Buying A Motorhome
Caravan or Motorhome? Here's just a few things to consider before you put down your deposit.
Buying a motorhome is, no doubt, one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. You want to get it right, but there’s so many options out there, it can be daunting. So where do you start? There are a few things to consider before you put down your deposit.
Where Do You Want To Go?
Does the remote outback appeal to you or do you prefer to stay on sealed roads? Do you want to stay off-grid in free camps or do you prefer the comforts of a caravan park? It’s important to consider the type of destinations that you want to reach and the type of traveller you want to be.
Some people enjoy the red dirt trails, off-road tracks and remote locations away from the crowds. Others prefer to stay near civilisation and explore the quaint little towns. Others prefer a mix of the two. It’s all about personal preference and your own circumstances and needs. It’s important though, because maybe a motorhome is not right for you. Motorhomes are awesome but they have their limitations. Unless you’re considering an all-terrain camper, generally motorhomes are not conducive to off-road travel and a caravan might be a better choice for you.
Who Are You Travelling With?
Partner? Kids? Pets? Solo? Your choice may also be governed by who’s travelling with you. Motorhomes are great for solo travellers, couples and pets and maybe the odd trip or two with the grandkids. However, for any long-term travel arrangement with kids, a caravan may be more suitable. Motorhomes generally have the extra bed in the luton peak (not the best option for small kiddies), whereas caravans have bunk options. The extra weight of a couple of kiddies and their associated paraphernalia, may take you over the weight limit of your motorhome. Caravans can generally handle more weight with options to upgrade suspension, and may provide more living space as the overall length of a motorhome is partially taken up by the driving compartment.
For solo travellers, a motorhome offers the additional safety of being able to access the living area without having to leave the vehicle. This is also great in bad weather - just pull up and make a cuppa, without having to get wet.
Do You Have Towing Experience?
This is where motorhomes may come out on top. Towing a caravan is not as easy as it looks. They require a level of skill to manoeuvre into tight spots and if you’ve never done it before, it can be an anxiety-provoking experience. There is also the weight factor to consider. Caravans need to have the weight distributed properly to avoid swaying. Some motorhomes also have their shortcomings when it comes to payload and it’s important to be aware of how much weight you can pack into your vehicle. There is the option of a larger capacity motorhome, however, in Australia it requires a licence upgrade to Light Rigid Vehicle.
These are just some of the things to consider. Our advice is to visit as many suppliers of motorhomes and caravans as you can. Sit in them. And then go back and sit in them again. Imagine your life using all of the features. Talk to the sales consultants. Get the full facts on weights, licence requirements and consider what type of traveller you want to be.
