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.

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 decided to buy a motor home, you are probably vexed by the question of ‘what size motor home should I buy?’ The answer might lay in for what you hope to use the motor home. If you wish to use the vehicle for weekends away or to attend festivals etc. then a B-class might suffice. These are also known as day-vans or campervans and are generally panel vans fitted out as motor homes.

C-class is chassis cab conversions with a caravan body and is often known as coach-built. If it has a bedroom over the cab area, it is called an ‘over-cab’. If not and has a lower roofline, then it is called ‘low-profile’. This class of motor home might suit someone planning to enjoy longer periods touring and requires more room than that offered by a B-class.

The largest is the A-class, which is coach shaped with smooth bodylines and is normally very roomy. Generally, the ‘compact’, which is in this class, is about 6m long, which is the benchmark between medium and large. If you plan to spend longer periods in your motor home, perhaps months catching the winter sun in Spain, then it could be deemed wise to buy something larger to yield more comfort.

If you plan to tour in the UK then it could be prudent to be aware that the maximum motor home size permissible is 12m long and 2.55m wide (39’4” x 8’4”). However, most campsite entrances, ferries, road tolls, recovery prices and insurance are fixed for the 6m motor home. Therefore, anything greater than 6m may pose problems that outweigh the benefits of its larger living space.

Not only do you need to consider the living space within but also what you plan to take with you so look at the payload information for each motor home. This is the difference between the MTPLM (maximum technically permissible laden mass - the legal maximum weight including all equipment and occupants) and the empty motor home. There is a chart available to allow you to compare payload details.

If you plan to have a tow bar or bike rack on the rear of your vehicle then the overhang needs to be 55% or under to allow for this. The maximum legal length 60% and it is measured from the centre of the rear wheel to the rear of the motor home. Thought might also be given to the axle weights permissible for the motor home. Traffic police rarely tolerate overloading and it could lead to trouble with the law.

As you can see, there are lots to consider when deciding ‘what size motor home should I buy’. Therefore, it might be helpful to visit motor home shows, relevant internet sites, read enthusiasts magazines or simply talk to motor home owners to assist you with your decision.

Probably the key factor to consider when choosing the right motor home for your needs is you. You should be buying a motor home for you and not friends and family who will no doubt love to use the vehicle. Therefore, ask yourself, what do you wish your motor home to provide?

If you wish to use it for weekends away or to make day trips more comfortable, then perhaps you could chose something at the smaller end of the size range, like a campervan. If more room is required and a greater capacity for carrying luggage, then a motor home in the C-class range might suffice. These are chassis cab conversions with a purpose built caravan body attached.

If you plan to tour for lengthy periods, perhaps catching the winter sun in Spain for instance, then an A-class motor home, which is coach shaped and usually has plenty of living space within might fulfil your requirements.

Any increase in living space tends to reduce the vehicle’s manoeuvrability and increases its running costs. In the UK, the maximum permissible size of a motor home is 12m long and 2.55m wide. A length of 6m is generally deemed the benchmark between medium and large with most campsites, road tolls, ferries, recovery packages and insurance, catering for this sized motor home. Anything larger than this could pose problems with parking and manoeuvrability.

The design of motor home interiors is constantly evolving, creating a wide range of layouts from which to choose. You might start your choice process by considering how many people will be travelling in the vehicle at any one time. Ensure that there are adequate seat belts and berths for the intended occupants. Also, evaluate the various shaped lounges available. For example, both rear U and L shaped lounges make rear seat travel undesirable but both offer very sociable and spacious living areas when stationery.
The kitchen should be just big enough to prepare a meal and aim for at least 80-litre capacity for the fridge. A motor home without a toilet or shower facilities is not adequate for most people so that might be a necessary requirement on your criteria. Although certain items you may wish not to compromise on, it might be sensible to be as flexible as possible with everything else, as being adaptable might make choosing the right motor home for your needs easier and more enjoyable.

Hiring a motor home could provide you with the opportunity to experience the freedom of being able to tour the country. You could enjoy the delights of freely travelling in your own ‘home’ from ‘home’, independently without the constraints of a timetable. It might also be a good way of test-driving a motor home before you decide to buy one. It could ensure that the motor home and this style of holiday are as you imagined and right for you.

There are a number of reputable motor home hire companies in the UK or alternatively, you could approach an owner’s network. These are organisations, which match up owners wishing to hire out their motor homes with people looking to hire. However, before approaching a hire company or network, it is prudent to have some idea what you require from the motor home. Whether you plan to tour the countryside or attend a festival, the number and age of the occupants etc. You do not need to know the type, make or model, as trained staff will allocate the most suitable vehicle to meet your needs. Unless of course you are using the hire to road test a particular motor home before buying!

A full demonstration of how all the equipment and accessories operate, and a test drive is generally given. This ensures that you are completely familiar with the vehicle and its components before the commencement of the hire period. The hirers should also verify that the driver of the hired motor home has the appropriate driving licence. Drivers with no medical conditions who passed their driving test before 1st January 1997 are allowed to drive a motor home with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 7500kg or 8250kg if there is a trailer. If the test was passed after this date or you are 70 years of age or over, then a lower limit of 3500kg MAM or 4250kg with trailer is applicable. To drive anything heavier requires an additional driving test.

The hire cost often reflects the time of year, hire period and the size of motor home, it also usually includes breakdown cover and insurance and often a 24-hour help line. However, it might be possible to negotiate a better deal on either price or the inclusion of extras. Try asking when you enquire about hiring a motor home and do not be afraid to haggle.

The option of being able to tour wherever you fancy within reason, with no real agenda or timetable, is certainly very appealing to an increasing number of people. Going on holiday with your motor home could provide you with this opportunity, allowing you to travel in a ‘home’ from ‘home’ environment. All you really need to do is decide where you fancy exploring.

There are many campsites in Europe and the UK, which can accommodate motor homes. It is possible to obtain a listing of these sites from various specialist magazines and enthusiasts club websites. This will enable you to plan your journey and book ahead if you so fancy. Generally, the appeal of going on holiday with your motor home is the ability to travel without an itinerary and off the usual tourist route.

There are thousands of campsites across Europe catering for a variety of tastes and budgets. Plenty of campsites are open all year and can accommodate the longer stay visitor. For example, Spain is a popular winter destination for those motor homers wishing to enjoy the winter sun. It has many sites in the south catering for the long stay winter visitor.

Campsites are not the only option when travelling through Europe as there are over 6000 camper-stops, known in France as ‘aire de service’. These are special places for motor homes and campervans only, permitting them to stop over for a few nights. The sites are sometimes situated in some fabulous locations and have facilities for dumping and replenishing water tanks often free of charge.

Going on holiday with your motor home, especially in Europe, could allow you to experience ‘free camping’ also known as ‘free-park’. This is legal or at least tolerated in most European countries and offers the chance to be truly free to travel and stop as you wish and without paying a campsite fee. However, it could be unwise to head off to Europe without first obtaining accurate information regarding the location of camper-stops and free-camping possibilities and what is tolerated and where. Again, there is specialist literature available and often motor home clubs could assist with this allowing you to make informed decisions regarding locations and fully enjoy your holiday.

Deciding to purchase a motor home does not have to be expensive as there are generally a number of perfectly adequate second-hand models available. As with buying any used vehicle, it is probably wise to have some knowledge regarding the subject before starting your search and committing to a sale. Following are some general tips on buying a used motor home, which may prove useful.

Identifying what you wish to use the motor home for will help you select its class, size and model. Also, if you passed your driving test before 1 January 1997, have no medical conditions and are under 70 years old then you are permitted to drive a motor home with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 7500kg or 8250kg if there is also a trailer. If you passed after this date then the weight limits are considerably reduced to 3500kg MAM or 4250kg with a trailer. If you are over 70 years of age then the lower limit is applicable regardless when you passed your test.

Make a list of the desirable items you wish the vehicle to include. Although certain items are deemed essential, for example a comfortable bed plus toilet and shower facilities especially if you plan to spend more than a few days living in your motor home. Others items are not so important and it could be helpful if you are not too ridged with your list.

Deciding where to buy is generally a case of either buying privately or going to a dealer. Buying from a private seller is normally cheaper but the vehicle is sold as seen and without any guarantees. However, if the vehicle is relatively new, the manufacturer’s warranty might be transferable to the new owner. Buying from a reputable dealer might be more expensive but they are legally bound to disclose all the details pertaining to the vehicle’s condition and often give a guarantee. This does not apply to a private seller but they are legally bound to answer all the buyers’ questions truthfully. Should you choose to buy privately, you should always view the motor home at the seller’s home address so that you can verify the paperwork and the vehicles details, motoring organisations as the RAC and AA offer online history checks plus other services for the buyer. Regardless of whom you buy your used motor home from, buying locally is generally accepted to be prudent. This not only cuts done on time and distance when looking but also could make any after sale issues easier to resolve.

Most people spend more time in their motor home than in their car, therefore, it might be a wise to take your time when buying. Try everything out and have the seller show you how to operate all the equipment and accessories, ensuring everything are in good working order. Look for scuffs and scratches on the bodywork, wear and tear on its interior. To make this easier, try to always view in good weather conditions and in daylight. Thoroughly check for any signs of damp, it has a distinctive smell but if you are uncertain, a damp meter could prove helpful. Have a test drive of the vehicle, not only down country roads but also around town and try parking it. Finally, haggle. Not just on price but on the inclusion of accessories etc whenever possible to get a better deal. These are just some tips on buying a used motor home that may help you to make a successful purchase.

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.