Image courtesy of Swift: Kon Tiki Motorhome Range
Considering making the leap into motorhome ownership? Whether you’re crossing over from a caravan or taking your first steps into the world of motorhoming, choosing the right vehicle is an exciting adventure. We’re here to help you through the process with this in-depth new motorhome buying guide.
A new motorhome represents a significant investment, so it’s worth taking your time to explore the options. This guide covers everything you need to know.
Understanding Motorhome Types
Motorhomes come in several distinct types, each with its own characteristics and advantages. You’ll often hear them referred to as Class A, B, and C motorhomes. Let’s explore what’s available.
Class C Motorhomes (Coachbuilt)
These are the most popular type in the UK. Built on a cab chassis (usually Fiat, Peugeot, or Citroën), they feature a separate living area constructed behind the cab. You’ll recognise them by the distinctive overcab section, which typically houses a bed. Class C coach-builts offer excellent value for space and are available in various sizes from compact to large family models.
Class A Motorhomes
The luxury option of the motorhome world, Class A models feature a purpose-built body from front to back with no separate cab section. They offer the most living space, often with expansive windscreens providing fantastic views. Whilst they’re at the premium end of the market, the comfort and space they provide is exceptional.
Class B Motorhomes (Panel Van Conversions)
Class B motorhomes include campervans and panel van conversions built into standard van bodies. They’re more compact, easier to drive, and can often fit into regular car parking spaces. Perfect if you want something nimble for daily use as well as weekend adventures. The trade-off is less living space and often more compact facilities.
Low Profile Motorhomes
Similar to Class C coachbuilts but without the overcab bed, low-profile motorhomes offer better fuel economy and are easier to store. They’re becoming increasingly popular with couples who don’t need the extra sleeping space but want the manoeuvrability of a lower vehicle.
Understanding these class categories is helpful when researching online or speaking with dealers, as the terms Class A, B, and C are widely used.
Choosing Your Layout
Just like caravans, motorhomes come in various layouts to suit different needs.
Images courtesy of Swift: Kon Tiki Motorhome Range
Sleeping Arrangements
Two-berth motorhomes are ideal for couples. They typically feature either a fixed rear bed or a drop-down bed over the cab area. The advantage of a two-berth is more living space during the day. Class B campervans often fall into this category, whilst Class A and C models offer both two and four-berth options.
Four-berth models often combine a fixed double bed with a dinette or lounge that converts into sleeping space. Some feature bunk beds, making them brilliant for families with children. You’ll find four-berth layouts across all motorhome classes.
Six-berth motorhomes provide sleeping for larger families, usually incorporating the overcab bed, a rear bedroom, and convertible dinette or lounge areas. These are most commonly found in larger Class C coachbuilts.
Fixed Beds vs Convertible Layouts
Fixed beds are increasingly popular because they’re always ready to use – no converting furniture each evening. Island beds, French beds, and transverse beds all offer different configurations. Twin beds with a central aisle are particularly popular with couples.
Convertible layouts maximise daytime living space, with seating areas that transform into beds at night. They’re ideal if you spend most of your time outdoors and just need somewhere to sleep.
Interior Layout Considerations
Think about how you’ll use your motorhome. Do you need a separate dinette and lounge area? How important is a dedicated workspace? Would you prefer an end kitchen or mid-kitchen layout? Consider whether a rear washroom or a side washroom works better for your needs.
Key Features to Inspect
Once you’ve identified your preferred type and layout, dig into the details.
Living Space
Walk through the motorhome and imagine yourself using it daily. Can you move comfortably between areas? Is there enough headroom? Open doors and cupboards to see how the space really functions. Sit in the seats, lie on the beds, and spend time in the washroom to get a genuine feel for the layout.
Kitchen Facilities
Check the kitchen thoroughly. Is there adequate worktop space? What’s the cooker situation – do you have an oven, grill, and hob? How big is the fridge? Some motorhomes include freezers, whilst others don’t. Consider your cooking style and make sure the kitchen matches your needs.
Storage Solutions
Storage is crucial in a motorhome. Check overhead lockers, under-seat storage, wardrobes, and exterior lockers. Where will you store clothes, food, outdoor equipment, and all those little essentials? Don’t forget to consider payload – the weight allowance for everything you’ll carry.
Washroom and Shower
The washroom is where compromise often happens, but it shouldn’t if you’re planning extended trips. Check the shower size, toilet type, and overall space. Can you comfortably use the facilities? Is there adequate ventilation?
Heating and Hot Water
A reliable heating system is essential, especially if you’re planning shoulder season (early spring or late autumn) or winter touring. Check what type of heating system is fitted, such as blown air or wet central heating. How is hot water provided? Ask for a demonstration of the controls to ensure they’re straightforward to use.
Cab Comfort
Don’t overlook the driving area. You’ll spend hours in these seats, so they need to be comfortable. Check visibility, mirror positions, and cab storage. Are there USB charging points? Is there space for a sat nav and phone holders? Do the cab seats swivel to become part of the living area?
MOT and Driving Licence Requirements
This is crucial information that’s often overlooked until it’s too late.
MOT Requirements
Motorhomes under 3,000kg follow car MOT rules – the first test is due three years after registration, then annually thereafter. Those between 3,000kg (3 tonnes) and 3,500kg require a Class 7 MOT test after they’re three years old.
Motorhomes over 3,500kg require an annual HGV (Class 5) MOT from the registration date.
Heavier motorhomes need testing at facilities equipped for larger vehicles. Factor this into your running costs when budgeting for motorhome ownership.
Driving Licence Categories
This is absolutely vital to understand before you fall in love with a particular motorhome.
If you passed your test after 1st January 1997, your standard category B licence allows you to drive vehicles up to 3,500kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM). This includes most Class B panel van conversions and smaller Class C coachbuilts. For motorhomes between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, you’ll need to take a category C1 test.
Always check the motorhome’s MAM on the weight plate and ensure your licence covers it. Driving a vehicle for which you’re not licensed invalidates your insurance and is illegal.
If you passed your test before 1st January 1997, you automatically have category C1 entitlement, allowing you to drive vehicles up to 7,500kg. This covers the vast majority of motorhomes available.
However, the automatic C1 entitlement expires when you reach 70 years of age. To retain your C1 entitlement, you’ll need to:
- Submit D2 (application) and D4 (medical) forms to the DVLA. A doctor completes the D4 form as a result of a medical examination.
- Repeat the process every three years.
Payload Considerations
The payload is the difference between the MAM and the actual unladen weight of the motorhome. This is how much weight you can legally add – including passengers, water, fuel, gas, and all your belongings. Many new motorhome buyers are surprised by how quickly payload is used up. Factor this into your decision, especially if you’re looking at vehicles close to licence limits.
Take Your Time to Decide
Don’t rush this decision. Visit multiple dealers, attend motorhome shows, and spend quality time in different models.
Take photos and make detailed notes. You’ll need these because everything starts merging once you’ve viewed several motorhomes. Sit in different seating areas, operate the cooker, open all the storage compartments, and test the bed comfort.
Ask for brochures and specification sheets. Check what’s included as standard and what costs extra. Some manufacturers offer an extensive options list that can significantly increase the final price.
If possible, attend a motorhome show where you can compare multiple brands and models in one location. Shows often feature exclusive deals and give you the chance to speak with manufacturers directly.
Questions You Must Ask
Base Vehicle and Warranty
What’s the base vehicle, and who provides the warranty? The cab chassis typically comes with the vehicle manufacturer’s warranty, whilst the habitation area has a separate manufacturer’s warranty. Understand both and how long they last.
Servicing Requirements
Motorhomes need both habitation servicing (checking living area equipment, gas systems, and appliances) and vehicle servicing (engine, brakes, and mechanical components). Ask about servicing schedules, costs, and whether any free servicing is included with your purchase.
Weights and Specifications
What’s the Maximum Authorised Mass, and what’s the unladen weight? This tells you the available payload. Also check the Gross Train Weight if you’re planning to tow a car behind your motorhome.
Vehicle History
If you’re considering a pre-registered or ex-demonstration model, ask about its history. How many miles has it covered? Has it been lived in or just used for shows?
Getting the Best Deal
Research thoroughly before committing. Compare prices across different dealers and don’t forget to factor in part-exchange values if you’re trading in.
Motorhome shows often feature show-only promotions with significant savings. End-of-season sales can also yield excellent deals as dealers clear space for new model stock.
Ask what extras might be included. Many dealers will throw in extras like bike racks, solar panels, reversing cameras, or upgraded upholstery. These additions can save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
Consider whether you want the current model year or if a previous year’s stock offers better value. As soon as new models arrive, previous year’s motorhomes often see price reductions despite being virtually identical.
Insurance and Running Costs
Before committing, get insurance quotes. Motorhome insurance differs from car insurance, and costs vary significantly based on vehicle value, type, and your circumstances. Some insurers specialise in motorhomes and offer better rates and more appropriate cover.
Budget for running costs including fuel, servicing, MOT, road tax, insurance, site fees, and breakdown cover. Motorhome-specific breakdown cover is essential – you can’t simply call out a standard recovery service for a large motorhome.
Where to Find More Help
The motorhome community is incredibly supportive and welcoming. Facebook groups dedicated to motorhoming offer vast amounts of information from experienced owners happy to share their knowledge and advice.
As a Caravan Information Services member, you can also use ASK AL, our intelligent chatbot programmed by motorhome and caravan engineers to provide accurate answers to your questions. It’s free to use and available whenever you need guidance.
Many new motorhome owners also join clubs like the Caravan and Motorhome Club or the Camping and Caravanning Club, which offer site discounts, technical advice, and social events.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Buying a new motorhome opens up incredible freedom to explore at your own pace. Take your time, ask plenty of questions, and choose the motorhome that genuinely fits your lifestyle and driving licence category.
Whether you’re planning weekend breaks or extended European tours, the right motorhome becomes your home on wheels, offering comfort, convenience, and endless adventure.
Happy caravanning!
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