5 top campervan owners clubs in the UK

Owning a campervan is a real joy. It gives you the freedom to go wherever you like, whenever you like and take all your home comforts with you. It allows you to be more active, spend time in the great outdoors, and become part of a large, friendly community. What more could you ask for?

But there’s more to owning a campervan than spontaneous holidays. There’s also a lot to consider – everything from campervan insurance and maintenance to the best places to stay when you’re away.

Luckily, the answers to all of these questions (and more) can be found by joining one of the many campervan owners clubs in the UK. You have probably heard of national owners organisations like the Camping and Caravanning Club and the Caravan and Motorhome Club, but these are just the tip of the campervan-enthusiasts iceberg.

Across the UK, there are dozens of campervan owners clubs. Each of these clubs is full of technical advice, membership benefits (including deals on campervan insurance), travel information, and a network of like-minded people.

Here are five campervan owners clubs in the UK you might just consider joining.

1. Talbot Express Owners Club

If you own a Talbot Express (or a Citroen C25, MK1 Fiat Ducato or Peugeot J5), there’s a whole host of information waiting for you at the Talbot Express Owners Club. The club has more than 16,000 members and its lively forum has information on a wide range of topics. From general campervan chat and restoration successes to technical tips and everything you need to know about legal issues – there’s a lot going on! It also has sections on campsite reviews, buying and selling a campervan, and recommended garages. Talbot Owners Club has even won a Lancaster Insurance ‘club of the month’ award. High praise indeed!

For more information and to join the forum for free, head to www.talbottoc.com.

2. Volkswagen Type 2 Owners Club

The Volkswagen Type 2 Owners Club has been running since 1991, when it was set up at the annual British VW Festival. Welcoming all owners of VW transporters and campervans, the club’s main aim is to keep as many VW vans on the road as possible. Production of Type 2 Volkswagens started in 1950 and includes the split screen, kombi, van and bus variations (bay window, T25, T4, T5 and T6 models). The club runs events and attends shows throughout the year and membership benefits include discounts to VW suppliers, reduced entry to events, a bi-monthly magazine, and oodles of VW knowledge.

UK membership is £25 per year. To find out more go to http://www.vwt2oc.co.uk/.

3. Transit Van Owners Club

The Ford Transit is generally associated with the ‘white van man’, but not all… You may be lucky enough to own a classic Ford campervan and modern models are also popular for conversions. Classic Transits are increasingly rare (due to being heavily used over the years), but the Ford Transit Van Owners Club wants to help. Founded in 2005 by Peter Lee, one of the UK’s top Transit experts and former worker on the production line at Ford’s plant in Berkshire, the Ford Transit Van Owners Club aims to preserve the lives of Transits – both old and new. The Club is a valuable resource about the history of the Transit and a great place to source technical information and get discounted event entry.

Membership to the club costs £25 a year. For more information, go to www.transitvanclub.co.uk.

4. Marco Polo Owners Club

For all owners and enthusiasts of the Mercedes Benz Marco Polo campervan, this is the club for you. With its active member’s forum, you can find everything you need to know about your beloved Marco Polo. Whether you want advice about buying a Marco Polo, want to learn more about accessories or have a technical question that needs an answer, the forum is the place to go. There’s even a place to introduce yourself when you first join so you feel part of the community from the get-go. VIP membership costs just £9.99 for the year and gives you full access to the forum and partner discounts.

Go to www.marcopoloownersclub.com for more information on benefits and how to join.

5. Cornwall VW Owners Club

The name might suggest you need to be a Cornish resident to join this one, but that’s not the case. The Cornwall VW Owners Club is open to anyone – as long as they are a Volkswagen enthusiast. The club website claims to have more knowledge about VW campers than the German manufacturers. Its ‘cruises’ bring together VWs in every model, type and colour and it also hosts regular camping events, kids parties and an annual jamboree. With a particular focus on families (Junior Dubbers events happen throughout the year), memberships start from £20 and reduce in price after the first year.

To find out more, head to www.cornwallvwoc.com

There’s a campervan owners club for everyone

With so many campervan owners clubs in the UK, you’re spoilt for choice – whatever campervan you own. Whether you have a Mazda Bongo Friendee, Renault Trafic or Fiat Trigano there’s an owners club with your name on it. If you love your campervan and take it out more than once a year, membership to one of these clubs could help you save money and access a wealth of valuable information.

Get the most from your campervan

As a campervan owner, you want to get the most from your pride and joy. Whether that means checking in with fellow owners for mechanical tips or taking out specialist campervan insurance, you want to give your camper the care it deserves.

At Lancaster Insurance, we can arrange tailored campervan insurance to suit you and your needs. With more than 35 years’ experience, we offer a range of benefits including club member discounts, optional breakdown cover, personal effects cover up to £6,000, and access to our 24-hour claims helpline.

For more information and to get a free quote, get in touch with the team today.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.