Camper vans have many optional extras and facilities and most first time buyers or hirers, do not have all the information to make an informed choice over which van to choose. A lot of people will be taken in by the styling of a camper and will pay little attention to the actual facilities. Most campers have basic facilities as standard, enough to just about cover a few nights away. Optional extras can though, make a big difference to your comfort levels.

When choosing a RV to rent or buy, its a good idea to consider the size of the camper or motorhome with regards to the size of your family. Young children take up a lot less space than a few teenagers. Size is just one of several factors to take into account as well as whether you wish to hire or purchase a relatively new or used vehicle.

Consider some of the available optional extras in the next few paragraphs and deciding whether these are an absolute must for you now, could save you money in the long term. New or used, buying or renting choosing the right mix of extras can make all the difference to a long road trip.

Camper vans are designed to maximize the available space within the vehicles footprint. Obviously, larger vans will mostly result in more space. Deciding how much space you require is a personal choice that you have to make. One thing to note is that you will generally have less space when the camper is set up for bedtime. It is often in the daytime that you will require the most space for ease of movement. Space costs, so try and find a balance that suits your budget.

The living area, including the kitchen are where you will find the most optional extras. As this is the main family working and resting area, comfort and ease of use are prime considerations. Everything from televisions, to microwaves, air conditioning, cookers and expensive music sound systems can be installed customized to your exact needs. Seating areas can be covered in fabric or luxurious leather, floors can be carpeted or tiled. You can even opt for solar panels to save on battery power. Sticking to your budget in the living areas will probably be the hardest of all, just think about how much of your time will be spent in the van.

A comfortable drivers seat is a must for those long journeys and many prefer the feel of a quality leather seat. Storage is at a premium on most campers and that is why you will find many extra storage options. Some of the larger ones even have a cooler for drinks with drain holes in case of spillage. Some vans offer small compartments in the floor that are ideal for smaller item storage.

Motorhomes and camper vans with simple designs allow you to concentrate on what many owners feel is the most important consideration, that of space. A great exterior will never make up for poor interior planning. Older vans rarely have the flushing toilets and shower facilities you find on the latest models. So you may wish to consider the cost of upgrading a used model to include these essentials. Do not though fill up your recently acquired camper or motorhome with so many extras, that you have no space left for comfortable movement inside.