Ultimate Guide to Buying Motorhome

Used motorhome for sales

Ultimate Guide to Buying Motorhome

Have you ever dreamt of buying a motorhome? Do you sometimes imagine yourself exploring new places and meeting new people on the open road? The feeling is second to none, and if your answers to these questions are yes, you are not alone. The feeling and temptation to be on the move, enjoy, and experience the adventures of different places is something many people crave.

However, those feelings, experiences, enjoyment, and temptations are only guaranteed when you have access to a motorhome. There are two options to access a motorhome: renting and purchasing one. The ideal option is to purchase a motorhome, and this article will guide you on how to buy one.

Why You Need a Guide to Buying a Motorhome?

Buying a motorhome is very delicate, considering that a motorhome is a significant investment. Hence, the wrong choice of the motorhome can prove very detrimental, as it can affect your motorhome’s living experience, making it the exact opposite of what you imagined.

Guide to Purchasing an Excellent Investment in a Motorhome

Your decision to acquire a motorhome didn’t happen by chance or in a haphazard manner. Oh no, it was a well-thought-out process! You had a grand vision in mind, a dream for your beloved motorhome. It’s not just any vehicle; it’s going to serve a specific purpose in your life, and boy, you’re excited about it!

There are some essential factors you must consider for your motorhome adventure to be a roaring success:

Are you informed on the various classes of motorhomes

Motorhomes exist in various classes, and each class has a price range for which motorhomes are available and the lifestyle they can conveniently satisfy. 

Below is an outline of the various motorhome classes:

  • Class-A motorhomes

The most luxurious of all motorhome classes. These motorhomes offer the best possible mobile experience. They are suitable for long distances and offer enough space for family and friends. These vehicles are built for maximum comfort while on the road.

  • Over-cab motorhomes

Motorhomes in this class are ideal for small families with little kids. These vehicles feature a permanent double bed directly above the driver and passenger seats and an undisturbed lounge area. But the bulky size of these motorhomes might prove to be a disadvantage as they are less aerodynamic.

  • Low-profile motorhomes

These motorhomes are efficient and aerodynamic, as they come in various lengths. Plus, these motorhomes don’t require specific license requirements, so they are license-friendly. This means you can drive these motorhomes within the 3,500kg weight range with a regular license. 

  • Coach-built motorhomes

These motorhomes are predominantly known as Class-C motorhomes. They feature a make combining a van and chassis format. Ideally, these motorhomes are best suited for two, but some models come with a fixed double bed. You get a kitchen and bathroom in this class of vehicles, so it is an excellent alternative to a Class-A motorhome, although its comfort is far from Class-A’s.

  • Camper vans

Camper vans are very different from regular motorhomes, as they feature a driving area separate from the living area. These vehicles are bigger and much heavier than regular motorhomes. The beauty of these vehicles’ separate living areas is that you enjoy enough space for cooking, sleeping, and storage, irrespective of the camper van’s size.

Understand all involved and associated with motorhomes:

Before purchasing a motorhome, you must be clear on how you see your motorhome. Do you see it as a temporary or full-time accommodation? Mind you, if you see it as the latter, you should accept that it can’t compete with the standard of a traditional home. 

Whatever view you have on your motorhome, it should be comfortable and spacious and offer functionality in every space it has. 

The functionality varies because of these various factors:

  • Beds: As with a regular home, you retire to bed after your day-to-day interactions. Beds are an essential feature in a motorhome. Although not all motorhomes have fixed beds, they have bed space. For these motorhomes, the burden of arranging a bed is on the motorhome’s owner. 

You are advised to opt for a motorhome with fixed beds, as it makes your experience more convenient and enjoyable. You can find three different kinds of beds in a motorhome: the double bed, twin bed, and French bed. The kind of bed you choose depends on the bed space available in your motorhome.

  • Bathroom: The option of a motorhome customized to have a bathroom area is your choice and that is influenced by how you intend to use the vehicle. 

If your motorhome living involves spending a significant amount of your living parked in campsites, bathroom customization is unnecessary. It only becomes a necessary option if your motorhome living sees you out in the wild more. 

The bathroom addition is considered if your motorhome has the space to accommodate it. If you still need to, you can opt for portable toilets for roadside or midnight emergencies.

  • New, second-hand, or refurbished motorhome: You have the choice of buying a brand-new, second-hand, or refurbished motorhome, although your budget decides. Refurbished motorhomes are ex-rentals that have been repaired and put on sale. Each of these options has its merits and demerits. 

One of the standout merits of a new motorhome is the comprehensive guarantee it offers for every single part and feature. Yes, you heard it right – a guarantee that covers it all! From the engine to the kitchen sink, you can rest assured that your investment is protected and any potential issues will be taken care of.

Now, you might be wondering about the cost factor. Second-hand and refurbished motorhomes indeed come with a significantly lower price tag. They can be quite appealing for those on a budget. Plus, other costs associated with motorhomes, such as insurance and registration, tend to be relatively lower for pre-owned options. Who doesn’t love saving some cash, right?

However, it’s important to note that these reduced costs are balanced by the need for repairs. Second-hand and refurbished motorhomes may require more attention and maintenance, which can add up over time.

  • A budget: Purchasing a motorhome without a budget is risky, given how significant of an investment motorhomes are. An efficient budget shouldn’t only revolve around the purchase price of the motorhome. It also includes the cost of maintenance, licensing, insurance, and more.
  • Licensing and government laws: Similar to regular vehicles — which you don’t buy and immediately start driving around — you must take care of paper works. The standard doesn’t change with a motorhome. They are even stricter as there are more paper works to do. For example, the license criteria for motorhomes consider your results from various driving tests, age (because specific age limits are not allowed to drive specific weight of cars), and more. Overall, you should know the rules and regulations governing motorhomes in your locality.

Conclusion

The suspense, unpredictability, and uncertainty of motorhome living make it very exciting. But don’t get carried away with anxiety. Sometimes, it might sound exciting, but other people’s lifestyle differs from yours. 

You can rent a motorhome and do some sightseeing to know if you enjoy the lifestyle. If you enjoy the lifestyle, this article will help you make your first motorhome purchase.

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