08/06/2026
**The Campervan Lesson Nobody Wants to Learn the Hard Way**
One thing Wilbur has taught us?
Never underestimate the importance of the right breakdown cover.
When you’re travelling in a campervan — especially a larger one like our extra-long-wheelbase Wilbur — not all breakdown policies are created equal.
It’s worth checking the details before you set off:
Does your cover include campervans?
Are there size or weight limits?
Would they recover you from a motorway?
Do you have onward travel?
Are you covered abroad?
Can they handle a larger van if recovery is needed?
We’re with the AA, and I can honestly only sing their praises. Every time Wilbur has broken down, they’ve been brilliant — getting us safely off the motorway, helping take the stress out of the situation, and making sure we weren’t left stranded.
Because Wilbur is such a big van, not every recovery option would work for him, so having the right cover gives real peace of mind.
We’ve seen this first-hand with friends who have broken down in their campervan, only to find out when they rang their breakdown provider that their vehicle wasn’t covered for recovery due to its size.
And sadly, that is not the kind of thing you want to discover at the side of the road.
It’s easy to assume that standard breakdown cover will be enough, especially if you’ve used it for cars before, but campervans can be a different story. Height, length, weight, modifications, and European travel can all affect whether you’re properly covered.
It’s not the glamorous side of campervan life, but it is one of the most important.
Adventure is wonderful — but preparation is what keeps it enjoyable.
Before your next trip, check your policy carefully. Your future self, your family, and your campervan will thank you.
