Trading From a Caravan to a Motorhome
This article outlines the things you should consider before you take the plunge and switch from a touring caravan to a motorhome or American RV, including the differences between the two and what you should look out for.
Many people who own a motorhome will have first owned a caravan, seeing it as a stepping stone to the often larger financial commitment of a mobile home.
One of the big differences between a caravan and a motorhome is the cost.
A brand new caravan will generally cost between fifteen and twenty thousand pounds, whereas an average motorhome costs between thirty and forty thousand pounds.
Plus there are many models of motorhomes available that cost much more than this, particularly American RV's and A-classes, which can cost over £100K.
However, motorhomes afford you a level of freedom that caravans can't because of their ability to setup camp anywhere, without the need to spend time disconnecting the caravan from the car, as they are inherently one unit in a motorhome.
For people who are looking to spend longer on the road moving from place to place, rather than just staying at one campsite, a motorhome gives you less to set up once you're ready to bed down for the night - simply swivel the cab chairs round and walk down to the habitation area.
The lack of setup time and effort is a big draw for older campers, or those with limited mobility, as setting up a caravan on a campsite can be a labour intensive affair,including getting on to the pitch, winding down the legs, disconnecting the car and tow ball, and levelling up.
A caravan however does have other advantages over a motorhome on top of the aforementioned cost (although remember that with a motorhome you are getting a 'car' built in so actually not too dissimilar in cost to a caravan plus a car).
One of the advantages is the fact that you can leave a caravan on site whilst you explore and area in the car, which is of course much easier than driving around in a large motorhome.
As a result many motorhomers tow a small car such as a 'Smart Car' behind the motorhome, but again this increases the cost outlay as these cars are not entirely practical for normal everyday use, particularly if you have children.
If you do decide to purchase a motorhome remember that motorhome insurance is a legal requirement, therefore unlike caravan insurance it is something you need to arrange before you set out onto any UK road, even if it is just on the way back from the dealership.
Most UK dealerships will be able to recommend an insurer though and cover can generally be purchased quickly and easily over the phone, so it's really nothing to worry about, just make sure you've got it.
Also it's likely you'll need an insurance covernote to be able to tax your new motorhome.
Finally, if you plan to tow a small car behind your motorhome, look for an insurance policy which will cover your trailer or A-frame used to tow the car with.
Many people who own a motorhome will have first owned a caravan, seeing it as a stepping stone to the often larger financial commitment of a mobile home.
One of the big differences between a caravan and a motorhome is the cost.
A brand new caravan will generally cost between fifteen and twenty thousand pounds, whereas an average motorhome costs between thirty and forty thousand pounds.
Plus there are many models of motorhomes available that cost much more than this, particularly American RV's and A-classes, which can cost over £100K.
However, motorhomes afford you a level of freedom that caravans can't because of their ability to setup camp anywhere, without the need to spend time disconnecting the caravan from the car, as they are inherently one unit in a motorhome.
For people who are looking to spend longer on the road moving from place to place, rather than just staying at one campsite, a motorhome gives you less to set up once you're ready to bed down for the night - simply swivel the cab chairs round and walk down to the habitation area.
The lack of setup time and effort is a big draw for older campers, or those with limited mobility, as setting up a caravan on a campsite can be a labour intensive affair,including getting on to the pitch, winding down the legs, disconnecting the car and tow ball, and levelling up.
A caravan however does have other advantages over a motorhome on top of the aforementioned cost (although remember that with a motorhome you are getting a 'car' built in so actually not too dissimilar in cost to a caravan plus a car).
One of the advantages is the fact that you can leave a caravan on site whilst you explore and area in the car, which is of course much easier than driving around in a large motorhome.
As a result many motorhomers tow a small car such as a 'Smart Car' behind the motorhome, but again this increases the cost outlay as these cars are not entirely practical for normal everyday use, particularly if you have children.
If you do decide to purchase a motorhome remember that motorhome insurance is a legal requirement, therefore unlike caravan insurance it is something you need to arrange before you set out onto any UK road, even if it is just on the way back from the dealership.
Most UK dealerships will be able to recommend an insurer though and cover can generally be purchased quickly and easily over the phone, so it's really nothing to worry about, just make sure you've got it.
Also it's likely you'll need an insurance covernote to be able to tax your new motorhome.
Finally, if you plan to tow a small car behind your motorhome, look for an insurance policy which will cover your trailer or A-frame used to tow the car with.