Dan Cartwright has over 12 years of experience in the caravan and motorhome industry. He is a judge for a number of prestigious leisure vehicle awards and regularly heads off in his motorhome with his family. Every week, Dan shares his insights with the community. Here’s what he has to say this week.
We love caravans and motorhomes. The majority of our readers class their leisure vehicle as almost part of the family. It’s a beloved and treasured holiday partner and we all relish going away and staying in the great outdoors.
However, some people have made regretful choices. We’re aware of owners who’ve gone from a caravan to a motorhome – or vice versa – and not liked it at all. Others have simply jumped in at the deep end, bought a new set up and it’s not been to their taste. So, here are our tips for making sure you make the right choice.
The reason we’re looking at this now is that we’re right at the start of this year’s show season. The Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show takes place this week in Manchester, followed by the Glasgow edition in early February and the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show in Birmingham towards the end of the month. A huge portion of new leisure vehicles will be sold at these shows, so here are the essentials you need to consider before making any big decisions.
The distinction between caravans and motorhomes
To some people, these terms are interchangeable. Most of us, however, know the danger of conflating them. Generally, you either prefer one or the other and each comes with unique benefits and drawbacks. But don’t assume that just because you’ve been caravanning for 20 years, swapping to the other type of leisure vehicle will be so easy. Alternatively, swapping from a motorhome to a caravan comes with surprising restrictions, like towing and the amount of space you have to carry passengers and belongings.
Try before you buy
If you’re heading to an early-year show and thinking about making a change, upgrading or simply getting into a caravan or motorhome for the first time – rent a vehicle first. Don’t get sucked in by the jazz of the show. Instead, take that money and it’ll be very well-spent by trying that specific layout, or that particular type of vehicle. Then, you can head to a later show or your local dealer and make an informed choice.
Think about your passengers
So obvious, but yet so overlooked. Assess who you’re going to be touring with and how it might affect the layout of your leisure vehicle. Lots of owners buy with their children or grandchildren in mind, compromising on comfortability and practicality to fit in plenty of extra beds that never get slept in. I might be a child of the ‘80s, but you can always put up a tent outside for the kids!
Don’t be a magpie
Try not to be attracted by shiny extras or amazing time-dependent deals offered at shows and dealerships. The fundamental layout of your leisure vehicle is far more important than any accessory or price difference. Keep in mind what you want before you start shopping around and think very carefully before changing that idea for a particular range, accessory level or deal.
Put the groundwork in
Take a look at as many makes and models as possible that suit your layout needs. Dealerships have limited stock and even the shows won’t have everything available. If you’re currently a caravan or motorhome owner and see something else you like, go and knock on the door! We’re a friendly old bunch, so ask to have a look around.
Visit several dealerships and one or two shows to make sure you’ve truly understood what’s available. There are plenty of things you won’t see from a quick look, including the water tanks, payload capacity, electric setups and the ability to run on different types of fuel. So, make sure you ask enough questions to fully understand the vehicle.
Above all, enjoy your leisure vehicle like the vast majority of people in the community do. We want you to have an amazing time, but these are some of the pitfalls we’ve seen from being in the industry for over a decade and talking to plenty of owners. Have fun!
Photo credit: Kampus Production / Pexels
