The Ultimate Guide for Those New to Motorhoming

What Do I Need to Know When Buying a Motorhome?

Buying a motorhome for the first time? Want to know more about how you can make the most out of your trip? Your first getaway will require some planning until you get to grips with your motorhome and work out your own way of doing things whilst you’re away. We’re here to make life easier and so we’ve put together the perfect tips to get you on your way.

Which Motorhome is best for you?

With nationwide motorhome sales reaching record figures since the pandemic began, the market is undoubtedly growing rapidly. Understandably, buying a motorhome for the first time may seem daunting and you may be wondering where to start. At Spinney, we offer a wide range of motorhomes to cater for all tastes. Here are some important things to think about when making your choice.

How long are you planning to go away for?

• For longer trips, especially if you are going away as a family or with pets, it may be best to opt for a motorhome which offers more living space to ensure a comfortable stay for all. Perhaps an ‘over-cab’ home, which offers living space above the driving area, or an ‘A-class’ vehicle, with top of the range luxury with masses of space and drop-down beds, would be your potential choice.
• For shorter trips and weekends away, you may want to look at campervans – essentially those which appear to be a large van with features such as a pop-out roof. They can also double up as an everyday vehicle too which also means there’s no need to worry about fitting into smaller spaces! Although a pop-out roof significantly increases the interior space, you may find that you opt for one of our larger options mentioned if you are travelling as a family with smaller children.

New or used?

Choosing a new or used motorhome may depend on a few things:

• Budget: Perhaps the most obvious factor which influences any purchase is cost. Most often, you would be looking at a higher price point when buying a new motorhome. However, Spinney tailors to all budgets and there is something for everyone.
• Usage: If you know that you’ll be using your motorhome several times a year this may influence how much you’re willing to spend, and in turn whether you want to invest in a brand-new vehicle.
• Specification: Though many used motorhomes are in excellent condition, you may prefer the latest specification that the industry has to offer. Despite this, many of our used motorhomes have been updated by previous owners, so may already be modern enough to suit your tastes. Many of our used vehicles have also been well looked after and have done relatively little mileage, which really takes the anxieties out of the fact that something has been ‘used.’

Manual or automatic?

Ultimately, this comes down to personal preference. Some important things to consider are whether you prefer controlling your braking and hill driving by using gears; what the cost of manual versus automatic would be; and whether it would be more tiring to drive a manual motorhome over long distances.

What is fuel consumption like?

Given the rising cost of fuel in the UK, fuel consumption may also be important to think about. The larger the motorhome, the greater the fuel consumption. For example, A-Class motorhomes typically use the most fuel because they are the heaviest. Diesel also makes for a more efficient choice than petrol with these types of vehicles. However, a more economical driving style – specifically driving in the highest gear possible and avoiding speeding – helps to combat over-consumption with all fuel types.

Essentials for your trip

You probably want to be as relaxed as possible whilst getting ready for your trip, so we’ve suggested some essential items to make sure everything runs smoothly.

• First aid kit and insect repellent: Crucial for all trips given the likelihood that you’ll spend a lot of time outdoors, which brings a greater chance of injury and insect bites
• Cutlery set and basic kitchen utensils: Although you may be heading to a location which has restaurants and cafes nearby, it’s likely that you’ll be doing some cooking in your motorhome given the facilities many of our vehicles have to offer. A portable barbecue is also a great idea for those warm summer nights!
• Portable charger: Always handy to charge your devices when you are not hooked up to the electricity at the campsite. Remember to charge it in advance, though!
• Sat-nav: Preventing your chances of getting lost on the way to your destination can prevent unnecessary stress, excessive fuel consumption and minimize getting stuck in traffic.
• Warm clothing and waterproofs: If you’re holidaying in the UK it’s a good idea to be well prepared for all types of weather, given our unpredictable climate!
• Indoor shoes: Taking shoes which are only to be worn inside the motorhome will prevent your living space from getting dirty, especially if you’ve been walking outside along wet and muddy routes
• Torches: An essential to navigate campsites, which are often not well lit at night.
• Hook-up cable: All modern vehicles are supplied with a cable to be fitted into hook-up points available at campsites to access electricity.

If you’re wondering where to get all of the above items, then fear not. All three of our Spinney dealerships have fully stocked accessory stores on-site. Here you can purchase everything from clothing to awnings and specialist parts. Plus, if you need some expert advice on what to take, there’s the added benefit of having staff members available to chat to. Our guys live and breathe motorhoming, so they’ll be able to assist you with any questions you may have.

General tips and tricks

• Research the area you’re going to: Going on holiday with an itinerary, having researched the area, is a great way to maximise your time away. It’s also handy to research the campsite itself prior to arrival to ensure you know where all the facilities are located (for example: showers, activities area, kids club).
• Keep the motorhome secure: Shut all windows and hatches that may have been open whilst stationary before driving off to prevent banging and flapping on the open road. Due to their value, motorhomes have long been a target for thieves, so it’s always important to keep your vehicle secured and locked whenever it’s unattended. It may also be a good idea to install a dog sound on a phone near the door so that if anyone does try to enter, they may be warned off. Always ensure that you store valuables in a safe, out of sight, or take them with you when you go out if you cannot leave them at home before travelling.
• Read your manual: Becoming familiar with your vehicle before you set off on your first journey will make sure you know where to look for the spare parts, and what do if breakdown should occur.

Top tips for going abroad

• Going abroad means driving on the right-hand side of the road. To prevent further difficulties, plan your route ahead of time. You could also consider purchasing a left-hand drive motorhome if you intend to on travelling within Europe for long periods. (Left-hand drive motorhome are quite common in the UK and can be purchased from most dealerships including ours).
• It may also mean that your motorhome gets hotter or colder than it usually would in the UK. Pack appropriate clothing accordingly as well as other essentials to deal with different temperatures, such as portable fans if you are going somewhere hot.
• Remember that fuel and food costs vary across different countries. Research these costs prior to travel if you wish to budget whilst you are away. Likewise, research the rules and laws of the country you are visiting, you can never know too much!

Even if you are new to motorhoming, you can have great fun and adventures in your new vehicle. Ensure you prepare in advance and you’re good to go!

As always if you have any questions in regard to motorhoming, which vehicle to choose or, would like a general chat or walk through of your new vehicle, Spinney are on hand to give help, advice and ensure you get the most out of your new or used motorhome. Why not give us a call today.