Things You Need To Consider Before Buying A Motorhome

There’s nothing quite like the summer sunshine to give you the travel bug. As soon as the sun comes out and the weather warms up, all I want to do is travel, explore, and make new and exciting memories. I love sharing a good holiday with the people I love, in fact, one of my biggest goals for the future is to eventually own my own motorhome so that I can travel more and enjoy life to the fullest.

I will admit, there have been times when I have lusted after the latest motorhome in the same way that some people surf estate agent websites in search of their dream home. Sure, I’m unlikely to come home with a state of the art motorhome, but that doesn’t mean I can’t look!

With that being said, browsing the available options and taking a look at what’s available and within my budget, I have been able to put together a pretty good idea of what to realistically look out for and what to consider before making a decision to purchase one. 

These considerations are what I’m sharing with you today, so if you’re in the market for a new motorhome, grab yourself a cuppa and take a look at the following nuggets of wisdom!

Motorhome Budgeting & Financing

Obviously, motorhomes aren’t cheap, but they are an investment. Having scoped out brand new motorhomes and older models, I can safely say that you will want to set a realistic budget when it comes to buying a motorhome. This budget doesn’t just cover the initial purchase, however. You will need to account for insurance, fuel costs, maintenance, and then potentially even campground fees, depending on where you’re planning to park up. A motorhome is clearly going to guzzle up more fuel than your car, and breakdowns and thefts may be something that you need to vigilantly watch out for. I recommend you compare motorhome insurance before making any big decisions to ensure that you get the best value for money and the best coverage before you commit to parting with your money. 

Size & Layouts Vary

Before committing to such a big purchase, you really need to consider who is going to be using your motorhome and what you aim to accomplish by purchasing one. Motorhomes come in a variety of sizes and layouts, all designed to suit the needs and preferences of different types of users. Think about the essential requirements that are needed, for example, a kitchen, bedroom area, and bathroom, and find a motorhome that accommodates these. It can be tempting to spend more for additional features, but if you’re realistically unlikely to use them, is it really worth it?

Usage & Lifestyle

This brings us nicely to the next point. Before spending the money on a new motorhome, think about how you plan to use it. Is it a family vehicle for big holidays? Are you looking for cheap weekend getaways? Or are you intending to go off-grid and fully commit to the #VanLife lifestyle? Understanding what you intend to use your motorhome for will help you to determine the best model for you. You should also consider factors like manoeuvrability, fuel efficiency, and storage space.

Maintenance & Repairs

Let’s face it, if you own a motorhome, you’re going to want to make sure that you are carrying out regular maintenance and repairs. Having surfed through many different varieties and models, all listed at different prices, there are a lot of motorhomes out there that you can buy for a relatively low price, as long as you can carry out the necessary maintenance and repairs on it yourself. For this reason, it’s a good idea to research the availability/price of spare parts, their service history, and overall durability. To do this, join a club or research what other motorhome users have said about the particular make or model – you can even gain some great advice and help through connecting with like minded enthusiasts. 

Storage & Parking

Motorhomes are big! It’s pretty likely you won’t be able to park it on the street outside your house without seriously annoying your neighbours. If you have a driveway, this could be a great place to keep your motorhome parked up, however, the best bet is probably to research local storage facilities. It should also be noted that parking when driving a motorhome can be an absolute nightmare, especially if you’re travelling to small, rural locations, so you’re always going to want to plan ahead before embarking on your next adventure.

Test Drives & Inspection

If you’ve found the motorhome of your dreams (not that I’m jealous or anything) it’s so, so important that you take it for a spin before committing to anything. Taking a motorhome out for a test drive before purchasing is essential as it allows you to experience exactly how it handles various terrains, as well as helping you to gauge any potential issues the owner may not have mentioned. Pay attention to factors such as braking, comfort, acceleration, and visibility. You may want to go a step further and have the motorhome you’re interested in inspected by a trusted mechanic to be on the safe side.

Final Thoughts

Owning a motorhome opens up so many opportunities for adventure and excitement, however, it is a big investment that you need to ensure you’re financially ready to make. The factors mentioned in this blog post will help you to choose the right motorhome for you and ensure that your choices align with your intended usage, budget, lifestyle, and travel aspirations. Do you own a motorhome, or are you considering getting one? I’d love to hear more about your motorhome adventures, so please drop a comment below! 

*This is a collaborative post