| Hiring a camper van for a vacation is becoming an | | | | 1000 rallies are held each year by the club. |
| increasingly popular choice for those seeking new | | | | Camper vans have evolved into what we call |
| adventures. The lure of the open road and freedom | | | | motorhomes. As the name suggests, the objective is |
| to roam wherever you please is an appealing thought | | | | to create a "mobile home from home". Motorhomes |
| for many. Knowing a little about the history of the | | | | come in all shapes and sizes and are generally classed |
| camper van can give you that sense of belonging | | | | by the distance between the front axle to the rear |
| whilst out on the road. | | | | axle. This measurement is called the "wheelbase |
| A traditional camper van has a folding roof that pops | | | | length" and is termed as short, medium and long. |
| up to provide room for the sleeping quarters. One of | | | | Fuel costs are a definite consideration for many when |
| the favorite makes of camper vans has been that of | | | | deciding to hire a camper van. This problem has been |
| VW. The VW camper van based on the VW Beetle, | | | | taken on board by the rental companies and |
| made its first appearance at the 1949 Geneva Motor | | | | manufacturers. Many camper van hire companies now |
| Show and the basic design has held the test of time. | | | | offer vans with conversions to LPG. This should at |
| The vans do around 25 miles to the gallon and offer | | | | least half your fuel costs. |
| plenty of internal space. | | | | One thing I should mention is that insurance cover for |
| The VW camper is a firm favorite with the surfing | | | | camper van hire can be expensive and you should |
| community. It has remained a popular choice for the | | | | know up front exactly what you are covered for. |
| young at heart for decades and has become a | | | | Take time to review the policy. Remember to |
| symbol of free spirit for many. Often seen with a | | | | comply with most hiring insurance policies you should |
| new paint job featuring large flowers, these vans | | | | carry out the daily maintenance tasks on the camper |
| have long secured their iconic status and a place in | | | | as specified by your rental agent. |
| history. | | | | Don't overstretch your budget on the camper van |
| Another of the iconic camper vans were those | | | | hire cost. Part of the enjoyment of a camper van is |
| created by Wally Byam of the Airstream company. | | | | being able to visit and enjoy new places. If you are a |
| Airstream started off in 1936 with a trailer called "the | | | | couple, a medium wheelbase camper should provide |
| Clipper". Using aircraft technology to reduce wind | | | | you with a good overall comfort levels and ease of |
| resistance and provide optimal strength to weight | | | | use. |
| ratio, the Airstream has become a true American | | | | When hiring or even buying a camper van you should |
| icon. | | | | try and arrange a test drive first so that you can |
| The first Airstream branded camper van called "the | | | | decide which style best fits your needs. My personal |
| Classic" made its debut in 1979. The company | | | | preference is to use medium wheelbase vans as they |
| continues to innovate and produce camper vans to | | | | tend to offer the best compromise between size |
| this day and has a 10,000 strong international | | | | and comfort. Whatever van you choose it's sure to |
| membership of the Wally Byam Caravan Club. Over | | | | be an adventure. |