What to Inspect Before You Rent a Campervan in Vancouver: Your Pre-Booking Checklist

If you’re about to book a road trip in British Columbia and are choosing a campervan, you might be asking yourself: what to inspect before you rent a campervan in Vancouver? It’s more than simply picking dates and a vehicle. The inspection you do before you sign and drive off can make the difference between an unstoppable adventure and a trip full of hassle.

At Vancouver Westy Rentals, when we first started offering rentals, we realised that many guests showed up excited but unprepared. We built our own pre-rental walkthrough to help avoid the common problems. In this blog, I’ll walk you through everything you should inspect, inside the vehicle, in the rental agreement, and in the support service, so you feel confident and ready for your journey.

Start With the Rental Agreement and Inclusions

The first part of the inspection is not the van. It’s the paperwork. Before you get behind the wheel, you’ll want to make sure you clearly understand what’s included and what isn’t. That means checking your daily rate, mileage allowance, insurance coverage, what gear comes with the van, and if there are any drop-off or one-way fees.

When you rent with us, for example, we include bedding kits, kitchen gear, and a full orientation. But every provider differs. Ask: What’s included in the base rate? Are there mileage limits? Are cleaning fees or damage deposits extra? Getting clarity on these helps ensure you’re not surprised later.

Inspect the Exterior of the Campervan

Once the paperwork is done, let’s step outside. I always encourage our guests to walk the vehicle with us and look together for any exterior issues. Check the body, lights, tires, and obstructions like rooftop gear or awnings.

Specifically, inspect:

• Tire tread and condition (uneven wear or low pressure can affect safety).
• All lights (brake lights, indicators, headlights) should be checked to ensure they work.
• Roof clearance: Some campgrounds or tunnels have height restrictions, so knowing the exact height matters.
• Exterior storage compartments, doors should close securely and not rattle.
• Any pre-existing damage should be documented to avoid being held responsible.

Check the Interior Systems and Gear

Now go inside. The interior inspection covers the living systems and gear you’ll rely on during your trip. Here’s what we recommend you test:

• Turn on the stove or cooktop and make sure it ignites cleanly.
• Open the fridge, check its cooling function. A van with a gear that doesn’t work turns convenience into frustration.
• Test the water system, sink, taps, fresh water tank, and waste tank if applicable.
• Test the heater or fan if your trip includes cooler weather or higher altitudes.
• Confirm bedding and seats convert properly, seat belts work, and doors operate smoothly.
• Check that all required safety equipment is present: fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, carbon monoxide detector, etc.

We always walk renters through these systems ourselves. If a campervan rental company doesn’t offer an orientation, it’s a red flag. Knowing what to inspect before you rent a campervan in Vancouver includes making sure the handover includes training, not just handing over keys.

Evaluate the Kitchen and Living Gear

One of the joys of renting a campervan is cooking on the road, setting up camp, and relaxing inside your mobile home. But it only works if the gear works. While not flashy, this inspection pays off.

Check:

• Cooking utensils, pans, and cutlery: are they clean, complete, and functional?
• Dining and camp chairs, fold-out tables: do they operate and store safely?
• Power outlets/USB ports: do lights work, can you plug in devices?
• Storage holds and cupboards: do doors close, locks secure, nothing loose?
• Cleanliness: A dirty interior may hint at shortcuts elsewhere.

At Vancouver Westy Rentals, we built our fleet’s kit list based on feedback from past travelers, so we know what items get used, what gets ignored, and we include the essentials. But the principle stays: when you’re inspecting, test the gear, not just check for existence.

Ask About Support and Roadside Assistance

Even the best-maintained campervan can encounter issues, tire changes, battery problems, or minor leaks. That’s why inspecting the support side is as important as the vehicle itself.

Questions to ask:

• What roadside assistance is included, and who provides it?
• If something breaks mid-trip, how do I contact you, and what’s the response time?
• Are there clear instructions for campervan systems (water, electrical, fridge)?
• Does the company offer local route advice, campsite suggestions, or troubleshooting help?

We pride ourselves on being reachable and supportive from day one. When you know you can call and get help, you inspect not just the van, but the team behind it.

Verify License, Insurance & Driving Conditions

Before you settle in, confirm your driving eligibility and insurance scope. Make sure you have a valid driver’s licence, that you’re covered for the campervan type, and you know whether the policy includes third-party liability, damage, etc.

In Vancouver, many campervan rentals operate under standard driver’s licences for typical vans, but always check the fine print. Also, inspect how many drivers are covered, age limits, additional driver costs, and any restrictions for Canadian nationals vs international visitors.

When you ask what to inspect before you rent a campervan in Vancouver, don’t skip this step. It prevents issues if you’re pulled over or if something happens.

Take Photos and Document Condition Before You Leave

One simple but hugely important step: document the condition of the van before you drive off. Take clear photos or a short video of the exterior and interior, tyres, bodywork, cupboards, seats, and appliances. Deposit your documentation with the rental company.

This protects both you and the rental provider. When you inspect upfront and include your photos, you avoid disagreements later. We encourage each renter to do this with us, and we send our own photos too.

Understand Return Conditions and Extra Charges

While you’re inspecting before you rent, also review how you’ll return the van. Ask: Are you required to return at a certain time? Will there be a fee for late return? What condition must the van be in? Are you responsible for cleaning?

When we take bookings, we provide return instructions so renters aren’t surprised by cleaning fees, fuel top-ups, or mileage overage charges. Good inspection includes clarifying these terms.

Make Your Reservation with Confidence

Now that you know what to inspect before you rent a campervan in Vancouver, you’re ready to pick a rental provider with confidence. Look for companies that provide clear documentation, vehicle orientations, pre-departure checklists, and open communication.

When you’re choosing, you’ll feel better if you see clearly written inclusions, transparent pricing, and an inspection process built into pickup. We make that part of our standard service because we believe it’s critical for a smooth trip.

Conclusion

Renting a campervan is one of the best ways to explore British Columbia. But starting off strong means inspecting carefully. By focusing on the rental agreement, vehicle condition, gear functionality, support systems, and return conditions, you turn what could be a gamble into a reliably great experience.

So take your time, ask smart questions, document everything, and choose a rental partner who walks the walk. When you inspect thoroughly before you rent, you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the road, views, and experiences ahead.

If you’re ready to book or just want to see the inspection checklist we use ourselves, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help make your campervan experience as smooth and fun as possible.