There are two common sayings that we all use when describing things or events that completely contradict each other: “the bigger, the better” and “the best things come in small packages”. These two sayings could absolutely be applied when you’re planning your campervan hire holiday. So, the question is, should you go large or stick with a more compact camper van?

Well, despite owning both a larger and a smaller campervan, my heart will always belong to the more compact of the two. Even though we chose to live full-time for a year in the larger one, I’m still strongly flying the flag for small campervans to be included in your campervan hire, or purchase, considerations.

So, read on to find out what I think the main benefits of hiring a small campervan are.

Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover

A campervan is unlike a hotel room where you’re likely to spend the majority of the time sleeping in a large bed. Instead, a campervan needs to accommodate everything you’d need in a self-catering cottage or apartment in one space.

So, you might have a tendency to think that, in order to fit everything you could possibly need for one week away, you need a large van.

Actually, small campervans are surprisingly roomy and often really well designed because their layouts have to work especially hard to create a practical, liveable space. Take the iconic VW Transporter – one of the most recognisable compact campervans. Depending on the exact layout, these can sleep up to four people. Just remember that sleeping capacity and the number of belted travel seats are not always the same, so check both on the individual listing.

Larger campervans often have the perceived luxury of a fixed bed. However, you may find that you sacrifice comfortable, spacious and snuggly sociable seating during the daytime in order to get this. For full-time van life, a fixed bed is definitely appealing. However, if you’re off on a shorter break, really think about what you will spend most of your time doing in the van. If it’s chilling out, cooking and socialising, then a smaller van might be just right for you!

Easy Driving

The chances are, you might not be overly familiar with driving a larger vehicle. It’s entirely normal to be intimidated by the thought of driving and manoeuvring a large campervan. Behind the wheel of a smaller campervan, you may find it isn’t much different to driving a large car. Every van is different, though, so always check its exact length, width and height before setting off.

There are a number of benefits that can come with going smaller:

  • Easier to park in standard-sized parking spaces, where the vehicle dimensions and local restrictions allow.
  • Smoother to manoeuvre along narrow roads and lanes.
  • City parking may be more readily available, although height barriers and local restrictions still need checking.

The quicker you feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel, the more relaxed you’ll be on your holiday. Check out our handy first-time campervan hire tips, covering route planning, vehicle height, packing and what to expect at handover.

Go Off Grid

A smaller campervan can be a great choice for an off-grid trip, particularly when its compact dimensions make a suitable campsite or stopover easier to reach. However, off-grid capability comes from the van’s equipment rather than its size. Check the individual listing for features such as a leisure battery, solar panels, water storage, cooking facilities, heating and a toilet.

Compact does not mean you can stop overnight wherever you fancy. Use formal campsites, authorised campervan stopovers or aires, or places where you have the landowner’s permission, and always follow local signs and parking conditions. Our current wild camping tips explain how to plan a responsible overnight stay, while the Quirky Campsites directory can help you find characterful places that welcome campervans.

Budget Friendly

When planning the cost of any holiday, it’s important to try to factor everything in. This can be difficult when one of the main attractions of a campervan holiday is the freedom to be without plans for a while! However, depending on how much travelling you want to do, the following might be cheaper in a smaller campervan:

  • Fuel: a smaller or lighter campervan may use less fuel than a larger conversion, although the engine, age, load, driving style and route all make a difference.
  • Camping: some campsites charge by pitch or vehicle type, but prices and size rules vary, so check before booking.
  • Ferries and crossings: vehicle length and height can affect the fare category on some routes. Enter the campervan’s exact dimensions when requesting a price rather than assuming it will be charged as a car.

The important thing is to compare the complete trip cost for the vans that genuinely suit your plans rather than choosing on size alone.

Small is Beautiful!

I appreciate I may be biased, and I definitely agree that there’s a place for larger campervans. However, I think that if you want a flexible accommodation option that gives you the ability to roam free and easy, a smaller, more compact campervan will absolutely give you a holiday experience to remember forever.

So, remember the benefits of hiring a smaller camper van and don’t discount the little ones when you’re thinking about booking your next holiday! If I’ve convinced you that a smaller campervan is the right choice for you, explore Quirky Campers’ compact campervans for hire, or browse the full UK campervan hire collection to compare different sizes and layouts.