So you are thinking of buying a Motorhome

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A motorhome is a sizable investment. In addition to being a motor vehicle, it's a home. For many people, it's the second-largest purchase they will ever make. It's important to remember that whichever motorhome is selected, it probably will not be the last one purchased. Just as needs related to permanent housing change as a family changes, motorhome related needs also change. Obviously, this article will not give the definitive answer to all of your questions, but perhaps it will provide the information needed to begin your search. Secondhand motorhomes can also be picked up on eBay, although you will have to trust the description of the seller. Click here for todays selection of motorhomes on eBay.

Motorhome cost

The first question many people who have never purchased a motorhome ask is about the cost.
It must be remembered that although motorhomes are similar to cars in that both have a chassis and other automotive systems, they are truly "homes." They have plumbing, 12v and 240v electrical systems, and heating and cooling systems, plus kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping areas.
Motorhomes have to endure fierce forces every day when they are driven down rough tracks and roads. And driving through a rainstorm often subjects them to storm-force rains. Through all of this, they are expected to stay together, not leak, and to function properly immediately after being taken out of storage. When viewed from this perspective, it's not surprising that even entry-level motorhomes often cost many thousands of pounds.

How big should my Motorhome be?

Buying a motorhome is similar to purchasing a suit: You should purchase the one that fits you. A extra large suit is not the best purchase for a person who is a little skinny bloke, even if they both cost the same.
Larger does not necessarily mean better when buying a suit or a motorhome. However, the person needing theextra large suit will not be happy in a normal size one regardless of how great the deal was on the suit. Almost the same can be said for buying a motorhome. While the many owners say their next motorhome will be larger than their current one, buying the "correct size" is important. Just as many owners of large motorhomes are extremely pleased with their purchase, so are the owners of some of the smallest motorhomes imaginable. Like any home and every suit, it's the "fit" that makes it comfortable.
Perhaps a rule of thumb regarding size could be, the longer the motorhome will stay in one location, the longer it should be. You probably wouldn't choose a big A-class motorhome if you needed to use it as daily transportation. Obviously, no motorhome is cumbersome when it's parked, regardless of its size. And, while not all motorhomes are big enough to live in, almost all of them are big enough to live out of. Awnings, safari rooms, and even folding chairs increase living space.
The interior of the motorhome should be determined not only by where the motorhome will be used, but also by who will use it. If the motorhome will be used in unpaved locations, such as in the woods or at the beach, carpeting throughout may not be a good idea. However, if most use will occur in a resort-type setting, the luxury of carpeting underfoot is hard to beat. If a family will travel in the motorhome, make sure there are enough seats with seat belts to accommodate everyone.

Sleeping space

Most people don't mind being a bit crowded when they eat, or even eating outside or in "shifts," but sleeping is a different story. Make sure the motorhome can sleep the needed number of people comfortably.
While dinettes and sofas are sometimes touted as sleeping two people, those two people often should be children. No seller should object if potential buyers remove their shoes and lie on the bed to see whether it is large enough. One thing new buyers may not realise is that many beds in a motorhome are non-standard sizes, measuring the bed before buying a motorhome may prevent the new owner from buying fitted sheets that don't fit well. Pretend to make up the bed to find out how easy it is and whether all corners can be reached easily. If the bed is situated against the wall, realise that getting into and out of bed can be a chore when the "aisle" person is sleeping. Is there enough storage space for clothing? If dresses will be taken on trips, can they hang freely in the wardrobe? Do the drawers and cupboard doors work easily yet have some provision for not coming open as the motorhome is driven?

Kitchen

No matter how small a kitchen is in a stationary home, it's probably larger than the one in a motorhome. Buyers must ask themselves what kind of meals they will prepare in this kitchen. Many pre-owned motorhomes feature ovens that have never been used. Many continental motorhomes have no oven or grill fitted. Perhaps a simple microwave or combination microwave-convection oven is sufficient if you intend to use electric hook-ups most of the time. If not, conventional ovens and other kitchen appliances are available to be retro-fitted. Make sure the galley has adequate storage for both the food that will be prepared and for the utensils and crockery that will be used to prepare it and serve it. Is there a spot big enough for the largest pan or portable appliance that will be used?

Bathrooms

Motorhome owners seem to fall into two categories when it comes to bathrooms. Some like large bathrooms, while others prefer to have the extra space utilized elsewhere in the motorhome, because of the relatively small amount of time spent in the bathroom or the fact that they always use the on-site facilities. Keep in mind that the water heater probably will hold only a few gallons, while the one at home will have a much greater capacity. Thus, frugality with the hot water may be essential. Obviously, the same is true when using the shower. Whichever style of bathroom is chosen, make sure it fits the your lifestyle and physical body. Take off your shoes and stand in the shower to see whether it has sufficient headroom and enough space to move comfortably. Also, sit on the toilet and make sure there is adequate room when the door is closed.

The test drive

Once you’re happy that you’ve found the motorhome which meets your specification and budget, take it for a test drive, which should include a mixture of town, country and dual carriageway roads so you can drive at the speeds you are likely to use when touring. Listen for unusual noises from the engine and look for smoke from the exhaust. Give the brakes a thorough workout - although any problems will have to be put right anyway - before you take delivery. Try a couple of hill starts and see how the clutch responds: in particular, does it show signs of slipping? Check how the steering responds, and if the motorhome doesn’t have power steering, try manoeuvring at a slow speed because this will tell you how much effort will be required when siting or parking the vehicle. Try to assess the state of the suspension: one way to do this is to drive over traffic calming humps.
At the end of the test drive, if you are unhappy about anything, talk to the dealer. If he disputes your opinion, remember: it’s your money at stake and there are plenty more dealers out there waiting for you to call in. If vision to the rear or side is a problem, cameras and additional mirrors to minimize this problem are available and can be installed at any time. Also, make sure the co-pilot has a chance to drive the motorhome before purchasing it.

Weight

Ask the seller what the motorhome weighs. Ideally you should know the weight carried by each axle and compared them with the weight ratings given on the vehicle's VIN plate. If the seller doesn't know this information you should ask if the vehicle can be taken to a weighbridge for checking. If you find that your motorhome is overweight it may be possible to have the chassis upgraded on some models by specialist companies. An overloaded motorhome can be unsafe and illegal to operate. If the motorhome is empty, remember that water, fuel, tools, food, clothing, people, and all of the other things that go into most motorhomes will weigh hundreds of kilogrammes. The power, acceleration, and handling of the motorhome during a test drive may change once the vehicle is fully loaded. If possible, talk with other owners about their experience with the same motorhome.

Other Concerns

If the motorhome being bought from a dealer, check the terms of any warranty. Check to see whether the manufacturer is still in business. Although parts such as pumps, water heaters, and windows are often made by various manufacturers regardless of motorhome brand, parts such as body mouldings, trim pieces etc. can be difficult or impossible to locate if the motorhome manufacturer is no longer in business.
Verify the model year of both the base vehicle and the conversion. Manufacturers often stockpile chassis, and it's not unusual for them to have chassis from the previous model year when production for the new model year begins. This is not bad in itself, but it can cause confusion when having the vehicle serviced.
Like any motor vehicle, the motorhome will need servicing. Finding a service centre near home that can do routine maintenance saves time and helps to prevent inconvenient breakdowns on the road.

When owners are asked for a one-sentence summary of what they tell their friends to do when contemplating the purchase of a motorhome the following advice comes up time and again:
"Take your time," "Do your homework," and "Talk to people" are typical answers. So are "Attend motorhome shows," "Find a good dealer," and "Check with owners of similar motorhomes."

Remember, there is a new or used motorhome for just about every budget and every family. It just takes some time to find it.