What They Don’t Tell You About Owning A Campervan

For many, owning a campervan is the ultimate dream.

The freedom of being able to hit the road on a whim and wake up to breathtaking scenery.

It’s very instagrammable, shall we say!

But what many don’t share are the unexpected challenges that come with owning a campervan, and even more so when you live full-time in your tiny home on wheels!

Before you invest in a van, there are some harsh realities you need to know. From hidden costs to day-to-day struggles, this is what they don’t tell you about owning a campervan.

It’s Not as Cheap as You Think

One of the biggest misconceptions about van life is that it’s an ultra-cheap way to live. Flee the constraints of a mortgage and live care-free in your tiny home on wheels.

While it can be more affordable in comparison, the costs can quickly add up.

For starters, if you’re looking to do full-time van life or travel further afield, you are going to want a reliable van. These themselves can cost well into the tens of thousands, that is of-course unless you want to wave goodbye to some luxuries like hot running water and heating.

Then comes the maintenance—repairs are inevitable, and parts for campervans can be expensive, especially if you’re driving an older or rare model.

In our experience it always makes sense to put aside a few hundred quid per month into a separate account, for repairs. – You’ll be thankful that you did when the van grinds to a halt!

Fuel is another major cost that’s often underestimated. If you’re covering long distances, you’ll burn through a lot more fuel than expected. Campervans are not exactly fuel-efficient, and even a short road trip can set you back hundreds of dollars in gas.

Finding a Place to Sleep Can Be a Nightmare

The idea of parking up in a stunning remote location and waking up to a beautiful sunrise sounds magical.

And it is….when you finaly find that place.

However, the reality of finding a safe and legal place to sleep is much more complicated.

Many cities and towns have strict overnight parking restrictions, and if you park in the wrong place, you might be woken up in the middle of the night and told to move, which is never what you need in the early hours!

Free camping spots are limited, and what you’ll find is if they are near any significant area or place worth visiting, they’ll be rammed.

Apps like Park4Night and iOverlander help van lifers find safe places to park, but it’s not always easy. In some places, you’ll have to rely on paid campsites or designated van parks, which can eat into your budget. – And they’re not particularly the eye-catching park ups that we see on instagram either.

Wild camping is an option, but in many countries, it’s technically illegal, and getting fined for sleeping in your van is an unpleasant reality that some van lifers face.

Just prepare to be spending lots of your time on Park4Night, and if you find a good spot, slow down and stick there for a few days or weeks.

It Gets Lonely—Even If You Travel With Someone

The idea of full-time travel sounds exciting, but no one talks about the loneliness that can come with it.

Long stretches of driving alone, spending nights in unfamiliar places, and being constantly on the move can make it hard to build meaningful connections.

Many van lifers join online communities or attend van meetups to find a sense of belonging.

It helps to plan stops where you can meet fellow travellers, and be sure to share your route and plans with others ahead of time so that you can plan to meet up along the way.

If you’re used to a strong social life, the transition to a more nomadic lifestyle can be difficult.

Bad Weather Can Ruin Everything

No one likes to think about the downside of bad weather in a campervan, but when you live in such a small space, it can make or break your experience.

Rainy days mean being stuck inside a confined area, and if you rely on solar panels for power, cloudy weather can leave you short on electricity. (So install a good DC-DC charger!)

Cooking outside becomes impossible, and damp, muddy conditions can make everything feel uncomfortable.

Winter van life is even tougher. Cold temperatures mean you’ll need proper insulation and a reliable heating source, or else you’ll be freezing at night.

Condensation builds up quickly in small spaces, leading to damp bedding and even mould. Many van lifers end up chasing warm climates just to avoid the discomfort of extreme weather. – After all, the beauty of this lifestyle is that if you’re not ‘feeling it’, you can just move to a more pleasant place!

Repairs Will Happen at the Worst Times

No matter how well you maintain your van, breakdowns are inevitable, and they always seem to happen at the most inconvenient moments.

Whether it’s engine trouble, electrical failures, or plumbing issues, something will eventually go wrong.

Finding a mechanic who specialises in campervans can be challenging, especially if you’re in a remote area or another country. Parts can take weeks to arrive, leaving you stranded for longer than expected.

You’re probably wondering why we budgeted a few hundred of pounds for maintenance? Well, often you’ll end up eating into that budget by needing a room to stay in for a few nights!

This one is inevitable, but just remember, no situations like this are forever, and most things are fixable!

Storage Space? What Storage Space?

Minimalism isn’t just a trendy buzzword in van life—it’s a necessity.

Campervans have limited space, and every item you bring needs to serve a purpose. Clothes, cooking equipment, food, and personal items all have to fit into tiny compartments, and if you’re not organised, your van can quickly become a chaotic mess.

Most people overpack when they first move into a van, only to realise later that they don’t actually need half of what they brought.

Downsizing is a learning curve, and figuring out how to make the most of every inch of space is a skill that comes with experience.

Your Toilet Situation Might Be… Less Than Ideal

One of the least glamorous parts of van life is dealing with the bathroom situation.

I know people who have downright dismissed staying in a campervan due to the ‘different’ toileting situation.

If your van has a built-in toilet, you’ll need to empty it regularly, which is no one’s favourite job.

If you don’t have one, you’ll have to rely on public restrooms, campsite facilities, or nature itself. This can be inconvenient, especially in cities or crowded areas where finding a clean toilet is a challenge.

Many van lifers opt for composting toilets or portable chemical toilets, but even those require maintenance. If you’re thinking of van life, you have to be comfortable with unconventional bathroom situations—there’s no way around it!