Your campervan questions answered

If you’ve been contemplating buying a campervan, you’re not alone. Ever since the pandemic, the popularity of these homes-on-wheels has soared, with people increasingly interested in the idea of holidaying here in the UK, and taking shorter trips more often rather than one big summer holiday. 

A camper is, of course, a brilliant way to do just that, and now many newer owners are heading further afield. But buying one can be a daunting proposition – after all, they’re complicated vehicles, and there’s lots to consider when it comes to running one. 

So if you’re one of the many people thinking about buying a campervan, it’s natural that you’ll have some questions. To try to help, we’ve put together this guide with our experts’ answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about buying and owning a campervan.

Is a campervan classed as a car for VED (road tax) purposes?

In short, no. For Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), campervans are typically classified as Private Light Goods (PLG) vehicles so long as they have a gross vehicle weight of less than 3,500kg, and are given the classification TC11. PLGs with an engine 1549cc or less costs £220 annually at current rates, or £360 if they are over 1549cc. Motorhomes weighing over 3,500kg (TC10) are taxed as Private Heavy Goods Vehicles (PHGV) and cost £171 a year to tax, regardless of engine size.

It’s also worth noting that motorhomes registered between April 2017 and March 11th 2020 are treated differently if they are in the M1SP category and its CO2 emissions are included on its type approval certificate.

Do I need a special licence to drive a campervan?

Generally, if your campervan weighs up to 3,500kg (which includes the vast majority of standard conversions and factory-built models), you can drive it with a standard Category B car licence. However, if your camper exceeds this weight – common with larger A-class or American-style motorhomes – you'll need a C1 licence, which entitles you to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes. Those who passed their test before 1 January 1997 likely have C1 entitlement automatically, but drivers tested after that date must take additional training and a separate test to obtain it.

Is campervan insurance high?

Campervan insurance typically costs more than standard car insurance, but it's not necessarily prohibitively expensive. Premiums depend on various factors including the vehicle’s value, how it's used, where it's stored, and the level of cover you select. Insurers often offer bespoke campervan policies that include contents cover for fitted equipment and personal belongings, European travel, and breakdown assistance.

DIY conversions might face higher premiums or limited insurer choice, particularly if they haven't been reclassified as a "motor caravan" with the DVLA, which is a common requirement for more comprehensive cover.

Is a campervan the same as a motorhome?

For most people, the terms are interchangeable and analogous – a campervan can also be called a motorhome, and vice versa. But in fact there is a subtle difference; a campervan is usually a van that’s been converted for use as a camper, either when it was new or later on in life.

A motorhome is usually built on a van or truck chassis, but with a custom-made body – usually fibreglass – grafted on top of it, which constitutes the habitable area. Motorhomes are typically larger than campervans, and tend to offer more space as well as shower and toilet facilities.

Does a campervan need a habitation certificate?

A habitation certificate is not a legal requirement for private campervan ownership in the UK, but it is a highly recommended safety check. This annual inspection covers key elements like gas, electricity, water systems, ventilation, fire safety, and general structure to ensure the living area is safe and in good working order.

For privately owned campervans used solely by their owners, the check is optional. However, if you intend to hire out your campervan or sell it through a dealership, a valid habitation certificate is often expected and can increase buyer confidence. Some campsites or insurance policies may also require evidence that your vehicle has been professionally inspected.

In essence, while not compulsory, a habitation check is a smart move for peace of mind – especially if your campervan has gas appliances or electrical systems that could pose a risk if faulty.

Is a campervan a good investment?

As with any vehicle, buying a campervan solely as an investment isn’t really advisable, purely because its value will almost certainly go down (albeit at a lower rate than most cars’ will). 

However, if you intend to use it frequently in lieu of holidays and trips away on which you’d have to pay for accommodation, the money you're saving could well outweigh any depreciation, which might mean it works out as a smart buy. Just don’t forget to factor all the running costs into your calculations.

We’d also note that slow depreciation (or even appreciation in some very rare cases) will depend heavily on the campervan or motorhome in question. A very desirable campervan from a trusted manufacturer such as Mercedes or Volkswagen, or from a well-known conversion specialist will generally depreciate more slowly than a panel van conversion carried out by a small independent workshop or even a home DIYer.

Does a campervan have a toilet?

Many campervans have toilets, but it depends on the size and layout of the vehicle. Larger campervans – particularly factory-built models and motorhomes – often come equipped with a compact washroom known as a “wet room,” which includes a toilet, shower, and basin in a single waterproofed space. These typically use a cassette toilet, which has a removable waste tank for easy emptying at designated disposal points.

Smaller campervans, such as those converted from mid-size vans (like a Ford Transit Custom or Volkswagen Transporter), might not include a built-in toilet due to space limitations. In these cases, owners often opt for a portable chemical toilet or rely on campsite facilities. Some bespoke conversions find creative ways to include a toilet in a hidden compartment or slide-out drawer, but this usually involves sacrificing storage or seating space.

Does a campervan need a gas certificate?

For private use, it’s not a legal requirement to hold a gas certificate, but it is strongly recommended. Campervans often have gas systems for cooking, heating, or refrigeration, and improper installation or maintenance can pose serious safety risks, including fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Having the system inspected and certified by a Gas Safe registered engineer ensures it meets safety standards.

If the campervan is hired out – even occasionally – it becomes a legal requirement under UK law to have an annual gas safety check and certification. Many insurers and campsite operators also ask for valid gas safety documentation as part of their terms and conditions.

How do you heat a campervan in the winter?

There are three main ways of heating a campervan in the winter months. By far the most common is a gas heater, which works much like a gas fire in your home, and uses liquid gas such as butane or propane as fuel. Gas heaters can be built in or free-standing.

The second most common way of heating a campervan is a diesel heater. As its name suggests, this is a plumbed-in heating system that runs on diesel from the camper’s fuel tank, which is burned to create heat that is then dispersed into the camper using an electric fan.

Finally, there’s electric heating, usually in the form of either a free-standing fan heater or oil-filled radiator that can be plugged into the van’s 230V electrical system. In some cases, a built-in electric heater can be installed.

How does a campervan fridge work?

Most campervan or motorhome fridges can run from mains or 12V power. Mains power is self-explanatory; the fridge will run on the mains when the campervan is plugged in at a campsite. On 12V power, meanwhile, the fridge is running off the camper’s 12V system. This only supplies power when the engine is running, so is designed for keeping items cool while you’re on the road.

Some camper fridges also offer additional modes. Some run on an absorption principle, using gas to heat up a liquid refrigerant to a gaseous state, the cooling of which then absorbs heat from the fridge, cooling whatever’s inside. 

Others are based on the thermoelectric principle that a change in temperature will occur when a DC current runs from one conductor to another; this is multiplied by running a current through a series of junctions between conductors between two plates, which heats one up and cools the other down. The cool plate is what keeps the fridge cool.

How does a campervan toilet work?

Almost all campervan toilets are chemical toilets. Once you’ve done your business, it gets flushed into a tank which is filled with chemicals that break it down. When the tank fills up, you have to empty it at a special disposal point – also known as an Elsan point – which is available on most campsites.

How do you empty a campervan toilet?

The toilet tank is usually in a cassette which allows you to remove it cleanly and easily, and without sight or smell of the waste, and emptying the tank into the Elsan point is normally very easy too. 

Typically, you remove the lid of the cassette and use a hose to pour the waste fluid into the Elsan point’s tank. Once this is done, it’s a good idea to rinse the tank out (there’s usually a tap nearby) before refilling it with chemicals. 

Note that you can’t empty a chemical toilet into the normal sewers – the chemicals aren’t suitable.

Can you sleep anywhere in a campervan?

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, you have to obtain permission from the landowner before you camp, and that includes in a campervan or motorhome. In practice, this usually means you’re restricted to camping in campsites, though some land owners offer their fields for use by campers, effectively allowing wild camping. 

In Scotland the rules are a little bit more relaxed – you’re allowed to camp in some public car parks overnight – but there are still quite a lot of guidelines and regulations, which it’s worth familiarising yourself with. Note that while wild camping is legal in Scotland, this applies to tent camping only, and doesn’t allow for motorised vehicles.

Can you build a campervan yourself?

Yes, and many people do. Popular bases include large vans like the Ford Transit, Iveco Daily and Mercedes Sprinter, and there are plenty of websites and online videos on DIY camper conversions if you’re searching for inspiration. 

Just keep in mind that while you don’t legally need any qualifications to connect up gas and electrics, it’s strongly recommended that you seek professional advice before attempting to do so. 

Can you take a campervan to a festival?

Yes, you can take a campervan to most UK festivals, and it’s a popular choice for those seeking more comfort than traditional camping. However, you’ll usually need to buy a separate campervan or motorhome pass in addition to your standard entry ticket, and these often sell out quickly. Festivals may also have restrictions on the size or type of vehicle allowed, so it’s important to check their specific guidelines in advance.

While campervan areas can offer a home-away-from-home experience, don’t always expect full facilities – many lack electric hook-ups and have limited access to water and waste disposal points. Being self-sufficient is key. If your campervan has gas appliances, some festivals may require a valid gas safety certificate. Quiet hours are commonly enforced, so respectful behaviour is essential.

Overall, taking a campervan to a festival can greatly enhance the experience – just plan ahead and know what to expect.

Can you take a campervan through the Eurotunnel?

Yes, though don’t forget that you’ll need to tell Eurotunnel your vehicle type when booking tickets, and a campervan or motorhome fare will usually cost more than you would pay for taking a car across. Because of the vehicle’s height and size, you may have to travel in the single-deck overheight vehicle carriages, and it’s also important to let Eurotunnel know in advance about any extra bikes, roofboxes or other bulky accessories you plan on fitting to the outside of your camper.

You’ll also need to pay attention to Eurotunnel’s rules regarding carriage of LPG – there are very particular rules around the amount of gas you’re allowed to carry, and you may be asked to demonstrate that your camper’s gas tanks comply.

Can you sleep in a campervan drunk?

It’s a bit of a grey area. Technically, you can be prosecuted for being drunk in charge of a campervan in any situation. However, it becomes less of an issue if you can show there was no likelihood of you actually driving the vehicle – for example, if you’re camping in a proper campsite and your campervan is pitched and hooked up to the mains. It’s also advisable to store the keys out of reach, ideally in a locked compartment.

Where you might have more of a problem is if you’re camping overnight at the roadside or in a pub car park, at which point it becomes harder to prove. Having your bed made up and your camper set up for living in might help you – but there’s no hard and fast way of guaranteeing that you won’t be prosecuted.

How do you insulate a campervan?

There are several insulation methods you can use. The most natural is wool insulation, though you can also use reflective heat barrier material, foam insulation board, spray foam, or fibreglass wadding, such as you might use in your home.

What is the downside of owning a campervan?

Owning a campervan offers a gateway to flexible travel and adventure, but it comes with some compromises. The upfront cost can be high, particularly for well-equipped or professionally converted models, and running expenses such as insurance, servicing, and fuel can be steeper than for a regular car. Campervans also aren’t the most practical daily drivers; they’re bulkier, less fuel-efficient, and often awkward to manoeuvre or park, especially in urban areas.

Storage is another challenge - many owners don’t have space at home and must pay for secure off-site parking. Legally, campervans come with more red tape than standard vehicles, particularly if you're converting one yourself. There are regulations around reclassification, gas and electrical systems, and, depending on weight, you may need more than a standard car licence. Add to that the weather-dependency and confined living space during poor conditions, and it’s clear that while the campervan lifestyle is rewarding, it isn’t for everyone. 

If you’re worried about making a final decision, or you aren’t sure if you’d use a campervan or motorhome enough each year to justify the costs, we’d recommend hiring one to start with – it might even turn out to be the better option long-term.

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