Taking your classic campervan to its first show is a milestone moment. Whether you’ve spent years restoring a split-screen, carefully maintaining a much-loved T2 Bay Window, or preparing your T25 for the spotlight, displaying your camper is about more than simply turning up. It reflects the time, effort and dedication you’ve invested, along with the attention to detail that sets your vehicle apart.
A well-prepared camper doesn’t just attract attention, it demonstrates pride in ownership. At classic shows, enthusiasts look closely, ask informed questions and appreciate the finer points of originality, restoration and presentation. Preparing thoroughly ensures your camper looks its very best and stands up confidently to that level of scrutiny.
Here’s a helpful guide to preparing your classic campervan for its first show.
Jump to:
Begin With a Deep Clean
Interior Cleaning and Presentation
Perform Some Mechanical Checks
Prepare Some Display and Documentation
Final Checklist Items
Summary
Begin With a Deep Clean
The exterior is what draws attention first, and presentation sets the tone before anyone even steps inside.
Begin with a deep clean. A two-bucket wash method helps reduce swirl marks and protects older paint.
The two-bucket wash method is a simple but highly effective way of cleaning your campervan while protecting the paintwork — particularly important on classic vehicles with older or original paint.
Instead of using one bucket for everything, you use two separate buckets:
• Bucket One: Contains clean water mixed with car shampoo (your wash bucket).
• Bucket Two: Contains plain, clean water (your rinse bucket).
The process works like this: you dip your wash mitt into the soapy water, clean a section of the vehicle, then rinse the mitt thoroughly in the clean water bucket before returning it to the shampoo bucket. This removes dirt and grit from the mitt before it touches the paint again.
Why does this matter? Because grit trapped in your wash mitt is what causes swirl marks and fine scratches. By rinsing it out separately, you dramatically reduce the risk of dragging contaminants across the paint surface, something especially important on older single-stage paint or freshly restored panels.
When washing a classic campervan, it’s also wise to:
• Work from the top down
• Clean lower panels and wheel arches last
Pay extra attention to seams, window rubbers, pop-top hinges and around badges, where dirt collects
The two-bucket method is a small change to your wash routine, but it makes a big difference in preserving the finish and protecting your camper’s long-term presentation.
Once washed and dried, assess the paintwork in natural light. Oxidised paint can often be revived with a light machine polish or quality hand polish. If your camper has original paint, be mindful not to overwork it. The goal is enhancement, not removal of character.
Chrome and stainless trim benefit from gentle polishing. Rubber seals should be cleaned and treated with a suitable conditioner to prevent cracking. Plastic trims should be refreshed carefully, overly glossy finishes can look unnatural on a classic vehicle.
Tyres, wheels and wheel arches are frequently overlooked. Clean brake dust thoroughly and use a subtle satin tyre dressing rather than a wet-look product. Inspect wheel nuts while cleaning, presentation and safety go hand in hand.
If your camper has undergone restoration, ensure body panels are correctly aligned, and door gaps are even. Minor issues can be more noticeable under close scrutiny.
Finally, consider weather protection. A high-quality wax or sealant applied a few days before the show will help repel dust and light rain.
Why compromise on insuring your precious vehicle when we’ll give you £50* if we are not the cheapest.
Interior Cleaning and Presentation
Visitors will naturally want to see inside, and judges often place strong emphasis on originality and condition.
Start with a thorough vacuum, including under seats, inside cupboards and in storage compartments. Clean all hard surfaces using non-silicone, non-greasy products. You want a natural, factory-correct finish.
Upholstery should be spot-cleaned and brushed evenly. If fitted with aftermarket covers or retrimmed interiors, ensure everything is fitted neatly and free from creases. Curtains should be clean and properly hung.
Wood cabinetry deserves careful treatment. Use appropriate cleaners and conditioners to preserve veneer or laminate surfaces. Hinges and catches should operate smoothly.
Pop-top canvas should be inspected for mildew, small tears or loose stitching. If displaying the roof raised, ensure it opens and closes smoothly.
Consider adding tasteful period accessories such as enamel mugs, retro camping chairs or original brochures, but avoid clutter. The goal is to enhance authenticity, not distract.
If your camper includes modifications, an upgraded engine, custom suspension, modern audio or bespoke interior work, ensure these are declared. Just Kampers Insurance offers Modification Cover, meaning declared upgrades are properly protected should the unexpected happen.
Perform Some Mechanical Checks
A flawless camper that doesn’t make it to the show is every owner’s nightmare. Reliability preparation should start at least a week in advance.
Carry out a comprehensive check:
• Engine oil level and condition
• Brake fluid and clutch fluid
• Battery condition and terminals
• Belts, hoses and fuel lines
• Brake performance and handbrake function
• Suspension components
• Steering play
If your camper has been stored, inspect tyres carefully for flat spots or cracking. Set pressures accurately.
Take the vehicle for a longer test drive several days before the show. Allow the engine to reach operating temperature and listen for unusual knocks, rattles or vibrations.
Also, give the engine bay area a good detail. There is nothing worse than a neglected engine. Use a quality degreaser and if you have the time and resources, remove your ancellaries and tinware and clean and re-paint if necessary.
For longer journeys or European shows, EU Driving Cover and optional Breakdown Cover provide added reassurance. Having access to helplines and roadside support removes a significant layer of stress.
Prepare Some Display and Documentation
Presentation extends beyond polishing. A simple information board enhances your display and encourages conversation. Why not include:
• Year and model
• Engine specification
• Restoration highlights
• Any interesting history about your Camper
Also, bring a small detailing kit for last-minute cleaning, microfibre cloths, quick detailer spray and glass cleaner are essential for that pre-show brush up.
Crucially, ensure your insurance documentation is in order before you travel.
Specialist campervan insurance matters here. With Just Kampers Insurance, you can benefit from:
Agreed Value cover — so you know exactly what your vehicle is insured for
Salvage Retention — allowing you to keep your camper if it’s written off
Legal protection — Up to £100,000 to cover repairs, hire costs and legal expenses with advice to claim for losses not covered by your main policy and assistance in claiming compensation for injury and losses for both driver and passengers.
This level of protection means you can focus on enjoying the show rather than worrying about risks.
Final Checklist Items
In the final 24 hours, go through a structured checklist:
• Fuel tank filled
• All fluid levels confirmed
• Tyres inspected
• Insurance documents packed
• Cleaning kit loaded
• Weather forecast checked
• Phone charger and emergency numbers saved
Arrive early to allow time for positioning and final presentation touches. Once set up, relax and enjoy the atmosphere; talk to other owners, meet new people, enjoy other showgoers’ cars, that’s what the show season is all about.
Summary
Getting your classic campervan ready for its first show is about more than giving it a quick wash and hoping for the best. It’s a chance to showcase the time, effort and passion you’ve invested in your vehicle and to present it with confidence among fellow enthusiasts who genuinely understand the details.
From careful exterior detailing and thoughtful interior presentation to thorough mechanical checks and organised paperwork, preparation is what sets a good display apart from a great one. Clean, well-polished bodywork, fresh trim, tidy cabinetry and a properly tested engine all demonstrate pride in ownership. Bringing a simple information board and a small detailing kit shows you’ve gone the extra mile.
Equally important is making sure your camper is properly protected. With specialist cover from Just Kampers Insurance, including Agreed Value, Modification Cover, Legal Protection and optional benefits such as Breakdown Cover and EU Driving Cover, you can head to your first show knowing your investment is in safe hands.
Add in policyholder perks like a 10% discount at justkampers.com, and you’re supported both on and off the show field.
