How do I choose the right Motorhome?
With summer nearly here, the idea of hitting the road and embarking on an adventure is more appealing than ever. Owning a motorhome can open up exciting opportunities for nomadic holidays with family and friends, but first, you’ll need to choose the right vehicle.
We’ve put together this handy guide to buying a motorhome, detailing the differences between each type, to help you make an informed decision.
What types of motorhomes are there?
Each model comes with its own pros and cons depending on your requirements and budget. At Simpsons, we stock three main types of motorhomes:
- Coach-built motorhomes
This style is sometimes referred to as Class-C motorhomes and features a front cab and body mounted on a chassis, with berths for two to six people. There are two types of coach-built motorhomes:
- Over-cabs tend to be slightly taller models and have additional space above the driver’s cabin which can be used as a sleeping area.
- Low-profile models often have storage instead of an over-cab and are easier to handle and more fuel-efficient.
- A-Class motorhomes
This is considered to be the most prestigious (and expensive) type of motorhome with ample living and sleeping space, making it ideal for long family holidays. The cab is usually integrated with the living space, and the additional square footage offers more luxurious amenities such as bigger bathrooms, entertainment facilities, fully equipped kitchens, additional beds and extra storage space.
- Van conversions
Also known as campervans, this type of vehicle is built within a van body and is ideal for two people. Conversions usually include a separate driving cab, a built-in bed and kitchen facilities. Because of their compact size, they are similar to driving a car and easier to handle on narrow streets, but may not be suited to longer holidays.
What size motorhome do I need?
If you’re planning regular family trips in your motorhome, a longer European holiday or you need to carry lots of camping equipment, you may want to consider a model like the Chausson range which sleeps up to four, has plenty of storage space and a living area. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that large motorhomes are less fuel-efficient and more costly to run, so you’ll need to factor this into your budget.
If you’re a solo traveller or there are just two of you who are going to be using your motorhome, a smaller coach-built model like the Peugeot Autosleeper Nuevo or a van conversion like the Fiat Autotrail Expedition will do just the trick. Although they have less space, smaller models are cheaper to run and insure, and easier to park.
Should I buy a new or used motorhome?
If you want the peace of mind that your motorhome has a full manufacturer’s warranty and hasn’t been used by anyone else, a new motorhome could be the ideal choice. A major benefit of buying new is that you can customise it to suit your needs. However, it’s also the costliest option.
Second-hand motorhomes are more affordable and many of the models are just as reliable as brand-new versions. You can also get your hands on luxury vehicles for a much lower price tag if you buy a motorhome that is just a few years old – and it may still be possible to customise it to your taste. Although used vehicles will have miles on the clock, most motorhomes are typically only used a few times a year, which means the engine and interior often remain in good condition.
If you’re buying from a reputable dealer like Simpsons, you’ll find a wide range of new and used motorhomes for sale with prices including service, MOT and warranty. We recommend visiting our Great Yarmouth showroom to see the range of models available and to speak to our expert team to help you make the right choice.