Generally, as a guide to motorhomes, they come is a variety of size, shape and design and of a price range that should suit most budgets. They can be used for an assortment of purposes; from living in for months at a time to just weekends and daytrips, and can be seen as a viable alternative to camping and staying in motels should a touring holiday be desired.

The majority of motorhomes come in three categories; A-Class, which are coach-shaped, B-Class, which are converted panel vans and are often known as campervans or day-vans and C-Class which are cab conversions with a caravan body attached. The manufacturers mostly use light commercial vehicle engine and chassis for the basis for their motorhome constructions.

However, the guide to motorhomes does not stop there as they can be further sub-divided and their categories known by other names.

‘Compact’ is the smallest of the A-Class motorhomes and is generally less than 6m in length. It can provide similar manoeuvrability as the campervans but with a larger layout. In the UK, A-Class motorhomes can be up to 12m long and 2.55m wide and can be very roomy and comfortable but at the expense of being easy to manoeuvre. These larger models are often built to order.

‘Micros’ are petite motorhomes and are the smallest of the B-Class or campervan. They are normally large enough for two adults and can be enlarged by the fixing of an annexe. They often do not contain a toilet or washroom. The normal sized van conversion often has washing and toilet facilities within. It has a higher fixed roof and can have a pop-up roof to increase the internal size when parked.

In the C-Class, the living area is built upon the chassis in the form of a caravan body. There is the ‘Coach-built’ which are also known as ‘over-cabs’ as they have a bed area built over the cab. Then there is the ‘low-profile’, which does not have a bed over the cab and has a lower roofline.

When viewing a guide to motorhomes, how much luggage and the number of people you wish to carry in the vehicle may define your choice. Motorhomes have varying payloads, which can easily be compared using a chart that is freely available from most motorhome clubs and some specialist publications. The overhang must also be considered. In the UK, the maximum overhang permissible is 60% but ideally, 55% would be better to allow for tow-bars and bike racks. The permissible maximum axle weights of various motorhomes are another attribute to be reviewed. All these figures should be specified on the weight plate attached to each motorhome.

When considering where to buy a second-hand motorhome you will probably be faced with the choice of buying either from a dealership or privately. If you decide upon a reputable dealer, then you can expect to pay more for your motorhome but it will invariably come with some sort of guarantee from the dealer.

Dealers are legally bound to disclose all details regarding the vehicle and to ensure that everything is safe and in working order. A private seller does not have to do this but when asked a specific question by the would-be buyer, must answer truthfully. If buying privately, always view the motorhome at the seller’s home address so that you can check the registered address on the documents.

However, regardless of whom you buy the motorhome from, the manufacturer’s guarantee maybe transferable if it is only a couple of years old. A factor you might wish to consider when deciding on the age of the vehicle you are looking to purchase.

Apart from of the type of seller you choose, it is often deemed prudent to buy locally. This can make travelling to view the motorhomes and any after-sales requirements, less of a hassle. If possible, always ensure that you view in daylight and good weather; this can make judging the general condition of the vehicle easier. Cracks, scuffs and sun damage on the outer bodywork are often more apparent in favourable conditions. Always check for damp by its distinctive smell and by looking for signs of mildew and moisture marks etc. Damp meters are regularly inexpensive and can assist with detection.

Check for signs of wear on carpets and upholstery and make sure everything that is present is in good working order. Have the seller demonstrate everything and take your time when viewing. Spending a couple of hours in the vehicle could help you judge if the vehicle’s space and layout are suitable for your needs. It is considered sensible to take the motorhome for a test drive, driving along country lanes as well as town roads. Park it a couple of times and negotiate tight turns and corners, to ensure that you are fully comfortable with its handling.

The general wear and tear of a motorhome should reflect its age and mileage and the selling price accordingly. However, a reduced price or a better deal maybe obtained if the buyer haggles. Many additional extras like the gas hook-up lead are not always included in the price, so a little bargaining may expand on what is included.
If buying from a dealer, it maybe advantageous to enquire if they are prepared to offer a part-exchange.

Some dealerships will take cars, motorbikes and boats as part-exchange items. Also, some offer finance packages but should finance be required, then better deals could be obtained from other finance providers and the market should be fully explored before making a commitment. These are some of the things that ought to be considered when deciding where to buy a second-hand motorhome.

Facing the challenge of finding the best motorhome for your needs can be quite daunting. You could start by identifying what you wish to do with the motorhome. Are you going to tour for months on end or just for a couple of weeks? Do you require it for just weekends, perhaps making outings to festivals and sporting events a little more comfortable? How many will be travelling and sleeping in the vehicle? Answering these questions may give you an idea on size and possible layout of the vehicle.

It is doubtless wise to do plenty of research before buying a motorhome to avoid disappointment and unnecessary expense. There are a number of specialist magazines available and looking on the internet might be an option. Attending motorhome shows and exhibitions so you can inspect the vehicles first-hand, even viewing the range offered at a dealership, could help you quantify your choice. However, if you are planning to hire, then finding the best motorhome for your needs is not such a dilemma, as the staff of any reputable hire centre will match their most suitable motorhome to your requirements.

Besides being swayed by the aesthetics of a motorhome, its practical and technical attributes should also be considered. The largest legally allowed motorhome permissible in the UK is 12m long by 2.55m wide. However, most campsite, ferries, road tolls, insurance and recovery packages are based on motorhomes of 6m in length, which is the benchmark between medium and large. Its running costs, the choice of fuel and availability of parts, ought to be considered along with its manoeuvrability.

A very important factor that should never be overlooked when finding the best motorhome for your needs is the payload capacity. This is the difference between the MIRO (Mass in Running Order), the entire manufactured weight, including all the essential equipment for operating and making the motorhome habitable, less the MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass) its legal maximum weight that includes all the occupants. There is a chart available to assist you when comparing the various motorhome payload details, as currently there is no universal interpretation of the MIRO regulations between manufacturers.

Another factor is the overhang of your motorhome, the legally permissible overhang in the UK is 60%. However, 55% is deemed more desirable to allow for tow-bars and bike racks. Do not forget that 200-300kg of motorbike on the back of a motorhome not only adds to the payload but also can exceed the permitted rear axle weight. Failure to adhere to payload limitations could lead to serious trouble with the road traffic police and the Law. Therefore, storage is not the only consideration when thinking exactly how much you are going to pack into your motorhome!

The choice of layout is often a personal thing, but it may be wise to remember that as the motorhome is probably going to be used for pleasure, the kitchen should be just big enough to prepare a simple meal and it would most likely be inadequate if there were not a separate toilet and shower. The design of motorhomes is constantly evolving, so try not being too inflexible with your specification when you attempt finding the best motorhome for your needs.

Do you fancy a holiday where you can enjoy the freedom of travelling without a schedule? This could be possible when using a motorhome, the comfort of having your own ‘home’ and its belongings with you whilst away from ‘home’. You may not be ready to purchase your own motorhome, so hiring one could prove to be the answer.

There are many hire centres within the UK, which include or can specialise in, the hiring of motorhomes. Before approaching a hire centre, you need to have an idea of what you want the motorhome to provide. Are you going on a touring holiday in the UK or just a weekend away at a festival for example? How many people will be travelling and sleeping in the vehicle. If you are unsure which type of motorhome to hire, there is no need to worry, as the staff at these hire centres will match a vehicle to best suit your needs. Reputable hire centres will also fully demonstrate all the equipment and accessories and give you a hand over period, so that you are familiar with the vehicle before commencing the hire.

These centres will also ensure that the driver of the hired motorhome has the appropriate driving licence. If you are less than 70 years of age, have no medical conditions and passed your driving test before the 1st January 1997, then you are allowed to drive a motorhome with a MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) or MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass) of 7500kg or 8250kg with a trailer. If you passed your driving test after this date or are older than 70 years old, then a MAM of 3500kg and 4250kg with a trailer applies. To drive anything heavier requires an additional driving test.

The class and size of the motorhome, plus the time of year and length of the hire period, could determine the hire price. It may be possible to negotiate a better price or a deal that includes extras, the key is to ask when enquiring.

An alternative to hire centres is to use an owner’s network. These organisations match up owners of motorhomes who wish to hire out their vehicles when they are not using them, with people looking to hire. The network attempts to ensure they match the hirer’s requirements with the most suitable motor home in their area. These networks and hire centres are also found outside the UK allowing you to enjoy touring abroad, making hiring a motorhome a real option as part of your holiday and a taster should you decide to buy a motorhome in the future.