Camper pickup is exciting, but it is also the moment when small missed details can become expensive later. A thorough handover helps you understand the vehicle, spot existing damage and create a clear record of its condition before you drive away.
Rental-company requirements differ, so always follow your own agreement and handover procedure first. Then use this checklist as a practical second layer.
Before you start: give yourself enough time
Do not treat pickup as a five-minute formality. Have your phone charged, keep the rental agreement handy and ask the staff to show you anything you do not understand. If possible, have both travellers listen to the briefing.
20 things to check at camper pickup
- Walk around all four sides. Look slowly at the bodywork before loading your luggage.
- Photograph existing scratches, dents and scuffs. Make sure anything you notice is also recorded by the rental company.
- Check the bumpers and corners. These areas are easy to miss during a rushed handover.
- Check mirrors, windows and windscreen. Look for chips, cracks and existing marks.
- Take a short walk-around video. A continuous video gives useful context alongside individual photos.
- Photograph the interior. Include floors, seating, cupboards, worktops and bathroom areas.
- Check doors, windows and locks. Open and close them yourself.
- Test the fridge. Ask how it works on the available power sources.
- Test the heating. Even in summer, knowing how to operate it can save time later.
- Check the water system. Ask where the fresh-water fill, grey-water drain and relevant controls are located.
- Check the gas system. Ask where the shut-off valves are and how to use the appliances safely.
- Check electrical power. Learn how the leisure battery, mains hook-up and key control panel work.
- Check the toilet. Ask how to empty and prepare the cassette correctly.
- Confirm included equipment. Check chairs, table, cables, hose, levelling blocks and any booked extras.
- Check lights and basic vehicle controls. If something seems unclear, ask before departure.
- Record fuel level and mileage. Photograph the dashboard so there is no confusion later.
- Confirm the return requirements. Ask about fuel, cleaning, water tanks, toilet cassette and return time.
- Know the camper height and dimensions. Keep the height visible near the dashboard if that helps you remember it.
- Save the emergency and roadside-assistance contacts. Do this before leaving the depot.
- Keep all pickup evidence until the deposit is returned. Do not delete the original photos or videos immediately after the trip.
The most important rule: document first, drive second
If you find a mark that is not on the handover report, raise it before leaving. Photos are useful, but the strongest process is to make sure the rental company also acknowledges the condition at pickup.
Make pickup easier with a printable checklist
We created a free 20-point Rental Camper Pickup Checklist so you can work through the handover in order instead of trying to remember everything while staff are explaining the vehicle.
Get the free 20-point camper pickup checklist here.
It is designed to use on your phone or print before the trip.