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Have motorhome, will travel – with all the freedom of the open road. And, if you are motorhoming across Europe, that might be a very long way indeed.

It’s that freedom to follow wherever the road takes you that beckons many a motorhome owner. It’s likely to be inspiration enough to drive aboard a cross-Channel ferry every once in a while and make an extended trip onto the Continent.

If you are fairly new to motorhoming or have only ventured out on a few quite local weekend breaks, you might find the prospect of driving longer distances, far from home, in a country whose language you barely speak, more than a little daunting.

As the many thousands who have gone before you are almost certain to reassure you, however, it is really not so challenging as it might first appear – and the sense of first-hand adventure and satisfaction in discovering new and exciting places well off the beaten track are likely to prove their own rewards.

However, even for shorter stints of the travelling life, there are still a number of things to take care of when planning your motorhoming across Europe.

As a posting by the Wandering Bird warns, Brexit has meant that anyone venturing to Europe from the UK is now considered a visitor from a third country – so there are inevitably some major changes of which you must be aware (notably, the need to carry your passport, arrange suitable travel insurance, and check your driving licence).

Driving

If you can handle driving your motorhome in the UK, you are likely to feel just as at home on the roads and motorways of Europe.

Perhaps some of the variables that catch out many drivers are speed limits, which naturally change according to conditions in built-up areas, on country roads, and on motorways – and may depend on the size of your motorhome, specifically whether it is more or less than 3,500kg in laden weight (the Maximum Authorised Mass, or MAM, which you are likely to find printed near your vehicle’s VIN plate).

In built-up areas, the usual speed limit is 50kph but beware of variations.

If you are driving a large motorhome of more than 3,500kg, the restriction on motorways might vary from as slow as 50kph in Gibraltar to 110kph in Portugal.

In some countries, larger motorhomes are prohibited from using the “fast” outside lane of three-lane motorways, so lowering the maximum speed at which you are permitted to drive.

Onboard essentials

Most countries in Europe have certain safety equipment and warning devices that must always be carried onboard a motor vehicle such as your motorhome.

One of the most notable changes post-Brexit is that, since late September 2021, any vehicle registered in the UK and entering the EU must bear a UK sticker (and not a GB sticker) near or incorporated into the number plate on the rear of the vehicle).

The list of additional onboard essentials varies from one country to another but might include such diverse items as hazard warning triangles (two of them in some countries), a reflective jacket, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and spare bulbs.

One of the quirks of driving in France was previously the need to keep on board a breathalyser kit. While that is no longer a legal requirement, it is worth remembering that the blood-alcohol limit when driving in France is lower than in the UK – so stay on your guard and preferably avoid alcohol altogether if you are going to be driving.

The RAC has country specific checklists on its travel pages.

Make the effort to learn a few words

Although courteous, the naturally official tone of any police that might stop you along your way is of course likely to be off-putting, especially if your knowledge of the local language is sketchy or non-existence. A trusty phrasebook – or these days, a translation app on your mobile, is likely to prove a God send.

Finally, before you travel, don’t forget to check your motorhome insurance includes continental cover and that you have carried out all the necessary safety checks for safe travels.

Maintaining your motorhome encourages you to take pride in your holiday home on wheels, of course, but also safeguards what is likely to have been a significant investment. Most important of all, perhaps, maintaining your motorhome also makes sure that it remains safe on the roads and free of health hazards when you are spending your days and nights living in it.

Given the critical importance of motorhome maintenance, therefore, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about it that we receive here at Derby Motorhomes.

Do I have a legal responsibility for maintaining my motorhome?

The Caravan and Motorhome Club reminds us that, while the law does not set out the nature or extent of the maintenance you need to do, it does insist that your motorhome remains in a roadworthy condition.

If you are involved in an accident and your motorhome is shown to be unroadworthy, you are almost certain to be in trouble with the police and may also have invalidated your motorhome insurance policy.

Section 75 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 – which continues to be in force as of the 17th of February 2023 – defines an unroadworthy condition as that which “would involve a danger of injury to any person” – and it is also unlawful to sell or offer for sale any such unroadworthy vehicle.

Isn’t the roadworthiness requirement covered by my MOT?

Your motorhome is only required to have an MOT if it is more than three years old.

Not only that but any MOT only certifies the roadworthiness of your vehicle on the day of the test – it is obviously impossible to predict any change that may occur after that date.

To stay on the right side of the law, therefore, make sure to arrange an MOT test whenever it falls due since you might be fined up to £1,000 if you fail to do so. And if you book your motorhome in for an MOT test by us here at Derby Motorhomes, there is the added benefit of our being able to arrange whatever additional maintenance may be necessary too.

There are some maintenance duties you need to perform on a more frequent basis, just as you would your own car. A regular maintenance check list should include checking the vehicle’s lights and engine coolant level once a week, tyres and engine oil every two weeks, hydraulic fluid for the power steering every month, an annual inspection of the windscreen wipers and regular checks of the windscreen (for damage), screen wash reservoir levels, and the bodywork (for dinks, dents and scrapes).

How do I maintain the interior of my motorhome?

Keeping the interior of your motorhome well-maintained, clean and orderly is a bit like the housekeeping you do at home.

Take your duster to hard surfaces, sweep up bread crumbs and other debris and give it all a thorough vacuuming from time to time, especially when you’ve just returned from a trip away.

Once a year, seriously consider what is called a “habitation” service – this is a service to check and help to maintain the interior of your motorhome and its essential facilities, such as the water supply, gas, electricity supply, and heating.

It is also a good idea not only to drain down your drinking water system from time to time and allow the water to flow through it but also to flush it through with a proprietary antibacterial cleaner.

Whilst many of your motorhome maintenance chores may be done by yourself, why not treat your Auto-sleeper to a thorough mechanical and habitation service with us here at Derby Motorhomes at least once a year?

The basic principles of motor insurance are fairly common to all kinds of vehicles. So, if you have experience arranging your car insurance, very similar rules will apply to the insurance for your motorhome.

Nevertheless, there are some important differences and issues that you may do well to consider – and we outline some of these in what follows.

The basics

By law, of course, as for any motor vehicle you must have at least third-party liability insurance when driving your motorhome on the road.  In fact, current legislation relating to Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE), also requires you to have such insurance in place even if your vehicle is parked up off the road – unless you have completed the established statutory off-road notification (SORN) procedure with the DVLA.

Third-party cover means, essentially, that if anyone claims against you for damages or injuries arising from an accident involving your motorhome, there will be funds available to meet any court awards accordingly.

However, given the typically high value of most motorhomes, owners will usually prefer more comprehensive cover – that includes protection against such risks as the theft of the vehicle, fire damage to it or perhaps its serious damage in an accident.  That additional form of cover is often added to the basic third-party protection required by law so that more comprehensive insurance is achieved.

Motorhome specifics

While the same basic principles hold true, your motorhome is not a car. It has significant differences from a car or even a van used for carrying goods, largely in terms of its typically expensive coachwork and potentially high level of interior finish and equipment.

Many motorhome owners might also have a lot of their own personal possessions with them when they are out and about on the road.

With those considerations in mind, your motorhome might become almost like a form of accommodation in your own home. In other words, you might want to ensure that your motorhome insurance policy also extends cover to all the belongings you customarily take with you or are already installed inside the vehicle on road trips you make.

You will undoubtedly want to think carefully about the type of replacement cover you might need for those internal possessions in the event of their loss or damage. In settlement of any claim, for example, some policies might offer a replacement at market valuation only whereas others may consider offering new-for-old.

With respect to any cover for your belongings, fixtures, and fittings in the motorhome, note also that many policies impose strict conditions on the types of items that can be left in your motorhome when you are not physically present in the vehicle.

Given the high value of motorhomes, it is not unusual to see policies also demanding that comprehensive GPS tracking devices are fitted to your vehicle.

Overall, it’s important to think carefully about your cover and to take advice if you are about to arrange insurance for a motorhome for the first time.  Here at Derby Motorhomes, we will be only too pleased to discuss any of these subjects with you further.

GAP insurance

It may also be appropriate to make a special mention of the desirability of Guaranteed Asset Protection – or GAP cover as it is more commonly known.

If your motorhome is involved in an accident that results in its total loss, motor insurance policies will typically only pay out to the maximum of the vehicle’s depreciated value at that time.  Depending upon the age and type of vehicle concerned, it’s possible that you may end up receiving less from your insurance policy than you still owe in any outstanding finance agreement on the vehicle.

GAP cover is a type of policy specifically aimed at bridging between these two figures.

Other insurance

Also, there are other additional aspects of motorhome insurance that may be worth considering – cover such as motorhome warranty, travel and health insurance, and motorhome breakdown insurance.

Insurance conditions

As a final reminder, it is always important to carefully read the conditions, restrictions, and exclusions incorporated in your motorhome insurance policy documents.

Contrary to some mythology, they do not exist to give your insurance provider wriggle room. In fact, they are there to make clear to the policyholder what you are getting for your money and the conditions with which you must comply to maintain the intended cover provided by your policy.

As we’ve mentioned before if you want to learn more, why not contact us for a discussion?  We’re standing by waiting to help.

Modern motorhomes are very much all-weather leisure vehicles – they are heated and well-insulated, making them a perfect home from home even in the dead of winter.

Even so, it is important to be realistic and recognise that while your motorhome is designed for winter conditions on the roads, these are likely to prove tricky for any driver. The hazards of ice, snow, and severely reduced visibility are all the more challenging if you are driving a motorhome or auto-sleeper.

So here are a few tips and suggestions for safe winter driving in your treasured motorhome:

Be prepared

  • probably the single most important precaution to take before driving in winter is to be prepared;
  • weather conditions may change at a moment’s notice, and you don’t want to be caught off-guard by the sudden appearance of ice, snow, or sleet;
  • indeed, if snow or other severe weather warnings have been issued – as was the advice for all drivers in the Southeast of England on the 11th of December 2022 – then any outing in your motorhome is unlikely to be considered an essential journey and you need to stay at home;
  • you might also want to sign up for the online weather alerts issued by Met Office which can advise you by email of impending danger and hazards on the roads;

Winter tyres and chains

  • if you know we are in for a prolonged cold snap or heavy snowfalls are predicted – you might even be driving your motorhome to one of Europe’s winter sports destinations – you might want to consider investing in winter tyres as a very minimum;
  • in some areas of Austria, France, Germany, and Switzerland, advises the RAC, winter tyres, snow chains or snow socks – textile liners that wrap around the wheels of your motorhome – may be a legal requirement;

Keep a safe distance

  • keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you is ever-green advice – but becomes even more critical in wintertime;
  • as conditions on the roads deteriorate – and especially if there is ice or snow – you may need to triple or even quadruple your distance behind the vehicle in front;
  • that extra gap might make all the difference you need if the vehicle stops suddenly and your braking and final stopping distance is put to the test;
  • even in rain, your braking distance is likely to increase – and on icy roads, says the RAC, you will be well advised to allow up to 10 times the normal recommended distance between you and the car in front;

Demisting

  • winter driving also relies on your having an even more familiar knowledge of your motorhome’s controls – especially the demister;
  • the last thing you want to be doing when trying to concentrate on the road ahead is to be fiddling with unfamiliar controls to get the correct flow of air from the demister;

De-icing

  • clearly, any accumulated ice on the windscreen needs to be removed before setting off but never try to do so by pouring hot water over it – you are likely to crack your windscreen – so, instead, use a patent de-icing spray or liquid to help prevent the accumulation of ice in the first place, invest in a purpose-designed windscreen cover or even use cardboard or an old sheet;
  • be similarly careful when using hot water to heat keys to turn in frozen locks – modern locks are likely to incorporate plastic components which may melt if the key is too hot;

The windscreen washer

  • you’re likely to be needing the windscreen washer to maintain good visibility whilst on the move, so remember to keep the water reserve topped up with an appropriately strong de-icing fluid;

Antifreeze

  • if you have forgotten to do so, or do not know whether the vehicle’s radiator is topped up with antifreeze, have the concentration checked and add more to bring it up to the required level.

Your motorhome is designed for all-weather enjoyment, so don’t hesitate to use it for just that. But remember that extra care, preparation, and precautions may be needed for the challenge of winter driving conditions.

As you cast your approving eyes over your faithful motorhome, it’s probably difficult to accept that when its time comes, you’ll need to sell it. To cut short the potential agony, hassle, and trauma, you’ll then want to sell it fast.

What’s involved and how can you do just that?

How can I find out how much my motorhome is worth?

Whatever its age, you know that you’ll owe it to yourself – not to mention the motorhome that has given you such loyal service over the years – to get what you feel is the best possible price for it.

Few of us are natural or born valuers of motorhomes, so you’ll almost certainly need some help in determining just what is a fair and reasonable price.

The immediate and perhaps the most appealing answer to most questions these days comes by way of the internet – and the valuation of your motorhome is no exception. A quick search will show that there are several websites offering free, fast, and secure valuations online.

You could also visit several of the online listings of motorhomes for sale. Simply search for the make and model similar to your own. Compare ages and conditions. And you will come with at least some idea of what comparable vehicles are fetching – or, at least, what the current owners hope to realise.

How easy is it to sell a motorhome?

Armed with your best shot at a good and realistic price for your motorhome, you can set about trying to interest buyers.

If you’re looking for a private sale, that means advertising your motorhome. Once again, the internet makes it relatively easy to gain access to seemingly hundreds of potential buyers – all over the country. You will need to draft an appealing and well-illustrated listing, of course, while keeping the copy as accurate and honest as possible.

While composing any online sales material, you might also want to think about placing hard copies of your ads in the local newspaper, parish magazines, “for sale” boards in the supermarket, or the shop window of your local newsagent.

If your advertisements entice a buyer, of course, then you’ll then have to make arrangements to stay at home or wherever you care to set up a viewing. Some of those who express an interest might be no more than timewasters while others might fail to show up at all.

All in all, it’s likely to prove a tiresome hassle, if you make a sale, you’ll still be left wondering whether you got the best price – and any sale you do eventually make is very unlikely to have been quick.

How can I sell my motorhome?

Although a private sale may have its attractions – no middleman needs to take a commission – there are certainly alternatives.

An auction sale, for instance, might offer one of the fastest routes to concluding a sale – provided you set a suitably low reserve price. But that means you’ve probably not achieved the most attractive price possible – and you’ll still need to pay the commission charged by the auctioneers.

Here at Derby Motorhomes, we can offer what is likely to be the least painful, most straightforward, and hassle-free way of selling your motorhome. We can take all the stress out of the entire process and still give you an assurance that our valuation of your beloved motorhome is as fair, accurate and honest as you are likely to achieve.

We give you all the options – we can buy your motorhome from you; we can take it in part exchange for a great deal on a new vehicle; or we can act as your broker by offering your motorhome on a sale or return basis. The choice is entirely yours.

Summary

You’re unlikely ever to celebrate the sale of a motorhome that has given you such sterling service over the years – but, here at Derby Motorhomes, we can at least take some of the sting out of doing so.

We’ll take on all the inconvenience and sheer hassle of advertising arranging viewings and making a sale – while all along reassuring you of what we believe os a fair, reasonable, and accurate valuation.

Britain offers a rich diversity of attractive destinations. As we hopscotch around the country, here is our selection of places to consider for a short break in your motorhome.

  1. Dorset

Dorset is one of England’s lesser-known counties and many people simply travel through it on their way to Devon and Cornwall.

That’s a pity because it has some beautiful coastal stretches and some exceptionally pretty inland towns and villages – such as Cerne Abbas.

  1. Isle of Wight

Just a little further along the coast is the Isle of Wight – across a narrow stretch of the Solent that nevertheless gives you the impression of having travelled overseas.

The island has an especially mild climate, is easily accessed by regular ferry services, and has a selection of well-equipped campsites for your motorhome.

  1. Portsmouth

The historic Royal Naval Dockyards and many other nautical attractions make this a must area to visit for those interested in a combination of ships and the military.

There are plenty of famous ships to see. In the unlikely event that you grow bored with all that the City of Portsmouth has to offer, you’ll be right on the doorstep for that ferry ride to the Isle of Wight.

  1. Canterbury

The cathedral city of Canterbury has a rich and important history that helped to shape England as we know it today – it is also one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

Located in Kent – in the south-eastern Garden of England – Canterbury’s historic status has been recognised since the 1st of October 2020 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is also just a 20-30 drive to the coast.

  1. Plymouth

In the opposite direction, on the coast of southwest England, you’ll find the City of Plymouth.

Plymouth Hoe on the waterfront seems little changed from that moment in history – the 20th of July 1588 – when Francis Drake insisted on completing his game of bowls before setting sail to defeat the threat of the Spanish Armada.

  1. Gower Peninsula

It’s almost an island – but not quite. The Gower Peninsula, near Swansea in South Wales, is a haven of peace and tranquility at any time of the year.

It offers stunning coastal paths while inland life continues at the serene pace of a traditional rural community – and many a campsite ready to welcome you and your motorhome.

  1. St Albans

Historic St Albans once went by its ancient Roman name of Verulamium.

It is an attractive smaller city and one which is surrounded by stately homes and other places of interest. No pick of the best motorhome short breaks would be complete without mentioning London – and there are regular fast train services direct from St. Albans into the capital.

  1. Warwickshire and the northern Cotswolds

One big attraction with destinations in Warwickshire and the northern Cotswolds is the simple geographical fact that they sit in the very centre of England. So, it’s easy to reach from just about anywhere – with the possible exception of Scotland!

The countryside is pleasant, with rolling green hills and there are some fantastic tourist centres such as Stratford upon Avon, Kenilworth, Warwick, Leamington Spa and Coventry.

  1. Peak District

The rugged and wild Peak District of Derbyshire has some of the most impressive scenery in central England.

It also has some really interesting towns that are well worth exploring, such as Matlock Baths and Bakewell (home of the famous tart of the same name).

You can take in some of the industrial heritage exhibitions that are close by in southern Yorkshire.

  1. Conway (Conwy) and North Wales

The Snowdonia National Park is right on the doorstep of the charming town of Conway (Conwy in its original Welsh).

There are so many sights in this area including places such as the Blaenau-Ffestiniog railway and Anglesey, that you’ll struggle to get them done in any short break.

  1. Blackpool

It’s probably the most iconic of all the British seaside resorts – the (sometimes faded) glory of Blackpool continues to claim a soft spot in the hearts of its many visitors.

It’s a hive of activity and attractions at any time of the year, so stroll down to the Pleasure Beach and see what’s on.

  1. Lake District

No tourist roadmap of the British Isles would be complete without mention of the Lake District.

The scenery around the lakes is rightly world-famous. Many of the small villages and towns are also well worth visiting, including places such as Kendal – home of the superb and much-loved mint cake.

  1. Bamburgh castle – and surrounding area

A fantastic and often overlooked part of the northeast of England, the coastline around the magnificent Bamburgh Castle is stunning – and the surrounding countryside is mercifully free of crowds for much of the year.

Don’t forget to visit Lindisfarne and Newcastle upon Tyne too while you’re in this part of the world.

  1. Scottish Borders

All too often bypassed by people coming up from the south in their rush to reach Edinburgh and on into the Highlands, the countryside throughout the Scottish Borders is stunningly beautiful and some of the towns such as Jedburgh and Kelso are quaint and unspoiled.

  1. Scottish Highlands

Now it’s true that if you’re based anywhere in England, you might struggle to do a short break into the Scottish Highlands due to the distances involved. Even so, if you are in Scotland or have a few more days to spare when setting out from England, the Highlands are a must for a visit.

You can go right up the middle towards Loch Ness or for a slightly different view of the Western Highlands, try the area around Inveraray which is incredibly beautiful.

All good things come to an end – and then it’s time for fresh beginnings. Take your much-loved motorhome, for example. Sooner or later, its day will come, and it will be time to replace it with a newer, more suitable model in which to enjoy still further adventures.

If you’ve already considered selling your old one – whether privately or through a dealer – why not think about trading it in?

Why trade-in?

When you were thinking about selling your current motorhome you no doubt remembered all the hassles, the inconvenience, and the pitfalls of previous times when you had a vehicle for sale.

Those were times that almost certainly tested your patience – from the moment you sat down to draft what you thought was an appealing advert to the time you eventually waved goodbye to the vehicle.

Drafting any advert for sale is a challenge. You know that you need to be honest and accurate in your description, but you want to sell the vehicle, after all, and you want as good a price as it can command. Pitching it right is difficult.

If only it was then just a question of sitting back and waiting for the offers to come flooding in. Far from it. You’ll be fielding telephone enquiries for quite a while. Some will translate into expressions of interest – at least as far as a viewing is concerned.

You wait in. Some of those who expressed an interest in viewing may turn up; others won’t. Some will have been no more than time wasters. It can all become thoroughly trying.

If and when you do finally clinch a sale, of course, you’re like as not left wondering whether you really did get the best price possible for your beloved motorhome.

Getting prepared to trade in your motorhome

Rather than put yourself through all that grief and heartache, therefore, why not come to us here at Derby Motorhomes and we’ll arrange a trade-in deal where you can be assured of a fair, honest, and realistic price – with none of the hassle.

We have a wide range of new and pre-loved motorhomes for you to choose and because we are proud franchise holders for Auto-Sleepers, now might be the perfect time to part-exchange to one of these market-leading models.

To help us to help you secure the most attractive possible trade-in deal, there are just a few simple steps you might want to take in preparation:

  • gather together all the relevant documentation – and that’s not just the V5 logbook but the original receipt when you bought the vehicle, the maintenance log and history of any major repairs;
  • although we will also be giving the vehicle a thorough mechanical and habitation check, of course, you can get us all off to a good start if you first make sure that everything you’re aware of is working properly; and
  • finally, give your motorhome a good clean inside and out – appearances count for us along with everyone else who’ll be looking over your former pride and joy.

Summary

When it’s time to replace the motorhome that has already given you many years of faithful service, of course, you’ll want to get the best possible price for it – and you can steel yourself for the business of arranging a private sale where you can ask whatever price you see fit.

It’s likely to prove a thoroughly tiresome and frustrating experience, however, and at the end of the day, you may still be left wondering whether you got the best possible price.

How much better, then, to let us arrange a trade-in where we can assure you of a fair and reasonable price – for a fraction of the time and effort it would otherwise take.

NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show, October 2022

NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show, October 2022

Hi everybody,

This week sees the opening of the Motorhome and Caravan show at the NEC in Birmingham, from Tuesday 18th October to Sunday 23rd October and once again our very own Managing Director Tim Lemon and expert sales executive Mike Smith will be assisting Auto-Sleepers on the Auto-Sleepers stand in Hall 8.

So, if you’re planning a visit to the show this week, why don’t you pay Tim and Mike visit and have a good look around the fabulous 2023 Auto-Sleepers range? You can’t fail to be impressed and if you already have an Auto-Sleeper and are thinking about a part-exchange, Tim and Mike are the very best people to talk to and will certainly give you a great part exchange deal.

Not got a motorhome. Not a problem, come and see Tim or Mike anyway, no pressure but fantastic knowledge and really good help and advice; you never know though, you might walk away with an order for a new Auto-Sleeper!

You may be thinking of giving up your motor home, if so, again, talk to Tim and Mike, we’re always looking for good quality, late, low mileage Auto-Sleepers and we buy for cash.

Please remember however, that as was also the case for February’s Camping Caravan and Motorhome show at the same venue, visitors can only buy tickets in advance, online – there is no entry by payment at the door on the day so, buy your ticket while they’re still available!

Finally, one disappointing piece of information for this October’s show however is that Auto-Sleepers won’t have the popular McLouis Fusion range on display on their stand; supply and demand issues are weighing very heavily this year and unfortunately there are no models available to display.

Tim and Mike look forward to meeting you next week, enjoy the event.

Go on, you have to admit it to yourself. However much you cherish your faithful – somewhat ageing – old motorhome, you’ve probably been casting envious eyes at those campsite neighbours who’ve turned up in the shiny new Auto-Sleeper they’ve just driven from the franchise dealer.

Who knows what good fortune awaits you – maybe this is the year you’ll earn your share of jealous looks by upgrading your motorhome to an Auto-Sleeper of your own.

Why upgrade to an Auto-Sleeper?

For anyone with even a passing interest in motorhomes, the models built by Auto-Sleeper are in a class of their own when it comes to quality and reliability – a solid reputation that has been more than 60 years in the making since it was founded in Worcestershire in 1961

It’s not just the Mercedes power unit and chassis, but the overriding sense of space and a clever interior design that won praise and admiration from the reviewers at Caravan Gossip who concluded that the Bourton range delivers on every conceivable front.

If you are upgrading your motorhome to an Auto-Sleeper you are likely to be spoilt for choice by the range of Mercedes models alone – there are five of these to choose from, many of them award-winning and each one a customisable coachbuilt motorhome, from the quintessential luxury of the Bourton through to the ever-popular Burford Duo.

But it is not only the Mercedes fleet of top-quality motorhomes that emerge from Auto-Sleeper’s Orchard Works in Willersey. There is an equally fine range of Peugeot coachbuilts and Peugeot van conversions, with models to suit all users and pockets.

Where can I view an Auto-Sleeper?

For all the magazines and brochures you might read – or even the model you recently spotted first-hand at the campsite – there is unlikely to be anything to beat an inspection that gets you properly up close and personal.

And nowhere are you likely to find such an extensive range of all Auto-Sleeper models on permanent exhibition under one roof than at our centre here at Derby Motorhomes – a heated indoor showroom, no less.

It’s here that you can step up into whichever motorhome takes your fancy, take a seat behind the wheel or in the luxurious interior, open and close the drawers and cupboards and truly imagine yourself on holiday in your dream home away from home.

How can I upgrade to an Auto-Sleeper?

You’d like to upgrade your motorhome to an Auto-Sleeper, but how are you going to afford it, you’re probably asking yourself.

At Derby Motorhomes once again the choice is all yours.

One way we are committed to helping is by guaranteeing a fair, top-notch part-exchange price if you are looking to upgrade. Our website may help to start the ball rolling by inviting you to submit details of any motorhome or campervan you want to offer in part exchange. On the strength of that description, we can provide you with a valuation as speedily as possible.

We are also able to arrange motorhome finance at what we believe are competitive rates – even if your credit history is less than perfect. If you choose to fund your purchase that way, you may do so in the confidence that we are duly authorised and registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – which regulates the providers of such credit.

You have probably heard that all the rage in car finance these days is something called Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) – you might even be buying your car through just such a scheme. And that is yet a further method of financing the purchase of an Auto-Sleeper if you are upgrading your motorhome.

For those more comfortable and at home with established, traditional forms of finance, we can also offer hire purchase agreements.

For anyone who already owns a motorhome, is thinking of buying one, or is just itching to find out what makes them so popular, a motorhome show offers a showcase of everything you could hope to find out about these leisure vehicles.

Fortunately, the UK boasts a fairly full calendar of motorhome shows across the country and throughout the entire year. The biggest and probably most popular of these is the Caravan, Camping, and Motorhome Show held at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC), towards the end of February each year.

But there are plenty of other shows, too, so that you’re never likely to be far from one coming soon to where you live. Because of the range and variety of everything on display at these shows, it makes good sense to spend a moment or two thinking about how you can make the most of your time there:

Why are you going?

  • it might seem like too obvious a question, but if you have sorted out in your mind just why you are heading off to the show, it may help you to make the most of the day;
  • if you have a definite plan to buy a new motorhome soon, for example, you might find discounts and other deals being offered by suppliers at the exhibition – so you might want to line up any finance for your new motorhome before you go;
  • if you are going just to browse, you might want to give yourself that extra time and space by organising a weekday visit, when there are fewer crowds, and you can wander to your heart’s content;

What’s there?

  • of all the many motorhome shows around the country at various times of the year, just remember that every one of them is different;
  • most have a website where you can find details of what is going to be on display and perhaps even a site plan of exhibitors;
  • before show day, make a note of those manufacturers of motorhomes, suppliers of accessories, and any other exhibits in which you are likely to be interested;
  • this is to help make sure that you cover everything you want to cover, in a place where you are almost certain to be side-tracked and distracted by the new or unusual – your list of “must sees” may help to provide some focus;
  • the reason for going and knowing what’s there may help you to devise a plan for the best use of your day;
  • you might want to regard it as a list of intentions, though, rather than any hard and fast schedule that you must stick to at all costs – allow for sufficient flexibility in your planning;

Motorhome show or permanent exhibition?

  • although it is easy enough to find a schedule of different motorhome shows that are going to be staged at various times of the year in different parts of the country, remember, too that there are also more permanent displays and exhibitions;
  • our own exhibition centre here at Derby Motorhomes in Derby, for example, offers year-round displays of a huge selection of new and used vehicles, supplemented by a comprehensive, user-friendly and personalised website and social media experience for anyone interested in buying their next motorhome;

What type of motorhome?

  • it’s a motorhome show, so you might want to give some thought beforehand to the type of motorhome you want;
  • where are you likely to be driving one, for example – how long do you plan to be behind the wheel and how long inside your motorhome once you’ve set up your base;
  • what standard of accommodation are you looking for and how many people does it need to sleep – something as simple as adequate headroom for the tallest member of the family could make all the difference;
  • where are you going to park or store your motorhome when it’s not in use and where can you take it for repairs, servicing, and maintenance;

A family day out?

  • a motorhome show can make for a great family day out – and the kids are likely to be just as excited as you about the next holiday adventure;
  • remember, though, that their attention span may be less single-minded than your own and you might want to be prepared to offer them other distractions, too – soft drinks and munchies for starters.

Your visit to a motorhome show is likely to prove a fun-packed and absorbing experience – but a little forethought and planning might help you make the most of it.