In the event you’re shopping for a motorhome or campervan, you have already got rather a lot to consider. Nonetheless, there are some widespread errors new patrons make when shopping for a motorhome within the UK. On this submit, I’m going to stroll you thru the 5 most typical errors motorhome patrons make—and methods to keep away from them!
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Suggestions for Shopping for a Motorhome within the UK
I’ve been sharing motorhoming suggestions for years, and sadly I’ve met loads of individuals who remorse their motorhome shopping for choices as a result of they didn’t know what to search for.
While everyone seems to be completely different and has completely different necessities, there are a couple of widespread errors to keep away from and issues to verify earlier than you signal on the dotted line to purchase a motorhome or campervan.
I’ve created a video about these errors:
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Can’t watch the video? No worries- you’ll discover all the data you want under.
MISTAKE 1: Selecting the Flawed Motorhome Structure
The primary widespread mistake most individuals make is selecting the improper structure.
It’s really easy to stroll right into a van at a present or on a forecourt, have a look at all of the sparkly clear surfaces and fall in love. Belief me, I do it at nearly each present I attend, whether or not as a speaker or a buyer.
Nevertheless it’s important that you just ask your self some questions BEFORE and AFTER you assume you’ve discovered ‘the one’.
These questions embrace:
- what number of seat belts do you want?
- Would you like a storage to retailer stuff?
- Would you like a set mattress (to keep away from the faff about making it up each evening) or would you favor a convertible seating space or drop down mattress which provides you extra room through the day?
- Would you like a dinette with a correct desk? How many individuals might be consuming?
- Would you like a rest room with a bathroom and separate bathe, a moist room, or are you cheerful utilizing campsite amenities?
Learn how to keep away from this error
The easiest way to keep away from shopping for the improper motorhome structure is to rent a couple of completely different layouts before you purchase. That method, you’ll begin studying what you want and don’t like.
In the event you can’t rent, I like to recommend visiting a motorhome present, the place you’ll be able to sit inside completely different fashions and picture truly utilizing it on daily basis.
While you’re inside, don’t simply take into consideration journeys throughout sunny summer time days; would you continue to love that structure in the midst of winter or when it’s been raining for days and you may’t sit outdoors?
Take into consideration bedtime and whenever you stand up within the morning? Do you and your accomplice stand up and go to mattress on the identical time? If not, how will the area work? What in the event you’re travelling with youngsters who go to mattress earlier than you?
In order for you an inventory of all of the important issues you’ll want to ask your self, seize the Assured Purchaser Guidelines under.
MISTAKE 2: Ignoring motorhome payload & weight limits
Not understanding your motorhome payload and weight limits is a mistake which catches a great deal of folks out.
In the event you don’t know what payload is, this submit will discuss you thru it:
READ MORE: Motorhome Payload and Weight Limits- all the things you’ll want to know.
Many UK & European motorhomes are constructed to remain below 3,500kg, which suggests anybody can drive them on an ordinary automotive licence. You probably have a C1 class in your licence, you’ll be able to drive automobiles which weigh greater than that, however there’ll nonetheless be a most weight restrict on no matter car you purchase.
A good payload is necessary as a result of it determines hows a lot ‘stuff’ you’ll be able to put in your motorhome, in addition to what number of passengers and pets you’ll be able to carry.
Sadly, payload will get taken up in a short time: a motorbike rack, awning, full tanks of water and gas, meals, garments, a photo voltaic panel and all of your gear- earlier than you realize it you will be over the utmost weight restrict of your car.
Being over the restrict isn’t only a minor difficulty—it’s unlawful. In the event you get stopped and your van’s obese, you possibly can face a wonderful & factors in your licence. Even worse, your insurance coverage might be invalid ought to you’ve an accident.
Learn how to keep away from this error
- Firslty, verify your driving licence— what’s the utmost weight car you’re allowed to drive? in the event you handed after 1997, you’ll must take a C1 licence to drive something over 3,500kg.
- Take a look at the payload over the car you need to purchase and add the weights of all of the folks and pets who might be travelling. How a lot is left? You want about 80kg of payload weight pp at the least, AFTER everyone seems to be on board.
- In the event you’re shopping for a second hand motorhome, do not forget that the earlier proprietor might have added additional package, so the producer’s printed weight isn’t dependable. As a substitute, take it to a weighbridge to be completely positive in your allowance.
Shopping for a Motorhome within the UK MISTAKE 3: Not paying sufficient consideration to motorhome storage
Sounds foolish, however having satisfactory storage in a motorhome is crucial, and plenty of trendy campers simply don’t have sufficient of it.
As a method of decreasing weight (to remain below the 3500kg restrict), some producers have taken out wardrobes and cabinets, leaving a beautiful broad open area which appears nice whenever you stroll in, however isn’t all the time sensible to spend so much of time in, particularly on a protracted journey whenever you take a number of garments and package.
Learn how to keep away from this error
To keep away from purchaser’s regret search for
- storage areas, together with the scale of the wardrobe or clothes space
- the place will you set pots, pans and crockery?
- If there isn’t a set mattress, the place will you retailer the bedding through the day?
- The place will you set meals, glasses, rest room rolls and the million different little issues all of us journey with?
You don’t must plan out each single merchandise, however have a look at every area and what it’s used for and work out if it’s appropriate for you and your plans for the van. If it’s not, transfer on.
Every time you do that, you’ll get higher at recognising which layouts will work greatest for you.
Don’t overlook to obtain your FREE motorhome shopping for guidelines that can assist you get one of the best camper for YOU.
MISTAKE 4: Not Contemplating In a single day Storage & Parking
This one sounds apparent, however you’d be shocked how many individuals don’t take into consideration the place they’re truly going to park their motorhome as soon as they’ve bought it.
There are 3 essential locations folks can retailer a motorhome or camper:
- Driveway
- Road
- Storage unit
If you wish to park your van in your driveway, firstly- does it match? Some driveways simply aren’t broad or lengthy sufficient to park a motorhome on. Will you’ve a most size you’ll want to purchase?
You probably have gates or partitions, are you able to open the doorways correctly as soon as the van’s parked up?
Is on-street parking allowed in your space? Will you want a allow and is there area?
In the event you’re planning to make use of a storage web site, keep in mind that many usually have lengthy ready lists, and they are often dear—something from £70 to over £100 a month. It’s value buying round but it surely is probably not as simple to discover a spot, relying on the place you reside.
Learn how to keep away from this error?
- Take into consideration the place you’ll retailer your car. This might very properly slender your choices for size or top.
- Measure your driveway or verify native parking restrictions earlier than shopping for—sounds daft, but it surely’ll prevent a headache later!
- Lookup storage choices close to you and even put your title on a ready record prematurely—don’t assume you’ll be capable of discover a area final minute.
MISTAKE 5: Underestimating Operating Prices
Many new homeowners underestimate the prices when shopping for a motorhome within the UK. It’s not simply the shopping for worth — you additionally want to consider working prices.
Listed here are some working prices to contemplate:
- Insurance coverage, which is unfortunately getting an increasing number of costly. Clearly, it varies based mostly on age and car, however you’ll be able to count on to pay upwards of £600/ 12 months with no or low proof of no claims.
- Street tax – can differ based mostly on the age of the car.
- Servicing & MOTs – count on to pay round £1,000 per 12 months for normal upkeep and repairs
- Habitation checks – A hab verify seems to be at your fuel, electrics, and damp, checking for points or harm. They value round £200-£400 per 12 months. While not legally required, it’s all the time value getting them accomplished, particularly in the event you dwell in your motorhome or spend a number of time in it.
Plus after all there are issues like gas, breakdown cowl, campsite charges, LPG/ fuel, membership memberships and package.
Suggestions for working prices:
- Getting a number of insurance coverage quotes before you purchase—suppliers can differ massively!
- Setting apart at the least £1,000-£1,500 per 12 months for upkeep and extras.
- In the event you’re shopping for an older van, funds for surprising repairs and demand on a full habitation verify earlier than you buy to keep away from hidden bills, like damp points or rotten flooring.”
FINAL TIPS
So there you go—the 5 greatest errors new motorhome patrons make and methods to keep away from them!
However most significantly, don’t rush—take your time and do your analysis. Salesman are nice at sharing provides or upselling you, however take your time and do loads of analysis. I would like you to like your new motorhome.