How to start campervanning: FAQs

Whether you’re campervanning in the UK’s countryside or heading to the coast, it’s an experience that’s as fun as it is practical, and often cost-effective too, with a variety of different types of sites and overnight stopovers to choose from.

To help you with starting your campervan journey with confidence, this guide from Bailey of Bristol answers the most common campervanning FAQs. It covers everything from choosing your first campervan and planning your first trip, to maintaining your vehicle and booking campsites.

Whether you’ve just bought a campervan, are thinking of purchasing one or already own one and want to make the most of it, you’ll find practical tips and trusted resources to make your travels even smoother.

1. What is Campervanning?

Campervanning is where you travel and live within a self-contained vehicle (known as a a campervan) for the duration of your trip. It lets you combine driving, exploring, living and sleeping in one compact space, essentially turning your vehicle into a mobile home.

Modern campervans come in a range of sizes with different features. They typically include a lounge / bedroom area, kitchen facilities and sometimes a washroom, giving you everything you need for a comfortable trip.

• Freedom: Your campervan means you can travel wherever you want to go at a moment’s notice without the worry of hotel prices or availability

• Pivot Your Plans: You can easily change where you want to go during your trip when travelling in a campervan or motorhome. For example, you may want to change campsites (late cancellation fees might apply) or head to a different part of the country entirely

• Get Value for Money: A campervan means you can save money on your accommodation and eating out by taking the food you like to eat with you.

• Convenience: Your campervan means you get to enjoy a holiday with all your home comforts. Due to the storage space in your vehicle (especially in a motorhome), your home on wheels means you can take more things with you than you’d ever manage to fit into a suitcase.

• Lastly, Adventure: With your campervan, you’ll be able to book to stay in remote locations and uncover your new favourite scenery. You’ll stay at places you’d never have found if you were limited to a hotel.

2. How to Choose Your First Campervan?

Choosing your first campervan involves considering how it can fit into your life by ensuring it meets your needs and preferences.

Here are some key considerations to help guide your decision:

• Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend. The purchase price of our Bailey Endeavour models ranges between £69,999 – £74,999. However, you should consider the purchase price alongside ongoing costs like maintenance, insurance, and vehicle tax.

• Size: Think about the space you need for comfort and the number of people who are travelling. Bailey’s Endeavour models, the B62 and B64, offer different layouts and sleeping arrangements to suit various needs.

• Features: Check for all the essentials you’ll want on holiday. A kitchen, a washroom, and storage areas are all a given. The Endeavour models come with all of these as standard.

• Intended use: Have a think about how you plan to use the campervan. For frequent off-grid trips, you’ll probably want a washroom and solar panels. Both of these are available within the Endeavour range

See what Endeavour can do

Andy Torbet explores the features and flexibility of the Endeavour campervan, highlighting its suitability for various adventures.

Find out more

Where can you find a campervan retailer?

You can find your nearest Bailey Approved Retailer using our Find a Retailer page

You’ll be able to filter results by specific criteria and view detailed information about each retailer.

This includes contact details, the services they offer and links to the retailer’s website. It helps you to find the closest and most suitable dealer to explore and purchase Bailey campervan models.

For more details, visit the Find A Retailer page.

3. What Essential Features Should You Look For?

When choosing a campervan, certain essential features ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience. Here are key features to consider:

Kitchen

Look for a well-equipped kitchen with a hob, oven, and refrigerator. The Endeavour models come with modern kitchen facilities to make cooking while travelling around the country easy, including:

• A Thetford 84 litre compressor refrigerator with 6 litre freezer compartment
• A Thetford Triplex 3-burner hob with combination oven and grill
• A stainless steel round kitchen sink with concealed fixings and mixer tap

Storage

Adequate storage is crucial for keeping your living space organised. The Bailey Endeavour models come with ample lockers and storage for all your kit and belongings.

Electrics

A reliable electrical system with a leisure battery and 230v plug sockets is essential. This ensures you can power your devices and appliances without issues. Our Endeavour ranges come with four 230v sockets and four USB points located throughout the van.
See our guides on electrical systems for detailed information.

Gas and Water Systems

Efficient gas and water systems are important for cooking, heating, and sanitation. Make sure the campervan has a good water tank capacity and gas supply.

The Endeavour ranges have a 6kg gas locker capacity, 100 litres fresh water tank and a 56 litres wastewater tank, so you can go off grid for a day or two without the need of visiting a motorhome service point.

Solar Panel

A solar panel on the roof can help you to generate electricity throughout your vehicle. You can use this to top up your leisure battery to keep your electricity supply available both on and off grid.  Both of our Endeavour models feature solar panels as standard.

Washroom

A full washroom with a shower and toilet is a significant advantage. The Endeavour models include these facilities, so they make you more self-sufficient and eliminate the need to find washrooms on site.

For an in-depth understanding of campervan layouts, check out Bailey’s Ultimate Guide to Campervan Layouts . These features ensure you have everything needed for a comfortable and enjoyable campervanning experience.

4. How to Plan Your First Trip?

Planning your first campervan trip is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience. Focus on your route, destination, and planned activities to ensure everything goes as expected.

Route Planning

Apps like Google Maps and dedicated campervan travel companies can help find the best routes and points of interest. Here are some useful resources:

• Google Maps: Offers comprehensive mapping and navigation.
• Campercontact: Find motorhome pitches and camper stops across Europe.
• Park4Night: Discover parking spots, camping areas, and overnight options.
• Komoot: Ideal for planning hiking and biking routes along your journey.

These tools can help you create detailed and enjoyable travel itineraries.

Tips for Beginners

• Start with Shorter Trips: Begin with shorter, local trips to get accustomed to the campervan lifestyle.
• Stay at Club Campsites Initially: Choose established campsites with amenities to ease into campervanning.

See how you can do a campervan trip around Europe

Join Andy Torbet on his journey through Europe in the Endeavour B62, visiting cultural landmarks and enjoying the campervan’s comforts.

Read more

5. What Are the Basics of Using Your Campervan?

Setting Up at a Campsite

Upon arrival, the first job is to start by setting up your essentials:

1. Park and level your campervan.
2. Connect to the electrical hook-up.
3. Set up your outdoor space (awning, chairs, table).

For a complete guide to all the elements of setting up at a campsite, see our beginner’s guides to campervanning here.

Water Management

• Filling Fresh Water: Locate the fresh water inlet and fill the tank.
• Emptying Grey Water: Find the grey water outlet and check the campsite to find out where you can empty it.

See the complete water management guide here.

Using Appliances

• Fridge, Oven, Hob: Ensure gas and electricity are connected and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.

You can read beginner’s guides on each of these systems here.

Waste Management

• Toilet Cassette: You can often empty and clean the cassette at campsite facilities. On club sites, these will typically be marked with clear signage in designated areas.

For a detailed guide on managing your toilet cassette, read this guide

6. How to Maintain Your Campervan

Proper maintenance of your campervan ensures longevity and reliability. Here’s what you need to know:

• Owners Manuals and Handbooks: Refer to Bailey’s owners manuals and handbooks page for guidance on routine maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Warranty and Servicing: Check out the warranty and servicing page for information on service schedules and warranty coverage.
• Vehicle Servicing Advice: Regular checks include tyres, engine, and habitation areas. The base vehicle and habitation area require separate services. The base vehicle should be serviced by a Ford Approved Service Centre.

Routine maintenance and timely servicing keep your campervan in optimal condition, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

7. Tips for Booking Campsites

• Caravan and Motorhome Club: Offers a variety of well-maintained campsites with amenities such as Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and recreational areas. Perfect for those seeking comfort and convenience. Check their Site Finder for options.
• Camping and Caravanning Club: Known for friendly atmospheres and comprehensive facilities, these sites cater to different camping styles, from basic to luxurious. Visit their Site Seeker for more information.

• Caravan and Motorhome Club Certified Locations (CL) and Camping & Caravanning Club Certified Sites (CS) are smaller, privately owned sites typically hosting up to five caravans or motorhomes. These sites offer a quieter, more intimate camping experience in picturesque rural locations with basic facilities.

• Independent campsites vary widely in facilities and locations, from basic to luxurious. These sites offer unique and diverse camping experiences outside of club networks.

• Leisure Batteries: Ensure your leisure batteries are fully charged for off-grid power needs. Bailey of Bristol’s Endeavour models are equipped with robust leisure batteries to support your adventures. For more details, refer to Bailey’s guide on the electrical system and leisure batteries.
• Water Management: Efficient water management is essential. Ensure your fresh water tank is full and know how to conserve water. Be familiar with the process of emptying your grey water tank at designated disposal points.

By considering these factors, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, whether you choose a well-equipped club site or a secluded rural location.

8. How to Make the Most of Your Campervanning Experience

Embracing the campervanning lifestyle goes beyond just the journey. It’s about creating memorable experiences, building a sense of community, and making your campervan truly feel like home. Here’s how to maximise your campervanning adventures:

• Joining Campervan Clubs: Becoming a member of campervan clubs, such as the Caravan and Motorhome Club or the Camping and Caravanning Club, provides access to exclusive campsites, events, and a network of supportive members who share valuable insights and experiences.

• Online Forums: Engage in online forums and social media groups where you can ask questions, share tips, and learn from seasoned campervan enthusiasts. These platforms are great for discovering new destinations, troubleshooting issues, and building friendships.

Top Tips from Experienced Motorhome Owners

• Plan Thoroughly: Detailed planning of routes, destinations, and activities can help you make the most of your trip while avoiding potential pitfalls

• Stay Flexible: While planning is essential, being open to spontaneous detours and new discoveries can lead to some of the most memorable experiences

• Pack Smart: Bring essential items but avoid overpacking to maintain space and comfort. Focus on multipurpose items and smart storage solutions to keep your living area organised.

Making Your Campervan a Home on Wheels

• Decorate your campervan with cosy furnishings, favourite photos, and personal items to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Utilise space-saving solutions like collapsible furniture and under-bed storage to maximise space.

• Incorporate practical touches such as hooks, shelves, and organisers to keep your belongings in order. Add personal touches like colourful cushions, throw blankets, and decorative lights to enhance the comfort and aesthetics of your space.

Visit Bailey’s News & Events page for more tips and inspiring stories from fellow campervan travelers. This resource is filled with practical advice, personal experiences, and creative ideas to help you get the most out of your campervanning journey.

What next?

Start your campervanning journey with confidence and explore more resources on Bailey of Bristol’s website.

Why not start by Finding a Retailer, checking out the Endeavour models, and reading more blog posts to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable adventure.