buy a motorhome
An RV is likely to be one of the most expensive items you’ll ever buy. And, like anything else, it’s important to make sure your new purchase is the right motorhome for you.
The first decision you will probably have to make is whether to buy a new motorhome or a used motorhome. Obviously, this decision will be largely governed by your budget. Keep in mind that any motorhome you buy will cost you thousands of pounds, but remember that you are not buying a van, you are buying a house. Motorhomes include kitchen appliances, a shower or bathtub, and a toilet, all of which must withstand the rigors of traffic and function perfectly once you arrive at your destination and need to use them.
What size motorhome should I buy?
Size Matters! This is not to say that you should buy the biggest RV that fits your budget; no, you must purchase the mobile home that fits your intended use. If your main reason for owning a motorhome is for the weekends, then you probably don’t need a monster. But, if you plan on taking your motorhome with you for several months at a time, you’ll definitely want a larger vehicle.
Law of seat belts and Motorhomes
Also take into account the number of passengers you will want to take with you. Motorhome seat belt law is confusing. The driver and any front passenger must wear a seat belt. Passengers in the rear must wear seat belts if available and must be in forward-facing seats. This is further complicated, as motorhomes without seatbelts can carry passengers in the rear without a seatbelt (although they can still stop and book you if the police deem your situation unsafe). Also, if there is only one seat belt in the back, you can only carry one passenger, regardless of the fact that if there were no seat belts, you could carry more passengers… Confused? Yes, we are too, but we feel the best and safest advice is for all passengers to wear a seat belt and sit in the forward-facing positions, as wearing a seat belt in a side-facing seat can be dangerous. dangerous in the event of a frontal collision, so you should do it. be avoided
sleeping arrangements
Consideration should be given to the size of sleeping arrangements. If you’re only going to be away for short periods, perhaps only sleeping in your motorhome a night or two at a time, then your sleeping arrangements can be modest. If, on the other end of the spectrum, you plan to take your campervan with you for long periods of time, or even plan to live in it full time, then you’ll need a better mattress and bed. Also, do you need more than one bed? Will you be carrying passengers or will the motorhome be just for a couple? Will you want the flexibility to “make” a bed if necessary? Also think about the future here, are your circumstances likely to change? Could your family grow? Are there children or grandchildren on the horizon? Alternatively, are your teenage children about to fly the nest and are unlikely to vacation with you again?
Storage space
Once again, this consideration will be made based on what you need. Will you want to hang the clothes, for example? Does the closet accommodate this? Will there be enough space for both you and your partner’s clothes? What about shoe storage? Again, if you are going to be using the RV for longer periods of time, you will likely need more storage space. Also, check that drawers, cupboards and other storage units close properly, and have something in place to prevent them from opening when you drive the motorhome – the last thing you want when you arrive at your destination is to have to tidy up! Make sure the kitchen has the space you need; again this depends on the intended use of the motorhome.
Ask yourself what kind of food you will prepare, will you need an oven? Will a hob, kettle, microwave and toaster do the trick? What size fridge do you really need? Will you need a freezer? Does the kitchen have enough storage space for food and cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery and cleaning equipment? Again, if you’ll be away for longer periods of time, you’ll need more. Is the bathroom of a sufficient size? If you plan to stay in campsites with washing facilities, how often will you actually use the bathroom? If you will be staying in places without washing facilities, you will need to use your bathroom on board. Another important tip is to check the size of your water heater: if it’s not big enough, you (or your partner) will have to take a cold shower!
Weight and size
Some medical conditions prevent you from driving large vehicles, so check that you can drive the vehicle legally and safely. Also keep in mind where you will be driving this vehicle. If you’re going to be driving on narrow country roads, the huge RV you like may not be the RV for you. Get the right balance between the storage space you need and the type of roads you’ll be driving on. There’s no point in buying a motorhome if you’re afraid to drive it because it’s unwieldy and difficult to drive – how much pleasure can you have in a vehicle you hate to drive?
And finally…
Don’t forget to insure your motorhome! Buying the right insurance for your vehicle and lifestyle couldn’t be easier with online quote forms, friendly staff on the other end of the phone, and knowledgeable motorhome insurance brokers to get you the right policy at the right price.
