If you dream of hitting the open road in your very own campervan, it could be time to search for the perfect getaway vehicle.
Imagine cruising the highway in your holiday-home-on-wheels or parking in the open air and watching a beautiful sunset from the back of your van. Interested? Now could be the time to start the search for the perfect getaway vehicle.
Before you get ready to escape the everyday, there are a few decisions to be made and one of them is how you’ll pay for the vehicle you need.
If you don’t have enough savings, People’s Choice can help you with a great loan at a competitive rate, with no fees for additional repayments.
It’s 100% member-owned and dedicated to helping Australians like you realise their dreams.
People’s Choice is the personal loan expert who wants to help you enjoy the #vanlife.
Getting the loan you need
For anyone who wants more value and less fees, a Discounted Personal Loan (Car Loan) from People’s Choice is designed to get you on the road sooner.
The benefits, including no monthly account fees, a low rate for cars or caravans up to five years old, and a choice of weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayments, really add up.
You can even redraw extra loan repayments you have made if you need some emergency funds. For example, if your campervan needs a new set of wheels or you want some extras for life on the road.
People’s Choice has a friendly team who can help you work out what is affordable for you.
It also has a calculator you can use to look at what your repayments might be so you can get a better idea of what you can afford.
Remember, how much you can borrow depends on a number of factors, including how much you earn, what your expenses are, and any assets you may have.
Buying the right campervan
Do you want a Volkswagen Kombi Transporter or a Toyota Hiace? Perhaps a Ford Transit may be better for you?
Check out five campervans you can buy to get set up for the #vanlife here.
Once you’ve decided on a campervan model, you’ll need to think about how much work you are willing to do to fit it out.
Vans for sale vary from having the bare essentials to being converted and finished to the highest quality, and are priced accordingly.
Once you’ve researched prices, talk to People’s Choice about the best option for you, or take the next step and apply for a loan. Filling out the application can take around 20 minutes, depending on a range of factors.
Ready to buy? Make sure you do a vehicle inspection before any money changes hands to help protect you from buying a lemon that’s bumped along too many rough roads.
In South Australia, contact the Royal Automobile Association; in the Northern Territory, the Automobile Association and, in Victoria, the Royal Automobile Club of Australia.
In other states and territories, contact your motoring association or a specialist mechanic.
Preparing your campervan for adventure
It won’t be long before you’re sharing photos of your dream ride on Instagram. This platform is also a great place to look for ideas on how to customise your campervan.
Basic, non-negotiables include a bed, some kind of kitchen or food preparation and storage area and if you don’t have cupboards, plenty of solid, plastic bins that won’t move around when you are driving to stash everything from clothes to scuba or surf gear.
If you see yourself doing a lot of cooking, it might be a good idea to include a full kitchen with a water tank, counter, sink, fridge and stove. However, if you want a more budget-friendly solution, you can always use a portable gas camp stove for cooking outdoors and a bucket to wash up.
Stopping in a camping ground where there are showers and toilets may also be a better idea than trying to fit a bathroom in your campervan.
Hitting the road
Excited about starting your adventure? Find out how long it takes to get a personal loan.
Remember also to make sure you have the right insurance cover for your campervan.
Campervan kit-out tips
- Install at least two water tanks if you can. You’ll need them on long journeys.
- Travelling remotely? An outdoor shower bag that heats by solar is a must-have.
- Fitted on the outside of the van, a gas tank will fuel a cooker and heat your water.
- Battery powered lights are cheap, provide enough light for off-grid camping, and are easily installed.
- Elevating your bed can allow you plenty of under-bed storage.
- Triple weave curtains keep the sun out and give you privacy
- Adding some throw cushions, wall art and LED fairy lights can turn an ordinary campervan into an Instagrammable chillout space.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and is not intended to constitute financial advice. Any views expressed are the views of People’s Choice Credit Union solely. This information must not be relied on as a substitute for financial planning, legal, tax or other professional advice.
People’s Choice Credit Union, a trading name of Australian Central Credit union ABN 11 087 651 125, Australian Financial Services Licence and Australian Credit Licence 244310. In this article, People’s Choice Credit Union is referred to as People’s Choice.
Keyword: It’s time to enjoy the vanlife