Buying A Motorhome Guide

Choosing the right motorhome is a significant decision. Whether you’re planning on exploring the world or considering a new lifestyle on wheels, we’re here to help you make an informed choice. Our guide will walk you through the essentials of buying a motorhome, and we encourage you to consider renting first to truly experience what best suits your needs.

Buying with confidence!

Picking the right motorhome starts with a clear understanding of your needs and lifestyle. Start by listing the essential features for you and distinguishing them from optional extras. Here’s a handy checklist to guide you:

FREQUENCY OF USE

How often do you expect to hit the road? If you’re planning frequent trips, you might need a motorhome that’s both comfortable and durable. If you’re planning longer journeys, you’ll benefit from additional storage space for your gear and accessories. Look for models with ample storage solutions, as well as comfortable living spaces to ensure a pleasant experience on extended travels.

TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Think about where you’ll be going. Will you be exploring hot coastal roads, cold mountain roads or winding country roads? Your motorhome should be able to handle these conditions smoothly.

RUNNING COSTS

What sort of budget do you have for running and maintenance costs? Running and maintenance costs will vary and can depend on how often you use the motorhome, as well as its size, age and type. Remember that as your motorhome gets older your maintenance costs are likely to increase.

NUMBER OF TRAVELLERS

Consider how many people will be joining you. Is it just for you and a partner or will you often have friends or the whole family along? This will affect the size and layout you need and is often when renting provides a better long term solution.

STORAGE NEEDS

Evaluate how much storage space you’ll require for your gear and belongings. This might depend on what activities you plan on doing with your motorhome. Whether it’s for outdoor equipment or personal items, ample storage is key.

DRIVING AND PARKING

Make sure the motorhome is easy to drive and park. Some models can be tricky in tight spots or narrow roads, especially if you’re planning more rural travel.

Renting a motorhome before buying is a great way to test these factors in real-life scenarios. It helps you ensure that the vehicle fits your needs perfectly and makes your decision-making process much smoother.

Understanding Motorhomes

Before diving into specific motorhome types, it’s essential to know what defines a motorhome. A motorhome is a self-contained vehicle designed for both transportation and comfortable living. It typically includes a kitchen, bathroom, sleeping areas and storage. Motorhomes offer the freedom to explore various destinations while enjoying home-like comforts.

Driving Licence Restrictions

Consider the weight and size of the motorhome in relation to your driving licence. If you passed your driving test before January 1, 1997, you can drive motorhomes up to 7,500 kg. If your licence was obtained after this date, you’re limited to motorhomes that weigh less than 3,500 kg. Make sure to choose a motorhome that falls within these limits to ensure it’s compatible with your driving licence.

Different Motorhome Types

Coachbuilts

A-Class and C-Class motorhomes offer a balanced blend of space and comfort, often featuring an overcab area for extra sleeping or storage.

• OVERCAB MOTORHOMES
• LOW PROFILE MOTORHOMES
• A-CLASS MOTORHOMES

Overcab motorhomes are well-suited for families or small groups. The overcab area frees up space, so there is plenty of flexibility in the rest of the layout, whether that’s a larger kitchen and living space or more storage. They provide a comfortable driving experience and are a great option for both short weekend jaunts and big road trips.

PRICE RANGE

From around £30,000 to £90,000

DIMENSIONS

Approximately 9ft high, 28ft long, and 8ft 4in wide

WEIGHT

3 to 5 tonnes

LICENCE REQUIRED

Check specific weight limits for requirements

Typical Features:

• Integrated living area with cab
• Flexible sleeping arrangements
• Additional storage compartments

Advantages:

• Good mix of space and comfort
• Versatile layouts for different needs
• Suitable for families or small groups

Disadvantages:

• Potentially limited payload capacity
• Less aerodynamic, which may impact fuel efficiency
• High centre of gravity means handling can be difficult in wind or at high speeds

These streamlined motorhomes provide a practical and modern design. They are designed for easy manoeuvrability and typically offer a smooth driving experience, making them ideal for longer trips. Some may have an overcab bed, but are more likely to simply offer overcab storage. They make efficient use of space, offering a living area, compact bathroom and kitchen, and potentially fixed beds. They are incredibly versatile and can come with extensive modern features, like entertainment systems and high-quality insulation.

PRICE RANGE

From around £30,000 to £90,000

DIMENSIONS

Approximately 9ft high, 28ft long, and 8ft 4in wide

WEIGHT

3 to 5 tonnes

LICENCE REQUIRED

Check specific weight limits for requirements

Typical Features:

• Lower height and streamlined design
• Smaller, fuel efficient engines
• Efficient use of space

Advantages:

• Sleeker and more aerodynamic for better fuel efficiency
• Head height room
• Practical and easier to manoeuvre

Disadvantages:

• Some models can be as tall as overcabs
• High-end models can be as costly as A-class motorhomes

A-Class motorhomes are the epitome of luxury and spaciousness, providing ample room and comfort for extended road trips. They are akin to what is known as RVs (Recreational Vehicles) in the US, offering a lavish travel experience. In the UK, there are even scaled down versions with 4 beds with used models started at around £60k usually.

PRICE RANGE

from around £80,000 to over £300,000

DIMENSIONS

Approximately 13ft high, 30ft long, and 8ft 6in wide

WEIGHT

Over 3.5 tonnes

LICENCE REQUIRED

Class C or passed licence before 1997

Typical Features:

• Fully-equipped bathroom
• Spacious living areas ideal for families
• Comprehensive kitchen with modern amenities

Advantages:

• High-end interiors with luxurious finishes
• Extensive living space
• Excellent for large families or long trips

Disadvantages:

• Significant initial cost
• Lower fuel efficiency
• Challenging to park and manoeuvre

Van Conversions

These vehicles are practical and compact, making them ideal for short trips or occasional use. There has always been a large market in both aftermarket customisations and bespoke campervan solutions. This results in more personalised styles and functionalities, offering improved solutions from avid campers who best know and understand the requirements of their vans.

• FIXED ROOF
• RISING ROOF
• HIGH ROOF
• MICRO CAMPERS

Fixed roof campervans are vans with a solid, non-adjustable roof. They are ideal for couples or friends where an awning can offer extended camping options. These campervans are easy to drive and manoeuvre, especially for narrower roads. They also double up practically for day-to-day use, with better fuel efficiency than larger motorhomes, and they easily fit into regular parking spots.

PRICE RANGE

£8,000 to £85,000

DIMENSIONS

Approximately 9ft high

WEIGHT

Around 2 tonnes

Advantages:

• Practical for everyday use, short trips and regular garage storage
• Ideal for those with a small budget
• More economical to maintain

Disadvantages:

• Limited interior space, especially head space.
• Less comfort and reduced facilities compared to standard motorhomes
• If you’re buying this to combine your everyday car and your motorhome dream, realise quickly that this will still cost more to drive every day than your car.

Campervans with a pop-up or rising roof are another practical and compact option. The expandable roof provides separate or additional sleeping space, albeit slightly confined. They are perfect for short and cosy stays. The sides of the rising roof are usually made of canvas, which means it doesn’t offer fantastic heat retention, so you’ll need to keep this in mind if you plan trips during colder weather.

PRICE RANGE

£8,000 to £85,000

DIMENSIONS

Approximately 10ft high with roof extended

WEIGHT

Around 2 tonnes

Advantages:

• Easy to drive, park and live with
• Bespoke options and custom products readily available
• Practical for everyday use and short trips

Disadvantages:

• Headroom remains limited
• Less comfort and reduced facilities compared to standard motorhomes
• Less insulation than fixed roof models

A high top campervan provides a solid expanded roof for greater headroom and storage. It may have been manufactured with the high top roof or converted. They come in a variety of sizes and layouts, so you can pick one to suit your needs and budget. More modern high top campervans are often longer vehicles with better facilities, and can sometimes even include bunk beds. They offer a lot of customisation options to suit your needs.

PRICE RANGE

£8,000 to £85,000

DIMENSIONS

Approximately 10ft high

WEIGHT

Around 2 tonnes

Advantages:

• Reasonable headroom
• Better insulation than rising roof campers
• No hassle of putting the roof up and down

Disadvantages:

• Less flexibility in everyday use, such as accessing multi-storey car parks
• Small increase in fuel consumption due to drag of roof
• Space remains limited to the vehicle size

Micro campers are the smallest type of mobile campers, designed to be both compact and functional. They are perfect for those seeking a simple and efficient travel solution for short trips. They minimise what’s included, keeping it to the essentials, meaning you can focus on the outdoors. However, some micro campers still manage to fit in pull-out furniture, minifridges and entertainment systems, so you may still have some comforts.

PRICE RANGE

£4,000 to £30,000

DIMENSIONS

Approximately 6ft 3in high, 15ft 3in long

WEIGHT

About 1.6 tonnes

Advantages:

• Affordable entry-level option and cheaper to maintain
• Easy to drive and park
• Ideal for short trips such as fishing, hiking or surfing

Disadvantages:

• Minimal living space and storage
• Typically designed for brief stays with very basic amenities
• Limited seating can become frustrating at times.

Classic Campervans and Motorhomes

‘Vintage’ or ‘classic’ vehicles can be considered to be any pre-1995 campervans and motorhomes. They can vary from iconic Volkswagen campers to the larger motorhomes of the 1980s. As these are by definition older vehicles, it’s important to thoroughly check the vehicle’s functioning and condition. The prices will vary massively depending on the desirability of the vehicle model, its condition and whether it has been refurbished. You may need to take on some initial refurbishment and will also need to budget for regular repairs.

• VINTAGE CAMPERVANS
• CLASSIC AMERICAN STYLE

Vintage campervans have often been cherished as part of the family and can be great fun for shorter trips. They have a unique style, are usually customisable and therefore highly personalised. They are ideal if you want a vehicle that has a nostalgic feel, with many updated with modern features. While some vintage campervans offer fewer home comforts than modern motorhomes, they have their own attractive charm and you’ll find plenty of enthusiast groups and vehicle shows. These are ideal ways to meet fellow vintage campervan fans and get inspiration or advice about refurbishment and maintenance.

PRICE RANGE

from around £5,000 to £40,000

DIMENSIONS

Around 6ft 4in high, 14ft 5 in long, and 5ft 8in wide

WEIGHT

About 1.5 tonnes

Typical Features:

• Colourful exterior and interior
• Personalised modifications
• Fewer modern features

Advantages:

• Attractive and nostalgic style
• Easy to source parts, especially for popular models
• Hold their value
• Easier to work on

Disadvantages:

• Usually smaller than modern campervans
• Need regular maintenance
• More frequent repair costs than modern motorhomes
• Slower, with less horsepower

Classic American motorhomes (often called RVs) are large and sturdy, with homely living areas and higher roofs than other motorhomes. The perfect symbol for the freedom of the open road, they have powerful engines and are known for their durability. This robustness makes them great for handling various road conditions.

PRICE RANGE

£8,000 to £55,000

DIMENSIONS

Approximately 8ft high, 12 feet long, and 6.3ft wide

WEIGHT

About 2 tonnes

Typical Features:

• Boxy design, built on a sturdy truck or bus chassis
• High roofs and ample living space
• Full kitchen and bathroom

Advantages:

• Large, comfortable interiors make them great for longer trips
• Built to last with quality materials

Disadvantages:

• Large size and weight can make them difficult to manoeuvre
• Poor fuel efficiency

Choosing the Right Motorhome

Selecting the ideal motorhome involves more than just choosing a model you like; it requires a deep dive into your specific needs, budget constraints, and desired features. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the best choice:

Determine Your Needs

NUMBER OF TRAVELLERS

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS

Determine how many people will be travelling and ensure there are enough sleeping berths. Consider different layouts such as fixed beds, convertible sofas or over-cab beds.

LIVING SPACE

Evaluate the living area for comfort, especially if you plan to spend extended periods in the motorhome. Check seating arrangements and dining space to ensure everyone can be accommodated comfortably.

TRAVEL STYLE

LONG-TERM VS.SHORT-TERM USE

If you plan on full-time living or long trips, look for motorhomes with features like ample storage, larger water tanks and high-quality insulation. For occasional trips, you might prioritise a more compact size and ease of manoeuvrability.

SEASONAL TRAVEL

Consider whether you’ll need motorhome winterisation features like a heated water system or air conditioning for hot climates.

VEHICLE SIZE AND TYPE

SIZE AND WEIGHT

Assess whether you are comfortable driving a larger motorhome and if your vehicle licence covers the motorhome’s weight and size. Smaller models are easier to handle and park but might offer less space.

MOTORHOME TYPES

Choose from various types—over-cab, low-profile, A-Class, or conversion vans—based on your space and luxury preferences.

Budget Considerations

INITIAL COST

NEW VS USED

Decide whether to purchase a new vehicle, which comes with warranties and the latest features, or buy a used motorhome, which is often cheaper but might require more inspections and maintenance.

FINANCING

Explore financing options if needed. Compare interest rates, loan terms, and down payment requirements.

ONGOING COSTS

MAINTENANCE

Budget for regular maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations and brake checks. Older motorhomes may have higher maintenance costs.

INSURANCE

Get quotes from different insurance providers to understand coverage options and costs. Insurance can vary based on the motorhome’s value, size and usage.

FUEL

Consider fuel efficiency, especially if you plan on travelling long distances frequently. Larger motorhomes generally consume more fuel.

STORAGE

If you do not have adequate space to store the motorhome when not in use, account for storage fees.

SECURITY

Often overlooked, the cost of security might be as little as having a bollard installed in your drive, up to a GPS security system and cameras.

Features and Layout

INTERIOR DESIGN

KITCHEN

Check the kitchen layout and features, including the size of the fridge, hob, oven and sink. Ensure there is adequate counter space and storage for kitchenware.

BATHROOM

Evaluate the bathroom facilities, including the shower, toilet and sink. Ensure there is sufficient space and that the fixtures are in good working condition.

LIVING AREA

Look for comfortable seating, dining options and, if they matter to you, entertainment systems. Consider the quality of upholstery and overall comfort.

DRIVING AND HANDLING

DRIVING COMFORT

Test drive the motorhome to assess visibility, steering responsiveness and braking. Ensure you are comfortable with the driving position and controls.

HANDLING

Evaluate how the motorhome handles on different types of roads and in various driving conditions. Pay attention to any noise or vibrations.

MANOEUVRABILITY

Consider the turning radius and ease of parking. Larger motorhomes might require more skill and space to manoeuvre.

STORAGE AND ORGANISATION

INTERIOR STORAGE

Check for adequate storage solutions for clothes, food and gear. Look for cabinets, drawers and under-bed storage.

EXTERIOR STORAGE

Assess the availability and accessibility of external storage compartments or racks for larger items like bikes, outdoor gear and tools.

TECHNOLOGY AND COMFORT FEATURES

ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS

Look for features like a built-in TV and DVD player, and sound system. Check for connectivity options such as Wi-Fi or satellite TV

CLIMATE CONTROL

Ensure the motorhome has effective heating and cooling systems, especially if you plan to travel year-round.

SAFETY FEATURES

Check for safety features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control and rearview cameras.

CUSTOMISATIONS AND UPGRADES

MODIFICATIONS

Consider whether you might need to make any modifications to meet your specific needs, such as adding additional storage or upgrading appliances.

AFTERMARKET OPTIONS

Explore available aftermarket options for upgrades and enhancements that might improve comfort or functionality.

Future Considerations

RESALE VALUE

DEPRECIATION

Understand how different models and types of motorhomes depreciate over time. This can affect your long-term investment and the value when you come to sell your motorhome.

SEASONALITY

The time of year can affect resale value. For instance, demand might be higher in spring and summer compared to winter, which may impact the price if you’re not careful.

Warranty and Support

RESALE VALUE

MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY

For new motorhomes, check the length and coverage of the manufacturer’s warranty.

SERVICE AND SUPPORT

Ensure there is a reliable service network for repairs and maintenance.

Try Before You Buy

Renting a motorhome can be an excellent way to experience different models and features before committing to a purchase. At Highwood Motorhomes, we offer a range of rental options that allow you to test out various motorhomes and campervans to find the one that best fits your needs.

Used Motorhome Buyers Checklist

When buying a secondhand motorhome, you should be thorough in your checks to avoid costly repairs and ensure you’re getting a good deal. Here’s a detailed checklist to guide you through the inspection process:

Other considerations

These will obviously differ if you’re buying from a private seller rather than a business. But it’s still sensible to ensure you have considered what happens if something goes wrong, so you have a chance to put plans in place to protect yourself.

INSURANCE

Compare insurance options and understand coverage details. Check on any restrictions, such as where the vehicle is stored, types of security systems, along with basic steps like getting EU cover should you wish to cross the Channel.

STAYING WITHIN BUDGET

Factor in all costs to avoid overspending. Before you finalise your decision, go back to your requirements checklist and make sure you’re not forgetting or overlooking anything.

BREAKDOWN COVER

Whilst it’s frustrating, it’s worth making sure you’re covered if your motorhome breaks down. It’s important to check both the type of recovery and where you’re covered.

WARRANTY

Should you encounter any issues with your new motorhome, you need to understand what the warranty covers, but also do some research and check your consumer rights too. With such a large purchase it’s worth taking a little more time to look into what protections you have before spending any additional money.