Instead Of Travelling Abroad This Year, Have You Considered Buying Your First Motorhome?
Buying your first motorhome can be one of the most exciting times in someone’s life. It gives you the freedom that simply heading away in the car just can’t do. With endless possibilities for weekends away and longer holidays, if you’re in the market for a motorhome, take a look at our in-depth buying guide.
We’ll take you through everything you need to know, from whether you should buy second hand or brand new, to get the right one for your needs.
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The benefits of owning a motorhome
There are a number of benefits to owning a motorhome, but before you go ahead and bring your’s home, you’ll need to ask yourself why you want one. Your why is likely to be very personal to you and your circumstances, but they’re becoming increasingly popular among both older couples and young families, all of whom appreciate the convenience and freedom of being able to pack everything up and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
If you’re looking to be able to take your holiday at your own pace and enjoy the freedom of being able to go wherever you want, a motorhome could be the perfect fit for you and your family!
Should I buy new or second hand?
Ah the budget for buying your first motorhome. The motorhome market is a very tempting place and shoppers can easily go over their budget, so make sure you sit down and work out what your maximum is. This will determine whether you can afford to look at brand new or second hand models.
Thanks to the build quality of the modern motorhome, buying used will very rarely cause you any problems. As they’re built on commercial vehicle chassis, which are very robust, they’ll be able to take you many thousands of miles. One of the main things you’ll need to consider when deciding to buy used or new is your insurance. Motorhome insurance is a vital part of being a motorhome owner and will cover you for pretty much every eventuality! Check with your provider what your policy covers and whether or not there are any additional things you’ll need to consider.
What type of motorhome do I need?
If you’ve decided to take the leap and become a motorhome owner then firstly, congratulations! The next thing you’ll need to do is work out exactly what type suits your needs and budget best. Here are some of the options on the market for buying your first motorhome:
- Micro motorhome: ideal if it’s just you and another as most will only sleep between one and two people! You’ll have enough room for rudimentary cooking and storage facilities, alongside a portable toilet.
- Campervans: a popular option that gives you reasonable room for cooking, sleeping and storing things. They’re still small enough to be a family car and some even come with elevating or fixed roofs.
- Large van conversions: these sit somewhere between a campervan and a motorhome and offer enough space for more impressive practical sleeping and cooking facilities.
- Classic C motorhomes: these are most suitable to sleep two or more with enough room for a kitchen, washroom and small toilet. Some models come with a fixed double bed which is often mounted at the back of the motorhome. Depending on the one you choose bigger versions with an additional bed above the cabin are available.
- Class A motorhomes: this type is built on a larger chassis than the Class C motorhomes. These can offer you a true home-from-home experience, giving you all the space to house all your favourite things!
There are, of course, even bigger options, but it’s important to consider everything, including running costs, when buying your first motorhome.