What to consider when buying a motorhome

Monday, 20 February 2012 11:50

Research various motorhomes before buying

There are many things to think about before you splash out on a motorhome, from choosing a vehicle that meets your travelling needs to finding cheap motorhome insurance. Here are some tips about how to make the right purchasing decision.

What sort of motorhome should you buy?

If you have never owned a motorhome before, you may be surprised by the vast array of different models on the market.

There are numerous sizes and styles available, from the micro van, which is on the small side, to the much larger A Class designs, so you will have plenty of options.

One of the best ways to narrow down your choices is to make a list of the reasons why you want a motorhome and think carefully about how many people will be using it at one time. If it's just you and your partner, you might be happy with a smaller model than if you're hoping to take the whole family on holiday, for instance.

Other options include a van-conversion model, which is adapted to provide living quarters, cooking and washing facilities, coachbuilt designs - where the bed is usually above the cab - low-profile vehicles and compact motorhomes.

The latter have been designed to incorporate all the features you would expect from a larger model, while providing additional manoeuvrability.

Whatever type of motorhome you decide to go for, you'll need to check its payload. You'll be given a maximum laden weight for your vehicle in the manufacturer's specifications, as well as the mass in running order (MRO) - which is the empty weight of the van allowing for its standard components.

The difference between these two figures is how much extra weight you can put in the vehicle, so make sure the motorhome you choose will be able to carry all the equipment you want.

New or used?

While it might be nice to buy a brand new motorhome, in reality it's not always practical to go for this option, especially if you have a tight budget.

There are plenty of excellent second-hand vehicles on the market - the trick is in knowing exactly what to look for.

If you do decide to buy a used campervan, it's vital you carry out a thorough internal and external inspection. Look for any signs of damage to the body or windows, as well as checking all the seals. You should also be mindful of damp inside, as this can cause problems both for the motorhome and any possessions you keep in it.

In addition, you need to ensure everything is in working order, from the plumbing and lighting to the cooking facilities and the mechanics.

Whether you are buying new or second-hand, you should always take the vehicle for a test drive, while hiring different motorhomes is a good way for you to gain a better insight into using this kind of accommodation on a break.

Insurance

As with any motor vehicle, you will require insurance in order to take it out on the roads. It is always advisable to request a few quotes before you purchase a motorhome, as this will give you a rough idea of how much you can expect to spend.

Think carefully about the level of cover you will need, such as a policy that will protect you in mainland Europe if you intend to holiday on the continent.

Don't forget, you are likely to have a range of possessions and other equipment in your vehicle, so make sure there is adequate contents cover included in the policy you are considering.

Other running costs

When you own a motorhome, you will quickly discover there are several associated costs - not least the expense of filling it with fuel whenever you want to take a trip.

If you choose a large model, for example, will you have the space at your home to store it, or will you need to pay to keep it elsewhere?

Factor in maintenance expenditure as well - after all, you don't want to plan your holiday only to discover you can't set off because there is a fundamental problem with your van. You'll need an annual MOT to be conducted, while there is other routine maintenance associated with motorhomes that you have to be aware of, such as thoroughly cleaning them inside and out if you are planning to store them for any length of time.

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