A campervan handles differently from a car, and most trips head somewhere remote — so a few habits keep you, the van, and the places you visit safe. Here's what matters most, plus how to camp responsibly.
Driving a larger vehicle
Your van is taller, wider, heavier and longer than a car. Most incidents on trip come from forgetting that:
- Know your height. Check the height noted in the cab and on your booking, and watch for it at bridges, car parks, drive-thrus, petrol-station canopies and low branches. Roof strikes are the single most common — and most avoidable — damage.
- Take corners and roundabouts slowly. A high vehicle leans more; gentle steering keeps it stable.
- Leave more braking distance. A loaded van needs longer to stop than you're used to.
- Mind width, mirrors and tail swing. The rear swings wide when you turn — give cyclists, posts and parked cars room.
- Reverse with a spotter whenever you can. Blind spots are large.
- Watch for crosswinds on exposed roads and bridges — keep both hands on the wheel.
- Secure everything before driving. Loose items become projectiles in a sudden stop.
- Rest often. Fatigue is a real risk on long touring days — swap drivers or stop.
ℹ Paved roads only — Driving off paved or graded roads isn't covered and can breach your rental agreement, on top of the safety risk. Stick to roads in good condition. See our Terms and Conditions.
Gas, carbon monoxide and fire
A campervan is a small enclosed space, so ventilation and fuel safety are non-negotiable:
- Never run the engine, a generator, or any fuel-burning appliance (including disposable BBQs or charcoal) inside or right beside a closed van. Carbon monoxide has no smell and is deadly. Keep vents clear and let air flow.
- If your van has a gas bottle, follow the guidance you're given at pick-up on when to close it — including while driving and overnight.
- Locate your van's safety equipment at pick-up — fire extinguisher, and the CO/smoke alarm if fitted — so you know where they are before you need them.
- Campfires: only where they're permitted, never near dry brush or the van, never unattended, and always fully put out before you leave. A campfire is not a bin.
Parking and overnight stays
- Park level and firm. Use the handbrake, and chocks on any slope.
- Stay somewhere legal and sensible. Most natural, protected or park areas don't allow overnight stays — plan a free or private campsite, and watch for no-parking and no-overnight signs on day stops.
- Trust your instinct on a spot. If somewhere feels isolated or unsafe after dark, move on and lock up at night.
For finding campsites, water and waste points, see Plan Your RV Trip: Where to Find Campsites, Refill Water, Dispose Waste, and More.
If something goes wrong
- Breakdown: get the van somewhere safe, switch on hazards, put on a hi-vis vest and place the warning triangle if you have them, then contact Roadside Assistance using the number in your rental agreement.
- Accident: make sure everyone's safe and call local emergency services first, then report it to us. See How to Report an Accident and Submit Your Accident Declaration.
- Emergency number: 112 works across Europe; use your country's local number elsewhere (911 in the US/Canada, 000 in Australia, 111 in New Zealand).
Camping responsibly
Leave every place as good as you found it:
- Waste and toilets: dump trash and chemical-toilet contents only at proper dumping stations — never in nature, streams or rivers. More on camping toilets here (https://indiecampers.com/blog/camping-toilet-in-an-rv/).
- Footprint: a few small habits keep camping sustainable for everyone — green camping tips here (https://indiecampers.com/blog/green-camping/).