Have you found yourself asking “Is van life right for me?”

Buying a campervan is a big investment, but thankfully, many places allow you to rent before you buy. If you’re unsure which model to get or if van life is for you, this can be very helpful. Before you make a big purchase, it’s important to consider several things before committing to buying a camper

Rent Before You Buy: Is Van Life Right for Me?

Renting a camper van for a period of time has many benefits. This is especially true if you haven’t lived full-time on the road. First and foremost, it will save money if you discover you don’t like being a van lifer as much as you thought you would. Here are a few tips when considering whether to rent or buy.

Try different vans

You have hundreds of options when it comes to vehicles. From retro campervans to luxury motorhomes, it can be difficult to know which type suits your needs. Renting a van gives you the opportunity to try different makes and models. It can also be a way to figure out what size fan you need for your trips.

Decide on necessary features

Renting a van allows you to test different amenities that are included. Maybe you discover that you need something with an equipped kitchen (instead of using a camping stove). Or perhaps you decide that extra cargo storage is important. Either way, you won’t know until you test out different models.

Less expensive

One way to settle the question “Is van life right for me?” is to take a look at less pricey alternatives to mobile living spaces. There’s no beating around the bush – campervans and RVs are expensive. Unless you have the budget to pay for one upfront, renting can be an affordable alternative to living the van life. Renting means you’ll only pay for the time you use it. So, if you’re only traveling for one or two weeks a year, you can save big on renting vs. buying a campervan.

Benefits of Buying

Setting off on the open road is a dream for many people. Although it could be a pricey purchase, there are some big advantages to owning an RV or campervan.

Travel anytime

One of the main benefits of owning a campervan is that you can just pick up and leave. You won’t have to book vans months in advance or plan your vacation around van availability. For spontaneous travelers who enjoy their freedom, buying a van can be the most reasonable choice.

Enjoy long trips

Renting a van isn’t always cheap, especially if you’re planning on taking long trips. If you’re planning on taking a road trip for several months every year, it can be a better investment to buy.

Customization

If you have the dream of outfitting a custom build for your camper, then buying is the best option. “Is van life right me” is much easier to answer when you have everything you need already. You can add, convert, or build anything you want! A custom kitchen? A tiled bathroom? A lounge area with recliners and a plush sofa from Cabela’s? When you own a van, you can build whatever your heart desires.

So, is it better to rent before you buy?

At the end of the day, deciding whether to rent or buy comes down to several factors. If you don’t have the down payment or money to buy a campervan, renting one is likely your best option. Not only will you save on rental fees, but also insurance and storage costs as well. Renting is also a good idea if you aren’t sure about living the van life. You can test out different models and features without committing to an expensive purchase.

Although it’s more money upfront, buying a van gives you more flexibility. You can outfit your van any way you please and travel anytime you want. You won’t have to worry about high season prices, black-out dates, or added rental fees. But if you aren’t planning on using your van that often, it might not make financial sense to buy.

More Outdoor Ideas

Deciding to rent before you buy is a good way to answer the “Is van life right for me?” question. Although you may enjoy camping or being outdoors, owning a van is a huge commitment (emotionally and financially). However, we hope you have a better idea of whether renting or buying a campervan is better suited for your needs.