Motorhoming allows you to be spontaneous, set your own schedule, and travel New Zealand on your own terms. The key to success, however, is ensuring you invest in the motorhome best suited to your individual requirements.
Given that a motorhome does double duty as both accommodation and transport, there are several key attributes to consider.
Some obvious considerations are around the variety of internal layouts, sleeping configurations, and unique features that each model offers. Decide what type of travel you plan to do and the lifestyle you strive to enjoy while doing so.
Below are a number of common mistakes that people often make when purchasing a motorhome.
10 common mistakes to avoid when buying a motorhome
Conducting minimal research on dealers
Give yourself peace of mind by purchasing from a reputable dealer. Failing to research motorhome dealers can leave you stranded if problems arise. Buy from a dealer or company with a strong reputation and with a proven track record of customer service and aftersales support. Read online reviews and ask for recommendations from other motorhome owners.
Insisting on a separate bathroom
You may be determined to have a separate toilet and shower space in your new RV. While this is possible with many models, ask yourself whether it’s really necessary. It’s unlikely that you and your fellow traveller will need to use both the toilet and the shower at the same time, especially if you tend to make use of public facilities when they are available.
Planning for part-time passengers
Often motorhome buyers have adult children or grandchildren. This naturally leads to considering whether you have enough space and beds for them. However, the reality is that additional guests may only travel in your motorhome once or twice a year. Invest in a motorhome that will suit your usual travel crew to avoid paying for more than you need.
Right: Don’t buy with occasional passengers in mind
Overcompensating for a tricky home driveway
By placing too much emphasis on how you’ll navigate and park the motorhome on your driveway, you could end up sacrificing functionality and comfort by purchasing a smaller RV than first intended. As a result, it may not be ideal for your travel group or family during longer trips on the open road.
Going overboard with your off-grid set-up
While it’s tempting to think you need to load up on accessories for every imaginable occasion, consider carefully whether extra batteries, additional gas bottles, a few solar panels, and snow chains are really needed. Everything extra you load into your motorhome adds weight and reduces your payload, so it’s important to think practically. Experienced travellers change their accessories seasonally and pack according to the type of activities planned and the campsites they intend to stay at. For instance, if you usually camp on powered sites, you may not need solar panels.
Overlooking the needs of your backup driver
At some point, for one reason or another, you may not be able to drive your motorhome, and your partner, spouse, or friend may need to drive. This is a common situation that’s often not considered when buying a motorhome. The driveability of the vehicle needs to suit yourself and your backup driver.
Worrying about getting stuck on tour
An underlying anxiety around getting stuck while travelling means you might overlook more suitable and budget-friendly motorhomes. Keep in mind that larger, more powerful RVs can be less manoeuvrable, more difficult to park, and less fuel-efficient.
Underestimating storage needs
Think carefully about how well-equipped your motorhome needs to be and dedicate some time towards estimating how much storage you require and how easy it needs to be to access. Neglecting to do this can not only lead to clutter and a disorganised space but also a cramped living area. Not being able to easily retrieve your onboard items can be a hassle, and if items are not stored well, they can be a hazard while driving.
Shaking out the rattles
This refers to the practice of taking a motorhome for a test drive and assessing its condition solely based on listening for any unusual noises or rattles. While it’s important to pay attention to sounds during a test drive, relying on this method alone can be misleading and result in overlooking more serious issues. It’s also a subjective assessment that can give a false sense of security.
Not planning for long-term
Consider your future goals. Failing to take this into account is a common mistake. Think about your long-term travel intentions. Will your needs change in the next few years? Will you want to take longer trips or explore more remote areas? Look at motorhomes that can adapt to your evolving needs.
