Choosing a used motorhome for a family

If you are planning to buy a new motorhome that will accommodate the needs of a young or growing family then here is a quick list of useful tips that will help you make the right decision.

• Always make sure that there are enough seats (with adequate seatbelts) for the whole family. Additionally, if you have toddlers or there’s a baby onboard then make sure that any child or booster seats will fit properly.
• Having a decent amount of storage space is always a good idea. Think about buying a used motorhome with plenty or rear storage room that is big enough for bikes, pushchairs and laundry.
• Are the sleeping arrangements suitable? Some bunk beds are ideal for young children – but not quite big enough for teenagers or older kids. You will also want to ensure that the flooring plan caters for your needs so that you have somewhere separate to stay up late when the kids are in bed.
• Make sure that the cupboards, drawers and electrical sockets are child-proof. You don’t want toddlers or youngsters getting into trouble with things that they shouldn’t be playing with.
• Remember that carpets and upholstery are going to get sticky and dirty if you are taking young children on holiday. Hard floors are much simpler to keep clean and it’s a good idea to make sure that any upholstery coverings are easy to remove and machine wash.
• Privacy is always an important issue for adults and teenagers. Make sure that there are separate places in your motorhome where you can relax and unwind. Everybody needs their own space.
• Dining and kitchen facilities are also important. You want to make sure that you have adequate cooking facilities and a place where everybody can eat around a family table.
• Are the shower and toilet separate? Having separate facilities will make life much easier in the mornings or when everyone is getting ready for bed.
• Are the steps to your motorhome easy for children to climb? If your campervan is too high off the ground and the steps are retractable, younger kids might find it difficult to get on and off board – and could end up injuring themselves.

Finally, make a list of what you realistically expect from your motorhome before you start looking around. This will save you a lot of time, effort and energy that might be wasted looking at campervans that aren’t up to your requirements.