Tips for First-time Motorhome Enthusiasts by Steven Greenwood

Look around

There are a multitude of lay outs of motorhomes, so make sure you choose the right one. If you love cooking you’ll want a big kitchen and if you like entertaining then choose one with a big lounge.



Motorhome Shows

There are two big NEC shows in February and October where you can try out different motorhomes and campervans before you make your decision.



Berths

Consider how many berths you want and whether you want a single- or twin-axle van. Twin axles give better grip on the road but are much harder to manoeuvre, cost much more in replacement tyres and are really only necessary on large vans.



Courses

There are motorhome manoeuvring courses that you can attend all over the country. People are not required to take a test but get to practice manoeuvring their caravans or motorhomes in an informal environment.



Petrol / Diesel

Most motorhomes have diesel or turbo-diesel engines, which offer better fuel economy, but petrol alternatives are available if you prefer.



Costs

The costs of motorhomes range from second-hand vehicles at around £10,000 to £250,000 for an American-style Winnebago. The average cost is around £40,000 or £70,000 for the top UK models. Check the vehicle has a badge stating it has been safety-check and approved by the National Caravan Council.



Manufacturers

Swift is the biggest UK manufacturer of motorhomes, including the Bessacarr and Ace ranges. The market is split about 50-50 between British-built vehicles and imports from countries such as America and Germany.



Resources

There are a number of website and magazines where like-minded motorhome and caravan travellers can chat and compare advice. Just give a quick search into your favourite search engine and you’ll soon be presented with a myriad of information.



Staying overnight

It is illegal to stop on land that does not belong to you, and you will often get moved on if you pull into a quiet lay-by for the night. The best thing to do is to stay at registered camping and caravan sites. If you want to be really remote there are smaller sites you can stay at such as the Caravan Club’s Certified Locations (CLs) and the Caravanning Club’s Certified Sites (CSs), which offer minimal facilities but are in more rural locations.



This is just a brief introduction to help you on your way. Once you get going, you never look back.


Steve Greenwood writes for Sureterm Direct who provides Motorhome articles and insurance for enthusiasts. If you are looking for a competitive quote for motorhome insurance visit the UK’s most competitive insurance specialist - Sureterm Direct.



Article Source: Tips for First-time Motorhome Enthusiasts