In co-operation with enklare.se
How to choose the right motorhome? Recently, several people in our circle of acquaintances have gone and bought a motorhome, or started thinking about buying a motorhome. As a result, we have received quite a few questions about what to consider when buying a motorhome and how to know which motorhome to choose. It's not easy, of course, but here are eight things to consider when buying a motorhome.
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1. size
We tend to think that a motorhome should be small on the outside and big on the inside, but since that's hard to achieve, you have to make some compromises. How big a motorhome do you need? Check that there are enough belted seats, enough sleeping places and enough storage space. Then remember that a shorter motorhome is easier to park and cheaper to take on ferries.
2. Weight
Besides the size, you have to consider the weight! Service weight is the weight of the motorhome including fuel, water and driver; and total weight is the maximum weight of the motorhome when travelling. Load weight is the difference between these two. You don't want the load weight to be too low - then it will be very difficult to pack everything you need.
At the same time, there are some advantages to a maximum total weight of 3.5 tonnes, as it makes driving easier and cheaper in some European countries. Read more in our car holiday checklistand think about what works for you!
3rd model
A motorhome is not just a motorhome, there are many different models. Some of the most common models are those called fully integrated (where the driver's cabin is an integral part of the motorhome), semi-integrated and alcove motorhomes (with an alcove over the driver's cabin). Generally speaking, fully integrated motorhomes are often the most exclusive, semi-integrated motorhomes are suitable for two people and alcove motorhomes are suitable for families with children.
Other options include vans or campers (a boom module that can be attached to a pick-up truck). There are lots of different brands too. Think about what works for you!
4. season
Do you plan to use your motorhome in spring, summer and autumn, or do you also want to use it in winter? Some motorhomes are much better suited to winter than others, and a motorhome not built for the Scandinavian winter can be expensive to heat in the winter.
5. Interior design
When it comes to motorhome interiors, there is no right or wrong, you have to find a motorhome that suits you! Do you want long beds or a crosswise bed, or perhaps a queen-size bed? Does it work with an extra bed that you fold down over the dining table, is it important to have an extra bed that is always made up, or do you perhaps not need an extra bed at all?
Do you think it is important to have a separate shower? Do you want an oven? Is there enough storage space? Feel free to look around many motorhomes - that's how you find out what you like!
6. condition
If you buy a second-hand motorhome, it is of course important to check the condition of the vehicle! Check that there is a service book and that the clutch, handbrake, steering, brakes and gearbox work properly. Is the car affected by rust? Are the tyres in good condition? Are the water and waste water tanks tight? Is the gas system safe? Test drive the motorhome and check things like the fridge and lights. Also keep in mind that moisture can be a problem, so ask to see a recent leak test.
7. price
Motorhomes are not cheap, but many companies have so-called 'entry-level' models, with slightly lower prices. Of course, another way to reduce the price is to buy a second-hand motorhome.
If you need to borrow money to buy a motorhome, it's important to compare different loan providers so that you don't pay more interest than necessary. Finding your way through the 'loan jungle' can be tricky, but today there are various digital tools to help you compare banks and offers. You can read more about borrowing money at enklare.se and this way you can get a basis for making a decision on a loan.
8. feeling
Last but not least, you have to go with your gut feeling! Which motorhome felt right when you stepped into it?
What are your best tips? What do you think should be considered when buying and choosing the right motorhome?
You might also like:
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Motorhomes in 2021 - 7 motorhomes from KABE, Adria and Sun Living
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Mr Nils-Åke Hansson says:
You are free when you are travelling in a motorhome. I think there are different stages of size, first you want a big car but you realise that a small Van/Plåtis is enough to drive around and live in.
Buy Beg, service book, timing belt, moisture tested, LPG tested and that the LPG system's hoses are fresh.
26 April 2018 - 7:34
Helena says:
Surely motorhome is freedom! 🙂
26 April 2018 - 18:49
Travel Linda says:
A lot to consider when buying a motorhome! We bought a year ago and the load weight became one of the key issues for us. Now we happened to find one with enough cargo weight that had all the other things we want as well, so we were lucky! We have long beds, as we don't like climbing on each other or that it's crowded at night, we have a shower you can shut yourself in and not shower the whole bathroom, we have a large garage and a separate fridge and freezer.
This morning we're heading off on our four-month summer adventure, so let's put it to the test!!!
26 April 2018 - 7:36
Helena says:
Great that you found a motorhome you like! Wish you a fantastic trip! 🙂
26 April 2018 - 18:50
Travel Linda says:
Thanks for that! 😀
27 April 2018 - 7:28
Anette Åhnbrink says:
You know what they say: takes 3-4 cars before you know what you want? We have gone from a tiny alcove to a half-sized alcove with a wonderful sofa, then it became a half-sized integrated but there we missed the sofa! So now, now we have the model we like and now also live in, a larger integrated (but not the biggest)!!! There are many things to consider, and you learn something every day! Of course, we look at new cars too, but the next one will be a retirement car, ie, we may go down in size, but it is mostly because I will be able to drive more, you do not get younger and if it happens to the one who usually drives, you have to be able to drive! Sure, I drive today too, but the legs are a little too short? Speaking of something completely different, can or have you checked out what applies in the Balkan countries with our driving licence rule B-96 if you are allowed to drive heavy motorhomes there?
Now we're waiting to read about your campervan trip, roll on?
26 April 2018 - 8:31
Helena says:
Yes, it may take a few cars before you find what is optimal ... 😉 We have enjoyed ours very much. Now we would like to change, but it is not easy financially. And yes, this with heavy motorhomes in the Balkan countries I have heard others talk about! Do not know what applies, but will see if we can find out!
26 April 2018 - 18:52
Across the board says:
Motorhomes are overrated. It's cramped, it's expensive, you can't get where you want to go, and you have to pay tolls if you want to go on a motorway abroad. Diesel will be banned and taxes increased. Driving licence rules are complicated, the load weight is always too small. Campsites are expensive and car parks are overcrowded. I think everyone should invest in a boat instead - you can get a luxurious boat for cheap money! Or why not invest in those who build hotels and B&Bs? They need to get some night rent 🙂
(written by a motorhome enthusiast who has had a motorhome since 2001, but thinks there are a few too many motorhomes to be crowded with now..... so take my lines with a pinch of seriousness and a dose of humour).
26 April 2018 - 12:36
Helena says:
Haha, very funny written! 🙂 This is perhaps how we must write our blog posts in the future, otherwise it will be too crowded on the roads and parking spaces 😉.
26 April 2018 - 18:53
Emma, sun like sun? says:
Now I'm not thinking about a motorhome, but I understand that there is a lot to consider. That there is not a page where you can tick requirements / wishes and then a selection pops up. A bit like Hemnet.
Hemnet with wheels, sort of. 🙂
26 April 2018 - 13:40
Helena says:
Great idea! 🙂 (Although I don't really know how it would be fixed ;))
26 April 2018 - 18:54
Husis blog says:
My owners' top tip is to rent a motorhome for the first time. That's what my owners did and came up with some things they thought were important. For my owners, a fully integrated car was important, a large fridge with freezer (not a small freezer compartment), a reasonably good load weight because it is not so complicated and not much more expensive to have a car over 3.5 tonnes, a large garage with doors on both sides, queen beds or single beds.
It's not always just looking at the load weight but also what each axle is allowed to load.
However, the owners' advice is to rent a motorhome for the first time to get a feel for what it's like and what you value. Then it probably always takes a few motorhomes before you are completely satisfied.
26 April 2018 - 18:32
Helena says:
Great tips! Yes, I also think it can be good to rent once before buying! Then you learn what you like and don't like!
26 April 2018 - 18:55
Matts Torebring says:
I know that many people choose a motorhome by the "look of the cabinet", the first thing I look at myself is the load space, if it's not to my liking everything else is irrelevant.
26 April 2018 - 20:12
Helena says:
Yes, haha, it's easy to be fooled by a "seductive" display cabinet 😉.
26 April 2018 - 20:43
Solan says:
I think display cabinets are the most important? and that four wheels are enough?
26 April 2018 - 23:16
Otherwise says:
5 Belts, oven, large refrigerator, Alde and good winter characteristics... load weight at least 1500kg large luggage... these are my criteria. Our Adria Matrix -16 fulfils it except the load weight! 471kg on paper. With the whole family in the car (5 people) there is not much left. Do not know if this motorhome is built yet... and I would like the 5th place to be forward facing, the teenage son has travelled 1900 miles backwards in a year... poor thing!
In your picture that shows a Queen bed... that is usually called a French bed. That's a double bed on the side. A queen bed is a double bed in the centre.
Great blog.
27 April 2018 - 8:37
Leffe says:
Buying the right motorhome takes time...I come from a long history of boating.
So I had some idea of what we needed and how the interior is designed.
After 6 months of research, I realised which motorhome was right for us.
Dethleffs RT 6844 new 2006 has it left than driven 14,500 miles do not want to change with anyone, I have seen so many cramped interiors even motorhomes that are larger than ours. So the transition from a 25 tonne boat to 3,500 was no problem for me.
Only drive from April to the last week of October. The Renault engine works perfectly. I don't understand the talk about having 3 - 4 motorhomes before finding the right one. They just become unnecessarily expensive.
Accuracy is the word.
I wish everyone a happy motorhome year 2019.
06 December 2018 - 3:41