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Renting a vintage camper: a practical guide to slow travel in a classic on wheels

There is something about an old camper that makes people smile. A rounded van in two-tone paint, a polished aluminium trailer catching the sun, a little caravan with curtains in the windows and a striped awning out front. These vehicles come from a time when the journey itself was the holiday, and renting one today is a way to bring back that feeling.

Vintage campers are loved on every continent. They roll along coastal highways in North America, through the long open distances of Australia, around the mountains and lakes of New Zealand, along the Garden Route in South Africa, down the valleys and coastlines of South America and across the countryside of Europe. This guide explains the choices you will face, what an older vehicle is like to drive and live in, and what to check before you book one of the campers listed on this page.

Two ways to enjoy a classic camper

Before you start comparing campers, decide which kind of trip you want, because the two options are very different.

Taking it on the road. You pick up a classic campervan, or a vintage caravan or trailer to tow behind your own car, and set off for a few days or weeks. This is the full experience: new views every morning, roadside stops and the freedom to change your plans. It also means you are responsible for a machine that may be several decades old.

Staying in one that stays put. Many owners park their restored caravans, trailers and old vans permanently on a farm, in an orchard, by a lake or at a small campsite, and rent them as accommodation. You get the retro interior, the cosy bed and the outdoor living without having to drive or tow anything. This is a great choice for a first taste, for a weekend away, or if you do not feel confident behind the wheel of an older vehicle.

Behind the wheel of an older vehicle

Driving a classic is part of the charm, but it asks for a different mindset from driving a modern car. Expect the following:

• Slower speeds. Many older vans and tow setups are happiest well below modern motorway speeds. Plan shorter driving days, take scenic back roads where you can, and let faster traffic pass.
• Manual gearboxes. Most classic campers have a manual gearbox, sometimes with a long or vague gear lever. If you only drive automatics, ask whether an automatic is available or choose a camper that stays parked.
• Few modern safety systems. Do not expect power steering, anti-lock brakes, airbags or parking sensors. Brakes need more distance, steering takes more effort and crosswinds are felt more strongly. Leave plenty of space to the vehicle in front.
• Breakdown cover. Old vehicles are generally well maintained by their owners, but things can still go wrong. Ask what happens if the camper breaks down, whether roadside assistance is included, and who you should call.
• Licence requirements. The rules for towing a caravan or driving a heavier vehicle differ from country to country, and sometimes depend on when you passed your test. Check what your licence allows, and whether you need an international driving permit, before you commit.
• Fuel. Older engines can be thirsty, and some prefer a particular type of fuel. Ask about fuel consumption and tank size, and fill up before long empty stretches, especially in remote parts of Australia, southern Africa or South America.

Where you can spend the night

Having a bed on wheels does not mean you can sleep anywhere. The rules on overnight parking and wild camping vary enormously between countries, and even between regions or local councils within one country. In some places free camping in the countryside is tolerated or has designated spots, while in others it is forbidden and fines are common. National parks and beaches often have their own regulations.

Campsites and holiday parks are the easiest option. They offer power hook-ups, showers, toilets, drinking water and a place to empty waste water, which matters a lot in a vehicle with limited tanks. In busy seasons, popular campsites fill up, so book ahead for the nights you care about most. Your rental owner will usually know the local rules and good spots nearby, so ask them for suggestions.

Living in a few square metres

Vintage campers are small, and that is part of their appeal. It helps to plan how you will use the space before you arrive.

Sleeping. Beds are often made by converting the seating or dinette at night, or by raising a pop-up roof. Ask about the bed sizes, because older designs can be shorter and narrower than modern beds. Taller travellers should check the length carefully.

Cooking. Many campers have a simple gas hob, a small sink and a cool box or compact fridge. Keep meals simple, cook outside when the weather allows, and always ventilate well when using gas inside. Ask whether pans, plates, cutlery and a camping table and chairs are included.

Packing. Soft bags squash into small cupboards far better than hard suitcases. Bring less than you think you need, and keep the things you use every day within easy reach.

Bathrooms. Very few classic campers have a shower, and many have no toilet at all. You will rely on campsite facilities or, in the case of stationary rentals, a separate shared or private bathroom block.

Weather and the seasons

Old campers were not built with modern insulation or air conditioning. They can be hot in strong sun and cold on clear nights, and rain drums loudly on a metal roof. Summer and the shoulder seasons are the most comfortable times for most trips. Remember that the seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere, so the best months for Australia, New Zealand, South Africa or Patagonia fall roughly in the northern winter. Ask whether the camper has a heater, a fan or an awning for shade, and pack layers either way.

Questions to ask before you book

• Is the camper for driving or towing, or is it parked permanently on site?
• Is it a manual or an automatic, and is there power steering?
• What licence do I need, and is there a minimum driver age or experience requirement?
• What insurance and breakdown assistance are included, and what is the deposit?
• Is there a mileage limit, and where can the camper be taken?
• How many people does it sleep, and how long are the beds?
• What kitchen equipment, bedding and camping furniture are included?
• Is there heating, a fridge, a toilet or an electric hook-up?
• Will I get a handover and a walk-through of how everything works?
• Are pets allowed?

Tips for a smooth trip

Take your time at the handover. Ask the owner to show you how the gas, the bed conversion, the pop-up roof and any quirks of the engine work, and take photos or notes. Do a short practice drive before loading everything in. Keep a small torch, a spare water container and a basic first aid kit on board. Plan your route around campsites and fuel stops rather than a tight schedule, and accept that other drivers will wave, stop to chat and take photos of your camper. That is part of the fun.

Above all, treat the camper with care. Many of these vehicles have been restored by hand over years, and their owners rent them out because they want to share something they love.

Browse the campers on this page

The vintage campers listed on this page are grouped by continent, country and region, so you can find one where you want to travel or stay. Each link goes to the owner's own website, where you can look at the camper, check availability and book directly. Do you rent out a classic campervan, vintage caravan or retro trailer? Add your link for free with the button above and let fellow enthusiasts find you.