In case you’re shopping for a motorhome or campervan, you have already got quite a bit to consider. Nonetheless, there are some widespread errors new consumers 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 consumers make—and the best way to keep away from them!
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Ideas 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 selections as a result of they didn’t know what to search for.
While everyone seems to be totally different and has totally different necessities, there are a number of widespread errors to keep away from and issues to verify 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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MISTAKE 1: Selecting the Fallacious Motorhome Format
The primary widespread mistake most individuals make is selecting the flawed structure.
It’s really easy to stroll right into a van at a present or on a forecourt, have a look at all of the sparkly clear surfaces and fall in love. Belief me, I do it at virtually each present I attend, whether or not as a speaker or a buyer.
Nevertheless it’s important that you just ask your self some questions BEFORE and AFTER you assume 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 set mattress (to keep away from the faff about making it up each evening) or would you favor a convertible seating space or drop down mattress which supplies you extra room in the course of the day?
- Would you like a dinette with a correct desk? How many individuals can be consuming?
- Would you like a toilet with a rest room and separate bathe, a moist room, or are you content utilizing campsite services?
The right way to keep away from this error
The easiest way to keep away from shopping for the flawed motorhome structure is to rent a number of totally different layouts before you purchase. That manner, 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 may sit inside totally different fashions and picture really utilizing it day by day.
Once you’re inside, don’t simply take into consideration journeys throughout sunny summer season days; would you continue to love that structure in the course of winter or when it’s been raining for days and you’ll’t sit outdoors?
Take into consideration bedtime and if you rise up within the morning? Do you and your accomplice rise up and go to mattress on the similar time? If not, how will the house work? What in case you’re travelling with kids who go to mattress earlier than you?
In order for you a listing of all of the important issues you should 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 discuss you thru it:
READ MORE: Motorhome Payload and Weight Limits- all the things you should know.
Many UK & European motorhomes are constructed to remain below 3,500kg, which implies anybody can drive them on a regular automotive licence. If in case you have a C1 class in your licence, you may drive automobiles which weigh greater than that, however there’ll nonetheless be a most weight restrict on no matter automobile you purchase.
An honest payload is necessary as a result of it determines hows a lot ‘stuff’ you may put in your motorhome, in addition to what number of passengers and pets you may 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 realize it you could be over the utmost weight restrict of your automobile.
Being over the restrict isn’t only a minor challenge—it’s unlawful. In case you get stopped and your van’s obese, you might face a tremendous & factors in your licence. Even worse, your insurance coverage can be invalid ought to you might have an accident.
The right way to keep away from this error
- Firslty, verify your driving licence— what’s the utmost weight automobile you’re allowed to drive? in case you 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 automobile you wish to purchase and add the weights of all of the individuals and pets who can be travelling. How a lot is left? You want about 80kg of payload weight pp at least, AFTER everyone seems to be on board.
- In case you’re shopping for a second hand motorhome, keep in mind that the earlier proprietor might have added additional equipment, so the producer’s revealed weight isn’t dependable. As a substitute, 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 ample storage in a motorhome is crucial, and lots of trendy campers simply don’t have sufficient of it.
As a manner of decreasing weight (to remain below the 3500kg restrict), some producers have taken out wardrobes and cabinets, leaving a stunning vast open house which appears nice if you stroll in, however isn’t at all times sensible to spend so much of time in, particularly on a protracted journey if you take quite a lot of garments and equipment.
The right way to keep away from this error
To keep away from purchaser’s regret search for
- storage areas, together with the scale of the wardrobe or clothes space
- the place will you place pots, pans and crockery?
- If there isn’t a set mattress, the place will you retailer the bedding in the course of the day?
- The place will you place meals, glasses, bathroom rolls and the million different little issues all of us journey with?
You don’t need to plan out each single merchandise, however have 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 finest for you.
Don’t neglect to obtain your FREE motorhome shopping for guidelines that will help you get one of the best camper for YOU.
MISTAKE 4: Not Contemplating In a single day Storage & Parking
This one sounds apparent, however you’d be shocked 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 primary 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 vast or lengthy sufficient to park a motorhome on. Will you might have a most size you should purchase?
If 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 website, keep in mind that many typically have lengthy ready lists, and they are often expensive—something from £70 to over £100 a month. It’s value buying round however it will not be as simple to discover a spot, relying on the place you reside.
The right way to keep away from this error?
- Take into consideration the place you’ll retailer your automobile. This might very effectively slender your choices for size or peak.
- Measure your driveway or verify native parking restrictions earlier than shopping for—sounds daft, however it’ll prevent a headache later!
- Search for storage choices close to you and even put your identify on a ready listing prematurely—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 worth — you additionally want to consider working prices.
Listed below are some working prices to think about:
- Insurance coverage, which is unfortunately getting increasingly costly. Clearly, it varies primarily based on age and automobile, however you may count on to pay upwards of £600/ yr with no or low proof of no claims.
- Highway tax – can fluctuate primarily based on the age of the automobile.
- Servicing & MOTs – count on to pay round £1,000 per yr for basic upkeep and repairs
- Habitation checks – A hab verify seems to be at your fuel, electrics, and damp, checking for points or harm. They value round £200-£400 per yr. While not legally required, it’s at all times value getting them executed, particularly in case you dwell in your motorhome or spend quite a lot of time in it.
Plus in fact there are issues like gasoline, breakdown cowl, campsite charges, LPG/ fuel, membership memberships and equipment.
Ideas for working prices:
- Getting a number of insurance coverage quotes before you purchase—suppliers can fluctuate massively!
- Setting apart no less than £1,000-£1,500 per yr for upkeep and extras.
- In case you’re shopping for an older van, finances for surprising repairs and demand on a full habitation verify 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 consumers make and the best way to keep away from them!
However most significantly, don’t rush—take your time and do your analysis. Salesman are nice at sharing provides or upselling you, however take your time and do loads of analysis. I would like you to like your new motorhome.
