Making the decision to buy a motorhome or campervan is probably one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your life. More and more people are deciding to become motorhome owners and benefit from the freedom and fun motorhomes offer. But buying your vehicle can seem overwhelming, particularly if this is the first time you have been shopping for this kind of van.
Here are some key questions to ask and answer to help de-mystify the motorhome purchase procedure.
1. Why Do You Want a Motorhome?
Being clear about your reasons for buying a motorhome and your goals driving the purchase helps to focus your mind; what kind of vehicle you need, and how much you want to spend. People invest a significant amount of money in a new motorhome for many reasons.
Some want to sell up and set off on the road for a year, seeing all the UK during their retirement or break from work. Others want to get away cheaply and quickly at weekends, avoiding the hassle of booking hotels and transport. Many people want a van for summer holidays and being able to park up outside a friend’s house or the children’s place when they don’t have a spare room.
There are many reasons to buy a motorhome. What you use the vehicle for will affect the size and facilities you need and will also influence how much you are willing to spend on the van.
2. Who is Going With You?
Another factor affecting the size of your ideal van is the number of people travelling in it. By law, everyone in a motorhome must wear a seatbelt when the vehicle is on the move. But you also need to consider the number of beds and the space inside the vehicle. Consider how much room you need around the dining table. If you have only occasional visitors, could they sleep in an awning or do you need an extra fold-down bed?
Also consider if you will be travelling with any pets. You will need room to secure a travel crate when you have a dog, and space for your pet to sleep in the van or in an awning.
3. How Much Storage Space Do You Need?
Are you taking fishing gear, surf boards, bikes and other sporting items with you on your motorhome trip? If so, you’ll need enough storage space. Likewise, if you have small children and lots of toys, buggies and car seats you’ll need even more space. On the other hand, you may enjoy travelling light with just an overnight bag. In this case you’ll appreciate a compact campervan with every nook and cranny utilised for efficiency.
4. Do You Know What Brand You Like?
Do you know already that you want a particular brand or model? It may be easier to sell a popular make of motorhome further down the line. Otherwise, you may not have a preference in terms of brand, and prefer to be guided by features, quality, and special offers. Think about different brands in terms of warranties, ease of motorhome servicing and repairs, and other practicalities.
