

Think About Who Stands Behind the Van

Hank describes camper van ownership as a simple three-part relationship:

Manufacturer → Dealer → You

The manufacturer builds the RV. The dealership sells it and is often involved when service or warranty issues arise. Then there's you—the person who has to live with the purchase.

That's why we'd research the manufacturer and dealership along with the camper van itself.

We'll dig deeper into that in our companion article, How to Choose a Good RV Dealership Before You Buy.

Watch the Full Conversation

This article covers the biggest camper van buying mistakes, but our full conversation with Coachmen Class B GM Nick Recchio includes a few important buying topics we didn't cover here—including the best way to finance an RV purchase, whether an extended RV warranty is worth the money, and why you shouldn't automatically pay retail or MSRP when buying a camper van.

Before You Spend the Money

There's no way to eliminate every surprise that comes with owning an RV. But you can reduce the chances of making an expensive mistake.

Try the lifestyle. Talk to owners. Figure out what you need. Research who builds and sells the van. Then look at the deal.

And before you start seriously shopping:

Don't spend a dollar on a van until you've read this free guide.

Get the Free Camper Van Buyer’s Guide