Why Renting a Campervan is the Perfect Test Drive for Owning Your Own Campervan

So, you’re dreaming about the open road, the freedom of weekend getaways, and the possibility of owning your own campervan. But before you dive into the world of custom builds, layouts, and travel planning, there’s one crucial step you shouldn’t skip—renting a campervan first.

Renting a campervan before buying one is like test-driving a car. It lets you experience the convenience, flexibility, and comfort of van travel, helping you figure out exactly what you need (and don’t need) before making a big investment. Let’s break down why renting a campervan first is the smartest way to prepare for ownership.

Blackthorn makes the test drive even better. The money you spend on rentals, up to 10 days, will go towards your build.

Try Before You Buy: Does a Campervan Suit Your Travel Style?

Seeing campervans online or at a dealership is one thing, but actually traveling in one is completely different. Renting a campervan first gives you a real-world experience to see if it fits your travel habits and how you intent to use your campervan.

Here are some questions you can answer by renting before buying:

• Do you prefer driving a van over a RV or towing an camper?

• Does a campervan provide enough space for your needs?

• How convenient is the kitchen and bathroom setup for weekend trips?

• Would you rather stay at campgrounds or opt for more off-grid camping?

By renting, you get a risk-free way to explore whether a campervan is the perfect fit for your travel lifestyle.

2. Discover What Features Matter Most to You

Every campervan is different, from simple weekend setups to fully customized builds. Renting lets you test-drive different features to see what enhances your travel experience.

Consider the following:

• Sleeping Setup: Do you need a fixed bed, or do you prefer a fold-away option for more space? Do you need one bed or multiple?

• Kitchen Needs: Will you cook most of your meals, or do you need just a simple stove and fridge?

• Bathroom & Shower: Is a built-in bathroom/shower essential for you, or would campground facilities be enough?

• Storage Space: Do you need extra storage for gear, or is a compact setup ideal?

Renting first eliminates guesswork, ensuring that when you invest in a campervan, it’s built for your specific needs.

3. Test Different Sizes & Driving Experiences

Some travelers want a spacious campervan with all the amenities, while others prefer something easy to park and maneuver. Renting allows you to try out different models to find the perfect balance between comfort and drivability.

• Compact Vans (e.g., Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter 144"): Easier to drive and park, but may feel tight for longer trips.

• Mid-Size Vans (e.g., Mercedes Sprinter 170"): Offers more living space while remaining practical for road trips. Better for sleeping arrangements if you're over 6'1".

• Full-Size Vans (e.g., Extended Sprinters): Provides the most features and comfort, but requires more parking considerations.

By renting, you avoid buying a van that’s too big, too small, or not suited to your driving confidence.

4. Understand the Costs of Campervan Ownership

Many new buyers underestimate the true cost of owning a campervan. Renting first gives you a realistic picture of potential expenses, including:

• Fuel Costs: How efficient is the van on long road trips?

• Campground & Parking Fees: Do you prefer staying at RV parks, national parks, or boondocking?

• Maintenance & Repairs: How often does the van require servicing, and what are the typical costs?

• Insurance Costs: What kind of coverage do you need, and how much does it add to your budget?

By experiencing these costs firsthand, you can plan and budget effectively before committing to ownership.

5. Get a Feel for Customization & Convenience

Many campervan owners eventually opt for a custom build that suits their unique travel style. Renting helps you identify what works and what doesn’t before designing your own van.

• Do you need extra seating for family trips?

• Would you benefit from solar power and off-grid capabilities?

• What accessories do I need (bug net, rear rack, side step, etc.)?

At Blackthorn Campervans, we specialize in custom builds that match your exact needs—and renting helps you decide what those needs are.

6. Enjoy a No-Commitment, Stress-Free Experience

Buying a campervan is a major investment. Renting gives you the freedom to experiment before making a long-term decision. If you realize a campervan is perfect for your travel goals, you can confidently move forward with a custom build that meets all your needs.

Your Campervan Journey Starts Here

If you’re considering buying a campervan, renting one first is the smartest move. It helps you:

• Test if a campervan fits your road trip lifestyle.

• Discover what features matter most to you.

• Experience different van sizes and layouts.

• Understand the true costs of ownership.

• Identify must-have customizations for your future van.

• Make an informed decision with confidence.

So, why wait? Rent a campervan today and take the first step toward owning your dream adventure vehicle. Anything you spend towards rentals will go towards your build with Blackthorn Campervans (up to 10 days). Whether you choose to rent for a season or move forward with a custom build, Blackthorn Campervans is here to help you hit the road in style and comfort!

Need financing? Blackthorn is now one of the only campervan companies in Utah that accepts financing.

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