7 top tips to finding your ideal new motorhome

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Like the idea of owning a motorhome so you can just up and go when the weekend arrives? Or perhaps you’re a motorhome owner simply looking to upgrade - whatever your situation, be sure to explore every aspect of your upcoming purchase fully to ensure you get the right motorhome for you.

If this isn’t your first motorhome purchase, have a think about what you looked for the last time you bought and whether those things proved to be important to you. Is there anything about your current/past vehicle that you’d change or any features that you don’t have but would like? If you bought your last motorhome a while ago, actually making a list of these things will be useful as it’ll bring the important things to the fore...

The pandemic and the inability to travel abroad has resulted in a huge boom in motorhoming, caravanning and camping in the UK. Having a motorhome or caravan has enabled thousands of Britons to enjoy self-contained holidays on home soil and it’s a trend that’s looking likely to continue.

Unfortunately the pandemic also had a significant effect on all types of manufacturing, motorhomes included. Production numbers last year were greatly reduced meaning that there were fewer new motorhomes available to buy. Manufacturers announced that the 2022 ranges - many of which are launching this month - will be much the same so if you’re keen to buy a new motorhome this year, don’t delay! Start researching your options and make your move soon...

1. BUDGET

Set a budget for how much you want to spend. This may determine whether you’re able to buy new or pre-owned, which manufacturers are open to you and whether you’ll be looking at entry, mid or premium level ranges. 

Make sure your budget is realistic - it’s important to get a motorhome that has all the features you desire and need, but you should also be comfortable with the amount you’re spending so that you don’t overstretch yourself and you feel you’re getting value for money. 

Start off by doing some research - price up different manufacturers and models and compare the options. Which ones appeal to you and have the features that you need to fulfil your requirements? See what the new models cost and then investigate what those models (or the equivalent pre-owned versions) are going for. Please get in touch if you’d like our help with this.

New motorhomes range greatly in price depending on the level of model you go for and the manufacturer you choose. As a ballpark, entry-level motorhomes start at around the £45,000 mark, with the higher-end models going for anything up to £100,000. 

At Winchester Caravans and Motorhomes, we’re an official dealership for new Bailey motorhomes. Bailey is one the leading UK manufacturers and the quality of their vehicles is second to none. Check out the ranges online to see what the costs of the different models are and go from there. Prices currently range from £62,999 to £69,995.

You’ll find the equivalent pre-owned models for less and how much you pay will depend on the brand and model you go for, but also how old you are willing to go. The average life of a motorhome is around 200,000 miles if you take good care of it and maintain it well. This means it could last between 10 and 30 years depending on usage.

2. NEW OR PRE-OWNED?

This is one of the biggest things to decide. If your budget is on the lower side, it may be worth considering a pre-owned motorhome as it would enable you to get a much higher spec model. It may also get you a more spacious model which would be beneficial, particularly for families. Other advantages of opting for a pre-owned motorhome is that it is likely that any new vehicle niggles will have been smoothed out and also that the sharpest drop in value will have passed, meaning that you won’t feel the pinch of that initial loss!

If you decide that a new motorhome is for you, you’ll be able to tailor it to suit your needs and wants exactly. You can go for a range and model that has the equipment, furnishings and optional extras you’re after - you’ll be spoilt for choice! It’ll also be nice to know that everything is new and has never been used - everything will be immaculate and there'll be no miles on the clock!

3. WHICH MANUFACTURER AND RANGE?

There are many different manufacturers to choose from so be sure to research them all to discover which will be the best one for you. Read reviews and blogs to investigate the various options and to explore what each offers. Different manufacturers will offer different prices, levels of quality, equipment and features, warranties and dimensions. Your search criteria will preclude some manufacturers so researching them will help whittle them down.

Once you’ve decided on a manufacturer, you’ll need to explore the different ranges on offer. A lot of this will be down to price, but there will also be many different options to consider within each individual range; things such as berth size, storage capacity and layout preferences will again help narrow these down. 

4. SIZE AND LAYOUT

How many berths do you need? Would you prefer a mid or rear washroom? These are important things to consider as having sufficient and usable space in your motorhome is crucial. Even if you don’t need a 4 or 6-berth, keep in mind that the larger the berth, the more living space there will be. Storage space is another thing to consider as some you’ll probably have lots to take with you.

Some motorhomes have bike racks and ‘garage’ storage so look out for these if you’re into active pursuits that require equipment such as bikes or even paddle boards or similar.

5. SPEC MUST-HAVES

Before going out to look at any motorhomes, sit down and write a list of all the features that are essential. Here are a few things to think about:

• Kitchen equipment - size of fridge, do you need a freezer, full oven or microwave?
• Type of heating system you’d prefer
• Number and positioning of electrical sockets
• Type of upholstery and interior styling
• Amount of kitchen worktop space
• Do you need longer beds or seating?
• Amount of storage you’d need as a minimum

6. READ REVIEWS

Once you’ve narrowed your search down to a few models, read (and watch) lots of reviews of each. This will give you an insider's view of the pros and cons of each model from people who have used and lived in them and may highlight limitations of a model that could rule it out for you. Hopefully doing your research will avoid any disappointment in your new motorhome and help ensure you end up with the right model.

7. BUY FROM A REPUTABLE DEALER

• Opt for a reputable, quality dealer - Winchester Caravans and Motorhomes has 4.5/5 on Google reviews.
• Choose a dealer based on recommendation - it will put you at ease about purchasing from them if someone else has had a positive experience with them.
• You should receive excellent customer care and professional service. Everything will be taken care of for you.
• You will receive a warranty with your motorhome purchase that will give you peace of mind.
• Good dealerships will offer a range of services in addition to sales such as a first-class workshop to take care of all your future servicing, repair and warranty needs.

WE’RE READY AND WAITING TO ASSIST YOU!

The best way to make a decision is to have a look for yourself! Pop in and see us and let our friendly and experienced team advise you on all aspects of buying a motorhome! Browse our new and pre-owned ranges online before you pop in and get in touch if you need any more info!

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