Buying a Motorhome - Vehicle Specifications
When setting out to purchase a new or used motorhome, specifically your first, it's essential to analyse both the base vehicle and habitation space.
Read what to look for in a motorhome.
You may not be an expert yet, but understanding what to look for is important and not as difficult as you may think.
Firstly the base vehicle - this is the cab and tray of the vehicle.
Most often these are provided by mainstream manufacturers such as Fiat, Peugeot, Ford and Mercedes.
Note things such as transmission type - manual or automatic.
Fuel type - petrol or diesel.
Engine size should be appropriate to the size of vehicle.
Seat adjustment, cab space, head room are all factors for driving comfort.
Check the suitability of the vehicle for towing, does it have or can you fit a towbar? Is it right or left hand drive - is this appropriate to where you will be driving most? Secondly the living space.
Most importantly is the motorhome layout and sleeping arrangements.
Words and phrases like overhead double bed, rear fixed bed, rear bunks, U shaped lounge, swivel cab seats etc will all describe the type of habitation space.
Check how many seats have safety belts - legal requirements in most European countries.
Kitchen - is there adequate worktop space, food storage areas, food preparation areas, delf and cutlery storage areas, cooking options (oven, grill, hob, microwave, bbq).
Storage - both internal and external.
Is there enough and is it the in the correct dimensions? For example have you a space long enough for you fishing rods? External storage is usually to the rear, under your beds.
Some bunk bed designs are clever in that you can raise the lower bunk up to give extra storage space when in transit, then is emptied and lowered when parked up.
Other considerations such as the spare wheel, it's condition and accessibility.
The vehicles loading capacities can be of importance.
Has the vehicle got it's manufacturers documentation/handbooks and is it translated into your language.
Have you the appropriate license to drive this vehicle?
Read what to look for in a motorhome.
You may not be an expert yet, but understanding what to look for is important and not as difficult as you may think.
Firstly the base vehicle - this is the cab and tray of the vehicle.
Most often these are provided by mainstream manufacturers such as Fiat, Peugeot, Ford and Mercedes.
Note things such as transmission type - manual or automatic.
Fuel type - petrol or diesel.
Engine size should be appropriate to the size of vehicle.
Seat adjustment, cab space, head room are all factors for driving comfort.
Check the suitability of the vehicle for towing, does it have or can you fit a towbar? Is it right or left hand drive - is this appropriate to where you will be driving most? Secondly the living space.
Most importantly is the motorhome layout and sleeping arrangements.
Words and phrases like overhead double bed, rear fixed bed, rear bunks, U shaped lounge, swivel cab seats etc will all describe the type of habitation space.
Check how many seats have safety belts - legal requirements in most European countries.
Kitchen - is there adequate worktop space, food storage areas, food preparation areas, delf and cutlery storage areas, cooking options (oven, grill, hob, microwave, bbq).
Storage - both internal and external.
Is there enough and is it the in the correct dimensions? For example have you a space long enough for you fishing rods? External storage is usually to the rear, under your beds.
Some bunk bed designs are clever in that you can raise the lower bunk up to give extra storage space when in transit, then is emptied and lowered when parked up.
Other considerations such as the spare wheel, it's condition and accessibility.
The vehicles loading capacities can be of importance.
Has the vehicle got it's manufacturers documentation/handbooks and is it translated into your language.
Have you the appropriate license to drive this vehicle?
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