10 Tips for Buying your First Motorhome

The number of motorhome and caravan holidays taken by British holiday-makers is on the increase – as people look for a fun alternative to overseas travel.

But for many first-timers, the prospect of buying a new motorhome can be an overwhelming process. What do you look for? What are the best models? How do you know you’re getting the best deal?

These are just some of the questions that pop up every time. So Sureterm Direct, the UK’s largest specialist motorhome insurers, have come up with this simple 10-point plan to help you through the motorhome buying maze.

1. Before you set out to see some motorhomes on a dealer forecourt, make a comprehensive wish list of the things that you want. In the excitement of buying your first motorhome, it’s easy to forget exactly what you want – and having a checklist to hand will keep you focused.

2. Be flexible. Unless you’re on a substantial budget, it’s unlikely that you’ll find everything on your wish list in one motorhome. So be clear about what are ‘essentials’ and what are ‘desirables’.

3. See if your local dealers offer a ‘try before you buy’ service. Hiring a motorhome, even for a weekend, will help you decide if you’re really into the motorhome lifestyle. It’s also an opportunity to try out various layouts. And this will help shape your wish list. At the very least, take some test drives in various models and make sure you get the feel of the vehicle on country roads, A roads and motorways.

4. When you do decide to take the plunge, always buy locally if possible. Buying from a dealer on the other side of the country is great if you get the deal of a lifetime – but no so great if you have to drive over there every time something goes wrong with your motorhome.

5. If you’re buying a second-hand motorhome, make sure you give every vehicle you look at a thorough inspection. Definitely check for signs of accident repair, leaks and signs of mold or damp. And if you’re very inexperienced, take along a qualified mechanic or vehicle inspector (the AA and RAC sometimes offer this service to members) just to make 100% certain the vehicle is clean and roadworthy.

6. Motorhome shows are an excellent way to help you identify models you like. And taking along a digital camera, or cameraphone, allows you to take pictures of the motorhomes you like, or features that impress. You can then use these pictures when you start looking at models to buy.

7. There are thousands of experienced motorcaravanners out there who are happy to help people who are new to motorhome ownership. So ask them for their opinions. Visit your nearest caravan sites and talk to owners, visit local shows and events, and use the internet as a valuable resource. www.sureterm.com is building up a community of motorhome owners and others sites like www.motorcaravanmagazine.co.uk and www.motorcaravanners.org.uk will help.

8. Once you’ve found your perfect motorhome, you need to be 100% certain it’s exactly what you want. Spend a few hours trying it out – making the beds, setting up the tables, moving chairs around. Setting up the motorhome will let you decide if there’s really enough space, and whether you can live with any minor niggles.

9. Always ask the dealer, or seller, to demonstrate everything for you. If there are extras, make sure all of the accessories like awning poles, hook-up leads, filling hoses and water bottles are present and in good working order.

10. And finally, don’t forget to get adequate insurance. Driving a motorhome on a standard car insurance policy is unlikely to give you the best cover. Companies like Sureterm Direct have been providing specialist motorhome insurance for 10 years, and have policies to cover ever motorhome situation you’re ever likely to encounter.