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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As with car insurance, there are a number of factors that could influence the cost of the premiums, for example; the make and model; the vehicle’s age, its engine size, annual mileage and where it will be stored when not in use. The fitting of an alarm and or an immobiliser, and perhaps having your motor home electronically tagged could help reduce the price of premiums. The age of the drivers and any no claim discount, also the amount of excess you are prepared to pay could also affect the price. Some insurance companies offer special deals if you already insure a car with then, making the motor home your second vehicle, or if you already have home insurance with the provider. Membership of certain motor home clubs and organisations can yield a discount, sometimes as much as 15%.

Besides looking for the best price, the amount of cover is also important. Cheap insurance is worthless if it does not provide the degree of cover required. It could be inconvenient if an accident occurs whilst on holiday and the recovery costs are not covered, especially if it happened overseas. It might be horrendous if the insurance did not cover the delivery to the repairer and then back to you or your home, and the cost of any temporary accommodation required.

Having your policy cover, the contents as well as the actual motor home, replacing the contents new for old, may well be advisable. Could you afford to replace stolen items, especially whilst on holiday or cope with the hassle of organising a repair after an accident? Getting the right motor home insurance for your motor home could remove these worries, allowing you to enjoy your motor home with confidence.

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.

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.

Ensure that you have packed all the necessary habitation equipment. For example, it might be difficult to power anything that requires electricity without a leisure battery or the main electric hook-up lead. How could you boil a kettle for tea or cook a meal if you have forgotten the gas tank or allowed it to run empty? If you plan to travel during a national holiday or in an area where the availability of gas supplies could be reduced, then it might be sensible to make sure you have enough gas for the whole trip. This could be especially important if you are travelling in Europe, as each country seems to have its own gas suppliers and bottles making the refilling or exchanging of gas containers impossible.

Forgetting to fill the fresh water container, or worse still, forgetting it completely or any of its components such as the submersible pump and connections, could make any impromptu stop for a drink unfeasible. Even having a wash within the campervan might be difficult without fresh water and may be virtually impossible if the wastewater container and connecting pipe were left behind.

It rather defeats the object of being able to travel freely around if you must stay in campsites that can provide the facilities your oversight has denied you. Especially so if it is the chemical toilet you have forgotten! You could reduce the risk of neglecting to include these essential items for your campervan when preparing for a trip by composing a checklist in advance. In this way even the little essential things like the spare wheel and jack, the tiny portable step, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and the rear registration plate for the bike rack, could be less likely forgotten.