Yes, taking a campervan for the first time is an excellent choice, especially for families. We recommend starting with a smaller van up to seven metres long and taking a short weekend trip close to home. This allows you to get used to driving, emptying the toilet cassette and setting up the vehicle for the night before heading out on a longer journey. Local rental providers such as Campervan.si in Ljubljana offer vehicle pickup with an equipment demonstration, making your first trip considerably less stressful.
In brief:
- For first-time renters, we recommend a smaller campervan up to seven metres long and a short weekend trip nearby to become familiar with driving and the equipment.
- At vehicle pickup, ask for a demonstration of how the equipment works, a short test drive and a review of the documents to avoid misunderstandings later.
- Before departure, check the tyre pressure, battery level, gas cylinder, water levels and that all furniture and equipment are properly secured.
- Your first test trip should be short, with up to two hours of driving, focusing on manoeuvring, emptying the toilet cassette and comparing your experience at different locations.
- In Slovenia, use organised campervan stopovers or campsites. Wild camping is not permitted, so use apps and official location lists to find suitable overnight stops.
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Table of Contents
Where and how to rent a campervan for the first time
Choosing the right vehicle is the first decision that affects your entire experience. For beginners, a smaller van measuring around 6 to 7 metres usually works better than a large integrated motorhome because it is easier to park on city streets and in narrow mountain villages. A family of four needs enough sleeping places and seat belts for every passenger, so check the configuration before booking rather than only when you collect the vehicle.
When choosing between a van and a larger motorhome, also consider your driving habits. If you plan to spend a lot of time on the narrow roads of the Karst region or in Alpine valleys, a more compact vehicle can make the journey considerably less stressful.
At pickup, ask for:
- a review of all vehicle and insurance documents,
- a demonstration of how the kitchen, refrigerator and toilet work,
- an explanation of the heating and fresh-water systems,
- a short test drive in a safe parking area before joining the road.
This
vehicle pickup process based on Rok’s tips helps prevent misunderstandings about the equipment and gives you a better feel for the vehicle’s dimensions.
How to plan your first short test trip
Before setting off on a week-long journey, take a weekend or two to three days to test the campervan. This is not wasted time but an investment in a more relaxed longer trip. A short journey can reveal small issues before they turn into bigger problems.
- Choose a nearby destination within two hours of home to avoid the stress of a long drive.
- Use the first day to practise manoeuvring, reversing into parking spaces and turning around in a spacious area.
- Try emptying the toilet cassette and filling the fresh-water tank at least once during the trip.
- Stay overnight at one reliable campervan stopover and one organised campsite so you can compare the experience.
- Book your first overnight stay in advance, especially during the summer months when popular locations fill up quickly.
You can find three tested routes around Slovenia that are particularly suitable for this type of first trip in our weekend getaway guide. Local families also recommend these
short destinations based on their own experiences as a good introduction to campervan travel.
Vehicle preparation and safety checks before departure
Before leaving the rental company’s premises, take ten minutes for a basic inspection. AMZS recommends checking the
tyre pressure, battery condition and gas cylinder before every longer motorhome journey, as these details are among the things most commonly overlooked during a first trip.
Before departure, check:
- tyre pressure according to the vehicle’s load,
- the leisure battery charge and that the lighting works correctly,
- the condition of the gas cylinder if the vehicle has a gas-powered kitchen,
- the fresh-water level and that the waste-water tank is empty,
- that all cupboard doors are properly closed and the furniture is securely fixed.
During pickup, photograph any existing damage together with the rental provider. This is standard practice and helps protect you from misunderstandings when the vehicle is returned.
Professional tip: Record a short video of the entire interior when you collect the campervan, not just photographs. A video can show the condition of the upholstery and the operation of the equipment more clearly.
Packing and weight distribution without overloading
How you pack your campervan has a greater impact on driving safety than you might expect. AMZS warns that an overloaded motorhome has a longer stopping distance and poorer handling, meaning that even a relatively small amount of excess weight can matter during sudden braking.
When distributing your luggage, keep the following in mind:
- load heavier items such as water, food and tools low down and as close to the vehicle’s axle as possible,
- secure all luggage with straps or place it inside cupboards with secure latches,
- find the permitted maximum weight on the manufacturer’s plate inside the driver’s door,
- check the total weight by adding the vehicle, passengers, fuel, water and luggage together.
Children should always sit properly secured in designated seats while driving, never on the beds in the rear of the vehicle, even on short journeys. Correct weight distribution, following AMZS recommendations, can significantly improve the vehicle’s handling.
Where to stay overnight: campsites, campervan stopovers and rules in Slovenia
Slovenia offers a
network of more than 150 organised motorhome stopovers, ranging from simple PZA sites without services to campsites with full facilities. The difference is important: campsites offer electricity, sanitary facilities and often a swimming pool or playground, while PZA stopovers are intended for shorter stays, emptying toilet cassettes and filling fresh water, usually without additional campsite services.
Wild camping outside designated areas is not permitted in Slovenia, so stick to marked and authorised overnight locations. To find suitable places, use:
During the peak summer season, book your overnight stay at least a day or two in advance, especially along the coast and at popular Alpine destinations.
Water, waste, heating and gas on the road
Managing the living systems is what surprises first-time campervan travellers most often. Fill the fresh-water tank at campsites or organised PZA stopovers, and empty the toilet cassette only at designated disposal points, never into nature or roadside drains.
When managing the systems during your journey, keep the following in mind:
- empty the toilet cassette every two to three days, depending on the number of people travelling,
- check the gas cylinder regularly; during winter, it is advisable to have a spare cylinder available,
- conserve the leisure battery by switching off unnecessary appliances at night,
- use the heating sensibly, as gas consumption can increase quickly in low temperatures.
Professional tip: Before every longer stop, check the battery charge. The refrigerator and lighting may consume energy quietly but continuously.
Driving and manoeuvring: what to watch out for
A motorhome drives differently from a passenger car, so always keep both hands on the steering wheel, especially on motorways where crosswinds can become particularly noticeable when overtaking trucks. When planning your route, check the height restrictions of tunnels and underpasses, as even a standard van can exceed three metres in height.
For city driving and mountain passes, use navigation that allows you to enter the vehicle’s dimensions. This reduces the risk of being directed into a street that is too narrow for your vehicle. During your first trip, we recommend:
- using wider regional roads instead of narrow village shortcuts,
- taking extra care when reversing into parking spaces and asking a passenger to guide you when necessary,
- considering a motorhome safe-driving course organised by AMZS in Vransko.
Rok’s tested routes for your first campervan trip
Rok, the founder of Campervan.si, has developed a selection of routes over the years that are particularly suitable for beginners. For a weekend trip, he recommends short stages around Slovenia with one or two main stops rather than trying to visit four places.
- For families travelling with a baby, he recommends driving stages of up to two hours between overnight stops and checking nearby medical facilities in advance.
- When collecting the vehicle, always ask for a practical demonstration of the kitchen, heating and toilet cassette rather than relying solely on a verbal explanation.
- When returning the campervan, make sure the tanks are empty and the vehicle is clean to avoid additional charges.
Why my first campervan drive is still my favourite experience
The first night in a campervan, when the engine is switched off and all that remains around you is the silence of the forest or the sound of the sea, is something a hotel can never offer. Beginners often expect chaos but quickly discover a surprisingly natural routine. After just one day, driving and living in the same compact space can start to feel completely natural rather than unfamiliar.
— Rok
How Campervan.si makes your first step easier
A Ljubljana-based campervan rental company can make your first motorhome experience easier through a personal approach, making your first trip less stressful. Our fleet includes two models designed for different needs: the
Mercedes V Marco Polo for travellers looking for a compact and comfortable vehicle, and the
Ford Nugget Plus for families who need more living space.
Some rentals include basic insurance and assistance, which can help reduce risks during your journey. For current rental prices and additional services, check the price list on the provider’s official website. Check available dates and choose the model that suits your family on
Campervan.si.
Sources
For additional preparation, see the AMZS advice for motorhome holidays, the official overview of Slovenian campervan stopovers on slovenia.info and our practical
guide to planning a motorhome trip. Each source covers a different part of the preparation process, from safety to specific locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a motorhome suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, a motorhome is suitable even for people who have never driven this type of vehicle before, provided they start with a short test trip. A smaller van up to seven metres long is easier to handle as a first experience than a large integrated motorhome.
How much does campervan rental in Ljubljana cost for a first trip?
At Campervan.si, daily rental of the Mercedes V Marco Polo and Ford Nugget Plus starts at €125 per night, while weekly rental starts at €110 per night. A final cleaning fee of €80 is added to the rental price.
Where can I stay overnight with a campervan in Slovenia?
Overnight stays are permitted at organised PZA campervan stopovers and campsites, with more than 150 such locations available across Slovenia. Wild camping outside these designated locations is not permitted.
How can I prevent overloading my campervan?
Check the permitted maximum weight on the manufacturer’s plate and distribute heavier items low down and close to the vehicle’s axle. AMZS warns that an overloaded vehicle requires a longer stopping distance.
How long should my first campervan test trip be?
A weekend or two to three days is enough to practise driving, emptying the toilet cassette and setting up the vehicle for the night. A short test trip before a longer journey can reveal potential problems before they become serious issues at a distant location.
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