5 costly mistakes to avoid when buying a motorhome

Mistake 2: Not considering how you'll actually use it

It’s tempting to shop for the grand tour you might take one day, rather than the trips you are likely to enjoy most often. A large, fully equipped motorhome may sound ideal for months on the road, but could feel cumbersome if your usual escape is a weekend by the coast. Start with your real travel habits, then choose the size and specification to match.

• Write down how you expect to use the motorhome over the next few years.
• Consider whether most trips will be quick weekends, longer holidays or extended tours.
• Think about your typical destinations. Will you favour rural campsites, busy towns or narrow country lanes?
• Choose features that support those journeys, rather than ones that simply look impressive.
• Chat to existing owners about how their travel habits changed after buying. Their experience may help separate must-haves from nice-to-haves.

Mistake 3: Ignoring payload, weight and licence restrictions

Passengers, luggage, bikes, water, awnings and added accessories all eat into the available payload. Pack too enthusiastically and the vehicle could exceed its Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), which is its weight plus the maximum load it can legally carry. Your driving licence must cover that weight too. GOV.UK guidance on driving a motorhome states that a category C1 licence is required for a motorhome with a MAM between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, while vehicles over 7.5 tonnes require category C*.

Your pre-purchase checklist:

• Ask the dealer for the motorhome’s MAM and realistic payload.
• Check what the quoted payload includes, such as water, fuel or the driver.
• Estimate the combined weight of passengers, belongings and accessories.
• Leave spare capacity for those tempting holiday extras.
• Check your driving licence entitlements before committing, especially if the MAM exceeds 3.5 tonnes.

Mistake 4: Failing to properly inspect before buying

Fresh upholstery and gleaming bodywork can make a motorhome hard to resist, but looks only tell part of the story. Mechanical problems, structural damage and water ingress may be less obvious, so give the vehicle a proper inspection before any money changes hands. If you are unsure what to look for, an independent expert can provide an extra pair of experienced eyes.

1. Inspect for damp: Check around windows, doors, roof vents, cupboards and storage compartments. Look for musty smells, discolouration, mould or soft patches.
2. Review the paperwork: Ask for the mechanical service history, habitation checks and records of previous damp inspections or repairs.
3. Check the practical systems: Test the water, heating, fridge, lights and other fitted appliances rather than assuming they work.
4. Take a thorough test drive: Try different roads where possible, listening for unusual noises and checking how the steering, gears and brakes feel. A quick lap of the forecourt will not reveal much.

Mistake 5: Underestimating the true cost of ownership

Buying a motorhome involves more than just the upfront cost. New owners often underestimate how much running costs add to the overall figure. Here are some key running costs worth considering:

• Insurance
• Servicing & repairs
• MOT
• Road tax (varies based on the age and type of vehicle)
• Fuel
• Habitation check - examines your gas, electrics and damp, identifying any issues or damage.
• Campsite fees

Before buying, build a realistic annual budget based on the trips you expect to take. Get quotes from The Motorhome Insurer before choosing a vehicle, as premiums will vary according to your circumstances and the motorhome you’ve chosen. Research typical servicing and maintenance costs for the model too, including the price and availability of replacement parts. Finally, keep a separate contingency fund for surprise repairs. It may not be the most exciting pot of holiday money, but you will be glad it is there when something starts rattling.

Mistake 6: Forgetting about storage and security

Before you bring your new motorhome home, make sure it actually has somewhere to be kept. Measure the driveway, gates and access points to ensure you’ll have enough room to manoeuvre your motorhome. And don’t forget to double check local parking restrictions!

Check with your insurer whether your storage or security setup must meet specific conditions. You can also use layered security, such as a steering wheel lock, wheel clamp, alarm or tracker, rather than relying on one device.