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 should you’ve discovered a very good one?
Once you’re spending a lot cash, it’s essential to be sure you do the right motorhome checks before you purchase.
In case you’re nonetheless looking for your good motorhome or campervan, seize our FREE motorhome guidelines under and be sure you bear in mind to test EVERYTHING it is best to!
This submit & guidelines are nonetheless related should 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
Wish to obtain the guidelines to take with you if 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
Once you first stroll across the camper, take the time to look very carefully on the exterior situation. This offers you a extremely good indication of whether or not the motorhome has been taken care of or doubtless has some issues hiding someplace!
Stroll across the exterior, 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. Test these areas rigorously for water ingress or harm.
- Test all paintwork
- Lacking issues (exterior lights, filler caps and many others)
- Petrol cap- be sure it matches AND locks with the keys
- Gearbox- is it a handbook or computerized motorhome gearbox
- Water filler cap- identical
- Make certain drain hoses are linked beneath the van- my first van wasn’t linked correctly and it induced a proper mess!
- Test inspection caps on water & waste tank (my Swift Escape 685 didn’t have these fitted! The supplier from France needed to ship some over!)
- Guarantee fuel locker opens & locks
- Test cab locks manually & routinely
- TYRES! Make certain there are ‘camper’ tyres fitted- not commonplace automobile 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 another leaks!)
- Test beneath and round exhaust for rust or corrosion
- Guarantee there’s a jack appropriate to elevate Motorhome
- Test all driving lights work- brakes, indicator and many others
If you’re gathering the motorhome after a ready interval (VERY frequent when shopping for a motorhome from a supplier or showroom), do these checks AGAIN to verify no harm has occurred because you agreed to purchase.
Shopping for a used Motorhome- Inside checks
Let’s be honest- if you first noticed the motorhome, you most likely rushed inside, realised it was good, obtained a rush of adrenaline and have fallen in love.
Inform me everybody else does that, proper?
In case you’re taking a look at 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 presumably not the correct 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 may NOT to purchase it.
I do know that sounds loopy, however belief me. You have to break the magic bubble and realise that there shall be some faults/ drawbacks/ compromises on the inside.
You additionally have to be sure you find out about something which isn’t working appropriately so you may ask the supplier to repair it or negotiate a greater worth with the non-public vendor.
In case you’re shopping for a second-hand motorhome, there WILL be issues which don’t work or are damaged. You have to discover them.
Shopping for a used camper- issues to test:
- Hab door (door to major dwelling space) shuts and locks from inside and outside all home windows open, shut & lock from inside
- Similar for sunroof and vents. ESPECIALLY test sunroof whether it is electric- these break very simply!
- Test home windows open, shut and lock
- The fridge works (see under)
- Oven and hob (see under)
- Evenly press on ceiling and partitions. Are they ‘spongy’ or do they appear discoloured? (this might point out a leak or dampness)
- Inner electrics energy up- lights and many others. You need to be capable to test 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. Make certain nothing is overlaying, touching or in a position to fall onto the terminals. You need to have 2 batteries minimum- one engine, one leisure.
- The bathroom flushes & be taught if it makes use of water from the principle water tank or separate filler (if separate, the place is the filler?) Test for leaks/ unhealthy scent in lavatory
- Which varieties 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 should 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.
- Test all cushions there to make up all beds. Typically spare infill cushions are used (and misplaced!) Ask for a demo and be sure you have sufficient to make up all beds on the identical time
- When you have a drop-down mattress, be sure there’s a ladder if wanted. Additionally rails to cease kids rolling out if required.
- Desk & leg- be sure they match!
- Window blinds or clip up covers to cowl home windows at evening.
- Blinds & flynets on windows- be sure they work on all home windows
- Door flynet- many motorhome doorways have a flynet you may pull across- and plenty of motorhomes have harm to those! If there may be one, test it’s okay.
- DOES IT SMELL? Are you able to scent mustiness, dampness or something ‘funky’?
- Elevate up carpets to test the ground and search for comfortable/ moist/ weak factors
FRIDGE– Ideally, you need a 3-way fridge which works on electrical, battery and fuel. Phrase of warning- the battery setting often solely works when the engine is switched on and you don’t usually purchase a motorhome with a fuel bottle fitted, so you will have hassle checking the fridge on all settings however it is best to be capable to see it engaged on mains.
Flip it on and test it a couple of minutes later- it needs to be getting cool. Motorhome fridges take some time to chill down fully.
OVEN/ HOB– the identical applies to the oven and hob. You could not be capable to take a look at them as a result of lack of a fuel bottle (until you’re shopping for your motorhome from a non-public vendor.) That is the place a guaranty turns into helpful.
Learn how 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 prepare assortment at a later date– particularly should you’re shopping for a brand new or used camper by way of a motorhome supplier.
I extremely suggest utilizing a motorhome supplier, 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 data you share with individuals you discover on eBay or Gumtree. I extremely suggest utilizing a good agency like Leisure Vendor for offers and presents you may belief.
You’ll most likely be requested to pay a deposit. DO NOT DO THIS till you will have achieved these 2 issues:
HPI test
ESSENTIAL!!!! Do an HPI test BEFORE you pay any deposit and undoubtedly before you purchase the automobile outright. You wish to use an organization which checks excellent finance and in addition if the automobile is stolen.
Don’t belief the supplier or non-public vendor and don’t belief any present HPI checks or paperwork they could present you- spend the £19.99 and do one your self. We use hpicheck.com however there are many firms obtainable.
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.)
Significantly, please don’t skip this.
Utilizing a Firm for Pre- Buy Checks
Lately, you should use an organization that particularly carries out pre buy checks on motorhomes – that is one other nice solution to get peace of thoughts to verify 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 Authorised Workshop Scheme. It is a web site that lists accredited workshops and servicing for the leisure business for motorhome and caravans.
Test if the motorhome is an ex-hire automobile
Test within the paperwork if the camper has been used as a rent motorhome. It’s not a giant drawback if it has (my previous Swift 496 motorhome was ex-hire) nevertheless it makes promoting a motorhome a LOT tougher – as we found!! It’s undoubtedly one thing to know before you purchase so you may make an knowledgeable resolution.
High Motorhome Tip: In case you DO purchase an ex-hire motorhome or campervan, be sure you half alternate it on your subsequent camper. Your life shall be a complete lot simpler!!! (Sorry- I’m speaking about your subsequent one if you’re simply shopping for this one…!)
Test your authorized rights to drive the motorhome
You need to have achieved this BEFORE you agree to purchase, however simply in case, make actually sure if the automobile is below or over 3.5 tonnes and what you’re legally allowed to drive. Unsure? Learn this
After a interval of impatiently ready, you could acquire your new automobile. Have you learnt what inquiries to ask? What checks to make on assortment day? What you could do earlier than you arrive?
Once 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 will help you out. Sure, you may 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
Once you purchase a used motorhome from a supplier, it is best to be supplied with:
- Freshwater hose
- Electrical cable
- Possibly levelling ramps (however not at all times)
- Keys x 2 for everything- test they match!
Bear in mind, you will have computerized locking on the cab, however some vans have handbook 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 use the motorhome- right here’s an inventory of important motorhome equipment we suggest.
However earlier than you permit, we additionally suggest you:
- Test oil and water ranges within the engine
- Test AdBlue whether it is used- should you’re undecided, FIND OUT!
Shopping for a motorhome or RV from a non-public vendor
Oh, I perceive. The financial savings you will get on a motorhome, campervan or RV should you purchase used from a non-public vendor are HUGE!
We’ve got checked out a number of motorhomes from non-public sellers and the method for getting a motorhome is sort of the identical as should you purchase by way 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 shall be too late.
On this case, you NEED to do your checks VERY rigorously. Additionally, be sure you do a take a look at drive and have a very good look inside the cabinets and below the van. You might be in search of damp, warping and plenty of different hidden issues. We at all times suggest asking for a full motorhome habitation test to be achieved earlier than you agree to purchase.
My final motorhome was privately and the motorhome purchaser requested for a hab test earlier than he purchased it. He did should pay the deposit first, which is commonplace, however he was smart asking for one- despite the fact that he adopted the weblog and sort-of knew who we have been!
A motorhome is a giant funding. Don’t belief anybody else’s phrase on its situation (even when they’re buddies/ household) and belief your judgement. In case you’re undecided, get knowledgeable test and be sure you perceive what the report means.
Motorhome buyers- paperwork you want earlier than you permit!
When shopping for a motorhome, earlier than you permit the supplier (or non-public vendor!) you could be sure you have the next paperwork:
- V5c slip stuffed in appropriately (identical as a automobile)
- Guarantee info- you’ll most likely have to replace this with the corporate your self if you get residence
- Service historical past for motorhome
- Receipt for purchase- be sure your particulars and the Registration quantity are appropriate.
- Instruction Manuals for home equipment if there are any. Most house owners will preserve them however some (like us!) don’t have area to retailer so much, so we solely preserve those we really feel shall be most helpful!
Purchase Used motorhome or campervan UK- Issues to do before you purchase:
Motorhome Insurance coverage
You have to be sure you are insured the second you get into the automobile and drive. As quickly as you signal the paperwork, the automobile is legally yours and MUST be insured until you’re declaring it off-road.
You may, in fact, prepare motorhome insurance coverage if you are there, nevertheless it typically takes some time on the telephone and you’ll seek for the perfect deal should you do it upfront.
Motorhome Tax
Once more, automobile tax turns into your accountability if you formally buy the automobile. That is one thing we frequently do whereas we’re there- it’s very simple to set it up on-line and I want to test the paperwork first and make completely certain the automobile is appropriate (and the registration quantity is correct) earlier than we pay the tax.
Simply as an added bit if data, a automobile over 3.5 tonne is cheaper for highway 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, perhaps 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 gas, water, stuff and people- though typically the motive force is included)
- Is it over 3.5 tonnes?
- What’s the motorhome weight restrict and payload– how a lot STUFF, gas, water, individuals you may 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 together with your superb boy (or woman) racer expertise. In case you’ve by no means pushed a motorhome earlier than, it might probably really feel extremely intimidating- greater than you would possibly anticipate.
- Arrange your seat so it’s snug. Test mirrors are appropriate for you.
- Have a look at your FUEL status- you’d be amazed how many individuals run out of gas on their first motorhome journey!
- Test clutch, chunk level & brakes
- Be sure you know how you can 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 crucial.
- REMEMBER YOUR WIDE ASS. Significantly, motorhomes are LONG- even the little ones. And wider than you could 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 flawed. After which you must 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 way of it earlier than your first journey so that you might be ready!
Subsequent steps
In case you’d like some extra assist determining what automobile to get (and how you can purchase the RIGHT one for you), seize a duplicate of our Full Freshmen information to Motorhome Shopping for right here– a course of movies, downloadable eBook and worksheets that will help you make the BEST resolution for YOU!
Extra issues that will help you transfer forwards:
FREE Guidelines
