Ultimate Checklist for First-Time Motorhome Buyers

Purchasing a motorhome is one of the best ways to upgrade how you experience the outdoors, giving you an unprecedented level of freedom that you rarely get with other holiday options. But buying a new motorhome for the first time can be daunting for many customers, even though the whole experience is far more straightforward than it may seem.

Whether you’re in the midst of deciding whether to buy a pre-owned motorhome, figuring out licensing rules, or just starting to venture out into road adventures, we’re here to help.  Read and bookmark our checklist below for everything you need to know about buying a motorhome for the first time.

Ready to start transforming how you experience holidays on the open road? Contact Spinney today, and we’ll be happy to guide you through our collection and find the perfect vehicle for you.

1. Know what you’re buying

Let’s start with something that might sound incredibly obvious. But it’s really important to know exactly what you’re buying before you purchase, particularly if you’re a first-time motorhome buyer. So, let’s break down some essential things you need to know before committing to buying, from ‘when to buy a motorhome’ to the different layouts available.

How is a motorhome different from a campervan?

If you’re not familiar with the world of motorhomes, you may not know the difference between a motorhome and a campervan. While both leisure vehicle types come with sleeping berths, a bathroom and a kitchen, the main difference comes in their size, with motorhomes offering a far more luxurious living space with more premium features. For a size guide and comparison between motorhomes and campervans, explore our blog on the topic.

What different layouts of motorhomes are available?

Motorhomes come in a whole range of shapes, sizes and layouts depending on which brand you opt to purchase with. With countless options available that prioritise different sections of your motorhome, including ones with larger double bedrooms for couples on the road, or ones with sizeable social spaces to host big families.

While interior layouts can vary, so too can the type (or ‘class’) of motorhomes themselves. Motorhomes come in three different classes: Integrated (aka A-class), which are large, bus-like vehicles; Panel Van Conversions, compact campervan-like vehicles; and Coachbuilt, which are distinctive for their extra berth above the driver’s cab.

Want cutting-edge motorhomes?

The technology around motorhome manufacturing is constantly improving year on year, with brands persistently innovating. If you’re the kind of person who loves owning the most cutting-edge products, you’ll want to explore the very best premium motorhomes.

Or, if you want to keep up with the ever-changing industry and purchase the very latest models for the upcoming season, caravan and motorhome shows across the UK are well worth a visit.

Know when to buy

Once you know the kind of motorhome you want to buy, it’s time to consider when the right time to purchase might be. The optimum time to make your purchase will depend on exactly what kind of motorhome you’re looking to buy, for example, used motorhomes are often cheaper in September when the summer season has drawn to a close. Meanwhile, new motorhome models are best bought in October if budget is no issue, or you could wait until spring the next year for a slightly cheaper price.

2. Pre-purchasing checks

So, you’ve got your desired motorhome in your sights, having done all the necessary research. Maybe you’ve opted for the luxurious Voyager range from Swift, or how about the perfectly sized Kronos Compact collection from Roller Team for adventurers who don’t need loads of space? Whatever your choice, make sure you carry out these pre-purchasing checks.

Have you got the right licensing requirements?

Having the right driving licence might not be something you’ve thought about in regards to driving a motorhome. Thankfully, most motorhomes can be driven with a standard category B driving licence, as long as the Maximum Allowable Mass (MAM) is below 3,500kg. If you want to drive anything heavier than this, however, you will need to go through another examination to earn the C1 licence for a motorhome.

Earning a C1 categorisation will permit you to drive vehicles that possess a MAM of between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, usually meaning integrated or coachbuilt motorhomes. Experienced drivers who passed their standard category B test before January 1st, 1997, are already entitled to hold the C1 licence, however, you will be required to pass a D4 medical check to verify your vision for driving.

Take a test drive

One of the very best ways you can get a look and feel for your potential new motorhome is to take it for a test drive. This service is available through our rental partner, UGo Motorhome Hire, and gives you unparalleled access to a whole range of vehicles from different brands, allowing you to decide for yourself which is the best.

Enjoy a risk-free rental experience that will give you a first-hand impression of what motorhomes are like to drive, park and manoeuvre. You might fall in love with motorhomes or realise that you actually prefer the more compact nature of a campervan. Allowing yourself the time and freedom to experience a motorhome in a real-life scenario will allow you to easily make this choice
.

Inspections

When buying a brand-new motorhome from a reputable dealership like Spinney, a thorough inspection is something that you shouldn’t have to worry about. On the other hand, while we can also guarantee you quality when buying used vehicles, you will have to perform your due diligence when buying second-hand motorhomes from a private seller or less reputable dealerships.

There are several things you should look out for when buying a used motorhome, and a full inspection of the vehicle’s condition must be at the very top of your list. Elsewhere, you’ll want to request the full service records and any other pieces of relevant documentation. For a list of five useful questions to ask when buying a used motorhome, just explore our blog on the topic.

3. Purchasing the vehicle

Buying a motorhome for the first time doesn’t have to seem like an arduous process, and as long as you’ve done the necessary research and preparation, once you get to this stage, you should be confident and ready to go! With that being said, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you buy the vehicle.

Motorhome insurance

Just like how you need to get your car insured annually before you can legally drive it, the same goes for your new motorhome. But this process is just as simple as purchasing car insurance – just follow our handy guide on motorhome insurance. Just like car insurance, however, there are several levels of insurance you can opt for when it comes to motorhomes.

Choose between third party, third party, fire & theft (TPF&T) or fully comprehensive (fully comp), depending on the type of coverage you think you need. Your age and driving experience will play a significant role in deciding exactly how much insurance you will pay every year, so too will the make, model and age of the motorhome you’re driving.

How to buy your first motorhome

It’s never been easier to buy your first motorhome with Spinney. We make it as easy as possible for you to enjoy your motorhome, so not only is our team on hand to help you through your purchase, but we even offer finance options to make this process effortless. If you want to enjoy the benefits of a motorhome sooner rather than later, explore our finance options and experience the ease of set monthly repayments and a fixed interest rate.

Secure all the kit you need

Motorhomes are titans of the open road, containing almost everything you need for easy living, including sleeping, cooking and washing facilities. But you’ll need other accessories and essential kit to make sure the whole vehicle is operating without a hitch. The best way you can do this is by visiting our in-store accessories shop with a checklist of your own. No matter what you might need for your motorhome, you can be sure to find what you need at Spinney, including:

• Magnificent awnings that will increase the size of your living space.
• All the chemicals you need to maintain your motorhome toilet
• Cutting-edge solutions for providing Wi-Fi in your motorhome.
• BBQs and gas supplies for alfresco dining.
• Cleaning sprays and chemicals specially formulated for use in motorhomes.

4. Living with your motorhome

Now you’ve got your motorhome, you can start enjoying it on the open road. Take it to the coasts of Cornwall, the heights of the Peak District or even across to Europe for a motorhome holiday in France. But if you’re a first-time motorhome buyer and user, you may want to keep a few things in mind so you’re not taken by surprise.

Motorhome speed limits

While speed limits for cars in the UK are clear and signposted, when driving a motorhome you have to take a little more personal responsibility. Based on your vehicle’s MAM and whether or not you’re towing a trailer, the speed limits of a motorhome will differ ever so slightly. They will also be affected by what kind of road you’re driving on and where in the country you’re driving.

For motorhomes that exceed 3.05 tonnes, the following speed limits apply:

• 30mph in built-up areas in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• 20mph in built-up areas in Wales.
• 50mph on single carriageways across the UK.
• 60mph on dual carriageways across the UK.
• 70mph on the motorway across the UK.

Budgeting your motorhome

Motorhomes can cost a considerable amount to run, depending on various factors, such as the frequency of its usage and how much your insurance costs. Be prepared to invest in your vehicle by being aware of the hidden costs that exist, including:

• Road fund licence: This could cost anywhere between £165-£362 (if you have a motorhome with a ‘list price’ of over £40,000, you’ll need to pay an additional £410 for five years.
• Repair and servicing costs: While repairs are unpredictable and varying in costs, a recommended annual servicing can cost between £200-£250.
• Extra accessories: Additional extra accessories are entirely optional, but many travellers will want to invest in a tracker, motorhome Wi-Fi, an awning and an extra leisure battery to power all your techy extras.

5. Maintain your motorhome

So, you’ve just got back from a two week tour of the French coastline and you’ve been greeted by the damp English weather of September. Your motorhome is scattered with sand, the upholstery is stained with soft cheese and the exterior needs a good wash. Whatever you do, don’t just make it a job for ‘the next time you want to use it’ – maintain your motorhome and prolong its lifespan and price tag.

Clean your motorhome

First things first, make sure you give your motorhome a proper scrub from top to bottom. This means doing the obvious things like stripping the bedsheets and giving the kitchen and bathroom a thorough scrub, but don’t forget to wash any upholstery you can remove and give the fridge a clean out. Follow our ultimate motorhome cleaning guide to find everything you need to get started.

But don’t ignore the exterior – protecting the outside of your motorhome is just as important as maintaining the inside. Clean your motorhome like you would your car, washing off any dirt that can cause damage to the paintwork, scrubbing windows and seals and seeing to your wheels with a brush. Finally, use a cotton cloth and some polish to give your motorhome a shine, utilising a ladder to get to those hard-to-reach areas.

Motorhome winter storage

Unless you’re willing to brave the bite of winter, most motorhome owners will store their vehicle across the coldest months of the year. But leaving your motorhome stationary for so long can cause issues unless you address them ahead of time. To efficiently do this, you can follow our guide for caravan winter storage, with many of the rules being equally suitable.

The basics of motorhome winter storage involve fully draining the water system, using an electric pump if necessary, to make sure every drop is out of there to prevent freezing and internal damage over the cold months. Keep your windows and doors sealed shut throughout the winter and give the vehicle a periodic check every month or so to check for damp, aerating the space if necessary.

Motorhome servicing

Once you stretch your arms out to warmly embrace springtime once more and open up the door of your motorhome, it’s always a good idea to start the season with a motorhome servicing. You’ll find that this time of year is less busy for service centres like ours! From water ingress reports to full service plans, our servicing options provide everything you need for total peace of mind.

Buying a motorhome for the first time? Start with Spinney

Across our five branches, we’re confident that you’ll find everything you need at Spinney to enjoy countless motorhome holidays for years to come. From brand new motorhomes to awnings and accessories to full servicing options, our expert team is on hand to help you with whatever query you have, and can even help you fit pieces of equipment that you’re unsure how to install!

We’re proud of our 50 year history (and counting) and believe in the professionalism of our team and services. But don’t just take our word for it, we have over 1,000 5-star reviews on Trustpilot from customers from across the UK who have been delighted with our service.