Motorhome. 1st Purchase Advice!!

I will respond to some of the points based on our own experience three years ago and subsequently when switching from a caravan to a motorhome.

Although left hand drive may seem more convenient it will be much more difficult to sell. We looked into buying an ex rental Hymer and you would certainly get a good deal although some modifications are required to make it suitable for use in the UK, for example, speedo in mph. There are specialists who will advise and supply but with a bit of research I think that you could do it yourself. I have been driving right hand cars in Europe and all over the world for 50 years and never found it to be a problem. You quickly get used to it.

Auto box limits the available models. We drive auto cars in the UK but I find manual on the motorhome is fine and I quite enjoy it.

Payload is crucial as is rear axle load. Do your research and make sure you understand what is included in the quoted figures. Many motorhome have unrealistic payloads. With a full water and fuel tank you need at least 500 kg and more if you have a scooter. We travel light and use 450kg of the allowable 500kg.

Buy your own SatNav with lifetime European maps. Free to update and probably more features than an in-vehicle SatNav.

Many continental sites have limited electrical supplies so we find an electric hob useless. Where we stay in Italy 4 amps is the norm.Also, in Germany and other countries you may want to consider using gas as you will pay through the nose for electricity.

A wind out canopy is usual with motorhomes and quick and simple to use. Awnings are rare and will increase your payload requirements.

agree with everything Hitch has posted...

we spend upto 30 weeks away in the van each year and the bulk of that will be overseas....but I have RHD...why?

because, IMV, driving RHD over there (less traffic, wider roads, higher view, etc) is far easier (instinctive) than driving LHD when we use it here (on more crowded, faster, narrower roads) 

I think if you went auto (fiat, ford, Renault, Merc, Iveco) it would be a bit easier (my auto driving in the states was pretty simple....) 

think carefully about payload, full water/fuel tanks, passenger, many weeks kit will all eat into it...

air suspension, the jury is out....it also adds weight...

can you run at 3500kg....yes, we do and we have two electric bikes in the garage...but the van is only 6.4m, but has two very large beds, decent shower, usable kitchen etc so how big do two people need?

this question might be better answered if you are a 'stayer on one site' for weeks and weeks....awning etc to give more space....

but if you're more into touring, theses extras can hinder rather than aid.

we actually do a bit of both with 6 weeks (2+2+1+1) of the 11 we've just had away in Iberia spent at sites and the rest of shorter stays, many just one/two nights...but we didn't miss having extra kit with us...

the scooter would impact less on the rear axle if stored in a garage rather than slung back further on a rack, so again, that rear axle loading is key.

considering most of your travel will be aborad, you will likely be (except the skiing breaks) be eating, living outsite, hopefully not cooped up looking out at the rain....so, how big does the van need to be...

do you need a fixed bed?....our first long trip to France ten years ago convinced us after a few nights.....we wanted a proper bed and the lounge we would compromise on if necessary.....who needs an 8 seater lounge if your never in the van except to sleep in it?

then there is the 'sustainability' issue....will you always be on sites, with EHU or will you be using some Aires and other less formal stopping places...

either way, if you cook with gas you may consider if you can carry sufficient for your trip.

if showering in the van (aires, etc) and heating water with gas, this will steer you more towards either using local bottled gas (generally very cheap) or looking at a refillable system, 

similarly, keeping batteries well charged is important the more nights spent away from EHU, so a solar pane then becomes a very useful addition.

plenty to think about, I know, but vans are expensive and getting it 'right' first time is always a tricky call as preferences tend to get formed with experience.....

good luck.

If I was buying for the first time I would fit the largest Solar panel I can afford, make sure there's enough roof space to fit it, and most of the power problems will disappear.

Have at least two compatible leisure batteries, a B2B connection between Starter and Leisure batteries, a refillable gas system and gas hob, a large fridge/freezer running mainly on gas, on-board toilet and shower facilities and with that lot the World is your Lobster.

A minimum length of 7 metres – it's surprising how small the interior of any Motorhome seems when it's inclement weather outside – but not too long to cause problems finding sites that you can park on overnight.

The advice others have given is good especially about payload and you'll need a lot of planning and viewing of Motorhomes to find one that suits all your needs.

Hope this helps and best of luck.

many thanks for your response and advice.... Much appreciated !!!!  Kind regards Neil

Many thanks for your response and kind advice...  Much appreciated.... Kind regards Neil

Thanks for the response and advice.....much appreciated!!   cheers Neil

Interesting how many different opinions you get from users. For example, I would not have a motorhome any bigger than I have now which is 6.3 m and 3500 kg max. Having two leisure batteries is not in anyway standard practice. Great if you are using aires all the time and “off-Grid” but no point at all if you are using sites. Don’t have refillable cylinders unless you are using the motorhome a lot as they will never pay for themselves.

BUT, the OP is talking about spending quite a time touring Europe so maybe needs all that. All the more important to carefully consider how you are going to use your motorhome.