Owning a motorhome has so many benefits. It gives you the freedom and means to travel to many places at your own convenience. Also, the asset will cut your travel costs by a big percentage. But what does it take to own a motorhome? Consider the following
Choosing the Right Motorhome
When choosing a motorhome, there are so many factors you need to consider. The key ones include the nature of the trips you will be taking, the number of people you will be bringing along, and your budget. Explore the different types and choose the one that is most suitable for your needs. Choose a recreation vehicle with enough room to fit your crew and your luggage.
Consider both the sitting and the sleeping space. Don’t forget to check the facilities too. Some may have bigger and more facilities than others. Also, choose a recreation vehicle that is ideal for your travel destinations. This is because it can be hard to maneuver some vehicles on certain roads.
Finally, don’t forget to check the reputation of the company that made the motorhome. You can check discussions on travel and camper forums to learn from other travelers’ experiences on owning a motorhome.
Parking
Before you buy a motorhome, check the parking rules in your area. Also, every time you travel, ensure you check the parking spaces available in your destination before you leave. Note that some spaces do have restrictions.
Driving a Motorhome
According to GOV.UK, you need a license to drive a motorhome. You will require a category C1 license to drive a motorhome and a category C license for anything above 7.5 tonnes. MAM is calculated by adding the maximum load and the total weight of the vehicle. Thus, ensure you have the right license before driving your recreational vehicle.
If you will be crossing borders, check if there are special requirements you need to fulfill such as getting an international drivers license. Also, take time to familiarise yourself with the rules of the other country. Some countries keep left, others keep right. Thus, if you are not careful, you may get in trouble for driving on the wrong side of the road.
Cost of Owning a Motorhome
Owning a motorhome comes with eight key costs. These include purchase cost, insurance, servicing, fuel, utilities, storage, tax, and parking costs. Purchase costs normally range between £8,000 and £200,000. However, the world’s most expensive motorhomes are worth millions.
Before buying a motorhome, ensure that you test it out. Ensure that the seats and the beds are comfortable and that everything else is working properly. Be very careful, especially when you are buying a used motorhome. Buying second-hand will save you money but if you don’t check everything well, you will end up spending the savings on repairs.
If you are buying from a dealer, don’t forget to check their reputation too. Also, involve the people you will be traveling with when making the final decision. They can give you some great input. Finally, don’t forget to compare prices.
