It's tempting to go straight from 'we should get a campervan' to browsing listings, but a rental trip or two first can save a genuinely expensive mistake.
What renting tells you that browsing doesn't
Photos and spec sheets can't tell you whether a fixed rear bed layout suits how you actually sleep, whether a compact washroom feels workable for your family, or whether you actually enjoy the driving experience of a taller, heavier vehicle. A weekend or week-long rental answers all of these far more honestly than research alone.
The financial side
Renting a few times before buying costs money with no asset at the end of it - that's the honest downside. But weighed against the cost of buying the wrong layout, base vehicle, or size and having to sell at a loss within a year, most experienced owners consider a rental trial to be cheap insurance, not a wasted expense.
What to actually test on a rental
Try to replicate a genuine trip, not just a static weekend on a driveway: drive it a reasonable distance, cook a proper meal, use the shower and toilet if fitted, and - if you can - try an off-grid night to see how the leisure battery and water actually hold up under real use.
If you do decide to buy
Consider whether a slightly older, well-documented van with full service and habitation history might suit you better as a first purchase than a newer van with an unknown history - many owners find the reassurance of clear records more valuable than a few extra years of age, especially while you're still learning what matters to you in a layout.