Buying a motorhome: tips on how to make the right choice
When buying a motorhome, it is necessary to evaluate your needs: frequency of use, aesthetics, number of users, interior space, functionality, budget, number of beds... You will have to plan a place to park the vehicle in winter. If you have a large garage or space, you're in luck. For the others, winterizing is to be integrated in the final budget.
Whether you buy new or used, think about the payload, that is to say, think about the weight of everything you load when you go on vacation, without forgetting the added accessories (bike rack, solar panel, TV, antenna...) which are to be subtracted from the payload. The 92/21/CEE standard allows the manufacturer to have a deviation of 5% of the unladen weight in running order compared to the registration document. For a 3.5 t vehicle, this deviation can reach 150 kg.
Then pay attention to the engine power to weight ratio; the bodywork; the overhang where, on some models, the great length of the cell, beyond the rear axle, may cause problems (tailgating when leaving a ferry, passing over speed bumps...); the insulation (cell battery protected from the cold, clean water pipe and heated reserve, frost-free waste water tank, double floor...); the importance of the fuel reserves (water, electricity, gas, fuel oil, etc.); the size of the vehicle's fuel tank, the size of the vehicle's load capacity, the size of the vehicle's load capacity, the size of the vehicle's load capacity and the size of the vehicle's weight); the importance of water, gas and electricity reserves for a good autonomy; efficient bedding (size, comfort, height under the roof, storage of cushions...); a well arranged and functional kitchen; a well ventilated and not too dark bathroom, ideally with separate shower and toilet; easy access to drain valves and gas bottles.
The end of the tourist season is the best time to buy, because it is the period of destocking.
Buy new
A motorhome is a dream for many but not for everyone! It is difficult to find a new vehicle for less than 30,000 €. And at this price, it is an entry-level vehicle from so-called "economical" brands. Nevertheless, you will find all the equipment you need to travel on board. From €40,000-45,000 you can move upmarket with more carefully designed, better finished and better equipped products. A beautiful integral motorhome can easily exceed 100 000 €. If your heart is set on several models, visit a dealer to see the vehicles and make a pre-selection. Even more practical is to visit trade shows, such as the Le Bourget show held each year in the fall. It's a great way to get a clear picture, narrow down your choices and see several vehicles at once. Above all, it is essential to plan the frequency of use of your motorhome. If you don't plan to travel more than 3 weeks a year, renting is more advantageous.
Buy used from a dealer
If buying a new motorhome is "easy" (once you have chosen your model), buying a used one can be more complicated. Unlike a car, it is not only the bodywork, the mechanics and the general condition that must be checked, but also the "plumbing" (pipes), the kitchen drawers, the heating, the lights... Moreover, do not choose the brand "at random". Indeed, depending on the manufacturer, it will be more or less easy to find spare parts. The rating of a brand will also influence your decision: it is better to choose a manufacturer whose models sell well. Even at a dealer's, this does not prevent you from inspecting the motorhome with scrupulous care! The purchase price will be higher, but the professional's guarantee can represent a reassuring and advantageous solution in case of problems. Moreover, he will be able to advise you.
Buying from a private individual
If you buy your motorhome from a private individual, be more vigilant because you never know. This is not to say that motorhome owners are dishonest. It's just that there are a lot of potential wear and tear points in a motorhome and you may miss out on some future problems.
Check out the used rating. Mileage, options, and certain accessories can affect the price of the vehicle.
Before you move, ask the seller if he will accept a complete visit of the vehicle. You might as well be informed in advance. It can take up to an hour to tour the motorhome. If he refuses, forget about it. Considering the purchase price, it is better to put all the chances on your side and avoid many surprises during your first trip.
Ask the seller for the maintenance booklet or the maintenance and revision invoices of the vehicle. They must be regular in time or in kilometers. A visit under the engine hood will be necessary. Look at the state of wear of the tires which must be equal on the sides. If they are more worn on the inner sidewall than on the outer sidewall, it is probably a problem of parallelism, of rotation, of triangle..
Look at the underside of the airframe, the traces of knocks, scratches, possible hang-ups. Take a look also at the roof to detect if the motorhome has not had a shock, if it has not been scratched or impacted by branches, or anything else, if a skylight is not damaged.
Check that the bumpers and rocker panels are securely fastened. Scratches on the body of the carrier and airframe. The headlights, turn signals, opening and closing of the exterior hatches, and the removal and reinstallation of the toilet cassette.
Inside, open closets, doors and windows. They should open and close without forcing. Operate screens, blinds, curtains, skylights. Look for signs of moisture or mold. The worst enemy of the motorhome is water infiltration inside the cell. At the bottom of the high and low cupboards, under the mattresses, under the carpet of the ground if there is one. If it is not original, it may hide marks, impact marks, or tears in the original floor covering.
Ask the vendor to turn on the hot and cold water faucets. When you close the taps, the water pump should stop very quickly. If not, it may be a sign of air in the system, a problem with the expansion tank, or a faulty pump. Check to see if the drains to the wastewater tank are working properly. Do the same with the toilet. Around the shower, run your finger over the silicone. No water should be allowed to drip down the partitions around the shower base. If they do, it's a sign of infiltration and therefore of mold.
Test the gas ignition of the refrigerator, but also the heating and forced air of the cell, as well as the hot water.
Turn on the lights and check that they work properly. Do the same for the options (satellite dish, antenna, air conditioning, ventilation, extractor hood...). Review the condition of the cushions, covers, mattresses. Depending on the age of the motorhome, the foams may be sagging and the fabrics may look worn.
Once the inspection of the cell is done, go to the steering wheel, turn the engine. It should start on the first try, the battery should be "toned". Drive around for a few miles. The vehicle should not pull to the left or right. Test the clutch. Listen to the engine for any suspicious noises. Pay attention.
While driving, keep an eye on the odometer for mileage. On average, a motor home travels 10,000 to 12,000 km per year. A quick calculation is enough to know if the vehicle has been driven a lot or not. Ask the owner for the vehicle registration document. Is it a first hand? The list is not exhaustive. Take your time. The investment is substantial, which justifies not neglecting anything. Do not listen to the seller, because the most beautiful motorhome, the one you need, is necessarily his. Do not let yourself be pressured or influenced. The problems you will discover on the vehicle now will be avoided once your purchase is completed. Beware of "exceptional deals", even if they exist. Think about it, go back and look at the vehicle, compare the price and then go for it!
Renting a motorhome
If you're not quite sure you like the RV lifestyle enough, don't rush into buying. It's better to rent once too often than to buy once and for all. If you're not sure which model to choose, rent the one you want and see what its strengths and weaknesses are. If you want to go on vacation in a motorhome, but also without one, we repeat our advice: better to rent for three weeks than to buy.
In general, a motorhome for 4 people rents for 500 to 600 € per week. A motorhome for 6 persons will cost between 700 and 800 €. Insurance included. Some rentals include a daily mileage package.
Several websites (Yescapa, Wikicampers, Hapee, Campanda...) offer rental to individuals. This is also a way for owners to make their investment profitable, if they are willing to leave their vehicle in the hands of others. Some people buy a recreational vehicle with the sole purpose of renting it later. Perhaps you will be in their shoes one day. In this case, impeccable maintenance and an accurate inventory are essential!
Reselling your motorhome
Like a car, a motorhome loses value over time. After three to four years, selling is the right moment, because the depreciation is stabilized. After 40,000 km on the odometer, the first major maintenance costs usually occur, so you can avoid them. The beginning of the year is ideal for selling; potential buyers have received the end-of-year bonus and are comparing prices at dealerships. September is also favorable. Avoid the periods of April-May (taxes) and the major vacations.
You should post a detailed advertisement (places on the registration document, engine, equipment, maintenance carried out, technical inspection less than 6 months old or at the time of the sale...), as well as beautiful photos, and in quantity (there are things to show!). If the motorhome is stored in a shelter, indicate it, it is a guarantee of confidence that it has spent the winter in the warmth. All this on generalist ad sites (le Bon Coin, Paru vendu...) or specialized ones (Annonces Caravaning...). In this last case, some sites ask for a participation to post the ad.
If someone is interested, you will have to show him the motorhome as if you wanted to buy. Don't hide the defects and tell your story with the vehicle, so that the potential buyer can see himself.
For more confidence in the payment, ask for a cashier's check. Together you will fill out the transfer/sale/non-pledge papers for the vehicle in the same manner as when buying a car from a private party.
Selling yourself takes time. Set a minimum price below which you will not go, even if it means keeping it for a few more months. Some dealerships do repossession, or take back your old motorhome if you buy a new one.
Some classifieds sites for buying
MOTORHOME ADS - www.annonces-camping-car.com
Here, it's free and fast! Indeed, this site of advertisements is specialized in motor homes. You can as well go on this site to find a motor home to buy as to sell your leisure vehicle. A glance is necessary to know the good plans of the moment. The site is clear and simple: the search is done in one click. You can also easily manage your ad if you start selling.
ANNONCES CARAVANING - www.annonces-caravaning.com
This magazine which has a website allows you to buy or sell your motorhome through classified ads. You will find information on service areas, rental, insurance, financing, mechanical breakdown guarantee, buying caravaning tires, etc.
CAMPING CAR OCCASION - www.campingcaroccas.com
This site of advertisement for motorhomes gives you an idea of the market. You can go on this site to find a motorhome to buy or to sell your recreational vehicle. An action that you may have in mind to acquire a new wonder very quickly. It is an efficient and fast site that offers a lot of information. Many photographs give you an idea of the vehicle for sale.
LA CENTRALE - www.lacentrale.fr
This Internet site is the first site of second-hand vehicles but it also deals with motor homes. It is true that it is better known for used cars. On this site, you can either post your ad to sell a motorhome or consult the ads to acquire a recreational vehicle. You will find advice but also useful elements for the mechanical guarantee. You will also have the possibility to have your vehicle estimated by the rating and this for free. For many information and essential councils.
SECOND HAND (BELGIUM) - www.2ememain.be
In the section "Caravans", private individuals sell their motorhomes. You can find good deals there but be careful to check all the control points before buying to be sure of the quality of the vehicle. Most of the sellers are Belgian, so it is a good option for people living in the north of France.
RAPIDO OCCASIONS - www.rapido-occasions.fr
This is a website of ads for motorhomes which belongs to the Rapido group. It is a guarantee of seriousness and certified purchase. You can go on this site to find a motorhome to buy or to sell your leisure vehicle. The offers come from all over France. You will find profiles, cabins and integral. For quality offers.
And for rent
WIKICAMPERS - www.wikicampers.fr
Wikicampers puts motorhome owners in touch with people who want to rent one for a longer or shorter period of time. It's up to you to choose among the available offers according to your criteria and then agree on the pick-up and drop-off location of the vehicle...
AVIS CAR-AWAY - ✆ 01 47 49 80 40 - www.aviscaraway.com - [email protected]
To experience the motorhome experience and embark on a journey, this specialist in motorhome rentals in France should please you. Avis Car-Away offers to discover many motorhomes and to prepare your rental online.
BLURENT (ITALY) - ✆ + 39 0172648140 - www.blurent.com - [email protected]
This rental site has been in existence for nearly fifteen years. It is specialized in motorhome rental. Because it is often useful to try a motorhome before buying it, Blurent offers you this possibility. We appreciate the number of rentals as well as the possibility to pick them up in multiple locations. Blurent also knows how to be modern: you can download its application easily. For models of different categories and the realization of your vacations according to your desires. On their site, do not hesitate to ask for a quote.
MOTORHOME RENT - RN 83 Parc d'activités des Nations - BENFELD - ✆ 04 68 41 98 63 - www.motorhomerent.fr
Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm. motorhome models: capucines, profiles, integral or van fitted with great comfort. Motorhome Rent offers rental formulas ranging from a minimum of 3 days outside school vacations to a week. Numerous promotions are offered all year long to take the road in complete freedom. As for the itinerary, you choose it in France or in Europe. The countries authorized without additional fees: Austria, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland, United Kingdom, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Andorra, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Switzerland, Poland, Slovakia, Croatia, Monaco, Romania, Slovenia.
YESCAPA BORDEAUX - ✆ 05 33 52 21 65 - www.yescapa.fr
Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6:30pm.
Renting motorhomes and converted vans between individuals is the credo of this Bordeaux-based start-up, created in 2012 by Adrien Pinson and Benoît Panel. You have a van or a motorhome, but you don't use it all year long? Rent it safely on the website. On the contrary, you want to go on a road-trip, but you don't have the right vehicle? Rent it through the Yescapa platform and go on an adventure. It's a cheaper alternative for some and a nice way to make money for others. While travel in a van is booming, we bet that the Yescapa team still has a lot to offer!