How to Choose a Motorhome
Step‑by‑step guide to choosing a motorhome—covering layouts, features, and budget tips to help you find the perfect fit for your adventures
🚐 Start with Your Travel Style
Before you even look at models, ask yourself:
- Who’s travelling? Solo, couple, family, pets?
- Trip length? Weekend breaks or months on the road?
- Where will you stay? Club sites, CLs, wild camping?
- How confident are you driving? A 6m panel van is very different from an 8m coachbuilt.
Your answers shape everything — from layout to payload.
🧱 Types of Motorhomes in the UK
| Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Campervan | Compact, often VW-style or panel van conversions | City breaks, solo/couple travel |
| Coachbuilt (C-Class) | Cab-over design, more space, fixed beds | Families, longer trips |
| A-Class | Fully integrated cab, luxury feel | Full-timers, comfort seekers |
| Van Conversion | Stealthy, agile, often DIY or semi-custom | Rural touring, minimalists |
💸 Budgeting Beyond the Purchase Price
Factor in:
- Insurance – varies by age, size, and storage
- Road tax – based on weight and emissions
- MOT & servicing – especially for older vehicles
- Storage – if you can’t park it at home
- Upgrades – solar, awnings, levelling ramps, etc.
💡 Tip: Set a firm upper limit and stick to it — the extras add up fast.
🛏️ Layout & Features to Think About
- Sleeping: Fixed bed vs. make-up bed? Island bed or transverse?
- Kitchen: Do you need an oven, or just a hob and grill?
- Bathroom: Full washroom, wet room, or porta-loo only?
- Storage: Garage space, lockers, payload capacity?
- Power: Hook-up only, or do you need solar and leisure batteries?
🧪 Learn from Experience
- Hire before you buy — try different layouts and sizes
- Talk to owners — forums, rallies, or campsite chats
- Keep a “must-have” and “nice-to-have” list
- Be honest about your habits — do you really need a microwave?
🧰 What You Think You Need vs. What You Actually Use
We’ve all bought the collapsible washing line that never left the boot. Or the 12V blender that couldn’t blend a banana. That’s part of the fun.
Start simple. You’ll learn fast what matters most — and what’s just clutter.