Our Top 10 Tips for Buying a Used Motorhome

It’s always exciting times when you’re buying something significant – a house, a car, golf clubs, the latest iPhone, the new Paul Weller album, a motorhome… With the latter, you’re opening up a world of travel and adventure for yourself, and it follows that you want to make sure you get this purchase right. It’s essential, then, to approach this particular spend with careful consideration.

So that you can make an informed decision, this edition of the rove! blog is focused on what to look for when buying a used motorhome.

When you’re weighing up your various used motorhome options you’ll encounter a range of prices. Make sure you’ve established a clear budget and don’t stretch yourself too far. Your motorhome budget should include not just the purchase price of the vehicle itself, but also take into account the ongoing costs – insurance, tax, fuel, maintenance and any potential repairs. Motorhomes can vary significantly in price due to things like age, model and condition. If you’ve got a strict budget in place – and can stick to it – your options will narrow down and you’ll avoid any overspending. You could always, of course, opt for finance if that is a way to stretch your budget.

The layout of a motorhome is going to be crucial to your enjoyment of the vehicle. It’s all about your comfort, particularly if you plan on spending extended periods on the road, so you have to get something that will provide you with the best possible environment. Weigh up things like how many people will be travelling with you each time you go, the need for sleeping arrangements (i.e. 2-berth motorhomes, 4-berth motorhomes, 6-berth motorhomes etc), kitchen facilities and bathroom space. Some motorhomes may have fixed beds, while others have seating areas which convert into sleeping spaces. These configurations have a bearing on how much space is available.

Check the history of a used motorhome before you buy it. All the better if you can obtain a full service history and check the records for accidents, repairs and modifications. A vehicle history check can reveal if the motorhome has ever been written off or stolen or has outstanding finance. This step is essential to avoid any legal complications or unexpected costs. Verify the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the motorhome against the documents provided to ensure they match.

Damp is one of the most common issues in used motorhomes, and it can lead to costly repairs. Use a damp meter to check for high moisture levels during your inspection, particularly in corners, around windows, doors and skylights. Signs of water damage include discoloured walls, mould, softness or a musty smell.

The motorhome’s exterior and chassis condition can tell you a lot about how well it’s been maintained. Inspect the bodywork for signs of damage, rust or repairs, paying special attention to the roof. Any leaks here can cause significant interior damage and should be addressed. Don’t forget to inspect the underneath of the motorhome. Look for rust, particularly on the chassis, as it can be a sign of underlying issues. Check the condition of the tyres, including the spare, and ensure the suspension and brakes are in good working order.

A motorhome is, as they say, only as good as its equipment. Test all of the onboard appliances and systems to ensure that they’re in best working order. This includes the fridge, cooker, heating, water and toilet. Ensure that everything is functioning properly and that there are no issues with any of the systems (gas, electrical or plumbing). If the motorhome is fitted with a leisure battery, check that it holds charge and powers the necessary equipment. If you’re not knowledgeable or confident in checking these systems yourself, consider asking a professional to do it for you.

Listen to the engine when starting the vehicle from cold. Any unusual noises, smoke, or difficulty in starting could indicate engine issues. While mileage is an important consideration, it’s not always indicative of the motorhome’s condition. Low mileage can sometimes mean the motorhome has been stationary for long periods, parked up doing nothing – perhaps over winter or perhaps general non-use. Can you use a motorhome in the winter? Yes, you can – but you should always be aware that if you don’t it can lead to problems such as flat spots on tyres, or stale fuel. Conversely, a motorhome with high mileage might be in really superb condition if it’s been well-maintained and treated with care.

The age of a motorhome can affect many aspects of it, including the onboard technology, the overall comfort and the general reliability. Used models may not have ‘all mod cons’ and could be less fuel-efficient than new vehicles. However, they can be more affordable and, if well cared for, still provide you with many years of service. Research the particular make and model you’re interested in to understand any common issues and the availability of spare parts. Older models may have a strong following and a ready supply of parts, others might be more challenging to maintain.

Make sure the documentation for your motorhome is in good order, including the V5C logbook, service history, MOT certificate and manuals for any fitted equipment. The logbook should list the previous owners and provide details of any modifications.

Spending your hard-earned money on a motorhome is a significant thing to do, and so you should take your time to find the right vehicle to not just meet your needs but really appeal to you aesthetically. Inspect any motorhome you’re interested in and make sure it lives up to your expectations.

This is a very short but effective tip to make sure you get the most out of it when you’re buying a used motorhome. Buy from rove!

Used motorhomes offer economy, reliability and great bonuses such as extras and savings. Take a look at the many used models rove! has to offer at our Selston, Mansfield and Gunthorpe branches, or contact us for more information.