Trying before buying: Is renting the best first step?
If you’ve ever daydreamed about waking up to mountain sunrises or sipping coffee by the sea from the back of a van, you’re not alone. Vanlife has become wildly popular—not just for free spirits, but for retirees, remote workers, families, and weekend wanderers too. But here’s the truth: while vanlife looks dreamy on Instagram, it’s not for everyone. That’s why renting a campervan before going all-in is one of the smartest moves you can make.
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Renting gives you the full experience without the full commitment—or the massive price tag. Think of it like test-driving a lifestyle. You’ll find out what you love (and what drives you nuts) before you invest your savings into a rig or custom build.
Top reasons to rent before buying
1. Discover what you actually need
That van you’ve been eyeing might look amazing, but until you live in one for a few days, it’s tough to know what features really matter. Do you need a bathroom onboard? Can you live without a fridge? Is a convertible bench bed going to mess up your back? Renting helps you figure out what’s essential versus what’s just “cool.”
2. Test different layouts and sizes
Photos can be deceiving. That slick Sprinter might be too narrow, while a Promaster gives you room to stretch. A small camper might be cute, but rainy days can quickly turn it into a cramped cave. Renting lets you try on different styles before committing to one forever.
3. Understand your travel style
Are you into wild camping or do you prefer the comfort of campgrounds? Will you be hitting the road full-time or taking weekend getaways? Renting gives you a pressure-free way to explore how you actually travel.
4. Get comfortable driving and parking
If you’re used to zipping around in a compact car, piloting a van might feel like wrangling a whale. Rentals let you practice driving, backing into tight spots, and cruising highways without the long-term stress.
5. Save money by avoiding the wrong build
Custom van builds can cost a fortune—and buying someone else’s build doesn’t guarantee you’ll love it. A rental helps you figure out what doesn’t work before you spend a dime on your own setup.
Where to rent a campervan or RV
These days, there’s no shortage of rental options—from decked-out vans to no-frills micro campers. Here are some trusted sites to check out:
- Outdoorsy – A huge variety of peer-to-peer RV and van rentals with reviews.
- RVshare – Another big peer-to-peer platform with loads of camper options.
- Escape Campervans – Known for colorful vans and beginner-friendly setups.
- Roadsurfer – Sleek and modern vans available across the U.S. and Europe.
- CampervanHire.com – A global comparison tool to find the best rental deals.
Pro tip: Look for discounts on longer rentals or one-way relocation deals. Some vans rent for as low as $1/day if you’re flexible!
What to look for when renting
- Size & layout: Can you stand up? Is there enough storage? Think about daily use.
- Power setup: Solar panels, USB ports, and a solid battery system matter—especially if you’re working on the road. See our off-grid power tips.
- Kitchen: Does it have a stove, fridge, or sink? Or will you be cooking outside?
- Sleeping comfort: Test the bed before committing to a night in it. Your back will thank you.
- Bathroom: Toilet or no toilet? Indoor or outdoor shower? It’s personal. Check out our bathroom guide for more.
Use your rental as a research mission
Bring a notebook. Seriously. Use your rental trip to take notes about what works, what doesn’t, and what you’d change. Pay attention to:
- How often you need to recharge power or refill water
- How organized (or chaotic) the space feels
- How it handles on the road, in cities, and on dirt trails
- What gear you’re missing—or what you never used
Common surprises that rentals reveal
- Tiny spaces feel even tinier fast: A van might look roomy in photos… until you try brushing your teeth in a cereal bowl-sized sink.
- Condensation is real: Waking up to fogged windows or drippy ceilings is common. Good insulation is gold (learn why).
- Weather rules everything: Rainy, cold, or super hot weather can impact your mood and mobility more than you think.
- Storage is a puzzle: Where do your shoes go? Dirty laundry? Food bins? You’ll get creative fast.
Who should definitely rent before buying?
- First-timers who’ve never camped or RV’d before
- People considering full-time vanlife
- Couples or families testing compatibility in tiny spaces
- DIYers exploring layouts before starting a build
Try it before you build it
Renting a campervan is the smartest way to dip your toes into vanlife. You’ll get a feel for daily routines, discover what you actually need, and test if life on the road suits your rhythm and budget. Even if you decide it’s not for you, at least you’ll have epic memories (and probably a few hilarious fails) to look back on.
So go ahead—rent that van. Take the trip. Cook under the stars. And if the road calls you back for more, you’ll be ready to build the rig that actually fits your life.
Need help finding a rental? Check out our guides to top van rental companies and popular RV platforms to get started!
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Rent Before You Buy or Build | Van Tours
