You’ve decided to buy a ’van, but how do you pick the one that’s just right for you, while avoiding the most common pitfalls? Peter Rosenthal explains
For many people, buying a motorhome will represent the second largest investment they’ll ever make, after buying their house. So it’s vital to get it right. But what does that mean? How do you go about picking your ideal motorhome?
If you’ve had a few ’vans and gained some experience of them, you’ll have no doubt refined your ideas along the way, but if you’ve never owned one, where do you start?
READ THE REVIEWS
Immerse yourself in as much expert information as possible – it might be a bit baffling at first and you’ll be advised all sorts of random things, but it gives you an overview of what to look for.
Make sure you know the source of the content you’re reading – magazines and their websites are independent and the best source of information, because they are run by professional journalists who have been reviewing and writing about vehicles for many years.
YouTube reviews are also valid, but ensure you know if it is an independent review, or a sponsored or paid-for one. Reputable reviewers indicate if there’s a financial element to their video.
WE ALL HAVE DIFFERENT NEEDS
One thing to keep in mind is that we all lead our lives slightly differently. For example, my campervan prioritises large, comfortable beds and is fitted with a sliding rear-seat system, for storing car spares when we’re doing motorsport-related things.
The kitchen is basic and there’s only a chemical toilet, but it suits us. Other people might not want as much storage space and could prefer a fixed layout with a proper cooker and washroom. The point is, we’re all different and we all use our vehicles differently.
So there really is no such thing as one perfect layout – we all prioritise the habitation space differently and there is no one-size-fits-all vehicle that excels in every area.
The trick is to pick one with the right balance of features to suit you best.
Certain things are common to all of us, though. Having a comfortable, easily made up bed is vital, as is good seating when you need to shelter from the British summer.
Having enough three-point seat belts for all family members is another key point (never, ever transport people unbelted). Equally, as much battery power as possible and a reasonably powerful base vehicle are vital. Nobody ever complains that
