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A motorhome is not like having a standard vehicle. It requires a big financial commitment and so when it comes to insuring the vehicle you want to make sure you buy a high quality policy that covers all your needs. As you will be traveling around in it, one of the most important things to consider is what replacement cover is offered in an accident/breakdown, as well as any alternative accommodation.

Following on from this you need to check exactly how much you are entitled to claim for personal belongings in the event of theft or an accident; some companies may entice you with a cheap quote but not offer you the cover that you will need to pay for replacements. So do compare cover levels and read the policy wording in detail to understand what you are going to be insured for. Do not forget that if you use your motorhome abroad to check how much continental cover you are entitled to from a company, as they do differ.

Know clearly your mileage as some companies set a limit and check how old the vehicle is as this can determine the premium cost. If the motorhome has been modified or converted always try to have it done professionally, confirm change to the DVLA and obtain an engineer’s report – this can sometimes save you money as some insurers will not then charge a premium for a modified vehicle. In terms of saving money as a new motorhome buyer, being an experienced driver will always be in your favour.

However, various other cost cutting ideas are: Selecting a limited annual mileage; having a security device such as an immobiliser fitted; parking sensors for safety; secure storage; and belonging to a motorhome club. Also, if the vehicle is a particular model or import, consider going to a specialist company, as this could save you money on your overall premium.

Source by Daniel T Somers

The green lifestyle is becoming ever more popular. It covers more and more aspects of our lives. You can have a green home and a green motorhome as well. With such a recreational vehicle, you will save money and help to preserve the natural environment. Find out what features and capabilities can make a campervan truly green.

Fuel Economy

A motorhome with excellent fuel economy is truly green. The less fuel is used for covering 100 kilometres the better. A fuel-efficient campervan will not only save you money. It will actually produce a lower volume of exhaust gasses which pollute the environment.

There is a big debate whether diesel or gasoline is more efficient and better for the environment. Most experts vote for diesel, but some recent studies have revealed that gasoline may not be as bad as previously thought. In this situation, it is best for you to do the math based on the precise specs of the recreational vehicles which you compare.

Design and Make

In order to be green, a motorhome has to be made from green materials. Traditionally, manufacturers use hardwood or plywood materials like lauan for the interior. They are not environmentally friendly. The composite materials, however, fall into this category.

In addition to being recycled, the composite materials are lighter than their traditional counterparts. This makes the campervan lighter as well. In fact, it has been estimated that if only composite materials are used for building the interior of an average recreational vehicle, it will be around 20% lighter. Due to its lighter weight, it uses less fuel and this brings benefits to your pocket and to the natural environment.

Energy Efficiency

There are different features and capabilities which can make a motorhome energy-efficient. Among the main ones, you will find tinted windows with double glazing. They prevent the hot or cool air inside the campervan from escaping. Many modern models are equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting systems. The bulbs use much less energy than their traditional counterparts. The heating and air conditioning systems can also be made so that they use less power to operate.

The solar panels are perhaps the most innovative features for energy efficiency. They are preinstalled on the roofs of many new campervans. They can be added after purchase as well. A sufficiently large and powerful solar panel system can produce up to 70% and even up to 90% of the energy needed inside the average motorhome every day.

It pays off to invest in a green motorhome.

Source by Celine Potrov

All across the country you will be able to find police auctions and seized auctions where you can bid on used motorhomes. many of these vehicles are won with a closing bid that is just a small fraction of the true value of the motorhome.

A poplar type of auction is the Repo auction or repossessed auction. These auctions have a wide selection of vehicles on offer which have been repossessed due to foreclosure and need to be sold off as quickly as possible. The starting bids are normally very low indeed. Most of the vehicles are in good condition but occasionally you will find older models that need checking over more thoroughly beforehand.

Another class of auction that is similar to the repossessed auctions is the police auction or seized auction. The vehicles up for auction here have all been confiscated by the authorities mostly due to being deemed as a result of illegal earnings. Most of these vehicles are in very good condition too.

Police auctions and repossessed auctions don’t seem to be publicized very much and are principally attended by members of the trade. They are however open to the public. There are a few websites that contain details of upcoming police auctions and the vehicles which will be on offer. See the link at the end of this article.

Here are some pointers to help you get the best deal possible at auction:

Firstly you need to get very clear on the type of motorhome you will be bidding on before attending the auction. It is no good going to the auction to peruse different styles of RV. The viewing time at the auction should be spent intensively checking over every detail of any candidate vehicles. If you are not sure as to which RV is best for you then borrow or hire one for a few days to see how it goes and you will get a good idea as to the size and class of RV which will be best for you and your family.

You need to spend a great deal of time scrutinizing any vehicle you intent to bid on. Examine the engine, the brakes, the underside, the bodywork , the roof, the heating, the electrics, the seating, the cupboards, the air conditioning and everything else. Don’t forget to enlist the help of your local mechanic friend too. Take notes of anything that needs repairing or replacing.

Next you need to estimate a price. You should be aware of the general price bracket for the type of RV you are looking at and the age. Make sure you have the motorhome press with you and check out other similar vehicles that may be for sale there as a guide. Add to your price estimation the price of the repairs that you noted down before and there you have your value. This should be your absolute maximum bid as bidding higher would mean paying more than the vehicle is worth. In most cases the bidding will end well before reaching your valuation figure.

Source by Barry Bushnell

There are many factors which you need to consider before buying a motorhome. It is best to start with the core ones. Then you can move on to the details. Use some essential information and tips which will help you to make the right decisions regarding the following major factors.

Engine

You can choose between motorhomes with gasoline and diesel engine. Generally, gasoline engines are noisier and produce a greater amount of heat. In some cases, the part of the cabin over the engine may get notably warmer. In addition to being quieter, diesel engines typically have better fuel efficiency. They are more environmentally friendly as well. At the same time, they push the cost of the vehicle up so it makes sense to calculate how quickly the larger investment will pay itself off given the savings on fuel which it will generate.

Transmission

There are two options available – manual and automatic transmission. The manual transmission offers greater control over gear selection. It is the less expensive option as well. With automatic transmission, you will enjoy a more relaxed drive with less effort involved. This is important when you are driving a large vehicle. When it comes to fuel efficiency, the automatic transmission beats the manual one most of the time, but this is not always the case.

Size

There are two factors to consider when selecting the motorhome size. The first one is how much interior space and how many amenities you will need to feel comfortable. If you want more permanent beds, a bigger refrigerator, extra large storage area or more room in the kitchen, you will need a larger model. At the same time, bigger vehicles are more difficult to park. They may be more challenging to drive in urban areas as well.

Beds

You have to choose the number of beds extremely carefully. Figure out how many people you would typically take on a camping trip to make the right decision. If you have a permanent travel party, you should consider the ages and any specific needs of its members.

Bathroom Facilities

It pays off to invest in a recreational vehicle which has indoor toilet and shower facilities. If you want to save money and don’t mind stopping more frequently, you can opt for a portable toilet and a solar shower. If you choose the indoor facilities, you have to figure out whether you want them to be set separately or together. The first option is preferred if there will be more people on board.

Take your time to make the right decisions before purchasing a motorhome.

Source by Celine Potrov

As you might be aware you can often get some incredibly good deals by purchasing your used motorhome at a police auction. Even though these auctions are called ‘Police’ auctions you shouldn’t get lulled into a sense of false security, there are still many risks involved and you are not guaranteed anything more than the fact that the vehicle will run.

In order to minimize the risk involved with buying at one of these auctions you need to know the value of the vehicle you are trying to buy because bidding can at times become fierce and shoot up to levels higher than the value of the motorhome.

You need to know exactly which sort of motorhome you are looking for. An auction viewing is not the time to be perusing several different classes of motorhome. If you are still at this stage then postpone your buying for a while and hire or borrow a similar model to the one you think you might be buying and get completely clear on what sort of motorhome or RV you really need. The viewing period at the auction will be short and all of the time should be spent checking it out for faults.

Being as there will be little time in which to check over one or more rigs then you should prepare a check list before you set out. Make mechanical checks (good idea to take a mechanic with you), check the water system for leaks, examine the fixtures and fittings and the electrical system.

Source by Barry Bushnell