Petrol campervans, five practical reasons more buyers are choosing petrol in 2026
Petrol campervans continue to grow in popularity as more buyers look closely at real-world ownership costs, everyday drivability, and future access to towns and cities across the UK. While diesel campervans were once seen as the default choice, that picture has changed significantly.
At Free Spirit Campervans, we specialise exclusively in petrol campervans, and that decision is based on years of experience, customer feedback, and how these vehicles actually perform in modern UK driving conditions.
This guide explains why petrol campervans make sense for many buyers in 2026, how they compare to diesel alternatives, and why we believe they offer a more flexible, future-proof option for campervan ownership.
Why engine choice matters more than ever
Choosing between petrol and diesel is no longer just about fuel type. It now affects:
- Where you can drive
- How much you pay to maintain your campervan
- How comfortable it feels day to day
- How well it fits into future emissions rules
With clean air zones expanding and driving patterns changing, petrol campervans have become the preferred choice for a growing number of owners.
1. Lower purchase cost and stronger overall value
One of the most immediate advantages of petrol campervans is lower upfront cost.
Petrol campervans are generally more affordable to buy than diesel equivalents, especially when comparing vehicles of similar age, mileage, and condition. This makes a noticeable difference for buyers who want a high-quality campervan without stretching budgets unnecessarily.
Because petrol engines are mechanically simpler than modern diesel systems, long-term ownership costs are often lower too. There is no diesel particulate filter to maintain, no AdBlue systems to manage, and fewer emissions-related components that can fail over time.
2. Smoother performance at everyday driving speeds
Petrol engines behave very differently to diesel engines, especially at lower speeds.
For campervan owners who:
- Drive through towns and villages
- Use narrow country roads
- Park regularly
- Use their campervan as a second or daily vehicle
petrol engines feel smoother, quieter, and more responsive.
This is one of the main reasons many Free Spirit Campervan owners tell us they enjoy driving their campervan far more than they expected. The experience feels closer to driving a car than a commercial vehicle.
Petrol engines also tend to be quieter on long motorway journeys, which reduces driver fatigue and makes longer trips more enjoyable.
3. Fuel costs and real-world running expenses
While diesel can sometimes appear more fuel-efficient on paper, real-world running costs often tell a different story.
Petrol fuel prices are typically lower than diesel in the UK, and petrol engines warm up more quickly on short journeys. For owners who take frequent weekend trips or shorter drives, this can result in better overall efficiency than expected.
When combined with lower maintenance costs, many petrol campervan owners find their total running costs easier to manage over time.
4. Lower repair and maintenance complexity
Modern diesel engines are highly complex, particularly when designed to meet emissions regulations. While effective, this complexity increases repair costs and the likelihood of expensive component failures as vehicles age.
Petrol campervans benefit from:
- Simpler engine design
- Fewer emissions control systems
- Lower labour time for repairs
- More affordable replacement parts
This often results in lower servicing and repair bills over the lifetime of the campervan, which is an important consideration for long-term ownership.
5. Cleaner emissions and better city access
Emissions regulations are one of the biggest factors influencing campervan choice today.
Petrol engines generally produce lower NOx emissions than diesel engines, which makes them more compatible with clean air zones and low emission areas.
Many older diesel vehicles are restricted or charged when entering zones such as London’s ULEZ. Petrol campervans, by contrast, are often compliant, depending on age and specification.
This makes petrol campervans particularly attractive for:
- Owners living near cities
- Travelling through London and other urban areas
- Future-proofing against expanding clean air zones
We are always happy to confirm whether a specific campervan meets ULEZ requirements before purchase.
Why we only sell petrol campervans at Free Spirit Campervans
Our decision to focus exclusively on petrol campervans is deliberate.
We source high-quality Japanese imported vehicles that were originally designed as luxury people carriers, not commercial vans. These vehicles offer comfort, reliability, and specification levels that suit campervan conversion perfectly.
All our petrol campervans feature:
- Automatic gearboxes
- Comfortable, car-like driving characteristics
- Proven petrol engines
- Professional in-house conversions
You can explore the three petrol models we specialise in below:
Each model has been chosen for comfort, reliability, and value, then converted by our experienced team to ensure long-term usability.
Stock availability and viewing
We typically hold over 60 petrol campervans in stock, with new vehicles arriving regularly. Stock changes quickly, so visiting in person or contacting us directly is always the best way to see what is currently available.
If you are comparing engine types or unsure which model suits your plans, we are happy to talk it through properly, without pressure.
Is a petrol campervan right for you?
If you value:
- Smooth, comfortable driving
- Lower ownership complexity
- Easier city access
- Predictable running costs
Then a petrol campervan is well worth serious consideration.
At Free Spirit Campervans, we believe the right campervan should fit your life, not dictate it. Petrol engines help make that possible.
Visit or contact us
The Grain Store, Brimfast Lane
Sidlesham Common
Chichester
West Sussex
PO20 7PZ
📞 01243 649087
✉️ info@fscltd.co.uk
FAQs about Petrol campervans, five practical reasons more buyers are choosing petrol in 2026
1. Why are more people choosing petrol campervans in 2026?
More buyers are choosing petrol campervans because they offer lower upfront costs, smoother everyday driving, simpler maintenance, and better compatibility with clean air zones. In modern UK driving conditions, petrol campervans often feel easier and more flexible to own long term.
2. Are petrol campervans cheaper to buy than diesel campervans?
In most cases, yes. Petrol campervans are generally more affordable than diesel equivalents of a similar age and condition. This lower purchase price allows buyers to access higher-quality vehicles without overstretching budgets.
3. Are petrol campervans cheaper to maintain than diesel?
Petrol campervans are typically cheaper to maintain because petrol engines are mechanically simpler. They do not require diesel particulate filters, AdBlue systems, or complex emissions components, which can reduce servicing and repair costs over time.
4. How do petrol campervans feel to drive compared to diesel?
Petrol campervans feel smoother, quieter, and more responsive, especially at low speeds. For town driving, country roads, parking, and everyday use, petrol engines deliver a more car-like driving experience that many owners find far more enjoyable.
5. Are petrol campervans suitable for long motorway journeys?
Yes. Petrol engines tend to run quietly and smoothly at cruising speeds, which reduces driver fatigue on longer trips. Many owners find petrol campervans comfortable and relaxing for both short breaks and extended touring.
6. Do petrol campervans cost more to fuel than diesel?
Not necessarily. While diesel may appear more efficient on paper, petrol fuel prices are usually lower in the UK. Petrol engines also warm up faster on short journeys, which can make real-world running costs easier to manage for weekend and frequent short trips.
7. Are petrol campervans better for city driving and clean air zones?
Often, yes. Petrol engines generally produce lower NOx emissions than diesel engines. This makes many petrol campervans compatible with clean air zones and ULEZ requirements, depending on age and specification, which helps future-proof city access.
8. Are petrol campervans reliable for long-term ownership?
Well-maintained petrol campervans have a strong reputation for reliability. With fewer emissions-related components and simpler engine systems, petrol models can offer dependable performance and predictable ownership costs over time.
9. Why does Free Spirit Campervans only sell petrol campervans?
Free Spirit Campervans focuses exclusively on petrol campervans because they consistently deliver better comfort, drivability, reliability, and long-term value for modern owners. Years of customer feedback and real-world experience support this decision.
10. Is a petrol campervan the right choice for my lifestyle?
A petrol campervan is well suited to buyers who want smooth driving, lower maintenance complexity, easier city access, and predictable running costs. If you want a campervan that fits into everyday life as well as weekend and holiday travel, petrol is a strong option to consider.
