So now that you have made the decision to purchase a vehicle, which could afford you the option of travelling without a timetable or agenda. Where to buy a new motorhome might be a question, you ponder. Generally, it is prudent to shop locally as this facilitates ease of access for viewing visits and is usually more convenient for any after-sale services required. However, if your main aim is to travel around Europe, then it could make sense to purchase the vehicle on the Continent. As each European country seems to have a different gas for motorhomes, it might make further good sense to buy in the country you wish to tour.

If you plan to live in the UK but use the vehicle solely abroad, looking at the storage possibilities when it is not in use is essential. The larger the motorhome, the more specialist the storage facilities need to be. With the option of early retirement and the subsequent increase in leisure time, many Brits have decided to spend the kids’ inheritance and enjoy touring around the USA and Canada having bought motorhomes for this purpose. Benefiting from the winter sun in Spain is also very popular and living in a motorhome gives the choice of relocating to different resorts rather than being static.

There are a number of dealerships around the UK, which specialise in the sale of new and used motorhomes. Some may also offer the option of hiring models out for weekends or longer before you commit to the sale. Most reputable dealers will give the buyer a comprehensive hand over, fully demonstrating all the equipment. They should ensure that the new owner is completely familiarized with the motorhome before leaving the dealership.

It can be possible to place an order for a new motorhome directly with the manufacturer as many have their own websites. Some have trade stands at specialist exhibitions and motor shows and are willing to accept orders directly from the public. This is often the case for high-end specifications required in the A-class.

Regardless of your choice of where to buy a new motor home, you should always haggle when purchasing. Not just on the price but also on those extras that may not be included in the price, for example, a filling hose. Alternatively, perhaps you would like the supply and fitting of a bike rack or awning included within the price. Take your time when selecting your new motorhome and your time when striking a deal that is suitable for you.

There is normally a used campervan in the market place to suit most budgets and design preference. As with all purchases, information is power, so plenty of research before you commence your purchasing trip could be the key when buying a used campervan. Make a list of wants and sort these into ‘must haves’ and ‘would be nice’. Do not be too ridged or unrealistic with your ‘wish list’. After all, the campervan will be second-hand and its condition should reflect its age and mileage. It might be disappointing and expensive to refuse a campervan with low mileage and full service history in favour or a less sound vehicle based on its interior layout!

When buying a used campervan, always view your would-be purchase in good daylight conditions, as this should make detecting flaws easier. Look for cracks on the outside, sun damage, knocks, scrapes etc and check the seals and trims. Look at the chassis and inspect underneath the vehicle. Inside, check the cupboards, handles, carpets, upholstery and beware of over personalisation of the interior. Ensure that there are no signs of damp. It normally has a distinctive smell and mildew is often present in corners and cupboards. An inexpensive damp meter could assist with this.

Test all the electrical and gas equipment, making sure that the seller fully demonstrates every single feature is in good working order and that they all operate from a hook up. Always take the campervan for a test drive, ensuring that you drive down both town and country roads. Also, try parking it and turning it around so that you are fully comfortable with its degree of manoeuvrability.

If buying privately, always insist on viewing the campervan at the seller’s home address so that you can verify ownership. Insist on seeing full documentation and check the chassis and engine numbers. Motoring organisations, for example, the RAC and AA, offer on-line history checks, full inspection and road tests. Be aware that a private seller does not have to make a statement regarding the vehicles condition. However, they are legally obliged to answer truthfully any specific vehicle related question. If you are buying a used campervan from a dealer, they are duty bound to ensure everything is in safe working order and many provide a guarantee with the sale. Some dealers also offer part exchange deals and provide finance arrangements.

Regardless of whom you approach, it is often sensible to shop locally. This not only makes the travelling to view easier but also any after-sales visits more convenient. Also, when buying a used campervan, always haggle. Not just on the price but also for extra items that may not be included in the selling price.

Fancy owning a motorhome but you find the choice quite overwhelming. There certainly appears to be a vast range of models, layouts and size to suit most budgets and a quick guide to motorhomes could be useful. To start with, it might help if you quantify for what purpose you wish to use the motorhome. If day trips or the ability to overnight somewhere, perhaps at a festival, are what you seek then you may wish to consider the B-class motor homes. These are also known as campervans or day-vans and are normally panels vans, for example a Ford Transit, fitted out as a motorhome by the manufacturer.

If your plans are for more than day trips, a C-class motorhome might be appropriate. These are chassis cab conversions known as coach-built and have purpose built ‘caravan’ body attachments. If they have a bed area over the cab, they are referred to as over-cabs and those without this area and with a lower roofline are called low profile.

The final category in this quick guide to motorhomes, is the A-class. These are invariably built to order by the manufacturer and are normally very stylish in body design, roomy and with practical features. A-class could suit those who wish spend longer periods travelling, perhaps catching the winter sun in Spain. In the UK, the maximum length for a motorhome is 12m with 6m being the benchmark between medium and large. Most insurance, recovery packages, ferry and road tolls cater for the 6m vehicle. This, plus the increased running costs and lack of manoeuvrability, should be fully understood and compared between the varying sized motorhomes.

The generosity of the payload is an important factor in the quick guide to motorhomes. It is the difference between an empty motorhome and its MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass). The greater the payload the more scope you have of packing heavy equipment and luggage. There is a chart available so that you can compare the varying payloads. The overhang of a motorhome is also important; the legal limit is 60%, measured from the middle of the rear wheel to the back of the vehicle. This could easily be exceeded if a bike rack and bikes are attached, so too the axle weight limit.

Finally in this quick guide to motorhomes is the extremely important factor - you! Does your licence allow you to drive a motorhome? If you past your driving test before 1 January 1997 are under 70 years old and have no medical conditions, then you may drive a motor home with 7500kg MTPLM and 8250kg with a trailer. If you obtained your licence after this date or are over 70 years old, then the limits of 3500kg MTPLM and 4250kg with trailer apply.

Having the ability to enjoy pastimes for longer and with additional comfort could be made possible by using a vehicle such as a campervan. If home away from home whilst travelling appeals to you, then the following information and tips on buying a new campervan might be of value.

A campervan, or day-van, is referred to as a B-class motorhome, are panels vans converted by the manufacturer into motorhomes. There is a selection of vehicles within this category to suit a range of budgets, storage and layout preferences, so it could be prudent to take your time and do some research before committing to a purchase. It is possible to do this research on-line, or if you prefer by perusing specialist magazines. Often campervan owners are very keen to chat about their vehicles and you might obtain valuable pointers about the practical characteristics of certain models that may help you decide.

Visiting a motorhome show would allow you to view first-hand a good range of new campervan models. Try looking for models with generous payloads, especially if your plans involve the inclusion of heavy equipment in your luggage. Also, give the overhang some consideration. Having a bike rack and bikes could easily have your vehicle exceed the 60% maximum, plus the weight limit for the rear axle.

Once you are certain that a new campervan is for you, pay a visit to your local dealer. Shopping locally does not just make the purchasing visit easier but also any after-sale visits and servicing, more convenient. Once there, again take your time, take hours to view if you feel it necessary. Have the sales representative fully demonstrate all the features and accessories. Take the vehicle for a test drive, making sure that you travel down both country lanes and town roads. Always try parallel parking the vehicle and ensure you are fully comfortable with its degree of manoeuvrability. If you are still not sure, why not hire a particular model for a weekend or holiday.

Never rush your purchase and do not be pressurised by any time-limited deals. In fact, if you are requiring finance for your purchase then fully explore and compare the options available from other providers besides those offered by the dealer. Some dealers will accept part-exchange, which may include cars and boats. However, once you have made your choice, then haggle! Not just on the price but also on the extras, for example, hook-up leads which may not be included in the price. These are just a few tips on buying a new campervan, which might lead to many years of happy campervan ownership.