How to Buy Your First Motorhome

Traveling around the country with a motorhome has always been very popular among Americans. Vehicle manufacturers take into account the preferences of the audience and offer a variety of models from several price segments. This makes it possible to choose a motor home that will fully meet the needs of a particular family. This travel trailers buyers guide will help you make the right choice.

What Types of Motorhomes Are Available to American Buyers?

The concept of mobile homes began to develop in the 1920s when trucks became popular. Their power plant was sufficient to move significant loads, and the covered body made it easy to hide from bad weather and prying eyes. At the same time, the first versions of mobile homes can hardly be called ergonomic. Rather, they looked like a storage facility for various personal items that you could take with you everywhere.

Only in the 60-70s did a real revolution take place in the motorhome segment. Some specialized models were created taking into account the needs of families. Modern technology is becoming even more versatile and functional. Buyers can choose from small trailers or opt for a fully self-contained motorhome that can be lived in 24/7. Buying a travel trailer starts with choosing a concept. Currently, there are four common options:

1. Caravan
2. Mobile House
3. Full Motorhome
4. Campervan

The simplest option is a trailer. It allows you to travel with everything you need while maintaining a high level of mobility. The trailer can be unhooked at any time, resulting in a full-fledged passenger car. Such models are usually designed for one or two users. There are also larger trailers, but in this case, handling suffers, especially on mountain serpentine roads. A family of three people can use a familiar single-axle trailer. Such models usually have a short length and balanced weight. For a larger family, a two-axle trailer is indispensable. If we talk about the advantages of a caravan, it should be noted:

• Low cost compared to other options
• Accommodates different numbers of people depending on requirements
• Allows you to maintain mobility (by detaching the trailer)
• Leaves room for redevelopment

At the same time, you need to take into account some restrictions that come into play when using such a trailer. First of all, it is a low speed that can be developed when moving. It should not exceed 70 km/h. The trailer also has payload limits that cannot be exceeded.

A motorhome is the best option for most buyers. The minivan is designed for two to three people, which allows you to maintain optimal mobility. A semi-integrated motorhome may be the best choice. The most comfortable models are integrated houses, which are designed for five to six people. The benefits of motorhomes include:

• Mobility
• High speed of movement
• Optimal price-comfort ratio
• Many additional options

The disadvantages include restrictions on the furniture that can be used. Also, this layout turns out to be more cramped when compared with full-fledged mobile homes.

A mobile home is suitable for those who are not ready to put up with the loss of comfort while traveling. This is a full-fledged small mobile home that can be divided into several living compartments. On sale in the USA, there are options with a variety of layout features. The buyer can implement additional options, including a sauna or fireplace. Such houses have a width of up to three meters and a height of up to 2.8 meters, which allows the use of a vehicle without additional permission. Among the advantages are:

• Excellent level of comfort
• Reliable and safe design
• Excellent thermal insulation

At the same time, you have to pay a serious price for these benefits.

A modern alternative to classic motorhomes is a folding camper. It is a small van or pickup truck, equipped with everything necessary for overnight stays in nature or short stays. A distinctive feature compared to conventional motorhome models is that the car must initially be brought into a suitable position. To do this, you need to install the roof, extend the canopy, and unfold the seats. Often such campervans are created independently from ordinary cars. Their main advantage is simplified control and relatively low fuel consumption.

RV Layout Options

Tips for buying an RV also cover choosing the best layout. To do this you need to answer several questions:

1. How many people will live in the house?
2. Are you planning to stay there overnight?
3. What time of year will the travel take place?

Depending on the answers, preference should be given to a specific configuration option. The optimal choice for a large family or two couples is the central location of the toilet block. This will allow you to sleep together comfortably without creating problems when visiting the toilet. A mobile home for several people must have an appropriate number of sleeping places. A summer cottage on wheels is often equipped with transformable beds to save space. A minivan may have swivel seats, which are also used for seating while on the go.

The interior layout should accommodate the various items that may be needed while traveling. The storage must be easily accessible and not impede movement around the motorhome, even when open. Modern RVs typically come equipped with a variety of appliances, including microwaves and refrigerators.

How to Choose the Right Motorhome?

A first-time RV buyer can rest assured that the vehicle is in optimal condition. At the same time, a new motorhome usually costs an order of magnitude more. For a beginner, such a purchase is often not the best option, since he still has no idea what factors will be decisive for him. A used motorhome may be your best choice. It will cost less and also allows you to change the configuration to suit your own needs. For a beginner, it is better to choose compact options. In this case, driving the motorhome will be easy, regardless of which road is chosen for travel.

When choosing a used motorhome, you need to pay attention to the condition of its engine. Replacing the power plant will cost a huge amount, so there should be no questions about it. You also need to study the condition of the transmission and chassis system. Malfunctions of these elements may be indicated by extraneous sounds while driving.

The level of autonomy of a motorhome can be completely different. Some models allow you to store a small amount of water and have an on-board electrical system with limited power. Others allow you to connect demanding devices and also have capacitive batteries that allow you to do without external power sources for a long time. The choice will depend on how long you plan to stay on the road.

If the motorhome will be used for traveling relatively short distances, then a high level of autonomy is not required. In this case, purchasing a completely independent system can only lead to additional costs. A careful study of the motorhome market in the USA will allow you to find the best option for yourself, even with a small budget.