Owning a motorhome: Costs and considerations

If you’re thinking of purchasing a motorhome, the first thing you will want to know is how much a motorhome costs. Numerous factors will affect the price of a motorhome including the size, mileage, brand, layout and features included.

Generally, the market for motorhomes ranges between £5,000 for a second-hand motorhome and over £100,000 for a new, top-of-the-range model.

Bigger motorhomes will contain more amenities, often showers, toilets and bigger beds. However, a bigger motorhome can also have limitations including:

• You may need an extra licence category depending on the size of the motorhome
• Narrow roads are a no-go

Smaller models tend to be more popular as they’re simple and easy to drive. Small motorhomes also have space-saving features such as foldaway beds and flip-up tables that you can easily move away when not in use. However, space can often become an issue for larger families, therefore it is important to make the decision based on what best suits your circumstances.

If you’re looking into owning a motorhome, you’ll have a choice between a new or used model. If you decide to opt for a brand new motorhome, you will have a vehicle that hasn’t been used before, and you’ll be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. However, buying a brand new motorhome is the most expensive option.

A second hand motorhome can be more cost effective. Even if the motorhome is only a few months old it will cost a lot less than buying a motorhome brand new from a motorhome dealer. With a used motorhome, you can always add soft furnishings and belongings to put your own spin on the interiors. However, with a second hand motorhome, you will often not be covered by warranty and maintenance costs may be higher if the vehicle is older and has covered more miles.

If you’re looking to buy a used motorhome, you’ll need to complete a few checks before committing to the purchase. Here’s what to look out for.

Interior Checks

When checking the interior of a used motorhome, look out for:

• A door that locks properly
• Windows that open and close
• If there’s a sunroof – does it operate as it should?
• If there’s a fridge – does it work? Same with any other appliances including the oven and hob
• If there’s a toilet – does it flush? Check for leaks and any bad smells in the bathroom
• Do all of the internal electrics work?
• Press lightly on the side of the walls, do they feel spongy? If so, this could indicate a leak related/damp issue
• If there’s a drop down bed – is there a ladder?
• Are there window blinds to cover the windows at night?

Along with the above points, be sure to add anything else to the list you require e.g. a shower and check whether it works properly.

Exterior Checks

Complete similar checks for the outside of the vehicle. Look out for:

• Any dents or scratches on the paintwork
• Loose panels
• Anything that looks like it could have been poorly repaired (e.g. bumps in the paintwork, different coloured paintwork)
• Check for rust or corrosion around the exterior of the motorhome
• Check for any missing lights
• Ensure the petrol cap locks and shuts
• Make sure the drain hoses under the vehicle are connected
• Check that the gas lock opens and locks
• Make sure the tyres are in good condition (no cracks, good amount of tread)
• Look underneath the motorhome for any leaks (including oil leaks)
• Check that all of the lights on the vehicle work, including the front and rear

When setting up your budget, be sure to consider all of the other costs that are involved in purchasing a motorhome. Here’s some things to consider before taking the plunge.

Insurance Costs: In the UK, motorhome insurance is mandatory. Insurance costs will vary depending on the type of vehicle and the driver’s history. Insurance can cover you for any financial loss such as theft or personal liability. Vehicle insurance for a motorhome can be anything from around £500-£1000. To find the best insurance for your motorhome, make sure you receive more than one quote from reliable insurance companies to compare.

Tax: Owning a motorhome means you will need to pay tax for using UK roads. The amount of tax you pay will depend on the size of your motorhome and the vehicle’s emissions. You can calculate exactly how much tax you need to pay on the Government website.

Maintenance and Servicing Costs: Maintenance costs will vary depending on the age of your motorhome. If you choose to buy a second hand motorhome you’re likely to end up spending more maintaining it. However, you should always maintain and service your motorhome whether it is new or old to keep it working efficiently and reduce the chance of an expensive repair bill. It is recommended that you should service your motorhome at least once every two years or once every 30,000 miles.

Depreciation Rates: When purchasing a motorhome you need to accept that it will depreciate in value over time. Fortunately, at the moment motorhomes are in high demand, so prices are currently steady. If you take good care of your motorhome and have it regularly serviced, it is likely to hold its value and be more desirable to a potential buyer in the future.

Fuel Costs: Generally, most motorhomes reach between 20-30 mpg. However, the cost of running your motorhome will depend on the size of the vehicle and how much you use it. If you’re only planning on using it a couple of times a year, fuel will be less costly than if you were to use it more frequently.

Camping Fees: Unfortunately, in the UK parking anywhere is simply not allowed. Before parking up, you will need to check who owns the land and ask their permission. Otherwise, check for any road signs that state whether or not parking is permitted. If you’re planning on staying on a campsite, you will need to pay a camping fee which is usually between £5-£20 per night. Campsites often have facilities such as showers, toilets and a nearby pub.

Storage Fees: Not everyone has the space to store their motorhome at home. For those who don’t, you need to figure out where you are going to store your motorhome and how much it is going to cost. When looking for somewhere to store your vehicle, always enquire about the security of the site.

If you’re looking to upgrade your existing motorhome and want the best return on your investment, here at Buy My Motorhome we purchase any size, any brand, in any condition. Simply enter your registration details online today followed by the answers to a few simple questions to receive your free, no obligation quote.