Purchasing a motorhome for the first time raises many questions, and most arise when you set foot in the showroom at a dealership for the first time. What we often notice is that many potential buyers have the same questions and doubts. To help you get ahead of the game, we’ve asked our friends at partner dealerships to address the most common concerns.
FAQ 1: Why can a smaller campervan sometimes be more expensive than a larger model?
Answer: Many people assume that smaller campervans will always be cheaper. However, that's not necessarily the case. A lot of innovation and advanced technology goes into the design of compact campervans. Optimising their space and functionality requires:
- Clever space-saving solutions and multifunctional furniture
- High-quality, lightweight materials
- Advanced technical systems
- Complete facilities, just like in larger motorhomes
On top of that, small campervans often provide the same level of comfort as their larger counterparts: a fully-equipped kitchen, bathroom, and sometimes even as many sleeping spaces. All these factors contribute to the fact that compact campervans can sometimes cost just as much —or even more —than a larger model.
FAQ 2: How does it work exactly with the amount of available sleeping spaces?
Answer: The maximum number of people a motorhome can accommodate is determined by two main factors:
- The number of approved seats with seatbelts
- The number of available sleeping places or “births”
Most campervans are designed for 2 to 4 people. However, some models can accommodate 5 to 6 people or more, though the availability and variety of these larger models may be slightly more limited. It's important to note that sometimes a campervan may have more sleeping places than it has approved seats with seatbelts. When choosing your campervan, always base your decision on the number of approved seats for driving, assuming that most often the people who sleep in the campervan will also be travelling with you.
FAQ 3: Are there motorhome models specifically suited for pets?
Answer: Absolutely! A campervan is one of the most pet-friendly ways to travel. While there aren’t specific ‘pet models,’ many can easily be adapted to travel with your furry friend.
Some advantages of travelling in a campervan if you have pets:
- Space for a pet crate or bed
- Storage space for pet food, grooming tools and toys
- Pet-friendly, scratch-resistant upholstery
- Anti-slip flooring for safe movement
Ready to take your pet for a spin? Check out our dog-friendly motorhomes available for hire.
FAQ 4: Is a lithium battery a good choice for a motorhome?
Answer: Lithium batteries are rapidly gaining popularity in the motorhome world and for a good reason. These modern batteries offer several key advantages over traditional lead-acid or AGM batteries, such as:
- Lighter weight
- Higher efficiency
- Longer lifespan
For those who like to travel off-grid, lithium batteries are an excellent choice. They allow you to go for longer periods without having to plug in your vehicle. Many campervan models already come with lithium batteries as standard, or they can often be added as an option.
FAQ 5: Are there motorhomes under 6 metres in length?
Answer: Yes, there are compact campervans under 6 metres! These small campervans are becoming increasingly popular, mainly because they are:
- Easy to park in the city
- Simple to manoeuvre
- Take up less space to park at home
- Suitable for daily use
- Offer the same comforts as a larger campervan
The shortest models are just 4.95 metres in length, perfect for those who want the freedom of a campervan in a compact size. Read more about the best small campervans here.
FAQ 6. Are there motorhomes with automatic transmission?
Answer: Yes! Automatic campervans are now widely available and growing in popularity. You can find them in virtually all categories, from compact to luxury.
Why choose an automatic?
- Extra driving comfort, especially in the mountains
- More relaxing on long journeys
- Reduced risk of damage from incorrect gear changes
- Ideal if you’re planning to hire out your vehicle.
FAQ 7. Does the weight of my motorhome matter?
Answer: Most certainly. The weight of your vehicle determines the rate of your motorhome tax, as well as the type of driving licence you need. A key consideration when buying a campervan is to be aware that with a standard driving licence B, you can drive campervans up to 3,500 kg. This weight includes:
- The vehicle itself
- All luggage
- Full water and fuel tanks
- Passengers
Be mindful of the campervan’s payload capacity. This indicates how much luggage and supplies you can carry without exceeding the weight limit. If you need more carrying capacity, heavier models are available, but an additional driving licence may be required.
FAQ 8. Are second-hand campervans a good option?
Answer: A second-hand campervan can be an excellent way to make purchasing a campervan a reality if you have a smaller budget. And even with a second-hand campervan, it’s still possible to customise it with additional features and accessories. Visit various dealerships to explore availability and get expert advice or check out everything you need to know about purchasing a second-hand campervan here.
Try before you buy
We hope these tips will help you on your journey of buying a campervan. If you’re still not entirely convinced of the perfect model for you, why not try before you buy?
We have a wide range of motorhomes in all shapes and sizes available for hire on Goboony, so you’re sure to find the type you’d like to take for a test drive, and it’s likely nearby you! This way, you can feel confident in your choice when it’s time to purchase your own. The extra benefit of hiring from a private owner is that you can ask them all possible questions you may have. Owners on our platform are always passionate about their vehicles and are often happy to share their tips and experiences with you.
Share your motorhome to earn back some of its costs
Buying a motorhome, whether new or second-hand, is a significant expense! Fortunately, you can quickly earn back some of its costs by sharing your vehicle on our platform. Sharing property is becoming more popular every day. Consider Goboony the Airbnb of motorhomes. Why let your property sit and rust when you’re not using it if you earn an extra income by safely hiring it out to fellow travellers?
Calculate how much you can earn by hiring out your motorhome.
