There is a romanticism associated with vintage campervans and motorhomes that is almost as fervent as the affection felt for classic cars, particularly with greater options to refurbish and renovate them with vinyl wraps than ever before.
The dream of buying a classic Westfalia, tearing out what does not work and replacing it with everything you need for the perfect camping holiday is one that is particularly tempting.
There are a lot of benefits to this; older models are cheaper, tend to have better resale value and lack a lot of the modern components that make them complicated to fix on the road.
At the same time, however, it is not always a smooth ride, and outside of fixing the dated decor, here are some disadvantages to be mindful of if you want to buy and refurbish an old camper.
Greater Repair Requirements
All older cars inevitably will have greater repair requirements, with parts that may be more difficult to come by.
This can often make a vintage motorhome far more of a labour of love than many potential owners may expect, and it often means that buying one will require more refurbishment than necessarily styling the interior.
They also may have hidden issues, such as water damage, rust or mould in certain components, which would require more intensive repairs than expected.
Make sure to thoroughly check any motorhome you intend to buy first.
Higher Running Costs
Over the last half-century, motorhomes have improved by leaps and bounds when it comes to running costs, maintenance and fuel economy.
Older motorhomes were designed in an age when fuel was cheap, plentiful and often filled with adulterants that are no longer legal, such as lead. In an age where fuel economy is far more important, not only will an old motorhome cost you more at the pump but also in road tax.
No Modern Amenities
Modern motorhomes are designed to maximise the space and comfort of anyone sleeping in them, whilst older motorhomes may not have the soundproofing capabilities of their newer counterparts.
Many of them can be added back in, but this can add to the cost.