5 Steps To Choosing The Right Motorhome
If you’re thinking about getting into motorhoming for the first time, you might be wondering what type of motorhome you should choose - after all, motorhomes come in all sizes; from small vans to large coaches.
So how do you choose?
Five Steps to the Right Motorhome
1. How many berths [beds] do you need?
This is absolutely non-negotiable and must be got right. Remember a double bed counts as two berths and some beds are really only designed for children, so take note of each berth’s dimensions.
2. What facilities do you need?
Possibilities include shower, toilet, heating, cooker/fridge/sink and hot air heating.
If you plan on staying on campsites all the time, you may not be too bothered about a shower and/or toilet - modern campsite facilities are often good and are certainly more spacious (and don’t require you to regularly refill the water tank).
On the other hand, if you are aiming to camp wild - away from proper campsites - then you will want to be as self-sufficient as possible.
3. How long will you be away?
Although many small motorhomes have all the creature comforts you might want, they tend to have two weaknesses that can become a problem on longer trips (especially with children):
• Small fresh water & waste water tanks - meaning frequent refilling and emptying is required
• Limited living space - typically the seating area converts to the main bed, and the bathroom and cooking facilities are squeezed into a very small space.
4. How will you be using the motorhome?
Are you planning to drive to your main destination using fairly major roads, then camp up for a few days? In that case, the bigger your motorhome the more comfortable you will be.
On the other hand, if you are planning to really explore an area, constantly touring around and getting off the beaten track, you may appreciate the manoeuvrability and compact dimensions of a hightop panel van conversion - especially on narrow country roads…
5. And finally…. budget!
It’s no secret that motorhomes are pretty expensive - and with good reason. What you are buying is a skilfully-designed combination of van and caravan. The good news is that they hold their value well, but the initial investment required can be high.
I would recommend always buying the newest you can afford - as with any other old vehicle, owning a 10-20 year old motorhome (not that uncommon) can bring hassles that only mechanics relish!
So What’s The Answer?
If all that seems a bit intimidating and you aren’t sure where to start, consider renting a motorhome for your first few mobile holidays. You will be able to try different models on each trip without any commitment and not have the hassle of servicing, storing or paying for it every month (when it isn’t being used).
Hiring a motorhome can be great value, and most UK hire companies will let you travel to Europe too (by prior arrangement), so you needn’t be limited in where you go.
Why not give it a try for your next holiday?
MyLocalMotorhomeHire.co.uk provides independent information on motorhome hire in the UK.
It is especially aimed at first-time renters and those who are not experienced with motorhomes and is completely free.
Tags: choosing a motorhome, how to choose a motorhome, motorhome, RV, UK motorhome hire
