Practical Motorhome

BE A FRUGAL ’VAN OWNER!

Despite the current troubling backdrop of rising energy bills and a cost of living crisis, it is still possible to make savings when you are running a motorhome.

And if you haven’t yet bought one, it’s also still possible to bag a bargain. You just need to be a savvy shopper.

Here are our favourite tips for getting the best value out of your touring life.

BAG A BARGAIN ’VAN

With continuing supply chain issues thanks to wars, pandemics, Brexit, energy costs, the weakness of the pound and silicon chip shortages (take your pick), the new vehicle market has never been more erratic.

The knock-on effect is that prices on the used motorhome market are still going up and are likely to stay that way for some time to come.

Although it’s safest to buy from a dealer, some are still short of stock and struggling to keep up with demand.

So prices are high and on the used market, models are in short supply.

Vehicles that stick on the forecourts are often those with quirky floorplans, such as A-classes with the L-shaped desk and single swivel seat lounge, or coachbuilts fitted with bunks, rather than a fixed double bed.

That’s not to say you won’t find a bargain, new or used, at a dealer, but you will need to look a bit harder – for example, we spotted a new Auto-Trail Expedition 67 priced at £50,000 at the recent NEC show.

There are still bargains to be had in private sales – you just need to be far more cautious and ideally, take along a mechanically minded friend when you view. Alternatively, you can pay

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Practical Motorhome

Practical Motorhome7 min read
Oh Man!
Duration Five nights When February 2024 Why? Ideal touring and superb walking in peaceful scenery The TT – one of the most famous motorcycle races in the world – is probably the main thing most of us know about the Isle of Man, a small island just 27
Practical Motorhome4 min read
Used ’van Buyer 1996-2006 AUTO-SLEEPER TOPAZ
A super synergy of two iconic marques: Auto-Sleepers – our oldest volume motorcaravan converter – plus Volkswagen, builder of a base vehicle that is synonymous with van-life, the Transporter. Despite predictions to the contrary, the world didn’t stop
Practical Motorhome2 min read
New Gear
Spruce up your pitch for summer with some cheery festival bunting! This one is 5m in length and made from 100% cotton, and comes in a choice of 10 lively pattern options. Price £19 W boutiquecamping.com Designed in 30 colourways, this smart cutlery s

Related Books & Audiobooks