Camper Van Hire – ENJOY THE FREEDOM IN A COST EFFECTIVE WAY
I’ve always been attracted by the idea of owning my own camper van, and taking off on a road-trip adventure whenever I like. I’m currently unsure of what kind of camper van exactly would suit my lifestyle & circumstances, as I have multiple needs at the moment really – sometimes it would be with kids and sometimes without – and the number off bed spaces required largely determines the most appropriate camper van! There’s obviously the big financial outlay of having your own camper van (and running of it) – so for now I am happy enough renting a camper van a few times a year – which will help me get an understanding of the kind of vans I like and what features are a must and what features aren’t a necessity.
TIPS FOR HIRING A CAMPER VAN or MOTOR HOME
So when hiring a campervan – you first need to choose the hire company you want to rent the camper van or motorhome from. You’ll need to decide if you want to hire close to home – or if you are prepared to drive a distance to pick one up. Personally I like to hire from somewhere close to home – so I can bring the camper van to home to then load it up – rather than drive a long distance with all my stuff to take packed up in a car.
WHAT TYPE OF CAMPERVAN OR MOTORHOME?
You’ll then need to decide what kind of camper van or motorhome you wish to hire. This will be determinded by how much space you want and how many beds. Again, personally I prefer the converted vans – as they are easier to drive on narrow roads and find a space to pitch up for the night. I don’t see the point in having a big motorhome and just driving to a camspite and staying there for the duration as it’s too big to drive anywhere else! Camper vans are all about the freedom of the open road for me.
CAMPERVAN COST & INSURANCE
The cost of the campervan or motor home will determine what you can hire – so shop around for the best deals. The prices also vary by season – eg. winter being cheaper than summer, school hols being particulary pricey. I like to hire either in the spring or autumn – when it’s genrally quieter and better value. Typically there is a minimum 3 night hire policy – and you pay per night, which includes insurance. Also factor in your fuel costs – this can easily come to £40 per day if you are racking up the miles.
PICK UP & DROP OFF TIMES
Pick up times vary company to company – and the better ones are flexible on pick up and drop off times – I guess ideally you want to pick up early and return on an afternoon when you travel back (Beware some camper van hire companies have a strict early morning return policy – which doesn’t give you much time to get back – try and negotiate with this before you commit to the rental).
DEPOSIT
This is a key area – most camper van hire companies will require a deposit, which includes an insurance excess, and this can typically be around £1000. As it’s quite common for those new to driving big vehicles to have a bump – an accident can be costly – so make sure you know what the compulsory excess is that you will pay if you have an accident. I’m quite used to driving vans now, but still I always take up the option to pay an extra insurance cost per day, typically £15 – which can reduce the deposit require from £1000 to £250.
Once you have chosen your camper van hire company, selected your vehicle and booked the trip – you are all set!
CAMPERVAN HIRE FROM THE FREEDOM CAMPERS IN HARTLEPOOL, COUNTY DURHAM
I’m going to share a camper van I hired from The Freedom Campers in County Durham which is near my hometown of Hartlepool. It’s a small family-ran, friendly business, with a few camper vans and motorhomes to choose from.
The specific camper van I chose to hire on this occasion was a Citroen Relay, with a fixed bed, which could sleep 4 (2 adults and 2 kids), although I’d say it is suited to a couple, or a couple with a small child.
Read on to see some photos of this van and what I liked and thought could be improved – which might help you in selecting a camper van for your trip!
I personally prefer the camper vans (converted vans) to the larger motorhomes – as driving narrow roads and navigating into your pitch for the night is easier.
This particular camper van was done out really nicely inside. I liked the grey wood effect nd panneling – which gave it a modern feel. The table area is good for eating and chilling, with a comfy fixed bed at the back. It also had an enclosed shower and toilet.
What I liked about the kitchen area in thsi camper van was that it had a generous sized fridge, a decent oven with gas hob and the sink was larger than usual too. It also had plenty of storage space – essential for longer camper van trips.
The table could be taken down – and teh chairs made into small bed – which was adequate for a small child. Something that could be improved here would be to have swivel front seats – if they don’t swivel I think it wastes valuable space as you can’t use the seats when you are finally parked up for the night.
The bedroom area in this campervan was done very nicely. A fixed bed makes for a more comfortable bed – and the fitted cupboards gave extra storage – and the small TV was powered off the leisure battery – so no electric hook up required! Simple tether to phone and you can watch anything!
Another plus of a fixed bed is they tend to be elevated – giving extra valuable storage under the bed for luggage and other stuff
Another nice touch with the camper vans is you can open up the back doors and just chill and admire the views with a brew – bliss!
Having a toilet and shower is very useful indeed! However I have found that I will try where possible not to use the toilet! (As it will need emptying at some point – which is more difficult when out in the wilds!) It’s always a nice thing to have though – just in case!
All in all this is great campervan van set-up and there’s not much I would change other than putting swivel seats in the front. A pop up roof would be an added bonus to get another kid on board though if you were a family of 4!
Why Choose The Freedom Campers for Camper Van Hire in Hartlepool?
I’ve rented a few times from The Freedom Campers and would recommend them if you’re looking for camper van hire in Hartlepool, County Durham. I like the fact they are a family-ran business and friendly and trustworthy – and I have recommended them to friends.
Whether you’re planning a coastal road trip, a weekend escape, or an extended adventure, The Freedom Campers provides top-quality camper vans equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and memorable journey.
1. Premium, Fully Equipped Camper Vans
The Freedom Campers offers a fleet of modern, stylish, and fully-equipped camper vans to suit all types of travelers. Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic getaway or a family on an adventure, their vehicles come with all the essentials:
- Comfortable beds
- Kitchenette with cooking facilities
- Heating and insulation for year-round travel
- Plenty of storage space
- Easy-to-drive and fuel-efficient models
2. Convenient Location in Hartlepool
Located in Hartlepool, The Freedom Campers is the perfect starting point for your camper van adventure. Whether you’re heading to the stunning North East coastline, Northumberland, Yorkshire, the Durham Dales, or venturing further afield to the likes of The Lake District or Scotland, picking up your camper van from Hartlepool is quick and hassle-free.
3. Affordable & Transparent Pricing
The Freedom Campers offers competitive rental prices with no hidden fees. You’ll receive comprehensive insurance, breakdown cover, and unlimited mileage, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey.
4. Excellent Customer Service
From the moment you book your camper van, The Freedom Campers team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. They offer expert advice on routes, camping spots, and vehicle features, making your trip as seamless as possible.
Book Your Camper Van Today with The Freedom Campers
Ready to hit the road? Booking with The Freedom Campers is quick and easy. Simply visit their website The Freedom Campers to check availability, view their fleet, and secure your perfect camper van.
What’s more they have given me a discount code to share with you which will give you 10% off their prices – simply visit the website to choose your dates – and then get in touch with them and mention the code HIKING10 to get 10% off listed web prices.
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