Image The perfect motorhome has not, and never will be, manufactured, however there is a model somewhere that will suit you. The suggestions below may help you to make the correct choice straight away; they have always worked for us so they may work for you.

£££s
Don’t look at any motorhome that costs more than you can afford, therefore the first stage in motorhome ownership must be to calculate the most you can afford to spend, including the repayments on any loan you may take out. Once you have calculated your maximum price, don’t waste time looking at motorhomes above your budget because you may not have enough spare cash to enjoy your new acquisition.

Base Vehicle
This is more often than not the man’s domain, although there are hundreds of women who actually drive motorhomes. Try to keep an open mind about the base vehicle as they are all extremely good nowadays. If, on the other hand, you can only bring yourself to buy a particular brand, then don’t waste time looking at others and stick to manufacturers that build on your preferred chassis.

Why do you want a motorhome?
Do you want to use your motorhome as your only vehicle? If the answer is yes, then it’s probably best to look for a panel van conversion or a small coachbuilt. (pics 1 & 2)
Do you only want your motorhome just for your annual holidays and weekend trips? If the answer is yes, then look at panel van conversions, coachbuilts, or smaller A-Class models.
Do you want to use the motorhome for long holidays and long terming? If the answer is yes, then look at larger coachbuilts and A-Class motorhomes. (pics 3 & 4)
Do you want to take your family away with you? If the answer is yes, then look for a motorhome with the maximum number of beds you require and ensure there are sufficient seat restraints for the passengers.

Beds
If you don’t get a good night’s sleep you are not going to enjoy your holiday therefore it is extremely important to get your sleeping arrangements sorted before you buy. The first thing to do is to decide whether you want single beds or a double bed and, if you are looking at a multi-berth motorhome, ensure the beds are appropriate for your requirements. Fixed beds are a popular choice nowadays but they can take up valuable daytime living space in smaller motorhomes. (pic 5)

Next, check there is a bed long enough for the tallest person who is going to use the motorhome. Ask the dealer to show you how to make up the bed(s) because multi-cushion mattresses can be extremely difficult to arrange. Lie on the beds (both of you if it’s a double) to make sure they are large enough and that the mattress is comfortable. Finally, look to see if there are any uneven ridges that are going to make the mattress uncomfortable.

Living space
This is where you can let your heart rule just a little. The general living space is where you will eat your meals and in which you’ll relax. Some people prefer a dinette, while others prefer settees to sprawl on and put the table up when required. We have always preferred to sprawl on two settees, but we have close friends who wouldn’t be without their dinette – it’s for you to decide which option suits your lifestyle. If you are looking at a multi-berth motorhome, always check the seat restraints and make sure there are enough for every passenger. (pic 6)

Washroom
Look at the size and layout of the washroom because, although you may not use the shower, you will undoubtedly use the toilet and washbasin. It is unlikely that there will be a separate shower in panel van conversions and smaller coachbuilts, however if you require a motorhome for long holidays, a separate shower compartment is convenient. Remember, a large washroom can take up a great deal of living space (especially in a smaller motorhome), so determine what your priorities are. (pic 7)

Kitchen
Consider your catering arrangements carefully especially if you’re using your motorhome regularly. Modern motorhomes often have a huge fridge and freezer, full cooker (three- or four-burner hob, grill, and oven), and some even have a microwave. Personally, I don’t have a grill, oven, or microwave in my motorhome as I can cook perfectly good meals on three burners using basic equipment. Neither do I have a large fridge and freezer as I would rather shop locally for fresh food. On the other hand, the kitchen specification is crucial to your way of living in the motorhome especially if you prefer to carry frozen food and keep plenty of food in the cupboards and fridge. Bear in mind that a full cooker, fridge and freezer can take up precious space, particularly if you are opting for a small motorhome. Note also that a large freezer will use energy (gas or electric) whether it is full or empty. (pic 8)

Payload
Always ask your dealer what the payload is for any motorhome that is on your wish list – the higher the payload, the better it is for you and the less likely that you will be breaking the law while travelling. The payload is the actual amount of weight available for your personal possessions, such as clothing, food, drink, bicycles, accessories, etc. Most British manufacturers build in an adequate allowance especially for a two-berth motorhome but as a novice it may well be worth trying to weigh some of the equipment you are going to use so that you have an idea of the weight you are putting into your motorhome.
 
If you add a bicycle rack, an awning, or any other accessories, their weight has to be deducted from the usable payload so if you are only starting with something in the region of 300kg, there won’t be much left for your passengers and their belongings. If your dealer can’t or won’t tell you the payload, especially if you are buying a used motorhome, then ask to drive it to a local weighbridge. Without getting too technical, some British and possibly the majority of standard imports have a maximum weight of 3,500kg, although some larger models are built on a heavier chassis – always check in advance.

In General
Many people put a lot of value into a low mileage motorhome, nevertheless, I think a high mileage engine is not necessarily a bad buy. Low mileage seems to add to the value of a motorhome but if you think carefully about it, most engines benefit from being used. Providing the engine is serviced regularly, it should last for the life of the motorhome (there are, of course, exceptions).

If you would prefer a new motorhome but can’t quite afford it, look for one that is about a year old; many people trade them in because (they obviously didn’t follow our suggestions) so it will undoubtedly be a good buy. You will have all the benefits of a new motorhome, you won’t have the teething problems, but above all you will save money.

If you are buying an older motorhome, the first thing to do is to go in, close the doors, and have a good sniff. You are smelling for signs of the two ‘d’s: damp and dogs, and in both cases the smell can be pretty dreadful. Look in the cupboards for signs of damp, press the walls, and even if you can’t see any signs of damp, ask the dealer to check the whole motorhome. You can’t really do much about the smell of dogs (or other pets) so if you are allergic to animals, then it’s best to walk away.

Read Motorhome Monthly and other magazines regularly because you will invariably find a lot of useful information, not only on the different makes of motorhomes, but also about how to use them and where to take them. Go to the outdoor shows to look at what is available and don’t be afraid to ask a motorhome owner about his/her choice because none of us mind talking about our motorhomes and you may pick up some more useful tips.

And finally
A motorhome can be the second largest purchase that you’ll ever make (assuming you’ve already purchased your home), so it’s worth taking a little time to determine exactly what model is best for you before you start looking. Chalky and I have never purchased a motorhome with the idea that we are going to trade it in for a newer model in a couple of years – that’s why we have only ever owned three.

Life is too short to fill it with unfulfilled dreams, so good luck with your search, and when you have your motorhome, use it as often as possible and enjoy it.

Photograph captions:
Pic 1) Panel van conversions are ideal if the motorhome is to be your only form of transport.
Pic 2) A low profile coachbuilt offers ample living space for two people, and is usually economical to drive.
Pic 3) An overcab coachbuilt provides an additional bed (usually a double bed) so is good for families.
Pic 4) Consider an A-Class motorhome if you intend to spend a lot of time travelling.
 Pic 5) Fixed beds are popular nowadays; these single beds are comfortable and a reasonable size.
Pic 6) Let your heart rule when choosing your living space; remember that the lounge often becomes a bedroom so check beds arrangements.
Pic 7) Look for a functional washroom that suits your personal requirements; a large washroom may take away part of your general living space.
Pic 8) Kitchens vary in size and equipment level so think carefully about how you want to do your catering. « go back