| But for many first-timers, the prospect of buying | | | | accident repair, leaks and signs of mould or damp. |
| a new Motorhome or RV can be an overwhelming | | | | And if you’re very inexperienced, take along |
| process. What do you look for? What are the | | | | a qualified mechanic or vehicle inspector (the AA |
| best models? How do you know you’re | | | | and RAC sometimes offer this service to |
| getting the best deal? | | | | members) just to make 100% certain the vehicle |
| | | | | is clean and roadworthy. |
| These are just some of the questions that pop | | | | |
| up every time. So Sureterm Direct, the UK’s | | | | 6. Motorhome and RV shows are an excellent |
| largest specialist Motorhome and RV insurers, | | | | way to help you identify models you like. And |
| have come up with this simple 10-point plan to | | | | taking along a digital camera, or camera phone, |
| help you through the Motorhome buying maze. | | | | allows you to take pictures of the motorhomes |
| | | | | you like, or features that impress. You can then |
| | | | | use these pictures when you start looking at |
| 1. Before you set out to see some Motorhomes | | | | models to buy. |
| or RV’s on a dealer forecourt, make a | | | | |
| comprehensive wishlist of the things that you | | | | 7. There are thousands of experienced |
| want. In the excitement of buying your first | | | | motorcaravanners out there who are happy to |
| Motorhome, it’s easy to forget exactly what | | | | help people who are new to Motorhome |
| you want – and having a checklist to hand will | | | | ownership. So ask them for their opinions. Visit |
| keep you focused. | | | | your nearest caravan sites and talk to owners, |
| | | | | visit local shows and events, and use the internet |
| 2. Be flexible. Unless you’re on a substantial | | | | as a valuable resource. is building up a community |
| budget, it’s unlikely that you’ll find | | | | of Motorhome and RV owners and others sites |
| everything on your wishlist in one Motorhome or | | | | like and will help. |
| RV. So be clear about what are | | | | |
| ‘essentials’ and what are | | | | 8. Once you’ve found your perfect |
| ‘desirables’. | | | | Motorhome, you need to be 100% certain it’s |
| | | | | exactly what you want. Spend a few hours trying |
| 3. See if your local dealers offer a ‘try before | | | | it out – making the beds, setting up the |
| you buy’ service. Hiring a Motorhome, even | | | | tables, moving chairs around. Setting up the |
| for a weekend, will help you decide if you’re | | | | Motorhome will let you decide if there’s really |
| really into the Motorhome lifestyle. It’s also an | | | | enough space, and whether you can live with any |
| opportunity to try out various layouts. And this | | | | minor niggles. |
| will help shape your wishlist. At the very least, | | | | |
| take some test drives in various models and | | | | 9. Always ask the dealer, or seller, to |
| make sure you get the feel of the vehicle on | | | | demonstrate everything for you. If there are |
| country roads, A roads and motorways. | | | | extras, make sure all of the accessories like |
| | | | | awning poles, hook-up leads, filling hoses and |
| 4. When you do decide to take the plunge, | | | | water bottles are present and in good working |
| always buy locally if possible. Buying from a dealer | | | | order. |
| on the other side of the country is great if you | | | | |
| get the deal of a lifetime – but no so great if | | | | 10. And finally, don’t forget to get adequate |
| you have to drive over there every time | | | | insurance. Driving a Motorhome or RV on a |
| something goes wrong with your Motorhome or | | | | standard car insurance policy is unlikely to give |
| RV. | | | | you the best cover. Companies like Sureterm |
| | | | | Direct have been providing specialist Motorhome |
| 5. If you’re buying a second-hand Motorhome, | | | | and RV insurance for 10 years, and have policies |
| make sure you give every vehicle you look at a | | | | to cover every Motorhome situation you’re |
| thorough inspection. Definitely check for signs of | | | | ever likely to encounter. |