Campervans aren’t cheap – but most people massively overestimate (or misunderstand) the real cost. Let’s break it down honestly.

Search “How much does a campervan cost in the UK?” and you’ll find wildly different answers.

In this guide, we’ll break down the real cost of owning a campervan in the UK – including purchase prices, running costs, hidden expenses, resale value and how owners actually justify the spend.

Camper Conversion Prices at Out and About Campers

First – let’s be clear: these figures are the basic conversion costs only, not including the base vehicle.

Sierra Day Van

Often chosen by day trippers or those wanting more flexibility before adding extras:

• Sierra Day Van: from £12,999 (no pop top)

• Sierra Day Van with Pop Top: from £17,000

• Sierra Day Van with Rear Kitchen Pod: from £16,500

• Sierra Day Van with Pop Top / Rear Kitchen Pod: from £20,500

These are ideal if you want basic living essentials – bed systems, insulation and storage – without full kitchen or shower facilities.

Alpine/Alpine Tourer

Great balance of comfort and practicality:

• Alpine / Alpine Tourer SWB: from £23,500

• Alpine / Alpine Tourer LWB: from £24,500

These are some of the most popular packages including a pop-top roof, ample storage, hob & sink and outdoor shower – they give you the true “campervan experience” without going into luxury pricing.

Fuji

Top-of-the-range features where modern luxury meets practical functionality:

• Fuji SWB: from £36,000

• Fuji LWB: from £37,000

Enjoy all of the top-spec features including diesel heaters, pop-tops, upholstery and induction hobs as standard – a space that feels both artistic and practical.

Summit

For full amenities and long-haul comfort:

• Summit: from £38,000 or £47,800 with ATEK pop-top upgrade

These builds typically include more storage, stronger electric systems, heating, high-end fixtures and plenty of living space – well suited for long trips or off-grid living.

Upgrade Options

Out & About Campers offer a long list of add-ons where they do not feature as standard like:

• Diesel heater (£1,399 – can be retrofit)

• Solar panels (£850 – can be retrofit)

• Full hot water system and SavvyVan control panel (£1,850)

• D-ring latching point – great for dogs (£80)

These can add £1,000-£4,000+ depending on how much you want to upgrade your van.

Ongoing Campervan Ownership Costs (UK)

Below are rough average yearly running costs for our VW Transporter / Ford Transit Custom conversions compared with our larger VW Crafter / MAN TGE conversions. These figures exclude finance and are based on typical UK usage.

Insurance

• Average £300 – £600 but depends on value, usage, mileage, and security. We recommend Howden Insurance.

Servicing & MOT

• MOT: £50 – £60
• Service: £200 – £400
• We offer ‘habitation’ checks on the conversion – the first year of habitation checks is included, with the option to purchase them in subsequent years.

Road Tax

• Varies by age and emissions but is typically: £165–£330 per year for campers (vehicles <=3,500kg).

Storage (if needed)

• Many owners store their camper on a driveway or on-site if they don’t have private space. If you do need secure storage: £500 – £1,500 (location dependent).

Hidden Campervan Costs People Forget

This is where expectations often slip.

Upgrades & Personalisation

Solar panels, heaters, awnings, better mattresses – most owners add something.

Campsites & Overnight Stops

• Wild camping is free (where legal), but many trips include paid sites.

Repairs & Wear

Even well-maintained vans may sometimes need:

• suspension work
• clutches
• electrical fixes

Campervan Resale Value & Depreciation

Here’s the part many people underestimate – campervans hold value well.

• Quality conversions depreciate slowly
• Demand in the UK remains strong
• Well-kept vans often resell within weeks

Many owners recover 60 – 80% of their purchase price after several years.

Some even sell for more than they paid during peak demand!

So… Is Owning a Campervan Worth the Cost?

Most owners don’t justify the cost financially – they justify it emotionally and practically.

They’ll tell you it replaces:

• multiple holidays
• hotels
• flights
• spontaneity you can’t price

And for many, the campervan isn’t an expense – it’s a lifestyle upgrade.

Final Thoughts

The key isn’t finding the cheapest van – it’s finding the right one for your budget and lifestyle.

Our team are on hand to offer invaluable advice from base vehicles and conversions to upgrades and maintenance, so do contact us if you have any questions.