How Can I Get WiFi In A Camper Van?

Yes, there are numerous ways that you can get WiFi in a Camper Van. In the next few minutes we’ll have a look at the best, innovative and affordable ways for you to stay connected while you are out on the open road.

The whole world is now more reliant on being online than ever before. Banking, Insurance, Email, Video Conferencing and almost everything else that you can think of are going paperless and moving into the online space. Staying connected when on the road has never been so important.

We thought it was important to share what we found, and our own experiences of trying to connect to the information superhighway whilst on the highway, so read on.

Contents

• 1 Can You Get WiFi In A Camper Van While Moving?
• 2 How Does My Device Control If I Can Get WiFi In A Camper Van Or Not?
• 3 Can You Get WiFi In A Camper Van By Using A Personal Hotspot?
• 4 What Are Roaming Charges?
• 5 What Is A WiFi Dongle?
• 6 Should I Use A WiFi Booster?
• 7 What Is WiFi Onboard?
• 8 3G, 4G or 5G, What Do They Mean?
• 9 What Is The Most Reliable Way To Get WiFi In A Camper Van?
• 10 What Is The Most Affordable Way To Get WiFi In A Camper Van?

Can You Get WiFi In A Camper Van While Moving?

The short and simple answer to this is yes. You can get WiFi in a Camper Van while moving as the WiFi Signal is all around us, most of the time. Providing you have a device capable of connecting to the signal, then you can get online, whether you are moving or not.

How Does My Device Control If I Can Get WiFi In A Camper Van Or Not?

Simply put, some devices can connect directly to the Internet, because they have their own SIM Card, and some have to connect through other WiFi Receiving Devices, because they don’t have their own SIM Card, such as the Amazon Kindle.

SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module and it’s a small plastic card that slots into your Phone, iPad or Dongle. SIMs are computer chips that hold information and allow you to connect with your network (the Internet or WiFi Signal). This means you can make calls, send SMS messages and connect to mobile internet services like 3G, 4G, and 5G (we’ll discuss them later).

Devices that don’t have a SIM, such at Kindles and Amazon Fire TV Sticks will have to rely on connecting to WiFi through another device such as a Router or a Dongle, as they can’t connect directly themselves. Read more...

 

Can You Rent A Camper Van?

Is it possible to rent a Camper Van before deciding to buy one? Not only is is possible, but if you are seriously considering buying a Camper Van, then renting one, and taking it on a trip, to see if you are suited to the lifestyle or not is a very sensible course of action.

Contents

• 1 Where Can I Rent A Camper Van From?
• 2 Should I Rent A Camper Van From A Local Company?
• 3 Should I Rent A Camper Van From An Online Agency?
• 4 Is It Better To Rent A Camper Van From An Individual Or Family?
• 5 Borrowing A Camper Van From Friends Or Family
• 6 How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Camper Van For A Week?
• 7 What Kind Of Camper Vans Can You Hire?
• 8 Can I Rent Out My Camper Van When I’m Not Using It?
• 9 Do I Need Insurance To Rent A Camper Van?
• 10 Can You Rent A Camper Van? – Summary

Where Can I Rent A Camper Van From?

Now that you know that it’s possible to rent a Camper Van, you need to consider where the best place to rent one from is. You have several options open to you, and each have their pro’s and con’s:

• Rent a Camper Van from a Local Specialist Company
• Rent a Camper Van from an Online Agency
• Rent a Camper Van direct from the Owner
• Borrow a Camper Van from a Friend or Family on an Informal Agreement

We’ll have a look into each of these in turn so that you can weigh up which method could be most suited to your needs and budget. Read more...

Can I Get A Camper Van on Motability?

It is almost time for me to start a new lease with the Motability Scheme. I have been wondering if it was possible to get a Camper Van on Motability so I thought others might be looking for an answer to this same question too. My current lease ends in December, but there is a long lead in time for ordering new cars due to delays caused by the Covid Pandemic and Brexit. Here’s what I managed to find out.

At this moment in time, it is not possible to get a Camper Van on Motability, bummer. However, there are some creative ways to get around this, which we’ll discuss below, so read on.

Contents

• 1 What is the Motability Scheme?
• 2 Why Doesn’t The Motability Scheme Allow You To Lease Fully Converted Camper Vans?
• 3 How Can I Legally Get Around The Rules Preventing Me From Leasing A Camper Van On Motability?
• 4 The Camper Van On Motability Case Study
• 5 Is there any other way to get a Camper Van on Motability or Mobility Allowance?
• 6 Getting A Camper Van On Motability – Summary

What is the Motability Scheme?

Rather than me trying to explain what I think the Motability Scheme is, here’s an explanation straight from the horses mouth, the Motability Scheme website:

The Motability Scheme enables people to get mobile by exchanging their mobility allowance to lease a new Car, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), Mobility Scooter or Powered Wheelchair.

The Motability Scheme is a registered charity that aims to get people who are in receipt of certain allowances suitable transport.

The scheme allows those in receipt of qualifying allowances to enter into a 3 year contract to exchange those allowances, or a part of them, for the lease of a vehicle in order to allow them to gain more independence through mobility. Read more...

 

Is It Illegal To Live In A Camper Van Permanently?

Can you live in a Camper Van? As I’ve Probably mentioned numerous times, I live in the UK. I used to live in Spain until recently, and I’ve travelled widely. My knowledge of Law is limited, but I have researched this subject thoroughly enough to give an answer in Layman’s terms.

There is no current law in the UK stating that anyone can’t live in a Camper Van permanently.

However, with that being said, there are numerous Laws relating to the Camper Van itself, it’s condition, where it is placed, whether it is considered a mobile structure or not and if it is preventing access to emergency vehicles or other residents.

So we’ll discuss the main points that I unearthed during my research and finish up with some FAQ’s and other points that you should probably consider before you take the plunge and opt for a full on “Van Life“.

Contents

• 1 Does My Camper Van Have To Be Roadworthy For Me To Live In It?
• 2 Are There Laws Preventing Me From Living In A Camper Van?
• 3 How Can I Get Mail If I Live In A Camper Van Permanently?
• 4 What Are The Implications Of Becoming “Of No Fixed Abode” (NFA) If You Live In A Camper Van?
• 5 Can I Buy A Cheap Piece Of Land And Live In A Camper Van On It?
• 6 Where Is A Good Place To Park A Camper Van To Live In It?
• 7 Is It Legal To Sleep In A Camper Van On The Public Road?
• 8 Is It Illegal To Live In A Camper Van FAQ’s – Other Considerations

Does My Camper Van Have To Be Roadworthy For Me To Live In It?

Yes, and No.

If you plan to live in a Camper Van and it is on a Public Road in the UK and you are in charge of operating it, you must hold a Full Driving Licence (showing that you are actually capable or operating it). Read more...

 

How Much Is An Auto Sleepers Camper Van?

If you are from the UK, as I am, you will have heard of Auto Sleepers Camper Vans. Auto Sleepers is a family run business based in the Cotswolds that are renowned for their superior build quality and space saving designs.

Auto Sleepers Camper Vans has over 60 years of experience of building Camper Vans since their first conversion, a Morris J2 Van back in 1961. They have been converting Vans into Camper Vans ever since and they have become experts in the field.

From what I have been able to find, Auto Sleepers convert Peugeot, Mercedes, Fiat and Ford Vans into a range of different Camper Van Conversions.

As well as being Coachbuilders for their own wide selection of bespoke Camper Van conversions, they also have comprehensive Servicing, Repair and Parts Departments and even an Auto Sleepers Owners Club with well over 2000 members, which is a testament to their success.

Contents

• 1 What Types Of Auto Sleepers Camper Vans Are There?
• 2 What Is The Most Popular Auto Sleepers Camper Van?
• 3 How Much Is A New Auto Sleepers Camper Van?
• 4 How Much Is A Used Auto Sleepers Camper Van?
• 5 Is It Worth Buying An Auto Sleepers Camper Van?
• 6 How Much Is An Auto Sleepers Camper Van? – Summary

What Types Of Auto Sleepers Camper Vans Are There?

Auto Sleepers have a comprehensive portfolio of builds. Names such as Trophy, Warwick, Broadway, Fairford, Ravenna, Duetto and Neuvo are but a few of their well known and loved offerings.

There are numerous others for sale both New and Used and on different platforms such as Peugeot, Mercedes, Fiat and Ford as I mentioned earlier.

Here’s a quick look at a few of the different Auto Sleepers’ builds, old and new:

2 Berth Auto Sleepers Nuevo on a Peugeot Base

The Auto Sleepers Nuevo is described as their most compact model, but it is also described as extremely spacious due to it’s clever use of space. Read more...

 

Can You Finance A Camper Van?

Do you dream of living a life on the open road? How about travelling around the beautiful countryside and moving when the whim takes you? Yes, I thought so, me too. But this pipe dream probably feels too far out of reach to become a reality.

What if I told you that there was a way that you could finance a Camper Van and have this lifestyle in only a few days without putting a penny down? I thought that might get your interest, but surprisingly, it’s true and it’s available to most of us, if only we’d find the time to look into it.

In the following few paragraphs, you’ll discover how to buy a Camper Van on finance, and why many people, me included are seriously considering doing it.

Contents

• 1 Is It Possible To Buy A Camper Van On Finance?
• 2 What Are The Benefits Of Buying A Camper Van With A Secured Loan Over An Unsecured Loan
• 3 What Interest Should I Pay To Finance A Camper Van?
• 4 How Long Can Camper Van Finance Be Spread Over?
• 5 Do I Need A Deposit To Finance A Camper Van?
• 6 Which Lenders Will Finance A Camper Van?
• 7 What Are The Benefits Of Buying A Camper Van With Savings?
• 8 Are Camper Vans A Good Investment?
• 9 Can I Live Permanently In My Camper Van?
• 10 Can I Save Money By Living In My Camper Van?
• 11 Can You Finance A Camper Van? – Summary

Is It Possible To Buy A Camper Van On Finance?

As you can probably tell by the introduction, Yes, it is possible to buy a Camper Van on finance. Not only is it possible, but it may just be the best way to buy a Camper Van, depending on your circumstances, obviously. Read more...

 

Are There Camper Van Toilets?

Almost all vehicles that have been built for spending time in the outdoors in have some form of Camper Van Toilet in them. Camper Van Toilets are pretty much a necessity for anyone wishing to spend any reasonable amount of their time in nature sleeping in a vehicle.

In the next few short paragraphs we’ll explain what Camper Van Toilets are, what kind of Camper Van Toilets are available, take a look at how to keep them clean and odour free, how much water a Camper Van Toilet uses and even how to repair a broken one.

Contents

• 1 Motorhome and Camper Van Toilets Explained
• 2 What Kind Of Camper Van Toilets Are There?
• 3 How Can I Prevent Camper Van Toilet Smells?
• 4 How Do You Empty A Camper Van Thetford Toilet?
• 5 Do Camper Van Toilets Use Much Water?
• 6 Can A Broken Camper Van Toilet Be Repaired?
• 7 Camper Van Toilets – Summary

Motorhome and Camper Van Toilets Explained

I suppose we have to start with the often asked question ” Do I need a Camper Van Toilet”? In my opinion, and also in the opinion of pretty much everyone I have spoken to on the subject, the answer is Yes. I believe that all Camper Vans need a toilet, otherwise they are just a Van!

If you are travelling in a vehicle, especially with others, periodically you are all going to have to go to the toilet. Out bodies are rarely in sync, so the bigger your party, the more stops are going to be required. Remember too, that if you are travelling with children, little bladders are smaller and need emptying more often.

Parking for Camper Vans is not always readily on hand, and Public Conveniences are not always easy to find, nor are they always clean, so having your own Camper Van Toilet can be a real time and effort saver, especially if you are travelling with the family.

Modern Camper Van Toilets are also usually very well sealed and the contents are secure and prevented from spilling or releasing odours. It is not like it is a case of weeing in a bucket and trying not to knock it over in your precious Camper Van.

So now that we hopefully agree that there is a real need for one, let’s have a look at what Camper Van Toilets there are available to us. Read more...

 

What Is A Camper Van Inverter?

Contents

• 1 The Camper Van Inverter
• 2 What Is The Difference Between AC and DC Current?
• 3 The Normal Vehicle Electrical System Explained (For Comparison)
• 4 What Is An Inverter?
• 5 The Camper Van’s Electrical System Explained
• 6 What Type Of Leisure Batteries Are Best For A Camper Van?
• 7 Why Do I Need An Inverter In My Camper Van?
• 8 What Size Inverter Will My Camper Van Need?
• 9 What Is A Camper Van Inverter – Summary

The Camper Van Inverter

When we had Aircon fitted to our Camper Van, we had the Electrical System completely upgraded so that we could spend more time “Off Grid” aka Boondocking.

At the time there was a lot of discussion, and of course the inevitable calculating, between myself and the Auto-Electrician that I used to carry out the work. Mostly as to which Inverter I was was going to buy, and where it was going to go. These things obviously had to be finalised prior to the work being estimated for then carried out.

My wife was extremely curious as to what we were discussing and asked me to explain exactly what on earth an Inverter was. Coming from an Engineering background, I took it for granted that everyone else would simply know what a Camper Van Inverter was. That proved not to be the case, so here’s the low down on the Camper Van’s Electrical System.

I’m talking about the Electrical Charging System for Petrol or Diesel Vehicles here. I have not yet upgraded my knowledge to “All Electric” Vehicles such as Teslas or the New VW ID Buzz, but I suppose I will have to be pulled into the 21st Century eventually at some time in the near future…

What Is The Difference Between AC and DC Current?

In simple terms, our Car’s systems uses a 12 V DC System, and Domestic Appliances such as Cookers and Fridges use a 230 V AC System. Our Camper Vans have both a Car’s DC Electrical System and some Domestic Appliances, so we will need both.

The Normal Vehicle Electrical System Explained (For Comparison) Read more...