subject: A Guide To Buying A Motorhome [print this page] A Guide To Buying A Motorhome A Guide To Buying A Motorhome
It is easy to decide you want a motorhome, indeed, owning one is a growing trend, however, it may be difficult to decide which one is the right one for you, especially for somebody who knows little to nothing on the subject. With this in mind, what follows are some tips to help you understand and find the right motorhome for you.
- What size vehicle is most appropriate for you? You can base this decision on how many people are going to be spending the night in the motorhome. The smallest motorhomes sleep two, and the larger models can accommodate up to ten. For couples who want a motorhome for weekend vacations in the country, a "2-berth" motorhome may be best, while multiple berths will be needed for families or other large groups going on extended trips. Just remember that even though a half dozen people are going to be sleeping in your large-berth motorhome, six large adults may not be especially comfortable.
- Do you want a fully-equipped motorhome? As you consider this question, write down the features that will be most important to the people who will be spending time in the vehicle, and then prioritize the items. Keep in mind that the more options included on the vehicle, the more expensive it will be. You must decide if you are going to need one, two or even three double beds. Will you be taking your own TV, which you can set up on a table, or would you prefer a flat screen TV built into the vehicle? And will you be satisfied with a standard refrigerator or do you need a freezer as well?
- Will you be traveling over rough road or sticking to highways and other paved roads? Do not buy a motorhome before you have carefully considered the type of terrain you will be covering on your journey. If the destination you have in mind involves routes that are muddy or rocky, a 4x4 motorhome model or one that is specially made to handle off-road travel will be most suitable for you. But if you have planned long-distance driving trips that are not likely to stray from paved road, the standard motorhome will be the best choice.
- How many miles will the motorhome yield you per gallon of gas? Gas costs are a very important consideration to factor in, as the size and weight of the motorhome and its contents will heavily determine the number of miles you can use for the gas you purchase. For the most part, 2 berths will get you 35 mpg, and as they get bigger, the mileage decreases until you get the 10mpg RVs that carry many people and have all the amenities. If you get an LPG-conversion motorhome, you will only pay about half as much for gas as normal.