A motorhome is essentially a house on wheels, and just like choosing a stationary home, it pays to do your homework before you hand over your money. Too often, people ‘fall in love’ and make the purchase for emotional reasons – the colour, the cute windows, even the pot plants sitting outside the door.
But before you hit the road, think carefully about a few important details.
What are your motorhoming plans?
After 14 years in the business, Mandy Davies, sales manager for Trailite, has seen plenty of people looking to buy motorhomes and caravans for all sorts of reasons.
“Some are driven by house prices, and for others it’s reclaiming the experiences of childhood,” she says. “Maybe they want a motorhome to spend six months in the South Island, or maybe this is somewhere to live full time.”
Whatever your reason – spontaneous weekend breaks, an easy way to visit your family – it’s important to get clear on it. A hazy motorhome dream could mean you end up with the wrong choice.
Mandy says she starts by asking people the following questions.
- Why do you want to buy a motor home? Make a list of every reason you can think of. Cross off the least important ones.
- Will this be the first motorhome you buy? If so, will you use it just ‘for practice’ and upgrade later?
- Are there activities you want to do, that a motorhome would enhance? Think walking, cycling, tramping – or maybe you have a passion to visit museums around the country.
- Do you want to go off grid, or do you prefer campgrounds with facilities?
- Are you thinking about travelling for extended periods, or even permanently?
- Does a specific model or brand of motorhome attract you?
Find out who you’re purchasing from
Motorhoming is big business these days, and aside from reputable dealers, there are plenty of people out to make a quick buck. There are also lots of motorhomes for sale online, and although you might find what seems like a real bargain, you could be making a mistake. Mandy puts it this way:
“You can’t just look at a picture, you have to experience the space. Make sure your bed and kitchen work for you and the dynamics of your family, and for where you’re planning to go. It’s about what you’re trying to achieve – the non-negotiables.”
Once you’re clear about your plans, it’s time to investigate makes, models and most importantly, dealers. Here are some research questions it’s good to get answers for, so you know what your next best step is.
- Has the dealer been operating long enough to offer experience and expertise around motorhomes?
- Does the dealer offer any resources after you’ve paid your deposit, or at handover?
- Can you get a commitment from the dealer to hold spare parts, in support of your motorhoming excursions?
- Does the dealer offer a repair service and yearly checks to keep you on the road?
- If you’d like to know what your motorhome will be worth down the track, does the dealer include a registered valuer who has that information?
- Will the dealer offer testimonials from other customers who have owned the model you’re thinking of buying? Can you have personal contact with those people?
- What does the price of the motorhome include? Think about on-road costs, full fuel tank, full LPG bottles and more.
- Have you considered insurance? Does the dealer offer a discount?
- How is this dealer’s brand and service better than others?
Choosing the right model
Just because you like the way it looks is not a good enough reason to quickly close the deal on a motorhome. There are essential functions that vary from model to model, and it all depends on how you intend to use yours. It’s a good idea to find out:
- What it’s like to park and drive
- How much water it can hold
- How long the battery will last
- What size the bed is, and the condition of the mattress
- Whether the kitchen can support cooking meals
When you’re ready to buy, be sure to choose an experienced dealer who can ask the right questions and help you find exactly what you want. Mandy agrees.
“Buy once, buy right,” she says. “The downside is not having the infrastructure – support, parts availability when things go wrong. Anyone will sell you a motor home, but will they be there over the 20 years you’ll be on the road?”
Maybe consider a caravan
A caravan can offer the same luxury and convenience as a motorhome, and once it’s parked, you’ll have the freedom to explore the area you’re visiting. You can shop more easily, and a caravan can be value for money, but it does have its drawbacks.
“Before we put people into a caravan,” says Mandy, “we’re making sure they’ve been towing recently, and have the confidence. It won’t work for lots of people, but left onsite, on a section or a campground, the unit could do a great job.”
Be armed with information, and talk to an expert
No matter how much you research, you won’t know everything about motorhoming and its pitfalls. Talk to friends who are already into it, and find out where they go for advice and support. Choose experienced dealers who know the right questions to ask, because they know everyone’s dream is unique.
“We want to know who the main people are using the motorhome,” explains Mandy. “You might have the grandkids in mind, but we want to suit you first. You’ll be the ones using it the most.
“You need someone to challenge you on where you’re planning to go, and what the dream is. Those are the things we need to factor in. Then we can help you choose – and if we’re the right fit, that’s awesome, but if not, that’s okay too. We have to make sure we align with you,” she says.
Happy road-trip dreams!