If you are thinking of buying an Auto-Sleeper motorhome, you are unlikely to find anything better when it comes to your choice of large or small, luxuriously spacious or nimbly manoeuvrable. Nor, for want of options when it comes to the layout of your ultimate leisure vehicle.

Indeed, you are likely to be so spoiled for choice that making a final decision seems overwhelming. So, why choose an Auto-Sleeper, and what do you need to consider when buying one?

Why choose an Auto-Sleeper?

This might be summed up in just three words – quality, design, and variety:

Quality

the whole point of a
motorhome is to provide comfortable accommodation while you are out and about
exploring the world at large;

as a result, you will
typically want the accommodation component of your motorhome to offer the
height of comfort, and be well equipped and spacious;

while no motorhome is
likely to offer the same space and luxury as a penthouse suite in a top-class
hotel, even so, Auto-Sleepers come close to achieving
this in the vehicles they have constructed or customised;

this is partly about the
quality of the materials used internally, partly about the design approach and
most importantly, about the overall build quality;

it’s perfectly possible to
have a great design using superb materials, but if they are poorly put
together, the end result will be sub-optimal – that is not a mistake made by
Auto-Sleepers, who consistently turn out widely praised interiors;

Design

there are certainly cases
where it is evident the design of a motorhome has perhaps not been entirely
well thought-through;

although the materials and
build quality may be fine, that doesn’t count for much if you have to climb
over a table to reach the WC or can’t easily open a cupboard door when sitting
in the lounge because it jams against a piece of furniture;

Auto-Sleepers have clearly
been impeccably designed with an emphasis on practical functionality – and the
importance of that often becomes crystal clear during the first 24 hours of
using your new motorhome;

Variety

Auto-Sleepers offer a wide range of vehicle types;

not only do they vary
based on chassis and engine but also in terms of their internal configuration –
you could, for example, have near identical chassis and engines but with the
accommodation configured for two, three or four-berth use;

the company also doesn’t
restrict its activities to larger flagship motorhomes;

the manufacturer’s van conversions
are innovative and display genius in terms of the utilisation of available
space;

this means that
recreational vehicle users of all types and budgets can usually find an
Auto-Sleeper to meet their needs.

Meeting your needs and requirements

These three excellent reasons for choosing an Auto-Sleeper come to nothing, of course, unless the motorhome can meet your particular needs and requirements. However brilliant the motorhomes are, you will still want to exercise personal tastes and preferences to your own specification.

Whether you will be happy with a van conversion or a full-sized motorhome is very much a matter of personal choice. The same is true in terms of things such as the size of the shower room and the total number of berths. For example, some people may prefer to trade a berth if it means they have a larger shower and WC area.

These things need to be considered, and a general requirements list produced before you start searching the Auto-Sleepers range. It will help focus your attention on what’s important to you.

So, let’s take a closer look at what might appear on your list of sought-after qualities and features.

Size

Who is likely to be travelling with you on your adventures in an Auto-Sleeper motorhome? Is it just you and your partner or do you have children or maybe an extended family to think of?

The answer governs the number of beds you need in your motorhome and, of course, this determines, in turn, the overall size of the vehicle that may comfortably accommodate your travelling companions.

Weight

Closely related to the question of size is the overall weight and laden weight of your motorhome.

This may become more critical as you consider the largest of the motorhomes you might have an eye on. For the great majority of motorhomes, your standard driving licence allows you to drive vehicles of up to 3,500kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), explains the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). For motorhomes above this weigh, however, you may need to pass and hold a supplementary Category C1 licence.

To complicate things a little further, your precise driving licence qualifications also depend on whether you took your test before or after the 1^st of January 1997.

Where are you going?

Your choice of the size and weight of your motorhome might also be influenced by where it is you are likely to be going and how you intend to use the vehicle:

if you are planning to use it mainly for touring, with just overnight stops along the way, a smaller vehicle is likely to be more manoeuvrable along narrow winding lanes or congested city streets;

if you have a particular destination in mind and plan to use your Auto-Sleeper as a – somewhat luxurious – home away from home, then the extra spaciousness and higher standard of fittings and furniture of a larger, heavier vehicle may be more appropriate.

Seeing is believing

As you begin to lock onto the motorhome of your choice, there is nothing to beat the experience of ditching the brochures and magazines and getting up close and personal to the real thing.

Why not stop by our Auto-Sleeper exhibition centre and view the whole range on offer? Settle down in one of the comfortable seats in the cockpit or lounge area, bounce up and down on a bed or two, and get hands-on with the galley.

Your budget

As with so many things, your final decision may come down to the hard realities of your bank balance.

Once again, though, Auto-Sleeper build motorhomes to suit many a pocket – and reputable dealers such as ourselves here at Derby Motorhomes offer access to finance specialists who may advise on the ways to finance your purchase – including the Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) similar to the deal with which you might have bought your last motor car.

Further reading: Getting a suitable finance deal on your new motorhome and Picking the right motorhome for you.

Owning a motorhome is likely to open up a whole new world of travel – one that allows you the freedom of the open road and the ability to travel under your own steam, whilst all the time having your own home from home in the very vehicle you are driving. So, firstly, why buy a motorhome?

12 good reasons to invest in a motorhome

Freedom to travel: Explore the UK and beyond at your own pace, without being tied to hotel reservations or fixed itineraries.
Cost-effective holidays: Save on accommodation and dining expenses by having your own mobile home and kitchen wherever you go.
Comfort and convenience: Enjoy the familiarity of your own space, with personalised amenities and no need to pack and unpack at each destination.
Access to remote locations: Travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations where traditional accommodation might be limited or unavailable.
Pet-friendly travel: Take your pets along for the adventure without worrying about finding pet-friendly accommodation.
Year-round use: Motorhomes allow you to enjoy holidays in all seasons, whether it’s a summer beach trip or a cosy winter getaway.
Flexibility for spontaneous trips: Be ready to hit the road whenever you feel like it, without lengthy planning or booking processes.
Community and social opportunities: Join a vibrant community of motorhome enthusiasts, with events, clubs, and forums to connect with like-minded travellers.
Potential for financial savings: While there are upfront and ongoing costs, frequent use can make motorhome ownership more economical than multiple annual trips with hotels and transport.
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts: Perfect for exploring the UK’s stunning landscapes, from national parks to coastal retreats, with easy access to hiking, cycling and other outdoor activities.
Customisable comforts: Tailor your motorhome to suit your lifestyle, whether it’s adding solar panels, bike racks or entertainment systems.
Staycation-friendly: With the increasing popularity of staycations, a motorhome provides a comfortable way to explore the UK’s diverse attractions without leaving the country.

To take full advantage of that exciting new world and to make the most of what is likely to be a quite significant investment, here are some considerations before you buy a motorhome … of course, if you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact us – we’d be delighted to help.

Motorhome finance

Before you choose your motorhome, getting an idea of your budget makes sense. We have lots of information about this subject on our website including:

Choosing your motorhome

Whether you have arranged first-hand experience or are simply browsing the online catalogues and specifications, you will soon learn that motorhomes come in all shapes and sizes – with prices to match.

Choosing the one most suited to your particular needs and requirements is obviously important, but, given the sheer range of different makes and models, is likely to be bewildering at first and need a good deal of research.

Some of that might be gleaned from friends or colleagues who already own a motorhome or your research on the internet. But for an up-close and personal, first-hand experience, think about visiting a major dealer and distributor at their own exhibition space (such as ours here at DerbyMotorhomes).

Or, look at some of your motorhome purchase options from the comfort of your own home and browse our website.

New or second hand?

When you have narrowed down your search for the suitable size, sleeping accommodation, make and model, you need to consider whether you want to buy new or second hand.

Once again, many specialist dealers offer the advantage of having both types on display – and are constantly on hand to offer advice on the relative merits of new versus older models of any motorhome you have in mind.

Buying from a motorhome dealer

The distinct advantage in buying – new or preloved – from a reputable dealer is the security and peace of mind you will have in getting a motorhome that has not only been thoroughly inspected, tested and serviced, but also comes with the dealer’s warranty and the specialists to whom you might turn if anything goes amiss post-sale.

Buying privately second-hand

If you are looking at a private sale of a used motorhome, you need to beware, of course, of simply taking a shot in the dark and trusting to nothing more than hope that you are buying a reliable and well-maintained vehicle.

Examine the detailed service history of any used motorhome you are thinking of buying, together with its MOT certificates and, of course, the registration document (which must demonstrate the DVLA’s approval of any conversions).

One of the problems with used or older motorhomes may be condensation – and the accumulation of moisture, damp, and mould – so, make sure to check the interior with a moisture meter.

More detailed checks, suggested in a guide published by the Caravan and Motorhome Club, suggest that you:

check that all the gas equipment works – even if that means taking along a spare cylinder to any viewing;
if a mains electricity hook-up is installed, ask to inspect the latest electrical safety certificate – these should have been issued regularly;
are the tyres the correct size and specification for the vehicle? Do they need replacing because of their age – they might look fine, but need to be replaced at least every five years;
lift up mattresses and cushions to look for any evidence of damp underneath them;
inspect under the sink and look at any joints around pumps and fittings for evidence of any leaks; and
make sure that the wooden tops supporting the beds continue to take their weight and that fold-down equipment, such as tables, stand firm and stable.

Your driving licence

The government website makes clear that any motorhome you drive in this country must comply with UK size limits and you must have the relevant driving licence.

Your eligibility for a licence to drive a motorhome depends on your age and the Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of the vehicle – namely, the weight of the motorhome and its maximum permitted load.

Care for your motorhome

Whether you bought it new or second-hand, your motorhome is likely to cost you a significant amount of money. You will want to look after that investment, therefore, by taking good care of your motorhome.

As with any motor vehicle, safety comes first – and this means ensuring that your motorhome remains completely roadworthy, in accordance with the law. If you are circulating the vehicle in anything like an unroadworthy condition, be sure that it will soon attract the unwelcome attention of the police – and you stand to face stiff penalties.

To keep on the right side of the law, therefore, you must ensure that your motorhome receives regular mechanical servicing and maintenance.

But your motorhome is more than just a vehicle, it is also your second home, so servicing and maintenance also needs to take care of the many appliances, fixtures and fittings invariably included in today’s motorhomes. A habitation service is just as important as the mechanical service.

An annual habitation service typically can involve as many as 50 separate checks and jobs, which are typically divided into five main categories:

the electrics;
gas systems;
water systems;
bodywork; and
ventilation.

Ventilation might seem to be an odd heading under which to conduct service checks. But some of the particular vulnerabilities of a motorhome are likely to feature the twin problems of mildew and mould.

Not only are these unsightly and damaging to the inside of your caravan, they are also dangerous to your health – yet once they have taken hold, they are notoriously difficult to treat or to banish – prevention, therefore, is many times better than cure.

Your new motorhome

Beginning a life of new adventures with a motorhome is exciting. The challenges facing any newcomer, however, are fairly easy to overcome – especially if you are open to advice from the experts and specialists in the business and the wider community of motorhome owners.

Motorhome buying tips

Here at Derby Motorhomes, we are dealers in motorhomes – among the best in the country, we like to think. We are not financial advisers, though, so the following thoughts and comments are offered by way of suggestions rather than any form of financial advice.

Furthermore, suitable methods of funding and sources of finance for your new motorhome are going to depend mainly on your personal financial means and circumstances. Of course, we have no idea of those at present. So, all that follows needs to be interpreted in an entirely general fashion – and may or may not apply to your own unique circumstances.

Finding finance

For most intents and purposes, there are typically five potential sources of motorhome finance:

your bank;
the dealership from which you intend to make your purchase;
an independent finance company you’ve found yourself;
loans from friends or family; or
your own financial resources (from your existing savings or a retirement lump-sum, for example).

For this article about sources of finance, we might put to one side any further consideration of loans from family or friend or the use of your existing savings since our particular interest is in finance deals available commercially.

That leaves us with the three possibilities of your bank, an independent finance company, or finance arranged by your dealership.

Your circumstances

Whoever you approach for an advance of motorhome finance, you are almost certain to be expected to bring certain things to the table, such as:

evidence that you can afford the repayment schedule (typically, documentary evidence of a regular income);
evidence that the price asked for the vehicle proposed is realistic and makes sense when viewed against its current market value;
proof of your identity and address that you are who you say you are – by way of readily verifiable data such as the electoral register;
a deposit or some other financial contribution towards the price, that helps to reduce or share the risk to the lender – so that, the bigger the deposit or the more of your own money you are contributing, the easier you are likely to secure the funding you are after as an attractive rate of interest (assuming all other things are equal); and
an acceptable credit history record – contrary to widely-held myth, credit history issues are not always show-stoppers, but they may affect how much you’ll need to pay for your finance.

Bank funding

This has a major attraction for some in that it’s familiar. Banks have also cleverly positioned themselves in the marketplace over generations so that they sound like solid pillars of the community – and that still appeals to many customers.

On the downside, you might find that banks often lack expertise in motorhome financing, which means their financial products may not be tailored to the unique needs of motorhome buyers. This can result in less flexible terms or limited understanding of the vehicle’s value and specific ownership considerations.

Bank loans may also offer fewer financing options. Typically, they provide standard personal or secured loans, which may not include flexible features such as balloon payments or structured ownership plans. This lack of variety can make it harder to find a solution that suits your financial situation or preferences.

The approval process with banks can be slower and more complex. Detailed credit checks and extensive documentation requirements may delay the process, which can be inconvenient when you’re eager to secure your motorhome quickly.

Additionally, banks might not always offer the most competitive interest rates for motorhome purchases, as they often treat these loans as standard personal loans rather than specialized vehicle financing.

For buyers looking for tailored, flexible financing, exploring other options might be more beneficial.

Finance companies of your own choice

Remember, every time you make a loan application and it’s refused, that will potentially damage your credit score. So, avoid making large numbers of random applications in the hope you’ll get a favourable outcome and instead look for companies that have a proven track record in the provision of motorhome finance.

Look at all the usual factors including:

whether they are duly authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA);
the rate of interest you will be paying for the finance;
the term of the finance arrangements – in other words for how long you will be repaying any credit or loan;
the maximum age of the vehicle the lender will accept; and
any conditions, penalty clauses, and the like that the lender may apply.

Take your time reviewing any offer of finance, of course, and if you’re not fully comfortable with the financial concepts and jargon, make sure to take independent and objective advice from someone who is.

Dealership finance

Dealerships have a big advantage – they know the finance providers who are likely to be receptive to applications relating to motorhome finance. For example, this route might help to keep the deposit you need to a lower level.

Things to keep in mind might include:

whether you would prefer to keep entirely separate the related issues of finding finance and driving a deal on a motorhome;
the high demand for motorhomes and the fact they hold their prices may make your whole approach to negotiating a deal quite different from the way you might buy a car; and
remembering to appraise and review any offer of finance from a dealership in just the way you would any other offer – by looking at rates of interest, the term of any finance, conditions, and penalties, for example.

We hope this brief guide to getting the most attractive motorhome finance deal is useful. At Derby Motorhomes we are not independent financial advisers and so are unable to provide you with independent financial advice. We do, however, work independently with funders and brokers to help you access motorhome finance. You can find out more on our motorhome finance page.

Selling any motor vehicle is often a chore and something of a hassle.

Selling your motorhome may prove still more of a headache. Buyers may be few and far between. There is likely to be more money at stake, and viewers are likely to take much longer poring over every inch of the vehicle (and that’s not even counting the time-wasters who say they are coming and then fail to turn up).

When you part exchange your motorhome, on the other hand, you get two essential benefits for the price of one – you avoid the time, hassle and general inconvenience of having to sell your current motorhome. And you are also likely to gain more than enough of a deposit on your new one.

So, let’s take a closer look at part exchanging your motorhome.

Second-hand motorhome values

Motorhomes depreciate far less than the typical car. That means they hold their value well, assuming all other things are equal.

Add to that the fact that there’s currently something of a shortage of good quality second-hand motorhomes and you have all the ingredients for great deals if you’re part-exchanging your motorhome.

Part exchange with Derby Motorhomes

If you are selling your motorhome to buy another, we aim to give you what we believe is a top part exchange price – without your having to go through any of the hassles of advertising, etc.

All we ask is you give us a full and accurate description of your motorhome as possible, including whether it has been involved in any accidents and if there is any outstanding finance on the vehicle.

Even if you prefer to go down the route of selling your motorhome privately, we may still be able to help. Your buyer may be looking for a part exchange deal, for example, or even looking for the finance to purchase your motorhome – both are issues over which we may be able to help.

Choosing a dealer

When you are looking to part exchange, a lot may hinge on your choice of dealer.

Naturally, you want the best possible price for any motorhome you trade-in, based on a fair and realistic valuation of its current market value.

Specialist, reputable dealers are likely to be in the best position to make just such an offer. They know about motorhomes, they know who is in the market to buy a used one, and they are at the cutting edge of the business.

Most dealers specialise in a particular make of motorhome and, if you are lucky enough to already own one of the top-rated brands such as an Auto-Sleeper, you may be likely to be offered an especially attractive deal in part exchange.

Indeed, some dealers are so interested in buying such desirable brands as Auto-Sleeper, that, if you have yet to make up your mind about purchasing a new motorhome, you may be offered an immediate cash price on the one you want to sell.

Some dealers may even agree to take your motorhome on a sale or return basis.

Preparing your motorhome for part-exchange

You might be tempted into thinking that a vehicle you offer in part exchange does not need much in the way of special presentation – if it is dirty or needs minor exterior or interior blemishes ironing out, then the dealer is well able to provide the necessary service.

But dealers are people, too, and just like any other buyer, first impressions count.

In other words, if you are looking to part exchange, it is worth spending some of your own time cleaning the outside of the vehicle, attending to any scrapes and dings, and giving the interior a thorough spring clean. It is all likely to put any dealer in the right frame of mind for potentially offering you a more attractive deal on a motorhome which has clearly been looked after by a responsible and careful owner.

Try to make sure your vehicle is as clean and well-presented as possible. True, a professional dealer will be able to “see-through” certain surface-level presentation problems, but psychologically even the most seasoned professional can be affected by things such as interior dirt, grime, and foul smells etc.

These things can suggest you’ve not really cared for your motorhome and that might imply to the dealer that far worse problems are lurking unseen under the surface so to speak. So – a good spring clean beforehand is a good idea.

Avoid last-second cosmetic improvements like cushions, wall decorations and so on. These will cost you money for no benefit – most dealers will remove them before any sale to restore your motorhome or campervan to its original specification and appearance (as far as possible).

Some motorhome owners, for example, add large numbers of accessories and make other customisations and enhancements to their vehicles.

It’s sometimes disappointing for them to note that many of these will be considered to have zero value by the dealer or indeed a future buyer. That’s because many buyers prefer second-hand motorhomes that are close to the original manufacturer’s specification. They may have little or no use for your gadgetry or accessories.

So, you might have a dish on the roof capable of bouncing a signal off Mars – but a new buyer might value that at zero if they have no interest in doing so! Be pragmatic and assume you may get little or nothing for most of them.

As people are inclined to be fussy about where they sleep and use the bathroom, try to keep these areas particularly spic, span and in good working order. A shower/WC that’s a bit of a mess or poorly maintained will be a big turn off to dealers.

Pricing

Research a very rough price for your vehicle and also the one you have in mind for acquisition. Do some rough sums in your head for the sort of total deal you’re looking for and be flexible and ready to negotiate.

Try to be realistic in your pricing, though. Remember, the dealer has to make a profit on both sides of the transaction, and that can’t be pennies. Give them some breathing room.

You will be very unlikely to get as much as a trade-in, as you would if you sold privately. If it appears you would remember to look at the whole deal, including what the dealer is asking you to pay as the balance for the new vehicle. However, keep in mind that selling privately comes with its particular potential pitfalls. Think carefully before you make your final decision on that one.

It is also important to gather together, ready to hand over to the dealer, the documents and owner’s manual you received when you bought your motorhome, along with its maintenance records and service history.

Selling privately

If you are going down the road of selling your motorhome privately, rather than looking to part exchange, there are a few precautions you need to take to prevent scams, theft or even worse:

never give out details such as the vehicle registration number (technically known as its Vehicle Registration Mark, or VRM), the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), logbook details or your own personal information – which may be used criminally for identity theft;
always offer viewings at your home address, rather than somewhere unfamiliar that is suggested by someone claiming to be an interested buyer, but where you may be vulnerable to an assault or theft;
if a viewer asks to hear the engine running, make sure you are in the driving seat and do not leave the keys in the ignition, suggests the listings magazine Exchange and Mart;
if a potential buyer asks to test drive your motorhome, only hand over the keys once you are sat behind the wheel and after you have checked that their insurance certificate allows them to drive;
it is reasonable to allow any potential buyer to inspect the vehicle’s documents, but do not let them make copies of them – and beware any attempt they make to take photos of the documents using their smartphone;
if you manage to agree on a sale, have prepared a simple document to that effect which both you and the buyer sign;
wait until you have been paid the agreed price – and any bank transfer or cheque has actually been cleared – before handing over your motorhome to the buyer.

With the prospect of so many do’s, don’ts and precautions involved in any private sale, you might already have decided that the easier and safer solution may be to offer us your motorhome in part exchange.

Picking the right motorhome for you is just that – it’s a question of choosing the vehicle that not only meets your budget but suits you and your family’s needs down to the ground.

And you will find yourself spoilt for choice when it comes to picking the right motorhome for you. When you look around our showrooms, for instance, you are likely to be stunned by the sheer choice available to you.

That’s why at Derby Motorhomes, we are very familiar with potential new buyers asking for our advice and guidance in terms of how to select the motorhome that suits them!

Let’s start with some of the basics.

Budget

As with just about everything else in life, the amount you have available to spend will play a role in your final decision on a motorhome.

Picking the right motorhome for you will depend upon how much you wish to put into the purchase and just what you will be able to secure for your available finances. You will also need to consider ongoing maintenance expenses, storage costs, motorhome insurance and potential depreciation.

We can offer some excellent advice and guidance on that one and possibly assist with the financing options too.

How you’ll use it

Just how you plan to use your vehicle will be instrumental in you picking the most suitable motorhome for you.

Ideally, you should be clear in advance about variables such as:

how many people, on average, will be using the motorhome when you go away;
how big are they – and if that sounds odd, keep in mind that the space and facilities requirements for say a couple of occasional younger grandchildren passengers might be quite different to having two other full-sized adults with you;
what sort of distances will you be using your motorhome over – some owners tend to use their vehicles only within a relatively modest distance of their own home, while others may go from one end of the country to the other or indeed on major expeditions across Europe.

All these factors – and many others like them – will influence your views as to the type of vehicle and configurations that you will need to meet your requirements.

Your accommodation preferences

This is a surprisingly large field to think about.

We’d welcome the opportunity for what’s likely to be a longer conversation but by way of a quick illustration, we recognise that some people prefer permanent, fixed beds whereas others like the additional space-saving that might come with fold-up beds.

Another example might be thinking about whether you want a smaller shower area and use the space saved for other purposes or would prefer a larger and more luxurious shower room configuration.

There are pros and cons in respect of every option, and you’ll face similar decisions that need to be made about other areas of the internal layout and accommodation offered by any particular motorhome.

It goes without saying that you’ll need to have formed at least some idea of subjects such as these when you start thinking about various motorhome options and picking the right motorhome for you.

Your driving comfort

This is less a question about the seating and cab layout. What we have in mind, instead, is how happy you are likely to be driving larger versus smaller vehicles.

Also consider the manoeuvrability and driving experience of the motorhome, especially if you plan to navigate narrow roads or park in tight spaces. Smaller campervans and motorhomes offer greater agility, while larger ones provide more living space but may be challenging to manoeuvre in certain environments.

Legal requirements and insurance

Familiarise yourself with legal requirements for driving a motorhome in the UK, including licensing regulations, weight restrictions, and insurance obligations. Ensure that your motorhome is adequately insured to protect against potential accidents, damages, and liabilities.

Environmental impact

You may also wish to consider the environmental impact of your motorhome choice, including fuel efficiency, emissions, and sustainability practices. Opt for eco-friendly options and adopt responsible travel practices to minimise your ecological footprint while exploring the UK’s natural wonders.

Additional considerations

While we’ve covered the key points, there are a few extras you might want to bear in mind when choosing your motorhome:

Storage options: If your motorhome will spend a lot of time parked, where will you store it? Not all homes have driveways big enough for one, and paid storage facilities may be an added cost to consider.
Resale value: Motorhomes, like cars, can depreciate. Research models that hold their value better over time and consider maintenance as a way to protect your investment.
Connectivity: Do you need onboard Wi-Fi or plenty of charging ports for your gadgets? Many modern motorhomes come with great tech options, but it’s worth checking.

Summary

Choosing a motorhome is a personal journey. It’s not just about the specs and layouts – it’s about the experiences you dream of having. Whether it’s a weekend escape to the Peak District or a grand tour of the Scottish Highlands, your motorhome should feel like a true home on wheels.

Take your time, explore your options, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. This is an investment in both your comfort and your adventures.

At Derby Motorhomes, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Picking the motorhome that most suits you requires the first-hand experience, consultation, and discussion with experts that you might struggle to find exclusively online. And that’s precisely the experience we can offer when you meet our dedicated sales team here in the covered, permanent exhibition space at Derby Motorhomes.

So, why not contact us at your earliest opportunity for a discussion about what is the most appropriate motorhome vehicle for you? We are standing by waiting to help!

A staycation in your motorhome is a brilliant way to enjoy everything the UK has to offer. Here’s why it’s such a fantastic option:

Go where you like, when you like

One of the best things about travelling in your motorhome is the flexibility it gives you. Forget about hotel check-in times or rigid schedules. Whether you fancy a last-minute trip to the Lake District, a visit to Cornwall’s beautiful coast, or a peaceful break in the Cotswolds, you can just pack up and set off whenever it suits you.

Save money on your holiday

Holidays in a motorhome can be much more budget-friendly than other types of travel. Once you’ve got your motorhome, you’re sorted for accommodation. Plus, cooking your meals means you won’t need to spend as much on eating out, making it a more affordable option compared to hotels or rental properties.

Home comforts wherever you go

Your motorhome is like a mini home on wheels, so you can take your favourite comforts with you. No more packing and unpacking at each stop or worrying about the facilities where you’re staying. You can set up your motorhome just the way you like it, ensuring every trip is cosy and familiar.

Discover hidden gems and scenic routes

The UK is full of stunning landscapes and hidden gems that are perfect for exploring. Unlike flying or train travel, a motorhome lets you take the scenic route, stop off when you want, and explore places off the beaten path. It’s an ideal way to find those special, lesser-known spots that make a holiday memorable.

Bring your pet along

If you’re a pet owner, a motorhome staycation means your furry friend can come with you. Many campsites and caravan parks in the UK are pet-friendly, so you won’t need to worry about kennels or pet sitters. Your pet gets to join in on the fun and enjoy the holiday with you.

Stay close to nature

One of the highlights of motorhome travel is how close you can get to nature. You can park by the sea, in a forest, or with a view of rolling hills. It’s the perfect way to relax, unwind, and soak up the natural beauty of the UK without giving up your home comforts. Waking up with a view right outside your window is an experience that’s hard to beat.

Your own space for safe travel

Having your own motorhome means you don’t have to share facilities with others, which adds peace of mind when it comes to hygiene and safety. You’re in control of your surroundings, making it a great way to travel while feeling secure.

Enjoy all-year-round adventures

The UK has something to offer in every season. In spring, explore national parks as they burst into life. Summer is great for beach trips and sunny getaways. Autumn brings beautiful drives through colourful landscapes, and with the right preparations, winter camping can be cosy and magical. Your motorhome makes it easy to take advantage of the best each season has to offer.

Why motorhomes and staycations work

Owning a motorhome gives you total freedom and flexibility – the freedom to go exactly where you want and do exactly what you want to do and the flexibility to do this whenever you wish and for as long as you want to, too.

A motorhome doesn’t have to be huge, it can be and can also have every extra known to mankind too; but then there’s it’s size to consider, it can affect where you travel – too big and English country lanes could prove a challenge; too small and either you won’t have sufficient storage space for clothes and things or, more accurately, the love of your life will but you won’t or, joking apart, too small could potentially restrict the length of time spent away from home.

Motorhomes are most definitely not “roughing it”

Well, a motorhome could be considered as “roughing it” by some I suppose but when you actually bother to take a closer look at some of them, well, nothing could be further from the truth.

Take Auto-Sleepers for example – they are the oldest UK motorhome manufacturer; every-one is hand built and quality oozes from every angle. Luxurious Belgian fabrics, quality furniture, kitchens a top chef would be proud of, and space abound – even in the smallest of models.

Then there’s features such as solar panels, re-fillable gas tanks, built-in satellite navigation systems, air conditioning – cab and habitation areas too in their Mercedes range; there’s even the option of remote, self-seeking satellite TV systems if you really don’t want to miss anything.

Setting the scene

What could be finer than sitting under your very-own sun awning drinking wine (or gin, beer, cider or any other favourite tipple for that matter) and simply “chilling out” whilst listening to your favourite music or reading the latest novel on your kindle?

If that’s not your “thing” then how about a day exploring the local countryside or walking and cycling to places of interest? Maybe visit the local beach or town centre for that all-important retail therapy hit.

Then there’s galleries and museums to consider or the local country estate, farm shop or National Trust venue – really, the list of potential activities is endless as are the wonderful places one could pitch-up in the UK alone.

You never know too, the urge to go abroad could still prove too great to resist, in which case there’s always the “tunnel” for quick, easy access to France and beyond or endless ferry routes for a more relaxed trip across the water, assuming we are allowed to travel abroad any time soon that is.

Imagine, a lovely warm evening, the sound of the ocean in the distance, a great burgundy, fresh French bread, cheese and a salad and all right on your own doorstep, for as long as you feel like it……

Going further afield

Don’t forget, motorhomes are welcomed throughout Europe and Europe’s an awfully big continent to explore and finding beautiful, isolated spots to call your own for a few days before moving on, aren’t difficult to find and the driving is all part of the holiday.

Remember too, once you have a motorhome, you also have the potential for hundreds of holidays, long or short, here, there, anywhere in fact – even a long weekend or simple overnighter somewhere local or just a day out in the countryside for that matter, the choice is yours and endless!

You’ll definitely have so very many more memories from a motorhome too so, when you sit down to consider the summer holidays, take a closer look at the motor home option and in particular Auto-Sleepers motor home range at Derby Motorhomes, you’re going to be very pleasantly surprised.

Staycation – happy holidays everyone.

Further reading: Destination inspiration for your motorhome holidays

Buying a motorhome – it’s a decision you’re unlikely to take lightly. It’s almost certain to mean a significant investment. Plus, the wide range of options and choices you’ll need to make can prove bewildering.

Here at Derby Motorhomes, we can help with a lot of those decisions. Although the following top buying tips are aimed at people considering their first purchase in the field, if you’re a seasoned veteran, then you might also learn something new!

The terms you will encounter

As you begin to think about your possible purchase, it will be helpful to familiarise yourself with a few of the terms you are likely to encounter:

Motorhomes

these represent the upper end of the type of motor vehicle you may both drive and live in – they are sometimes called motor caravans;
at the front, there is the driver’s compartment – usually screened off or separated from the living quarters behind;
all tend to be spacious inside and are very well equipped;
however, there are still several sub-categories, generally divided by their size and the levels to which they are equipped;
at the top of the range, for example, are the large, roomy and luxuriously appointed American motorhomes from the iconic Winnebago, some might be so long they incorporate a third axle (a so-called tag axle), others might be coach-built “A” class motorhomes, while still others might be conventional coach-built homes on a standard chassis vehicle;

Camper vans

at the other end of the scale are more basic motorhomes, which are typically referred to as camper vans;
camper vans are medium to larger size conversions of mass-produced vans – the VW “combo” being perhaps one of the most widely used and affectionately owned versions.

Campervan versus motorhome

Broadly speaking, campervans are smaller and less well-equipped than full motorhomes.

Campervans are often exceedingly ingenious in their use of relatively limited space, but even so, there is a certain connotation of needing to “rough it” a little – hence the reference to camping in their name.

In our experience, motorhomes are usually favoured by families and more mature couples, who prefer a few luxuries in life. Campervans are typically more appealing to single people or younger couples – but that’s by no means a hard and fast rule!

Choosing your motorhome

In addition to that basic difference between motorhomes and campervans, it is vital to appreciate the vast range of motorhomes themselves – whether new or second-hand.

It is worth giving careful thought to how you intend to use your motorhome – in terms of its ease of driving and manoeuvrability, its size, level of accommodation and fitted equipment, and the number of people it needs to accommodate.

Parking and storing your motorhome when it is not in use may also be a significant consideration – especially given the length and size of some.

If it is to serve as a motor caravan, a home from home and base from which to enjoy your holidays with relatively little driving about in between, for example, you might want to choose a larger model, with higher standards of accommodation.

On the other hand, if it is to be used mainly for touring, with comfortable enough accommodation in which to sleep overnight, a more basic camper van is going to prove more manoeuvrable, cheaper to run, and may provide the ideal solution.

Big U.S. RVs

These Recreational Vehicles are undoubtedly eye-catching and a byword in luxury but remember that you may need to pass an LGV (Light Goods Vehicle) driving test before you are legally able to drive one.

Big versus small

In our experience, people new to this recreational field often assume that the bigger the motorhome, the better it will be for comfort, facilities and so on.

Actually, that’s not necessarily always so. Some motorhomes that are smaller in terms of their floor area might well have far superior levels of equipment to some that are technically larger. A lot depends upon the marque and the designers’ skills.

Think about a driving techniques course

The vast majority of motorhomes are easy to drive and, in many respects, they’re not significantly different from driving an ordinary car. In most cases, subject to your age, aspects of the vehicle’s weight and when your licence was issued, you may be able to drive them on a standard driving licence.

However, they are still slightly larger vehicles and may need a little getting used to in terms of things such as parking, manoeuvring, and reversing. This isn’t exactly rocket science, but there are some modestly-priced courses out there that will help you get to grips with safe driving techniques before you necessarily take your vehicle on the road.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Motorhome Manoeuvring Course, for example, lasts just six hours but covers practically everything you are likely to need to know.

Do your homework – and speak to an expert.

Because of the extensive variation in styles, size, and suitability – not to mention cost – you might find it difficult matching what’s on sale to your particular needs and requirements.

For a much better comparison of both new and used motorhomes, therefore, you might want to visit a specialist motorhome dealer.

On that score, the larger, the better and the more comprehensive the range of motorhomes you can view while tracking down your perfect match.

The larger dealers, such as ourselves, who have established a reputation built on many years’ of experience are likely to offer not only extensive exhibition space but additional facilities, such as online chats and listings, to help you narrow down your search.

There are lots of great things to learn about motorhomes, and all of them will potentially have some influence on your eventual decision as to make and model etc.

Most of those lessons are positive ones, relating to different types of benefits that come with different versions of motorhomes. Still, it’s also important to be aware of certain things to watch out for too – and that is where our expertise and experience might come in.

Think, too, about what is important to you. It can be all too easy to go along to a couple of showrooms and be swayed by motorhome characteristics that might subsequently prove to be mostly irrelevant in your particular situation.

For example, the internal upholstery might be especially attractive in one model, but that will count for nothing if the driver and passenger seats prove to be uncomfortable on long journeys.

Before you go to a showroom, think about things such as:

how regularly you are going to use the vehicle on long-distance journeys. That might tell you a lot about your requirements for driving position comfort and things such as engine power and tolerable noise levels etc.;
just how many people it will need to accommodate, on average, over a typical year. Having multiple extra berths might be a lot less relevant to you than having a larger bathroom area (or vice versa); etc.

Of course, many other things should be on a list of this nature. The point is, have as good an idea as possible about your priorities before you start looking at individual motorhomes.

Look at your budget

Not only do motorhomes come in all shapes and sizes, but there are also just as many variations in the price – and that means giving careful thought to your budget.

It’s also fair to say that new motorhomes or those that are relatively modern, even if pre-owned and pre-loved, aren’t likely to be describable as “cheap”. Having said that, keep in mind the good news – typically they hold their value well in terms of future re-sales (unlike most cars).

Being clear how much you are willing/able to spend in advance is important in terms of influencing your viewing and researching strategy.

At the same time, however, try to avoid becoming fixated on price. True, there’s little point in evaluating motorhomes that you can’t afford. Even so, going around looking for the cheapest possible vehicle you can find isn’t always the most advisable tactic from a finance point of view.

For example, some motorhomes may depreciate rather more quickly than others. It can also be deeply frustrating to find after purchase that you may have saved £2,000 by selecting a cheaper model, but the result is a motorhome that just isn’t meeting your requirements.

While affordability and budget are significant factors, try to avoid thinking about the price before you are clear on your “must-have” requirements. Compromise is always a good thing, but it can be taken too far and leave you full of regret when using your new motorhome. That £2,000 might not seem such a big deal in those circumstances.

Don’t forget to take in to account other costs such as motorhome storage and motorhome insurance.

Clear your finances in advance

Nothing is more frustrating than getting excited about a particular motorhome, only to find that you can’t secure the financing subsequently. A variation on the same is when the decision on the money takes so long to come through that the vehicle is sold elsewhere in the meantime.

Make sure, therefore, that you have thought about your budget and agreed it in advance, in principle at least, with an individual funding provider. Significant numbers of motorhome dealerships might be able to assist you in your search for funding if required.

You’ll be pleased to know, therefore, that our finance service here at Derby Motorhomes offers a wide range of products designed to help fund your purchase – and, if your motorhome finance application is accepted, clearing those funds typically takes little time at all.

New or second-hand?

There is probably little we can add about the attraction of buying new rather than second-hand.

There’s probably nothing to equal the pleasure and satisfaction of knowing that you are the first ever to drive and sleep in a brand-new motorhome. On the other hand, assuming all else is equal, such as marque and model, a used motorhome is likely to cost less than one that’s brand new. And the depreciation will typically be less.

It’s always advisable to source a used motorhome from a reputable and highly experienced dealer. Purchasing from a street-corner generalist type car dealer might be risky, as they may lack the experience to offer you full advice.

Further reading: Auto-sleeper part exchange options.

A note of caution if you choose to buy privately

Purchasing privately from an owner is, of course, also an option. Apply all the usual review and research criteria. Do keep in mind that your legal rights of redress should something go wrong post-purchase, may be far more limited than might be the case if purchasing from a company.

Motorhomes typically hold their value far more than the average motor car. That means even if they are pre-used, they’re likely to cost you a substantial sum of money.

As a result, there are crooks out there who will seek to take advantage of unwary buyers typically through a combination of identity theft and selling motorhomes that aren’t theirs to sell.

This is a big subject, and it can’t be adequately covered in a brief article. You should, therefore, research it online and take all steps necessary to protect your interests when buying from a private individual.

Provided you are aware of the possible pitfalls and scams and continue to exercise a buyer’s caution, you might be able to strike an attractive deal on a used motorhome bought privately. Make sure you doubly protect yourself from possible fraud by:

making identity checks, to be sure you know exactly who you are dealing with and that the address they are giving you is, in fact, real;
verifying ownership of the vehicle – to be sure that they own the vehicle they are selling;
conducting outstanding finance checks, to be sure that you are not inheriting any potential debts with the vehicle; and
making any cash transfer with as much security protection as you can muster.

Summary

Questions about the size of the motorhome that best suits you, makes and models, use of your recreational vehicle, finance options, and whether to buy new or used, from a dealer or private sale – you’re likely to be faced with many decisions if you’re looking to buy a motorhome.

We have lots of other useful motorhome buying tips plus general advice and guidance for those who are purchasing a motorhome.

Why not contact us for an initial friendly and entirely non-committal discussion? We’d be delighted to help!

Further reading: Motorhome buying guide.

Hand in hand with the business of selecting a motorhome goes the need to decide how you will pay for it.

The first is typically something that most people find extremely exciting. The latter is sometimes more daunting for some buyers. The good news is that, in the vast majority of cases, the process is relatively straightforward and not one to be feared because here at Derby Motorhomes we can help make it an entirely smooth process.

There may be a number of options open to you in terms of funding your motorhome – and we are always keen to try and ensure that you understand the pros and cons of your various choices of finance. That’s why we have produced the following brief motorhome finance guide.

So, let’s take a closer look at what is involved in motorhome finance and just what are your options.

Please note that the information used within this guide should not be deemed as financial advice.

Using your own capital to finance a motorhome

For many of us, this might be intuitively attractive.

In some respects, it is the easiest option and the one that offers you the least amount of work. Some buyers also prefer this method because it means they are free from a debt and more independent as a result.

While we would never argue against that, it is worth keeping in mind, though, that it isn’t always necessarily the most advantageous route. For example, if you suddenly needed cash for an emergency, having your money tied up in a motorhome or any other asset, may mean you’ll require some time to free it up.

That is because spending your savings on the purchase of a motorhome removes liquid capital from your financial reserves.

That simply means that once you have invested your capital into a motorhome, if you need cash in a hurry to deal with an emergency, it is no longer immediately available to you. While good pre-used motorhomes are typically always in high demand, it may still take time for you to convert your vehicle into cash should an emergency arise.

It’s therefore worthwhile thinking a little about whether using your own money is the most sensible or prudent option – or whether you might want to consider borrowing the necessary funds.

Borrowing to finance a motorhome

Borrowing the money to purchase your motorhome means finding a lender prepared to advance the loan or extend the credit.

Perhaps the first point to keep in mind is that lenders are keen to find reasons to say “yes” to any financing application – that is their business, after all. But that business interest means, first and foremost, their determination to recover any finance that is lent.

While a lender is going to welcome an application, they will invariably require a credit history check – for confidence in your ability to make the necessary repayments. Credit checking is also a condition of the lender’s authorisation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

This validation process is also known as a credit risk assessment, though having a few minor problems on your credit history is not always a showstopper. Some of the brokers we use understand that very few people these days have an entirely blemish-free credit history record. That said, any motorhome finance provider will reserve the right to decline an application if they feel it is not in your best interests.

The vehicle’s valuation and sum requested

As you might expect, any provider of motorhome finance will need to protect their interests in terms of being sure that the sums they are advancing make sense against the value of the asset concerned.

What this means is that they will be reviewing the price you are proposing to pay for the motorhome against their own industry-standard valuations of such vehicles.

This is rarely a problem and exists for the protection not only of the potential lenders but also the applicant in terms of avoiding you paying more for the vehicle than it is worth.

Our services

We work with some of the leading motorhome finance providers in the UK.

Thanks to that network of contacts, our aim is to offer a wide range of motorhome finance options – each of which have their unique advantages and issues. A solution that is suitable for one buyer might not be optimal for another.

We would be happy to sit down and discuss just what your options are in a given situation. We will then typically be able to assist you in finding a motorhome loan package that’s both suitable and cost-effective.

Motorhome finance options

So, let’s take a brief look at some of those different finance options:

Personal loans

this involves you borrowing a sum of money from a bank or other funds provider;
you then purchase a motorhome using that loan and the vehicle is immediately and legally yours;
you repay the loan over the period of time that you have agreed with the loan provider;
personal loans may be secured or unsecured – and if security is required, this typically takes the form of a charge over the motorhome itself in favour of the lender;
that allows the lender to repossess the motorhome (or whatever else you have used as security) in the event you defaulted on your repayments.

Hire purchase

Hire Purchase (commonly shortened just to HP) involves the lender purchasing the vehicle and then allowing you to use it as if it were your own – under the auspices of your designation as the “registered keeper”:

typically, you’ll need to find a deposit as your contribution towards the overall cost – the amount of the deposit is likely to be around 10-15% of the purchase price;
you will also need to demonstrate to the funds provider that your overall financial position is such that you will be able to comfortably afford the monthly repayments – and that is usually done by way of the credit risk assessment to which we have already referred;
each month you will make a regular repayment to the provider of the funds – with the term of the agreement typically extending over a number of years;
once you make the final repayment, legal ownership of the motorhome transfers to you.

There are typically very few restrictions on what you can or cannot do with your motorhome when purchasing it under HP – but you cannot sell the vehicle without the advance permission of the provider of the funds because it really isn’t yours to sell until you’ve made that final repayment.

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)

PCP is where you put down a deposit (which can be cash, part exchange or a combination of both);
although regular monthly payments are then made, they effectively represent only the value of the lease of the vehicle;
the lender defers, until the end of the agreement, an amount roughly equal to its future value and guarantees to this (subject to you meeting the pre-set terms of the agreement);
so, if all terms are met, you can simply hand the vehicle back to the lender at the end of the agreement or pay the lump sum to own the vehicle outright – or part exchange it for another.

Equity release

In some circumstances, you may be able to borrow money against equity that you have in another asset.

let’s say, for example, that you own a property realistically valued at £300,000 and an outstanding mortgage on it of £50,000;
that means, broadly speaking, that you have £250,000 equity in your property;
some lenders may be prepared to advance loans, using your property as security, providing the equity exceeds the amount you are looking to borrow;

It is worth remembering that your property may be at risk if you are unable to continue the repayments against any loan secured against it.

Derby Motorhomes for motorhome finance

Thanks to the in-house expertise and experience we offer here at Derby Motorhomes, there is no need to look any further for your specialist motorhome finance. Not only are we one of the leading dealers for Auto-Sleeper motorhomes in the UK but we also aim to arrange the finance you need buy putting you in touch with reputable lenders.

If your personal financial status is backed by a healthy credit history, so much the better. But even if it less than perfect – and you have experienced difficulties with borrowing or credit in the past – you may still be able to find the finance deal that puts you behind the wheel of your new motorhome in no time at all.

Why not get in touch today to find out more?

Further reading: Financing your Auto-Sleeper purchase

We are proud of our long association with Auto-Sleepers and make no secret of our admiration for their vehicles.

In what follows, we’ll outline some of the reasons for that and why Derby Motorhomes is proud to offer them to our customers for their consideration.

Quality

The first thing we have to mention is, of course, the very highly regarded reputation of Auto-Sleepers for build quality. This covers every element of their coachbuilding and van transformation services, as well as their commitment to no compromise on getting it right.

Unsurprisingly, that has a direct relationship to how often you, as a potential buyer, will need to get things looked at and attended to after purchase. From our lengthy experience, we know that these vehicles typically don’t cause post-sales issues for our customers and that means we are protecting the interests of those same customers when we recommend Auto-Sleepers to them.

Excellence in design

Of course, important as build quality is, nobody wants it to result in a rather Spartan motorhome that looks fit for purpose in a utilitarian sense but which also manages not to catch the eye!

The Auto-Sleepers range sets the bar high in terms of innovative design and attractiveness. Their interiors are stunningly modern and also offer a range of options that will allow you to select the décor you feel suits your personality. There is no question here of you having to put up with a single option by way of what their designer thought you should appreciate.

Looks are not the only consideration though and the functional quality of these designs is fantastic. When you are inside an Auto-Sleepers motorhome, it’s almost like being in a small boutique hotel where everything not only looks good but performs excellently too.

For example, some of the kitchen and cooking equipment is simply stunning and of a type and quality you might normally associate with a luxury apartment rather than a motorhome.

Financial sense

A combination of the things mentioned above leads to a situation whereby Auto-Sleepers vehicles are highly sought after and that includes within the pre-used motorhome marketplace.

The result of that is that they tend to have an excellent residual value model, depreciating less than numbers of other models.

This Cotswold based company doesn’t target the bottom end of the marketplace in terms of its pricing model and nobody is pretending that they are the cheapest motorhomes around. However, if you’re looking at the financial position from a balanced perspective, taking into account depreciation, Auto-Sleepers might make sound common sense.

Customer feedback

As you might expect and even demand, we take the feedback that we receive from our customers very seriously.

We know from many years of after-sales discussions with our customers, just how happy they are with Auto-Sleepers. That gives us on-going confidence in terms of our recommendations.

Power plant

Having a superb piece of coachbuilding isn’t necessarily going to be massively impressive if it sits on a middle-of-the-road and decidedly average power plant and chassis.

Auto-Sleepers only use prestige plants from Peugeot and Mercedes-Benz. Yet again, there is no compromise on quality there either.

Summary

We recognise that there are many factors to take into consideration when you are purchasing a motorhome. We will be only too happy to look at those objectively with you and to see whether or not there is an Auto-Sleepers model that will be ideal for your requirements.

Think numbers

The optimal motorhome layout might depend upon just how many people there will be on your trips.

In situations where there are four adults (or grown-up children) regularly aboard, you may really appreciate fold-away beds and much more dining space in the living area.

On the other hand, if you are a couple with perhaps the odd trip involving your grandchildren for example, then your motorhome layout thinking might be quite different.

True, you shouldn’t size your motorhome and select configurations based on perhaps one trip every 12 or 18 months with others aboard. But if you’re planning to invite other people with you on a regular basis, it should be taken into account in your configuration design and selection.

Your home on wheels

The precise layout of your motorhome will go a long way to maximising the usable space within the vehicle, the way you intend to use it, and the number of people you expect to accommodate.

A motorhome is your home on wheels, so there is an inevitable trade-off or compromise between interior spaciousness and the need to negotiate the vehicle on the roads – which might often be narrow, twisting, or occasionally congested city streets.

Just remember that even motorhomes that are a similar overall length may differ in both height and width to allow a layout which offers more in the way of usable space inside.

So, whether you are looking for a sufficiently agile and manoeuvrable motorhome to use for touring off the beaten track or a sufficiently spacious and luxurious second home which to which you return as your base each day, there are plenty of layout options from which to choose.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the considerations involved.

The overall size of your motorhome

Remember that the smaller the motorhome you select, by and large, the more compromises you might have to make on internal living space. That’s something that might affect aspects of your motorhome layout.

For example, some motorhome owners prefer lots of living room and kitchen space but are more than willing to compromise on sleeping area dimensions. That’s fine but in the case of say over-cab sleeping accommodation, keep in mind that headroom will be restricted and also one partner will have to climb over the other if they need to get up in the middle of the night.

Sleeping arrangements

The degree of flexibility that now exists in terms of choosing sleeping layouts is phenomenal. Even so, not all of them will necessarily appeal to everyone.

For example, if you have two smaller children or grandchildren you take on trips, then you may be very attracted by the idea of bunk beds. If you don’t, then that type of sleeping accommodation may be largely irrelevant in terms of your requirements.

Things you may wish to consider might include:

how many berths;
single or double beds;
where the sleeping areas will sit in your motorhome (at the rear, central areas etc.).

Some options may allow you to keep the bed permanently in place whereas others will allow it to be converted into additional seating accommodation in your living area.

Although tastes and preferences obviously differ, it’s probably fair to say that many people would suggest that fixed beds are more comfortable than those which fold away.

If you are someone or a couple who really values the ultimate in comfort for a great night’s sleep, then it might be better to opt for fixed beds. On the other hand, if you can sleep on the head of a pin, then folding beds may give you much more legroom during the day.

Kitchens

The size and configuration of kitchen areas may also vary considerably between models.

The equipment level contained in many motorhome kitchens is now staggering.

There are often quality appliances and ones which would grace even a conventional kitchen in a main home, as well as specially-designed motorhome gadgets that are economical in their use of space.

If you are someone who really enjoys cooking, wherever you are, then you may be prepared to sacrifice something like fixed beds or larger sized shower facilities in order to have a substantial kitchen.

On the other hand, not everyone goes on a motorhome holiday with the intention of cooking cordon bleu cuisine. It may be that you prefer eating out or preparing basic meals on minimalist kitchen equipment. If that’s the case, picking the right motorhome for you might involve deciding to reduce the amount of floor space allocated to your kitchen and deploying it instead to living or sleeping areas.

You might also want to think about where the kitchen sits in your motorhome. Some people like it at the very back, well out of the way of everything else, whilst others prefer it conveniently located mid-vehicle near the main sitting area.

WC’s and showers

This is one of the areas where individual requirements are most likely to vary. It’s not unusual to hear people say they’ll go for the smallest option possible and use the space saved elsewhere. In practice though, that doesn’t necessarily suit everybody in real life.

Some people just don’t like cramped spaces when they are trying to take a shower and very restricted spaces in these areas can be an issue for larger people. It’s certainly possible to opt for smaller solutions but think it through first and be sure that it’ll result in something you’ll be comfortable with.

It’s entirely possible to have a fully functioning WC contained within your motorhome. What is less commonly known, though, is that it’s also possible to have a normal shower too.

Some people prefer to have the WC and shower room as two separate units. That takes up more space, of course, but it does mean that the two can be used simultaneously.

Still others are less concerned about having a full-sized shower and would prefer instead to use that space for other purposes within the motorhome, being happy to use the communal shower facilities on the campsite.

Once again, your individual requirements can almost always be accommodated providing you select a motorhome provider who is able to offer the appropriate design flexibility.

Popular layouts

With some of these design and configuration considerations firmly in mind, therefore, let’s see how it all translate into practice, so that you are ready to pick your way through some of the most popular types of motorhome layout. And, once again, it is worth stressing that the imagination and ingenuity of contemporary designers, gives you an amazing selection of different motorhome layouts to suit a variety of personal preferences and uses:

Campervans

as the smallest in the stable of motorhomes, campervans are perhaps the most challenging for layout designers;
typically, the forward driver’s and passenger seats swivel around to face the interior, there is a bench seat at the rear – which converts into the bed – and a small galley and cupboards arranged along the side;
yet even within the relative confines of a campervan, there are variations on the theme and you have a wide choice when it comes to selecting the layout that suits your purposes;

French bed layout

also designed to maximise space in smaller motorhomes is the so-called French bed layout;
it is smaller than a regular, fixed double bed because the corner is rounded off to allow greater access around it – it is also an alternative to an island bed when space is at a premium;

Fixed bed layouts

as you move up in the overall size of your motorhome, it becomes possible to have fixed beds rather than those which pull down or convert and which you have to make up at the end of each day;
fixed bed layouts may feature a double bed or two singles – depending on the layout – and are prized for the comfort and convenience they bring to life in your motorhome;

End kitchen layout

if you are looking for a motorhome that serves as a home away from home, you might want to consider the luxury of a spacious end kitchen layout;
by putting the kitchen across the rear of the vehicle, you may achieve a fully-fitted kitchen – with an oven, multiple hobs, workspace and room for a fridge;

End bathroom layout

perhaps even more luxury can be found in having the bathroom at the rear of your motorhome;
it makes room for the toilet, hand basin and walk-in shower – all creature comforts that are likely to make your motorhome a comfortable yet mobile second home.

With layouts for all occasions, uses and personal tastes, choosing the one that suits you may be as important as picking the motorhome itself.