Posted: September 23rd, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Reviews And Articles | Tags: Before, Consider, MOTORHOMES, Purchasing, quality, Sale, Things | No Comments »
Motorhomes are fast becoming popular these days not just as a vacation vehicle or a second home but also a mobile office. Most motorhomes come with facilities well suited for the businessman on the go. Aside from LED paneling on the dash, these motorhomes come with fully airconditioned and heater. They are doubly insulated to keep the motor homes cool during the summer and warm during the heater. They have Global Positioning Systems, are equipped with electronic flush, cassette toilets, refrigerators, hot showers, swivel chairs for all, LCD television sets that have satellite television capacity, internet ready plugs, and their clean water and waste water tanks. Depending on the purpose of such motor homes, there are quality ones for sale that start as low as 15000 pounds upwards. Financing schemes are also available for these vehicles; some are even in house financing.
There are many models of quality motorhomes for sale. Fiat, Peugot, and Ford are just some of the many models available. If buying a brand new motor home, you even have the option of customizing the motorhome to your specifications. But there are a lot of exceptionally well maintained used quality motor homes for sale, some even less than 5 years old. This is because those who purchased these vehicles often upgrade theirs after a couple of years. These are loyal users who often want to increase or decrease their amenities based on their needs.
When choosing a motorhome, it is important that you have a budget for it and this budget is actually based on the usage of your vehicle. If buying it as a second home for the family for vacation purposes, then you should consider buying one of the bigger homes which have bigger storage space for the water tanks, bigger refrigerators and freezers, and more space for beddings and the like. If you are purchasing a motor home as a portable or mobile office, you may get one of the smaller versions which have more office friendly amenities like internet accessibility and power outlets fitted for your computers, laptops and printers.
You may need to ask your local driving bureau if your license is credited for driving motorhomes. There may be limitations to your driver’s license based on where you took the test. When purchasing the motorhome, make sure that the company selling you the vehicle has all the necessary documentation for it. Most reliable motorhome sales companies will give you warranties on those that you purchase from them. It is also advisable that you test drive the vehicle you are interested in purchasing and be knowledgeable in the different set ups for the sanitation, water, and gas lines of these vehicles.
Posted: August 31st, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Reviews And Articles | Tags: buying, Consider, Motorhome, Things | No Comments »
Recreational vehicles is a generic term for a vehicle that has living space attached to it, there are many different types of recreational vehicle, including motorhomes, trailers and campervans. They are a great way to explore the country (or even the cotenant) as they give you the freedom to see what you want when you want without the constraints of tour guides, flight times and other deadlines often associated with holidays.
How often will it be used?
If you’ve decided you want to invest in one of these vehicles, the first thing you’ll need to do is establish how often you’re going to be using it. If you’ve recently retired and want to see some of the world, you’ll ideally be looking for something akin to a small house, it will need plenty of room, flushing toilets, running hot showers and proper cooking facilities. If you’ve decided you would simple like to go exploring for long weekends and a few weeks here and there in the summer, a smaller model may be more appropriate (would you even have room to keep a large motorhome on your drive?)
What sort of vehicle do you want?
Now you’ve established exactly what it’s going to be used for, you need to decide what sort of model you’d like. American motorhomes are generally the largest recreational vehicles on the market, as well as being bigger they’re generally built to last longer and are more durable. They also tend to be constructed with an aluminum fiberglass sidewall and are more heavy duty; of course this does mean they’re little more expensive. The European motorhome will come in slightly smaller sizes and tend to be wood construction, and although they may not last as long as their American counterparts, they will be a little cheaper, to buy, maintain and run.
How big does it need to be?
Once you’ve decided whether you want a large motorhome or a more economical one, you need to decide what sort of class you want. These generally go from a B class which is a campervan, B+ which is slightly bigger but follows the same general theme of the B class with the curved side walls. The C class is slightly bigger and more practical if you’re planning on spending any amount of time in it. The A class make up the majority of the American market and are the biggest vehicle available, this would be perfectly suitable to live in, but this model would also be the most expensive. Remember the maximum length for a recreational vehicle on UK roads is 12 meters.
Pusher, puller, petrol or diesel?
Although this decision may well be taken out of your hands if you’ve already decided the size, you’ll want to look into pushers and pullers. Pushers and pullers are more common among American motorhomes and refer to where the engine is. A puller will have the engine at the front and since 2002 they are made exclusively with a petrol engine. Pullers are entry-level vehicles and are therefore a little cheaper. A pusher will have the engine at the back and will be a diesel and because they’re more expensive they will be of a higher quality.
Budget
Now you’ve done your research, you may have even decided to rent one for a week or two to make sure it’s what you want. The next thing you’ll need to do is actually go and look at some. Before you go, set aside a realistic budget and make notes of exactly what you want for your money. You don’t have to be as specific as a make and model but decide whether you want a hot running shower or a built in cooker, if you want, set a second budget as your absolute limit to include things you’d like but are not essential. If you’ve got this clearly in your mind you are less likely to be talked into something you didn’t want when you go to look at any potential new motorhomes.
Buying privately
Buying a motorhome is likely to be one of the biggest purchases you make in your lifetime text to buying a house and unfortunately, whereas a house can increase in value your motorhome is only likely to depreciate. Look at buying a motorhome like you would buy a car. If you’re going for a private sale be very careful, as you’re unlikely to have any come back if it turns out to be a lemon. Check the vehicle registration certificate (the log book), if you’re buying from a private seller check it matches their home address (if it doesn’t they may be selling it for a friend or they may have a dealership they’re struggling to sell it though). Take someone who knows enough about engines with you to check it out, if the owner wont let you have a look under the bonnet, walk away. Remember, there are more people out there trying to sell second hand motorhomes than there are people trying to buy them, if it looks too good to be true it probably is.
Buying from a dealer
If you can afford to, it’s better to go to a main dealer, just like when you buy a car, you’re more likely to get a warranty and even if you have to listen to some of their sales pitch at least you know it’s coming from someone who knows what they’re talking about. Even at a dealership you are still entitles to ask questions, see the logbook, have a poke under the bonnet and see a service history. A good, reputable RV dealership will have an onsite service center or be able to recommend one which specialises in RV services and maintenance (no matter how perfect it may be when you get it, at some point it will need MOT and servicing).
Once you’ve got your vehicle, you still need to be legal to drive it, anything over 7.5 tones cant be driven with a standard UK driving licence and don’t forget your insurance too, again, this is all something a reputable dealership will be able to help you with.
TravelWorld RV are Europe’s largest retailer of American RV’s and provide everything you can possible need for your RV needs, from new and second hand models, to a fully certified motorhome service centre right through to finance and expertly trained, friendly staff.
Posted: July 18th, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Reviews And Articles | Tags: buying, Consider, insurance, Motorhome, should, Things | No Comments »
Perhaps the most exciting way to travel is by motorhome. It’s unlike any other mode of transport in the freedom that it presents you. You’re not restricted by the timetables of public transport; you don’t have a baggage allowance; you don’t need to worry about where you’ll sleep because your bed is with you.
The rising popularity of staycations has meant more people are looking at different ways to holiday, and the motorhome is one of these. You’ll need motorhome insurance just as you would your car, but there is a vast difference in insurance policies.
If you want to be taking the motorhome abroad, you will need to make sure your policy covers trips abroad. Things to consider include what assistance you will get if it breaks down, and whether you’re covered to stay in alternative accommodation if your motorhome needs to be repaired.
People keep their belongings in their motorhomes, so you will need a policy that will cover your belongings. Be careful what you take with you; there can be limits to which personal belongings are covered. Sometimes this extends to accidental damage, but you could be charged more for this.
Another thing to consider is what would happen should the campsite flood, or if you’re caught in a storm. Make sure you are covered in the event of freak weather, especially if you’re travelling somewhere that’s susceptible to this kind of weather.
Travelling by motorhome presents great value for money, but if something happens to the motorhome and you’re not covered, it could end up being a painfully expensive holiday. A second-hand motorhome can cost around £10,000, according to the editor of Motor Caravans Magazine. A new motorhome can reach £30,000 to £40,000.
For more information on Caravan insurance and Touring Caravan insurance, please visit this site: http://www.quotiva.co.uk
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