In case you’re shopping for a motorhome or campervan, you have already got rather a lot to consider. Nevertheless, there are some frequent errors new patrons make when shopping for a motorhome within the UK. On this put up, I’m going to stroll you thru the 5 most typical errors motorhome patrons make—and how one can keep away from them!
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Suggestions for Shopping for a Motorhome within the UK
I’ve been sharing motorhoming ideas for years, and sadly I’ve met loads of individuals who remorse their motorhome shopping for choices as a result of they didn’t know what to search for.
While everyone seems to be completely different and has completely different necessities, there are a number of frequent errors to keep away from and issues to test earlier than you signal on the dotted line to purchase a motorhome or campervan.
I’ve created a video about these errors:
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Can’t watch the video? No worries- you’ll discover all the data you want beneath.
MISTAKE 1: Selecting the Mistaken Motorhome Format
The primary frequent mistake most individuals make is selecting the mistaken structure.
It’s really easy to stroll right into a van at a present or on a forecourt, take a look at all of the sparkly clear surfaces and fall in love. Belief me, I do it at nearly each present I attend, whether or not as a speaker or a buyer.
However it’s important that you simply ask your self some questions BEFORE and AFTER you suppose you’ve discovered ‘the one’.
These questions embrace:
- what number of seat belts do you want?
- Would you like a storage to retailer stuff?
- Would you like a hard and fast mattress (to keep away from the faff about making it up each evening) or would you like a convertible seating space or drop down mattress which supplies you extra room throughout the day?
- Would you like a dinette with a correct desk? How many individuals will likely be consuming?
- Would you like a rest room with a rest room and separate bathe, a moist room, or are you content utilizing campsite services?
keep away from this error
The easiest way to keep away from shopping for the mistaken motorhome structure is to rent a number of completely different layouts before you purchase. That approach, you’ll begin studying what you want and don’t like.
In case you can’t rent, I like to recommend visiting a motorhome present, the place you’ll be able to sit inside completely different fashions and picture really utilizing it day by day.
While you’re inside, don’t simply take into consideration journeys throughout sunny summer season days; would you continue to love that structure in the midst of winter or when it’s been raining for days and you’ll’t sit outdoors?
Take into consideration bedtime and whenever you rise up within the morning? Do you and your accomplice rise up and go to mattress on the identical time? If not, how will the house work? What if you happen to’re travelling with youngsters who go to mattress earlier than you?
If you would like an inventory of all of the important issues you have to ask your self, seize the Assured Purchaser Guidelines beneath.
MISTAKE 2: Ignoring motorhome payload & weight limits
Not understanding your motorhome payload and weight limits is a mistake which catches a great deal of individuals out.
In case you don’t know what payload is, this put up will speak you thru it:
READ MORE: Motorhome Payload and Weight Limits- all the things you have to know.
Many UK & European motorhomes are constructed to remain below 3,500kg, which implies anybody can drive them on an ordinary automobile licence. In case you have a C1 class in your licence, you’ll be able to drive automobiles which weigh greater than that, however there’ll nonetheless be a most weight restrict on no matter car you purchase.
An honest payload is necessary as a result of it determines hows a lot ‘stuff’ you’ll be able to put in your motorhome, in addition to what number of passengers and pets you’ll be able to carry.
Sadly, payload will get taken up in a short time: a motorbike rack, awning, full tanks of water and gasoline, meals, garments, a photo voltaic panel and all of your gear- earlier than you already know it you may be over the utmost weight restrict of your car.
Being over the restrict isn’t only a minor difficulty—it’s unlawful. In case you get stopped and your van’s obese, you might face a positive & factors in your licence. Even worse, your insurance coverage will likely be invalid ought to you might have an accident.
keep away from this error
- Firslty, test your driving licence— what’s the utmost weight car you’re allowed to drive? if you happen to handed after 1997, you’ll have to take a C1 licence to drive something over 3,500kg.
- Take a look at the payload over the car you wish to purchase and add the weights of all of the individuals and pets who will likely be travelling. How a lot is left? You want about 80kg of payload weight pp at the least, AFTER everyone seems to be on board.
- In case you’re shopping for a second hand motorhome, do not forget that the earlier proprietor might have added additional package, so the producer’s printed weight isn’t dependable. As an alternative, take it to a weighbridge to be completely positive in your allowance.
Shopping for a Motorhome within the UK MISTAKE 3: Not paying sufficient consideration to motorhome storage
Sounds foolish, however having satisfactory storage in a motorhome is crucial, and plenty of fashionable campers simply don’t have sufficient of it.
As a approach of lowering weight (to remain below the 3500kg restrict), some producers have taken out wardrobes and cabinets, leaving a beautiful large open house which appears nice whenever you stroll in, however isn’t at all times sensible to spend so much of time in, particularly on a protracted journey whenever you take lots of garments and package.
keep away from this error
To keep away from purchaser’s regret search for
- storage areas, together with the dimensions of the wardrobe or clothes space
- the place will you set pots, pans and crockery?
- If there isn’t a hard and fast mattress, the place will you retailer the bedding throughout the day?
- The place will you set meals, glasses, rest room rolls and the million different little issues all of us journey with?
You don’t should plan out each single merchandise, however take a look at every house and what it’s used for and work out if it’s appropriate for you and your plans for the van. If it’s not, transfer on.
Every time you do that, you’ll get higher at recognising which layouts will work greatest for you.
Don’t overlook to obtain your FREE motorhome shopping for guidelines that can assist you get the perfect camper for YOU.
MISTAKE 4: Not Contemplating In a single day Storage & Parking
This one sounds apparent, however you’d be stunned how many individuals don’t take into consideration the place they’re really going to park their motorhome as soon as they’ve bought it.
There are 3 essential locations individuals can retailer a motorhome or camper:
- Driveway
- Road
- Storage unit
If you wish to park your van in your driveway, firstly- does it match? Some driveways simply aren’t large or lengthy sufficient to park a motorhome on. Will you might have a most size you have to purchase?
In case you have gates or partitions, are you able to open the doorways correctly as soon as the van’s parked up?
Is on-street parking allowed in your space? Will you want a allow and is there house?
In case you’re planning to make use of a storage web site, keep in mind that many usually have lengthy ready lists, and they are often dear—something from £70 to over £100 a month. It’s price purchasing round nevertheless it might not be as simple to discover a spot, relying on the place you reside.
keep away from this error?
- Take into consideration the place you’ll retailer your car. This might very properly slender your choices for size or peak.
- Measure your driveway or test native parking restrictions earlier than shopping for—sounds daft, nevertheless it’ll prevent a headache later!
- Lookup storage choices close to you and even put your identify on a ready record upfront—don’t assume you’ll be capable to discover a house final minute.
MISTAKE 5: Underestimating Operating Prices
Many new house owners underestimate the prices when shopping for a motorhome within the UK. It’s not simply the shopping for value — you additionally want to consider working prices.
Listed here are some working prices to think about:
- Insurance coverage, which is unfortunately getting an increasing number of costly. Clearly, it varies primarily based on age and car, however you’ll be able to anticipate to pay upwards of £600/ yr with no or low proof of no claims.
- Highway tax – can differ primarily based on the age of the car.
- Servicing & MOTs – anticipate to pay round £1,000 per yr for basic upkeep and repairs
- Habitation checks – A hab test seems to be at your fuel, electrics, and damp, checking for points or harm. They price round £200-£400 per yr. While not legally required, it’s at all times price getting them accomplished, particularly if you happen to reside in your motorhome or spend lots of time in it.
Plus in fact there are issues like gasoline, breakdown cowl, campsite charges, LPG/ fuel, membership memberships and package.
Suggestions for working prices:
- Getting a number of insurance coverage quotes before you purchase—suppliers can differ massively!
- Setting apart not less than £1,000-£1,500 per yr for upkeep and extras.
- In case you’re shopping for an older van, finances for sudden repairs and demand on a full habitation test earlier than you buy to keep away from hidden bills, like damp points or rotten flooring.”
FINAL TIPS
So there you go—the 5 greatest errors new motorhome patrons make and how one can keep away from them!
However most significantly, don’t rush—take your time and do your analysis. Salesman are nice at sharing presents or upselling you, however take your time and do loads of analysis. I need you to like your new motorhome.
