Frequently asked questions

Q: Why hire a VW camper van?
A: Unlike large motor homes and tricky to tow caravans, our campervans are as happy off the beaten track down a lane, as they are in a field at a campsite or by the beach watching the sun go down with a glass in your hand!

Q: What comes in the camper?
A: Cutlery, Bottle opener / Cork screw, Scissors, Washing up sponge, Can Opener, Wine Glasses, Glasses, Cups, Dinner Plates, Bowls, Small Frying Pan, Small Saucepan, Kettle, Chopping Board, Tea towel, Electric Hook up Lead, Torch, Dustpan & Brush, Wheel Chocks, Cleaning spray, Washing up liquid, Mallet. They also have a sun awning and table chairs & BBQ for outdoor dining.

Q: Why hire from Up North Campervans?
A: We are a family run business who have a huge passion for VW campervans. We own all our campervans and do not hire out ‘friends’ campers like some hire companies. You can therefore rest assured we know our campervans very well and maintain them to a very high standard. All our campervans are serviced frequently and have strict safety checks before every hire. 

Q: Can we come and see the campers before booking?
A: Yes, of course you can, you can even climb in and have a good poke around to see which one will suit you best. Give us a call beforehand just to make sure we have at least one available for you to have a nose around!

Q: What is the booking process? 
A: The process is as follows
1. Select a camper
2. Use the on-line calendar to check availability and book your holiday
3. Tell us about any extras (insurance or camper) that you might want
4. Pay a 15% deposit. This is made through our fully secure credit card payment site
6. Receive confirmation and start booking your campsites and planning your route
7. Pay the balance when it is due (6 weeks prior to hire)
8. Look forward to your trip!

Q: What is the deposit?
A: The reservation deposit is 15% of the total rental cost to secure your van on your chosen dates.  

Q: When is the balance due?
A: The balance payment (total hire cost less deposit) is due 6 weeks prior to the start of your hire. Once we have received your deposit we will send you a balance invoice detailing any extra requirements you might have (insurance or other) and the date it is due to be paid.  If a balance becomes overdue, your campervan will become available to other hirers & you will forfeit your deposit payment.

Q: I haven’t driven a campervan before, are they difficult to drive?
A: Unlike the classic VW campers, the new T6 & T6.1s drive like a modern car.  

Q: Can I take your campervan to a festival for example Glastonbury festival?
A: We do allow our campers to music festivals providing you are a family or a couple, we do not allow single sex group bookings (unless they are from the same family living at the same address). Music festivals are charged at a higher rate & we also we require a higher security bond. Our standard returnable bond is £750, some festivals are £1500. Please note, all our vehicles are fitted with live trackers, should you attend any festival without prior permission you will forfeit a minimum of £250 of your bond.

Q: Is there a mileage limit?
We are trying to keep things a simple as possible and give you the freedom of the open road so we give you a generous 125 mile/night. You are welcome to do more than this but we will charge excess mileage at £0.25/mile. This will be deducted from your security deposit at the end of your rental.

Q: Can I leave my car at your premises? 
A: Street parking covered by our CCTV is available. We must state that vehicles are left at owners risk.

Q: I am travelling via public transport; can you collect me from the train station?
A: No problem, Darlington train station is a stone’s throw away from our premises, collection is free of charge.

Q: What do I need to bring?
A: You will need to bring your own sleeping bag/quilt, bed sheets, pillow and towels. In addition you will need food, toiletries and your own personal effects, but please remember that storage space in the vans is limited and soft bags are best!

All driver(s) must bring their photo driving licence and two recent official bills dated within the last three months, e.g. utility, council, mortgage, bank / building society statement.  Two documents must be provided for each driver to be insured on the policy. We appreciate many are paperless these days, if so you must contact your bank / council etc and request a posted letter. Address on the letters must tie up with driving license address. Personal items are not covered by the van’s insurance, so you may wish to consider obtaining your own travel insurance.

Q: Can we bring our dog?
A: For a small extra charge you can bring your best friend along with you on your holiday! We levy the additional charge to cover extra cleaning. Please let us know by adding to the booking form. We suggest you bring blankets and keep your dog on them.

Q: Are the campers no-smoking?
A: Yes. All of our lovely campers (and drive-away awnings) are strictly non-smoking.

Q: How many people can sleep in the vans?
A: Most of our campers comfortably sleep 4 (2 adults + 2 children or 3 adults) in both double bed and roof bed. We do have drive-away awnings available which sleep up to 4 people in the inner tent and extends the living area. As each van is slightly different, see our campers for specific sleeping arrangements as Harvey only sleeps 2.

Q: Do you offer gift vouchers?
A: We offer gift vouchers for that special occasion in any denominations. Please contact us for further information.

Q: Do I need to take out my own holiday insurance?
A: Yes. It is advisable to take out your own holiday insurance prior to your hire to cover the unlikely event that due to circumstances beyond our control (e.g extreme weather) & we are unable to fulfil your booking.

Q: Do I need to book campsites in advance?
A: Certainly in peak season & school holidays it’s advisable. Also, some sites have a limited number of electric hook-ups so it’s worth booking ahead. Even if you’re heading off just to go where the fancy takes you having the first night or 2 booked will make life easier…We are part of the Camping and Caravanning Club’s Privilege Scheme, which means our customers have access to over 110 participating campsites at discounted rates.