The Right Size for Real Life on the Road
When you first see the camper in person, it’s easy to fall in love with the interior, the upholstery, and the lights, but the real question is: Is there enough space for your style of travel?
If you plan to travel often with your partner, children, or even a pet, you have to pay attention to how everything is organized. Is there room for you all to sleep together without someone having to squeeze like a sandwich between pillows? Can you turn around in the kitchen without hitting something with your elbow?
One more thing: think about where you will spend most of your time. If you plan to be outside more, a smaller motorhome may be more than enough. But if the weather isn’t on your side and you have to spend a day or two inside, even an extra 30 centimeters can mean the difference between comfort and madness.
So when you look at ads, like those on Locanto, where you can often find a bargain motorhome for sale, don’t just look at the pictures. Read the description. Ask the seller to take a video of what it looks like moving through the motorhome. Ask yourself: “Can I live here for a while without wanting to run away?”
Cooking Comfortably on the Road
It sounds romantic: dinner at the camp table, a bottle of wine, and a sunset view. But that dinner has to come from somewhere. And here we come to the kitchen in the motorhome.
It doesn’t have to be huge, but it should be functional. If everything is reduced to one hot plate and a mini sink, you will be okay with it for the first couple days. After that? French fries again? No, thanks.
The ideal camper kitchen has enough space to prepare a simple meal without everything flying around you as you turn around. A refrigerator, even a small one, is a lifesaver when you are far from the store. And if you have an additional folding surface, it’s like you have an extra table.
If you cook often, look for a motorhome with a practical kitchen layout, preferably on the side, near the door. This facilitates ventilation and allows you to cook with a view, not towards the wall.
Bathroom in a Camper: Luxury or Necessity?
Now, this is a topic that no one likes to discuss, but we all wonder: Do I even need a bathroom in an RV?
The answer depends on where you plan to travel and how important comfort is to you. If you like wilderness and quiet camping and don’t mind using nature as a toilet, then maybe you can do without it. But if you don’t want to be dependent on campsites with public showers, then yes, a bathroom is almost a must.
Some campers have “wet bath” variants—all-in-one, meaning shower and toilet in the same small space. You won’t spoil yourself, but it gets the job done. There are also those with a dry bathroom, where the toilet and shower are separate. If you’re more into feeling like you’re at home, that’s the way to go.
The bathroom takes up space, that’s for sure, but for many, it’s a small price to pay for the feeling of independence when travelling.
This does add more maintenance for your motorhome, though, including emptying the waste tank, implementing measures to prevent clogs, leaks, and mold, cleaning the bathroom regularly, and monitoring your water usage so you don’t run out mid-shower.
Energy, Water and a Few Technical Miracles
If you plan to park outside the city, in nature, without access to electricity and water, you are entering the world of off-grid camping. Camper equipment plays a key role in this world. Here are a few things to consider.
Water: How Many Days Can You Go Without Refilling?
You need water in your camper for everything, from cooking and washing dishes to showering and flushing the toilet. Knowing how long you can go without refilling is essential.
Ideally, the camper should have the following.
- Large tank for clean water (at least 80 liters).
- Separate gray water tank (water from the sink and shower goes).
- Separate tank for waste water from the toilet.
Some campers also have water filters, which is great if you’re filling up from natural springs or questionable taps.
Electricity: Solar or Plug-in?
If you are planning off-grid camping, solar panels become your best friends. A good solar panel can charge your batteries enough to provide light, charge your phone, and sometimes charge your laptop. You can also use standard sockets if you have an inverter (which changes 12V to 220V).
Gas: Easy to Access and Long-Lasting?
Most motorhomes use gas for cooking and heating, and that’s for a good reason. It’s reliable, easy to use, and doesn’t require chasing outlets or the sun when you need a hot cup of coffee.
But before you decide, pay attention to two things:
- Where is the bottle? Preferably outside in an easily accessible place, so you don’t have to tear up half the camper when it’s empty.
- How long does it last? 5-10 days on average, depending on how much you use. If you cook and heat often, you’ll spend more.
When you see an ad that lists all those details, know that it’s someone who knows what they’re doing. You often come across campers whose owners have made upgrades like new panels, better insulation, and extra batteries. They are real small mobile oases for those who love the wilderness but don’t want to give up a little comfort.
Motorhome Is Also a Vehicle
Sometimes, when we look at pictures of the inside of a camper, we forget that it actually needs to be driven and that driving it should be enjoyable. If the seat is uncomfortable, it’s too noisy, or you can’t see well in the mirrors, even the best bed in the world won’t make up for a bad experience on the road.
So before you decide, check if it has a rear camera, what the mirrors are like, if the seats have armrests, and, of course, if it has air conditioning. No one wants to sweat for hours in a cabin while trying to find parking in some seaside town.
Most importantly, try it before you buy. Get in, drive it a little, and feel how it behaves on the road. This is your new home, but also your new car.
Small Things That Make a Difference
Sometimes, the little things decide whether you’ll love your camper or sell it after two tours. Here are some details worth watching:
- Are there mosquito nets and blinds?
- How many sockets are there (and where)?
- What is the insulation like?
- Is there room for a bike or accessories?
- Can air conditioning, an extra battery or a kayak rack be installed?
Is It Worth Getting a Used One?
Absolutely! New campers are great, but also seriously expensive. Used models, especially those that have been looked after and regularly maintained by people, often offer fantastic value.
Many times, you will find a model that has everything you need, additional equipment, maybe even some things that the new one does not have, right in the ads, like those on Locanto. And all that for a lower price. Just check the documentation, the mileage, and the condition of the tires, and definitely ask them to show you how all the systems work.
You Know What You Need
A camper is not just a vehicle. It is your home, your freedom, and your escape when reality becomes too loud. So don’t chase the “best offer” if it doesn’t suit you. Look for what suits your lifestyle, your plans, and, honestly, your tolerance for tight spaces.
And if you need a place to start your search, check out used options from online marketplaces. It’s a great way to get inspired, since you can find everything from simple campers to thoughtfully outfitted motorhomes. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a vehicle there that will take you on your next great adventure.
