With household budgets still under pressure, big-ticket spending has become more cautious, even though holidays remain one of the areas consumers continue to prioritise. According to research on 2026 consumer habits, 47% of consumers have not yet made a big-ticket purchase, with holidays being the most common major spend among those who have.
At the same time, VisitEngland’s latest domestic travel tracker shows that the rising cost of living, UK weather and fuel costs remain among the main barriers to overnight UK trips, making value and confidence more important when people commit to travel plans.
Now Channel 4 presenter and Dragons’ Den star designer, Max McMurdo, says would-be campervan buyers should treat layout, storage, comfort and usability as seriously as price before committing. McMurdo, known for design-led upcycling, has started reviewing campervans to highlight these essentials, noting they are increasingly being judged not just as holiday vehicles, but as flexible spaces that need to work for weekends and longer trips away.
Max McMurdo said: “People are thinking more carefully about how they spend their money and how they travel. What’s interesting is that campervans aren’t just about holidays anymore. They’re about flexibility. Whether that’s short breaks, remote working or just having the option to get away without the hassle of airports, they offer something quite different to traditional travel. That shift means people are taking more time before they buy, but they’re also clearer on what they actually want.”
According to McMurdo and Out & About Live, these are the five campervan mistakes buyers should avoid before spending thousands.
Focusing on looks before layout and storage: Space is everything. Look for clever layouts that maximise storage and comfort. Families may prefer flexible seating systems with crash-tested rear benches. Solo travellers or couples might prioritise a fixed bed. Don’t forget boot storage – essential for longer trips with bikes, surfboards or bulky gear. If you’re tall, check bed sizes carefully. If you’re a keen cook, make sure the kitchen has the equipment and fridge capacity you need.
Understand the different types: The campervan world is vast – here are the main categories:
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- Pop-tops: like the VW Transporter, these are compact, easy to drive, with extra roof sleeping space. Perfect for couples or small families, though less cosy in winter
- High-tops: insulated, with standing room and better storage. Suitable for all-weather use
- Panel van conversions: spacious, practical layouts with toilets, showers and large lounges. Often based on Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer or Ford Transit
- Luxury models: big beds, full kitchens and washrooms – but less practical for everyday use Try different layouts at a show to see what suits your lifestyle best.
Not testing the bed and sleeping arrangements properly: The bed and sleeping arrangements need to work night after night, not just during a viewing. Buyers should check how easy it is to set up, whether it blocks the rest of the campervan and whether it suits the way they actually travel.
Taking your time to test how the base vehicle drives: Don’t rush into it take the time to see how the base vehicle itself actually handles. Always: inspect thoroughly: pay close attention to damp, electrics and gas systems Test drive: check visibility, noise levels and comfort. Remember you’ll spend hours behind the wheel Research resale value: some brands (like VW) hold their value exceptionally well And finally – imagine your first trip. Does the campervan you’re considering suit that adventure?
Decide how you’ll use it: Your intended use should shape your choice. Daily driver: go small, such as a VW Transporter or Ford Transit Custom, which can handle the school run and the supermarket car park
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- Family holidays: look for space-efficient layouts with extra beds, storage and possibly a loo
- Year-round travel: insulated high-tops with on-board heating and water tanks will make winter trips comfortable
- Off-grid adventures: consider 4WD, larger water tanks, solar panels and extra leisure batteries
Think carefully about berths and seatbelts – many campers carry four or five passengers but only sleep two. Research into recreational vehicle use supports the importance of practical details.
A 2026 study published in Current Issues in Tourism, based on more than 154,000 park4night reviews across 1,581 recreational vehicle parking areas, found that users placed strong importance on practical factors including water and sanitation, noise, pricing, staff friendliness, quietness, accessibility and cleanliness.
McMurdo has been exploring these issues through two new Out & About Live editorial reviews of Mega Mobil campervans, including the Mega Lounge 640 and Mega Re-Aktiv 680 S, looking at how modern campervan design responds to real-world buyer needs. The full review is available on the MMM, MotorhomeCampervan YouTube channel.