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  • Beginners Guide to Motorhome Ownership – Buying Your First Motorhome

    One of the first things to decide when buying a motorhome is whether you want a new or second hand vehicle. On the one hand, with a new vehicle you get the feeling of being the first to own it and the safety of a manufacturers limited warranty, on the other hand, a pre-owned model can often be picked up with big savings against list price just a year or so after manufacture.

    Everyone’s different, but most first time buyers opt for a second hand motorhome as the financial investment is less – and it gives the chance to find out whether motorhoming suits you without being left out of pocket.

    Another initial consideration is your budget. Think about what you would like to spend and also what you are willing to spend as a maximum, this gives you a price range to work within and means you’ll be less tempted to overspend.

    There are motorhomes available in all shapes and sizes, and to fit all budgets, so think carefully about which type of motorhome suits you best – is it a small panel van conversion or a large A-class or American RV that takes your fancy? If you’re only buying the motorhome for short holidays then a small or medium sized motorhome would most likely meet your requirements, but for those intending on travelling for months at a time a larger, better equipped motorhome may be what’s needed.

    Finding a motorhome which meets your requirements can be tricky, and you’re unlikely to find one which ‘ticks all the boxes’ straight away – the key is prioritising your needs. Write a list of things you need from your motorhome, not features as such but just broad requirements you have of your new investment, things such as ‘sleeps 4 people comfortably’ or ‘small enough to drive in European cities’. You can then use this list to figure out which models suit you best and which features are most important to you – doing things this way round ensures you aren’t convinced to buy a motorhome with fancy features you won’t use.

    When you’re looking at a prospective motorhome, and particularly when buying second hand, make sure you test out all the features before buying – that doesn’t mean cooking a three course meal, but it does mean pulling out the beds, stepping into the shower area to test its size, opening and closing cupboards, sitting on the sofa etc.

    When looking at second hand motorhomes you need to scrutinise the fixtures and fittings even more, making sure you check the water runs properly and all the electrics are working as they should – it only takes a minute to fill up the water tank to test the system, and any person serious about selling the motorhome will be happy to do this.

    Never buy a motorhome without seeing the water system, electricity and motor running in full working order, and always go for a test drive which includes roads which you can get up to 50mph on, as some problems won’t make themselves known at low speeds. Don’t be offended if the owner won’t let you drive though as not many people have ‘any driver’ insurance and it’s still the sellers responsibility if anything happens. If you do sit in the passenger seat on a test drive, simply keep an ear out for any unusual noises from the engine, wheels or brakes and an eye on the driver’s hands – are they working hard to turn the wheel? Do the gears change smoothly and easily?

    It’s also vitally important that the waste water system is clean and works properly, this should have been done by the seller prior to them putting the motorhome up for sale so get them to show you how the cassette is removed from the toilet unit so you can see whether this has been done – it’s not a job you would want to do after buying!

    Make sure you shop around for the best deal, look online at plenty of models but don’t make any decisions until you see the motorhome first hand, no matter how many pictures you look at you won’t get a true feel for the interior spaces until you look around in person. When you’re ready to buy try and use local dealerships with good reputations, that way if anything goes wrong you haven’t got far to go for repairs or advice. It’s also a good idea to check out the insurance costs as you may find some of the larger motorhomes come with larger premiums. Always opt for a specialist motorhome insurance policy rather than a standard motor policy as this will give you more comprehensive cover.



    Source by H Robinson

  • Used Motorhome – 3 Reasons to Buy a Used RV

    Used Motorhome – 3 Reasons to Buy a Used RV

    No matter what the season, a used motorhome may in fact be one of the best buys you can make, if you do your homework, be patient, and be prepared to jump on the best deal that you find.

    It’s true that motorhomes can be hideously expensive when new, that is why I recommend that you consider taking the time and effort to find a used motorhome in great shape, at a great price. I’ve written down three of my favorite reasons to buy used to help you be a smart shopper.

    Depreciation

    Like new cars, a new motorhome will lose a huge chunk of its value as you drive it off the lot. How much value can it lose? If a new motorhome is anything like a new car, it could lose up to one-third of its value within the first year of ownership! So, if you paid $60,000 for a new class C motorhome, at the end of 12 months it could be worth as little as $40,000! Of course, there are a lot of things that can factor into this depreciation such as the type and brand of motorhome, its condition, the mileage and so on.

    But the fact remains that depreciation is a huge expense, and you can put depreciation one your side by buying a year or two old motorhome and putting that loss on your side of the balance sheet!

    Relaibility

    There are a lot of things that can go wrong in a new motorhome, and the chances are good that, if anything will break or wear out prematurely, it will do so during the first ten or twenty thousand miles. The warranty will usually cover these problems, they do get repaired, and the chances are great that the motorhome will chug along for another 60 thousand trouble free miles or so are pretty good. That is the “sweet spot” during which buying a used motorhome could be right in the middle of a great life expectancy, meaning that you probably will have minimal repair expenses during this time frame.

    So, the sweet spot for a good used motorhome could be between 20,000 miles and 80,000 miles. Could a well taken care of motorhome go beyond 80,000 and not have reliability problems? Most definitely, although the chances something big will go wrong increase as the miles roll by.

    Convenience

    I will admit it right here – I like to buy vehicles from private parties. That’s right, I deplore the high-pressure sales tactics of some of those motorhome dealers. Plus, I have usually had a good experience buying from a private seller. I think that they are mostly more honest and open about problems and issues with the motorhome. And, they’re usually much easier to deal with and seldom do they hit you with high pressure sales.

    On the downside, private sellers don’t offer financing (you must bring cash).

    That is the only negative I can think of for buying a used motorhome from a private party.



    Source by Sam Gentry

  • Clever Motorhome Solutions to Consider As a Buyer

    Clever Motorhome Solutions to Consider As a Buyer

    In recent years, motorhomes have become more comfortable, technologically advanced and energy-efficient. You can enjoy all of these benefits fully. You just need to identify the features which work to provide them. Check out some of the smartest solutions which you can find in a recreational vehicle so that you can include them in your list of requirements.

    Permanent Bed with Storage Room Underneath

    This clever motorhome solution has two great benefits. Firstly, the permanent bed is larger and more comfortable than the convertible ones. You can readily opt for a luxury bed with memory foam mattress for maximum comfort. The convertible models, on the other hand, typically have the cushions turning into mattresses. The second benefit is obviously the storage room. Some manufacturers make the beds taller so that you can put more stuff underneath. You can keep clothes, shoes, bedding, linen and many more things underneath the bed.

    Separate On-Board Shower and Toilet Facilities

    This is among the smartest solutions which motorhome buyers can opt for. You will not have to wait to use the toilet while someone else is taking a shower and vice versa. This will save you a lot of time in the morning when you are in a hurry to begin another day full of adventure. Besides, you will feel much more at ease when you do not have someone knocking on the door every couple of minutes. There are also recreational vehicle models which has a separate vanity as well. This makes them even more functional.

    Programmable Lighting

    This clever functionality has a range of great benefits. Firstly, you can readily create the ambience which you need whether you want to get in the mood for a romantic dinner or for a big party. More importantly, you can reduce your energy consumption by having the lights go out automatically when you are not using them. You can also increase your level of security with programmable lighting. You can have certain lights go up at set intervals during the night to ensure that potential intruders stay away.

    Solar Panels

    These are among the smartest features which you can get. They enable you to use solar energy and safe money. It is worth pointing out that when they are installed on the roof of the motorhome they will generate energy for long hours even on cloudy days. The best part is that solar panels can be installed on existing vehicles as well.

    With these smart motorhome solutions, you will enjoy every trip even more.



    Source by Celine Potrov

  • Camping – Fun And Adventure

    Camping – Fun And Adventure

    Camping for most people means a tent and sleeping on a mat on the ground. If that does not really appeal to you, then camping in an RV is what you need. It is the ultimate camping adventure.

    RV's come in many sizes and shapes. They start with campers that fit in the back of a pickup truck. These can have full kitchens, beds, a shower and toilet in them.

    Next there are van conversions called Class B motorhomes that are basically a cargo van converted into a camping vehicle. These can have a raised roof for more head room. They also contain the same amenities as the truck camper.

    Next up is the Class C motorhome. The front end looks like a pickup truck, but the similarity ends there. There is a sleeper extension over the cab and the back end looks like any motorhome you are probably familiar with. Basically a cargo box with windows, but much prettier. The Class C has all the amenities of home. A kitchenette, bathroom, bedroom and living room. You could live in a Class C.

    The next step us is the Class A motorhome. This is roomiest of all motorized RVs. These motorhomes are like a mini one bedroom apartment. They are fully self contained. From the queen sized bed to the dinette that seats four people you find luxury. A refrigerator and stove are complimented by a microwave oven. You might even have an ice maker capable of making over 20 pounds of ice a day. Party ready!

    If that were not enough choices, there are still the trailers. First is the travel trailer you can pull behind a larger sedan or SUV. Then the 5th wheel trailer that hooks into the back of a pickup truck. Both of these trailers are equally as luxuriant as the best motorhome. An advantage is they cost a lot less.

    You can buy new or used. Whichever way you choose, you should do a lot of research on the internet first. Learn all you can about RVing. There are RV forums that you can find by doing a search in your favorite search engine.

    When you decide that an RV might be for you, attend an RV show or two. There are major RV shows at fairgrounds and stadiums where many dealers and vendors are selling every type of RV there is. There are also local RV shows commonly put on by one or two dealers to show and sell some of their inventory.

    If you really are not sure you would like to spend $ 40,000 or $ 250,000 on a hobby you are not sure you would like, buy a used RV. You can get into RVing in a 34 foot used Class A motorhome for under $ 10,000.

    The older and larger the motorhome the less fuel efficient it will be. You may get 5 to 7 miles per gallon on many older motorhomes. 7-9 mpg is realistic for mid 1990's motorhomes and up to 12 miles a gallon on new ones.

    Camping in an RV is a fun adventure waiting for you and your family.



    Source by Scott Morris

  • Motorhome Hire – Why Buy When You Can Rent?

    Motorhome Hire – Why Buy When You Can Rent?

    After getting on the property ladder, buying a motorhome in the UK is probably the biggest purchasing decision in the lifetime of any consumer. But with high-end models costing up to 250,000 pounds, the risks involved in committing to an unsuitable motorhome are high. Renting one instead, either as a prelude to buying one or as an outright alternative, is an option that astute motorhome aficionados are increasingly likely to consider.

    The European Rental Association recently published a ‘rent versus buy’ calculator offering general points on the benefits of renting. If we take a closer look, we see that their points are particularly relevant to large-value items such as motorhomes. Reasons to rent offered by the ERA include:

    “Because the fleet is not used all the time.”

    Unless you are planning to hit the road in your motorhome for months at a time, it stands to reason that for the better part of the year your vehicle will not be in use. There is a logistical and a cost impact, as motorhome owners have to plan (and pay for) ongoing storage/ parking. Hiring a motorhome as an when you need it solves the problem.

    “The right product at the right time.”

    Once you own a motorhome, you’re stuck with it. If you rent, you have complete freedom when it comes to selecting the model that best fits your needs. Perhaps you want to follow the latest trends in luxury motorhomes and always ensure you have the very latest available technology? Or from a practical perspective, your 6-berther may be ideal for the family, but what about that weekend getaway with your partner when a 2-berth would suffice? Hiring gives you the flexibility to always get the right vehicle for the job in hand.

    “Ease of maintenance.”

    Purchasing a motorhome is a long-term commitment that will involve regular maintenance, MOT tests and all the costs involved with keeping a vehicle safe and roadworthy. Because hire shops typically check and service their vehicles after every use, the rental customer travels safe in the knowledge that their motorhome is in tip top condition, without any of the hassle of arranging and paying for regular services.

    “Be safe, just rent it, avoid the risk.”

    By its very nature, the outright purchase of a motorhome is a big investment and every investment comes with a degree of risk. Leaving aside the fact that any vehicle depreciates by up to 25% of its value the minute you drive it off the forecourt, there are also potentially unforeseen mechanical problems that could require additional extra investment to put right. Renting a motorhome limits your exposure and gives you peace of mind, because in the event of any problem, it’s the dealer – not the driver – that bears the responsibility.



    Source by Michael D. Hall

  • Conversion Vans Vs Mini Motorhome (Class B RV)

    Conversion Vans Vs Mini Motorhome (Class B RV)

    Conversion Vans vs. Mini Motorhome (Class B RV)

    How many people know the difference between a Conversion Van, Camper Van, or Mini-Motorhome? Knowing the differences can help an individual make “Good Purchase Decisions”. The right Van can be your daily transportation or RV. The differences become important for simple reasons like:How much will it cost me to insure my vehicle?

    • How do I determine a fair “Blue Book” price to buy or sell?
    • Does my neighborhood association allow me to park my Van at Home?
    • Safety: Is my Vehicle Crash Tested by a Government Agency?
    • Who will service my Van when I need repairs or maintenance?

    Conversion Vans are not Motorhomes, but they can offer many of the features of a Motorhome. So let us clear up the differences!

    Keep in mind there is room to stretch from one class of vehicle to another; and there is no defacto industry definition; just guidelines. Search the listings at RVTRADER.com and you’ll find many Class C’s mixed into the Class B listings not to mention the Class B’s in the Bus Conversions. You’ll even find ordinary Conversion Vans in the mix. It seems people really don’t know what they have! Confusing isn’t it? We love vans and own several different types and is how we at Conversion-Vans.NET define the Vehicle Classes.

    • Cargo Van – A Cargo van is a vehicle provided direct from the Manufacture with no rear seats, carpeting, or windows. These vans can be “Up fitted or Converted” to meet the needs of a variety of purposes.
    • Camper Van – This is the simple conversion of a stock cargo van to add features helpful for “camping”. So a Camper Van is any van that has been converted for the purpose of camping – simple enough! Yes and No. There is no such thing as a commercial “Camper Van” – unless you get outside of the USA where the nomenclature changes. Camper Vans are typically “Homemade” modifications. A Class B Motorhome can be Called a Camper Van if you please, but you can not call a Camper Van a Class B Motorhome unless it has some very specific features! (See next)
    • Class B Motorhome (Class B RV) – Any full fledged Motorhome built on a Cargo Van Chassis by a licensed up fitter. The van may have the top removed or the sides widened, but it is still essentially a van in size and shape. Additionally in order to qualify as a Class B Motorhome the van must have built-in sleeping, eating, and bathroom facilities (Including properly mounting fresh and grey water holding tanks). If the frame of the van has been cut down clear to the floor level (they come direct from Ford, Chevy, and Dodge this way – just a frame and a cab) and built up completely from the floor it’s a Class “C” not a Class “B”.
    • Conversion Van (aka Luxury Van, Custom Van) – Any van that has been customized for comfort can be considered a conversion van. These are really luxury vehicles used to transport 6-10 people in comfort. Conversion vans can have some of the features of a “Camper Van” or even a “Class B Motorhome”, but are typically more upscale and designed for daytime use and luxury transportation. These vans may have a raised roof, fancy paintjob, Custom Wheels, Leather Seats, 4 Captains chairs, dual stereo, TV/VCR Combos etc.
    • Mini C’s & B+’s – These are really Class “C” Motorhomes masquerading as Class B Motorhomes. They feature sleek aerodynamic body styles – often made of a single fiberglass shell. The Chinook line of Motorhomes by TrailWagons, Inc. is probably the best example. These are also sometimes referred to as B+ Vans. They are in fact built from the same chassis as a Class C, but are made more to look like a Call B. Confusing? Ultimately it doesn’t matter, as long as you find what you want.

    So there you have it! The Van is an incredibly versatile mode of transportation that can be “converted” to suit the needs of a variety of individuals and purposes. Vans offer large storage capacity for hauling cargo to completely self contained luxury travel. So don’t just rush out and get a giant RV until you have considered a Conversion Van or Class B RV.



    Source by Michael Avagant