First Time Renting a Campervan: What to Know
Before You Book
License requirements: A standard car license (B) covers most campervans up to 3,500 kg. Larger motorhomes over 3.5 tons need a C1 license. Check the vehicle weight before booking.
Insurance: Always included in the base price, but deductibles vary wildly. Typical deductible: 1,000-2,500 EUR. You can usually buy it down to 0-500 EUR for an extra 15-25 EUR/day.
Mileage: Some rentals include unlimited kilometers. Others cap at 100-150 km/day with charges of 0.25-0.35 EUR per extra km. Do the math for your planned route.
What to Check at Pickup
The rental company will walk you through the vehicle. Pay attention. Ask questions. This is your chance to avoid disputes later.
Essential checks:
Documents to receive:
Driving Tips
Height matters: Know your vehicle height in centimeters. Write it on a sticky note on the dashboard. Parking garages, gas station canopies, and old town gates will test you.
Width matters too: Side mirrors stick out. You'll misjudge clearances at first. When in doubt, fold them in and walk the gap.
Braking distance: A loaded campervan weighs 2-3 tons. Your car instincts will be wrong. Leave more space. Brake earlier.
Wind: High-sided vehicles catch crosswinds. On exposed bridges and highways, grip the wheel firmly when trucks pass.
Campsite vs Wild Camping
Campsites (10-35 EUR/night):
Wild camping:
For your first trip, book a campsite for at least half your nights. You'll appreciate the facilities and the confidence of a confirmed spot.
The Toilet Question
Cassette toilet, chemical toilet, composting toilet - the options are confusing.
Most rental vans have a cassette toilet: a small tank that slides out for emptying. Empty it at campsites or designated dump points (every 2-3 days depending on use).
Pro tip: The chemicals make the smell worse, not better. For short trips, skip them. A small bag of cat litter works better.
If the idea of dealing with waste puts you off, you can skip the toilet entirely. Use campsite facilities at night, public toilets during the day. Perfectly viable for trips under a week.
Food and Cooking
Most campervans have:
What to bring:
Gas consumption is minimal. A standard bottle lasts 2-3 weeks of normal cooking.
Returning the Vehicle
Day before return:
Fuel: Return with the same level as pickup (usually full).
Timing: Arrive 30 minutes early. The walkthrough takes time, and you don't want late fees.