Buying a motorhome - 12 things to consider before buying one

Buying a motorhome has become more popular than ever. In these times of pandemics and swimming holidays, many people have discovered the benefits of travelling around with their own little house. But there is quite a lot to consider when buying a motorhome. We share our top tips with you!

Many have bought, or are thinking of buying a motorhome

During our motorhome trip on the west coast, we meet many people who are new to motorhoming. Some have just bought (and have not yet learnt how everything works) and others have borrowed their parents' vehicles - but are now considering buying their own.

Some things to consider when buying a motorhome

Here are some points to consider when buying a motorhome.

1. Is a motorhome right for me?

The first question to ask, of course, is whether the motorhome option is right for you. If you're not sure, it may be an option to rent or borrow first, to get a feel for it. If you know in your heart that you will love motorhome life, well, what are you waiting for?

2. When do I plan to use the motorhome?

Are you planning to use your motorhome all year round in the Scandinavian climate, or only in the summer or in warm countries? If you also want to be able to use your motorhome in winter, it is more important that the motorhome is well insulated and has a good heating system, than if you only intend to use it in summer temperatures.

3. Should I buy a new or a second-hand motorhome?

Whether you buy a new or used motorhome is, of course, largely a question of price. Whether you choose new or second-hand, you can turn to a motorhome company. Many of them sell both new and used motorhomes, such as Caravan Expo in Bromöllawhich also sells caravans. Buying a motorhome is a big deal and buying through an established company is safer for you as a customer.

4. If I buy second-hand - what should I check?

If you are buying a second-hand motorhome, there are of course many things you should check before buying. Test drive the motorhome and check things like tyres, rust, moisture (have a moisture test done), electrical installations, LPG installations, fridge & freezer, heating system and water and sewage tanks.

5. How big should the motorhome be?

An important question to ask yourself is how big you want your motorhome to be. It's obviously nice to have plenty of space inside, but it can also be handy when driving and parking if it's not too big. A smaller motorhome is of course easier to park in cities, outside supermarkets and even in car parks. Here you have to make your own priorities, weighing the pros and cons against each other.

6. How heavy should the motorhome be?

An important decision is whether the motorhome you buy will have a gross vehicle weight rating (the maximum total weight the vehicle is allowed to carry with a full load including passengers) of over or under 3.5 tonnes. Vehicles with a higher gross weight usually allow you to load more, but on the other hand, driving in Europe with a motorhome heavier than 3.5 tonnes is more complicated. For example, in some countries you may have to get a mileage counter when driving with heavier vehicles. It is also important to check that you have the right driving licence for the weight class you plan to acquire.

7. Which brand should I choose?

We get asked from time to time about which brand of motorhome to choose, but it's a difficult question to answer. There are lots of different brands and everyone has different favourites. It may be a good idea to choose a brand that is established on the Swedish market if you ever need help with problems in the living area.

8. Which model should I choose?

Do you want a fully integrated campervan (built in one piece), a semi-integrated campervan, an alcove campervan (with a bed above the driver's compartment) or a so-called 'flatbed' (smaller van-like campervan)? If you're new to the world of motorhomes, this may be Greek to you. In this case, we recommend that you visit a motorhome show or a dealer, where you can familiarise yourself with different models to see what might suit you.

9. Which floor plan suits me?

In a motorhome you have limited space, which often means you have to sacrifice something to get something else. Think about what is most important to you. Do you want a large garage? Large storage spaces inside the vehicle? Long beds? Queen bed? A cosy place for your dog to live?

10. Where should I buy the motorhome?

You can buy a motorhome in many different places, but buying a motorhome is a big deal and whether you want to buy a new or used vehicle, you can feel comfortable going to a dealer.

11. What can the motorhome cost?

You are probably the only person who can tell you how much your motorhome should cost. A dealer can help you calculate the monthly cost. Keep in mind that motorhomes that are too old may require a lot of maintenance, which is also a cost.

12. Where should the motorhome be stored?

Even before you buy your motorhome, it's a good idea to think about where you can store it, both in summer and winter. Can you keep it at home in the yard, or in a nearby car park? Do you plan to keep it indoors or outdoors in winter?

Do you have any other tips for anyone thinking of buying a motorhome?