Why are Motorhomes so Expensive?

With the ever-rising cost of living, getting out into the countryside by motorhome, caravan, or campervan has emerged as a cheap way to holiday. But, while motorhome travel can be cheap while on the road, its upfront costs can surprise many first-time customers. Delving into their true cost and recommending ways you can save money, this blog will ask, ‘Why are motorhomes so expensive?’.

As experts in the leisure vehicle industry, we at Spinney offer a collection of brand-new motorhomes, cutting-edge caravans and campervans straight from the manufacturer for sale across our many branches. Stocking the very best British brands, our customers can enjoy new Bailey motorhomes, exemplary Elddis models, luxurious Coachman vehicles, innovative Auto-Trail motorhomes and brand-new releases from Swift.

Or, if you’re looking for a touch of European elegance, you can always explore our range of Adria motorhomes or Roller Team’s impressive selection. Each of our vehicles is sold with a thorough 170-point check and a full valet to make sure you’re getting a pristine vehicle before collection that will last the test of time and maintain its value for as long as possible.

But, exactly why are motorhomes so expensive in the first place? Fear not, this blog will answer all your questions…

So, why are motorhomes so expensive?

There are several reasons why the production of motorhomes is so expensive, leading to increasing upfront costs for customers. So, let’s break down the five biggest impacts on the price of new motorhomes.

1. High-quality building materials

Motorhomes contain bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and more, all on top of an automobile chassis. All this weight requires specialist building materials. This includes everything from cutting-edge building materials, like Bailey’s Alu-Tech bodyshell construction, to necessary mechanical adjustments, such as the need for a larger engine, more robust suspension systems and tougher tyres, which all increase the overall cost.

2. Cutting-edge features

Packed with high-end technology that supports the simultaneous function of several different compact rooms, modern motorhomes feature everything from solar panels to cutting-edge GPS systems. All these ultra-modern appliances cost money to install and integrate, especially if you request specific elements that will increase the total price, thanks to the necessary labour involved.

3. Multi-functional space

From the power needed for the engine to the plumbing required for the bathroom and the electricity keeping the kitchen running, motorhomes are multi-functional spaces that require careful construction. During this intricate construction process, specialist parts are needed to fulfil the unique requirements of a motorhome, including everything from cassette toilets to unique fridges specific to the sector.

4. Professional finish

As multi-purpose vehicles that are built to last any terrain and weather conditions, motorhomes are constructed with a professional hand-built finish, unlike the automated build of cars. To fulfil this sleek appearance that also provides robust protection against issues such as water ingress, high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship are required. For evidence, look no further than Swift’s SMART construction, which utilises Glass Reinforced Plastic to help the motorhome expand and contract according to different weather conditions.

5. Interior comfort

Motorhomes are built to be luxurious vehicles, so the interior needs to look just as plush as the exterior. Expensive, lightweight materials are needed to craft such bespoke furniture, however, with all seating, beds and storage units needing a strong, good-quality finish. If you’re after premium hotel-esque finishes, like those of Adria’s Supersonic range, you will need to be prepared to pay more than other models.

How much do motorhomes cost to run?

Motorhome owners may find themselves paying wildly different prices for their vehicles on an annual basis, with this being dependent on factors such as usage and the age of the actual vehicle. But, to cast a wide approximation, you can expect to pay anywhere between £1000-£4000 per year (not accounting for fuel) for your motorhome, with the following factors being the biggest money drainers:

• Insurance: It’s a legal requirement to have motorhome insurance, but the cost of this will differ greatly from one user to the next, depending on such factors as driver age, vehicle mileage and the make of the motorhome.
• Fuel: The cost of fuel in recent years has become a popular talking point, especially among the motorhome community, where refilling your tank from empty can easily amount to a bill over £100.
• Road tax: The specifics of motorhome tax rates in the UK can be complex, but they often equate to around £165-£362 per year.
• Motorhome servicing: A thorough motorhome servicing from Spinney or any other reputable garage is recommended once a year. If you’re wondering what’s included in a motorhome servicing, our thorough inspection covers water ingress and habitation checks and makes sure your vehicle is good to go for the future.

Why is the price of motorhomes rising?

There are several reasons why the price of motorhomes continues to rise, with the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2022 being key. As people became locked away in their homes, the popularity of motorhomes skyrocketed, but the supply did not match the demand. As a result, there was a drastic increase in the cost of motorhomes, which has only recently begun to die down.

This issue was compounded by the microchip shortage that the motorhome industry also experienced at the very same time. The competition for these expensive technologies meant that the cost of producing motorhomes went up, with consumer costs following suit. In addition to these issues, the deflated UK economy, volatile exchange rates and the rapid rise of inflation have not helped consumers find a good deal.

How motorhomes can save you money

As motorhome experts and advocates, we’d argue that although motorhomes may require a large upfront cost, they are also a worthy investment that can help you save money in the long run. Providing a cost-effective alternative to hotels and Airbnb, motorhomes mean you can save large amounts of money time and time again with a comfortable space that you can constantly refresh.

Every family, in particular, will also know how much it costs to take everyone out for food, but with a motorhome kitchen, you can enjoy cheap, delicious meals from the comfort of your accommodation. With just how kitted-out motorhome kitchens are, these meals don’t have to be arduous to make either, with fridges, freezers, ovens and gas hobs making everything super simple.

Using companies like Goboony, you could even consider hiring out your motorhome, particularly if you’re not intending to use the vehicle for an extended period of time. Hiring out your motorhome is one of the best ways to earn some money back off your investment, especially if you’ll soon be considering selling the vehicle to gain a decent proportion of your initial payment back.

Five ways to save money on a motorhome

No matter if you’re purchasing your first or fifth motorhome, it’s always a good idea to consider the following five pieces of advice to save money on your new vehicle.

Buy from a reputable dealership

Although a private seller may give you a tempting price for their motorhome, it’s only at reputable dealerships like Spinney that you can be sure to receive advice from industry experts. Carrying out a 170-point inspection and a full valet on all of our vehicles before sale, when you buy through Spinney, we’ll also provide you with a 12-month warranty through our provider, MB&G.

One of the many added perks when you purchase through us is also access to the Spinney members club. Once part of this members club, you can receive money off our outstanding servicing options, a 15% discount on extended warranties, invitations to exclusive events and much more. It is certainly worth it to choose Spinney for your new motorhome.

Consider a used motorhome

A brand-new motorhome can depreciate from the very moment you drive it from one of our stores. Our excellent used motorhomes can, therefore, become a tempting option if you want to save money. Selling the very best brands, our used motorhomes retain their top quality while saving you money. You may even find that your insurance for such vehicles is cheaper, too!

Know when to buy

The motorhome market experiences peaks and troughs just like any other industry, therefore, knowing exactly the best time to buy a motorhome could mean differences in the thousands of pounds. For both used and new motorhomes, it’s best to wait until after the peak of the summer season to buy, with discounts usually being applied to models from September through to the end of November.

But, if you don’t have the funds to buy in the autumn, springtime is also an opportune time to buy a used motorhome with other buyers moving on from their current vehicles in favour of brand-new models hitting the market.

Visit a trade show

Ideal for both newcomers and seasoned pros, the best motorhome and caravan trade shows, like the iconic Motorhome & Caravan show at Birmingham’s NEC, are well worth a visit. Enjoy exploring and networking with other motorhome owners and experience exclusive deals where salespeople will be more open to providing discounts than at private dealerships.

Regularly attending the show ourselves as recently as 2024, we’d be happy to show you around our excellent offerings and answer any questions you may have, no matter how trivial they may seem!

Hire a motorhome

There’s no worse feeling than purchasing a motorhome only to discover months down the line that it doesn’t drive quite right and is missing the specialist features that you need. That’s why at Spinney, we offer a try before you buy service, which allows you to hire different motorhome models through our partner rental company to save you from wasting money on a motorhome that isn’t to your exact liking.

How finance options can help

Although choosing a finance option won’t make the total cost of your motorhome cheaper, it will make paying the considerable sum of money far easier, giving you more financial freedom while enjoying your new vehicle. Dedicated to making the process of buying your new vehicle as simple as possible, at Spinney, we offer a range of finance deals to suit the requirements of every kind of customer.

With our partner vehicle finance companies, you can enjoy excellent packages at a low interest rate, allowing you to appreciate the benefits of a new motorhome right away. Simply enquire online about the range of options available, choose a package and, with fixed monthly payments and a fixed interest rate, experience financial freedom.

Ready to invest in a motorhome? Contact Spinney

Although the question of ‘Why are motorhomes so expensive?’ is a hot topic among customers, there is no doubt that, in spite of the cost, you certainly get ample return on your investment. Taking you to small, cosy locations that would be otherwise inconvenient, motorhomes can let you experience the secrets of the British countryside and even the beauty of the wider world from the comfort of your own home away from home.

The best place to start your journey is right here at Spinney, with our branches across North Wales, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Cheshire and Northamptonshire offering a vast collection of motorhomes for sale. After a compact motorhome for you and your partner, take a look at the gorgeous Kronos Compact from Roller Team. Or, if you need something considerably bigger for the whole family, look no further than the Frontier Range from Auto-Trail.

From motorhomes to campervans and caravans to robust awnings that increase the size of your living quarters, at Spinney, we have absolutely everything you need to enjoy your holiday on the open road. A family business with over 50 years of industry experience, we at Spinney are proud of our award-winning customer service that puts your needs first.

Need some evidence of our fantastic customer service? Just explore our over 1000 5-star reviews on Trustpilot to find glowing reviews from our happy customers who put their trust in us…