Shopping for a motorhome or campervan for the primary time is daunting. There are JUST SO MANY options- and how on earth are you aware what to search for? And the way are you aware in the event you’ve discovered a great one?
Whenever you’re spending a lot cash, it’s essential to be sure to do the right motorhome checks before you purchase.
When you’re nonetheless looking for your good motorhome or campervan, seize our FREE motorhome guidelines under and be sure to bear in mind to verify EVERYTHING it is best to!
This put up & guidelines are nonetheless related in the event you’re shopping for a motorhome or RV in Europe, USA or elsewhere- simply use the suitable camper phrases! 🙂
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Shopping for a motorhome guidelines
Need to obtain the guidelines to take with you while you go to look/ purchase? Simply inform us within the field under the place to ship it and we’ll e mail it throughout to you.
Shopping for a motorhome or campervan UK – Exterior checks
Whenever you first stroll across the camper, take the time to look very carefully on the exterior situation. This will provide you with a extremely good indication of whether or not the motorhome has been sorted or seemingly has some issues hiding someplace!
Stroll across the outdoors, and search for:
- Scratches on bodywork and on home windows
- Dents
- Free panels or bumpers
- Something which appears to be like DIY’d or repaired. Verify these areas fastidiously for water ingress or injury.
- Verify all paintwork
- Lacking issues (exterior lights, filler caps and many others)
- Petrol cap- make sure that it matches AND locks with the keys
- Gearbox- is it a guide or automated motorhome gearbox
- Water filler cap- identical
- Ensure drain hoses are related beneath the van- my first van wasn’t related correctly and it brought about a proper mess!
- Verify inspection caps on water & waste tank (my Swift Escape 685 didn’t have these fitted! The seller from France needed to ship some over!)
- Guarantee fuel locker opens & locks
- Verify cab locks manually & routinely
- TYRES! Ensure there are ‘camper’ tyres fitted- not commonplace automotive tyres. And ensure the tyres are in good situation, not cracked, swollen or broken.
- Spare wheel or inflation equipment
- Look beneath for oil leaks (or every other leaks!)
- Verify beneath and round exhaust for rust or corrosion
- Guarantee there’s a jack appropriate to carry Motorhome
- Verify all driving lights work- brakes, indicator and many others
If you’re accumulating the motorhome after a ready interval (VERY widespread when shopping for a motorhome from a seller or showroom), do these checks AGAIN to ensure no injury has occurred because you agreed to purchase.
Shopping for a used Motorhome- Inside checks
Let’s be honest- while you first noticed the motorhome, you most likely rushed inside, realised it was good, bought a rush of adrenaline and have fallen in love.
Inform me everybody else does that, proper?
When you’re spending all that cash on a used camper you don’t LOVE, then stroll away and give it some thought for some time because it’s probably not the appropriate van for you. Anyway, I digress…
Now it’s time to place your smart head on. Return inside and LOOK for faults. Discover as many causes as you’ll be able to NOT to purchase it.
I do know that sounds loopy, however belief me. It’s essential to break the magic bubble and realise that there will probably be some faults/ drawbacks/ compromises on the inside.
You additionally must be sure to find out about something which isn’t working appropriately so you’ll be able to ask the seller to repair it or negotiate a greater value with the non-public vendor.
When you’re shopping for a second-hand motorhome, there WILL be issues which don’t work or are damaged. It’s essential to discover them.
Shopping for a used camper- issues to verify:
- Hab door (door to predominant residing space) shuts and locks from inside and outside all home windows open, shut & lock from inside
- Identical for sunroof and vents. ESPECIALLY verify sunroof whether it is electric- these break very simply!
- Verify home windows open, shut and lock
- The fridge works (see under)
- Oven and hob (see under)
- Calmly press on ceiling and partitions. Are they ‘spongy’ or do they give the impression of being discoloured? (this might point out a leak or dampness)
- Inner electrics energy up- lights and many others. It’s best to have the ability to verify this on mains electrical.
- Water pump works AND switches off when water is turned off
- Electrical mattress goes down & up
- Photo voltaic panel- look on the management panel to see if the photo voltaic panel is working
- Discover out the place ALL your motorhome batteries are and visually examine them. Ensure nothing is overlaying, touching or in a position to fall onto the terminals. It’s best to have 2 batteries minimum- one engine, one leisure.
- The bathroom flushes & study if it makes use of water from the primary water tank or separate filler (if separate, the place is the filler?) Verify for leaks/ unhealthy odor in toilet
- Which forms of 12v fuses are used within the energy provide unit & different locations so you will get spares. BUY THEM ASAP– Likelihood is excessive for blowing it in your first trip- particularly in the event you’re new to motorhomes and never used to low energy unit. Right here’s a information on what to do in your first motorhome journey.
- Verify all cushions there to make up all beds. Typically spare infill cushions are used (and misplaced!) Ask for a demo and be sure to have sufficient to make up all beds on the identical time
- In case you have a drop-down mattress, make sure that there’s a ladder if wanted. Additionally rails to cease youngsters rolling out if required.
- Desk & leg- make sure that they match!
- Window blinds or clip up covers to cowl home windows at night time.
- Blinds & flynets on windows- make sure that they work on all home windows
- Door flynet- many motorhome doorways have a flynet you’ll be able to pull across- and lots of motorhomes have injury to those! If there’s one, verify it’s okay.
- DOES IT SMELL? Are you able to odor mustiness, dampness or something ‘funky’?
- Elevate up carpets to verify the ground and search for gentle/ moist/ weak factors
FRIDGE– Ideally, you desire a 3-way fridge which works on electrical, battery and fuel. Phrase of warning- the battery setting normally solely works when the engine is switched on and you don’t usually purchase a motorhome with a fuel bottle fitted, so you’ll have hassle checking the fridge on all settings however it is best to have the ability to see it engaged on mains.
Flip it on and verify it a couple of minutes later- it must be getting cool. Motorhome fridges take some time to chill down utterly.
OVEN/ HOB– the identical applies to the oven and hob. You could not have the ability to take a look at them as a consequence of lack of a fuel bottle (except you’re shopping for your motorhome from a personal vendor.) That is the place a guaranty turns into helpful.
The right way to purchase a motorhome- what occurs after you’ve agreed a deal?
When you’ve discovered your good motorhome, you’ll do a cope with the vendor and most likely organize assortment at a later date– particularly in the event you’re shopping for a brand new or used camper by means of a motorhome seller.
I extremely advocate utilizing a motorhome seller, however I do know there are many nice offers on market web sites like eBay. Simply beware, there are a LOT of scams on these sites- be very cautious what info you share with individuals you discover on eBay or Gumtree. I extremely advocate utilizing a good agency like Leisure Vendor for offers and presents you’ll be able to belief.
You’ll most likely be requested to pay a deposit. DO NOT DO THIS till you will have carried out these 2 issues:
HPI verify
ESSENTIAL!!!! Do an HPI verify BEFORE you pay any deposit and positively before you purchase the car outright. You need to use an organization which checks excellent finance and likewise if the car is stolen.
Don’t belief the seller or non-public vendor and don’t belief any present HPI checks or paperwork they might present you- spend the £19.99 and do one your self. We use hpicheck.com however there are many corporations out there.
A motorhome is some huge cash and you’ll lose it if it seems to be stolen/ financed. (Otherwise you’ll find yourself in a authorized battle. Both manner, it’s not going to be enjoyable.)
Critically, please don’t skip this.
Utilizing a Firm for Pre- Buy Checks
As of late, you should utilize an organization that particularly carries out pre buy checks on motorhomes – that is one other nice method to get peace of thoughts to ensure the van isn’t riddled with points previous to committing to purchasing it!
A effectively know respected place to search out somebody in your space for these checks, is the NCC Accepted Workshop Scheme. It is a web site that lists accredited workshops and servicing for the leisure trade for motorhome and caravans.
Verify if the motorhome is an ex-hire car
Verify within the paperwork if the camper has been used as a rent motorhome. It’s not an enormous drawback if it has (my previous Swift 496 motorhome was ex-hire) however it makes promoting a motorhome a LOT more durable – as we found!! It’s positively one thing to know before you purchase so you can also make an knowledgeable choice.
High Motorhome Tip: When you DO purchase an ex-hire motorhome or campervan, be sure to half trade it in your subsequent camper. Your life will probably be an entire lot simpler!!! (Sorry- I’m speaking about your subsequent one while you’re simply shopping for this one…!)
Verify your authorized rights to drive the motorhome
It’s best to have carried out this BEFORE you agree to purchase, however simply in case, make actually sure if the car is below or over 3.5 tonnes and what you’re legally allowed to drive. Unsure? Learn this
After a interval of impatiently ready, it’s essential to acquire your new car. Have you learnt what inquiries to ask? What checks to make on assortment day? What it’s essential to do earlier than you arrive?
Whenever you’re shopping for your first motorhome, there are such a lot of issues to recollect, so right here’s a useful guidelines and information that can assist you out. Sure, you’ll be able to obtain it and print it to take it with you on the day- the vendor gained’t thoughts (and in the event that they do- run!)
Purchase used motorhome – primary gear
Whenever you purchase a used motorhome from a seller, it is best to be supplied with:
- Freshwater hose
- Electrical cable
- Perhaps levelling ramps (however not all the time)
- Keys x 2 for everything- verify they match!
Keep in mind, you’ll have automated locking on the cab, however some vans have guide locking (with key) hab doorways – don’t neglect this, if this an “multi function” locking system one thing you need!!!
You have to many different issues earlier than you should utilize the motorhome- right here’s an inventory of important motorhome equipment we advocate.
However earlier than you permit, we additionally advocate you:
- Verify oil and water ranges within the engine
- Verify AdBlue whether it is used- in the event you’re undecided, FIND OUT!
Shopping for a motorhome or RV from a personal vendor
Oh, I perceive. The financial savings you will get on a motorhome, campervan or RV in the event you purchase used from a personal vendor are HUGE!
We have now checked out a number of motorhomes from non-public sellers and the method for getting a motorhome is sort of the identical as in the event you purchase by means of a motorhome dealer- with one huge exception- you most likely gained’t get a guaranty.
This implies you’re shopping for ‘offered as seen’ and any issues you discover after you drive off will probably be too late.
On this case, you NEED to do your checks VERY fastidiously. Additionally, be sure to do a take a look at drive and have a great look inside the cabinets and below the van. You might be on the lookout for damp, warping and lots of different hidden issues. We all the time advocate asking for a full motorhome habitation verify to be carried out earlier than you agree to purchase.
My final motorhome was privately and the motorhome purchaser requested for a hab verify earlier than he purchased it. He did should pay the deposit first, which is commonplace, however he was smart asking for one- although he adopted the weblog and sort-of knew who we had been!
A motorhome is an enormous funding. Don’t belief anybody else’s phrase on its situation (even when they’re buddies/ household) and belief your judgement. When you’re undecided, get an expert verify and be sure to perceive what the report means.
Motorhome buyers- paperwork you want earlier than you permit!
When shopping for a motorhome, earlier than you permit the seller (or non-public vendor!) it’s essential to be sure to have the next paperwork:
- V5c slip stuffed in appropriately (identical as a automotive)
- Guarantee info- you’ll most likely must replace this with the corporate your self while you get dwelling
- Service historical past for motorhome
- Receipt for purchase- make sure that your particulars and the Registration quantity are appropriate.
- Instruction Manuals for home equipment if there are any. Most house owners will maintain them however some (like us!) don’t have house to retailer lots, so we solely maintain those we really feel will probably be most helpful!
Purchase Used motorhome or campervan UK- Issues to do before you purchase:
Motorhome Insurance coverage
It’s essential to be sure to are insured the second you get into the car and drive. As quickly as you signal the paperwork, the car is legally yours and MUST be insured except you’re declaring it off-road.
You possibly can, in fact, organize motorhome insurance coverage if you are there, however it usually takes some time on the cellphone and you may seek for the most effective deal in the event you do it prematurely.
Motorhome Tax
Once more, car tax turns into your accountability while you formally buy the car. That is one thing we regularly do whereas we’re there- it’s very simple to set it up on-line and I want to verify the paperwork first and make completely certain the car is appropriate (and the registration quantity is correct) earlier than we pay the tax.
Simply as an added bit if info, a car over 3.5 tonne is cheaper for street tax.
Inquiries to ask when shopping for a camper
I get it- it’s so tempting to hurry all this and drive off in your new toy in your first motorhome vacation. Heck, possibly you aren’t shopping for your first motorhome and also you suppose you’ll determine all of it out later.
However attempt to ask these essential questions BEFORE you permit!
- What’s your peak (not YOUR height- the motorhome’s peak!!)
- Weight of motorhome dry (how a lot it weighs with out gasoline, water, stuff and people- though generally the motive force is included)
- Is it over 3.5 tonnes?
- What’s the motorhome weight restrict and payload– how a lot STUFF, gasoline, water, individuals you’ll be able to placed on board earlier than it goes over its weight restrict.
- Petrol or diesel- helpful to know!
Shopping for your first motorhome – Driving off for the primary time
Okay, right here is it- your huge second!! You’re about to tug away in your first motorhome.
STOP.
Take your time. This isn’t the second to impress individuals along with your superb boy (or woman) racer expertise. When you’ve by no means pushed a motorhome earlier than, it might probably really feel extremely intimidating- greater than you may anticipate.
- Arrange your seat so it’s snug. Verify mirrors are appropriate for you.
- Take a look at your FUEL status- you’d be amazed how many individuals run out of gasoline on their first motorhome journey!
- Verify clutch, chew level & brakes
- Be sure to know methods to reverse- there’s a excessive likelihood you’ll want this in your first journey, even when it’s simply to park up. A motorhome reversing or rear-view digital camera is important.
- REMEMBER YOUR WIDE ASS. Critically, motorhomes are LONG- even the little ones. And wider than you may be used to. It takes some time to get used to it.
- Know the place you’re going. Arrange the motorhome sat nav (these are our favourites) and know BEFORE YOU SET OFF which manner you’re turning out of the dealership or parking space. It’s really easy to get it unsuitable. After which you need to flip round…
And that’s it! Congratulations in your new motorhome. Don’t neglect to get your free guidelines!
If you would like additional assist, right here’s a step-by-step information to your first journey. Learn by means of it earlier than your first journey so that you could be ready!
Subsequent steps
When you’d like some extra assist determining what car to get (and methods to purchase the RIGHT one for you), seize a replica of our Full Novices information to Motorhome Shopping for right here– a course of movies, downloadable eBook and worksheets that can assist you make the BEST choice for YOU!
Extra issues that can assist you transfer forwards:
FREE Guidelines
