10 signs you need to upgrade your motorhome

There are so many advantages to owning a motorhome, it’s easy to see why people become so attached to their vehicles. From family holidays to solo adventures, heading off in your trusty home on wheels is always an exciting prospect. However, no matter how much time, money, and effort you’ve invested there will come a time when you feel your motorhome has seen better days. Perhaps it no longer meets your needs? Here are 10 signs it’s time for an upgrade and you need to look for a new motorhome.

As your motorhome requirements change, so do your insurance cover needs. To ensure you’ve still got the right motorhome insurance in place, give the knowledgeable team at Motorhome Protect a call today.

Let’s take a look at those tell-tale signs:

You’ve caught the motorhome touring bug

Even the most dedicated van lifer has to start their obsession somewhere. After renting a motorhome for a couple of short trips most will soon buy their very first vehicle. This motorhome will often only be used for shorter trips, perhaps two or three times a year. You probably won’t invest in the latest vehicle with all the mod cons before you know you’ll love it!

But the motorhome lifestyle can soon become addictive as you find your favourite spots, meet new friends and begin to live the dream of freedom these marvellous vehicles bring. By now the occasional week or two will probably not be enough and you’re hankering for bigger and better adventures.

If that’s the case then you may need a motorhome that’s more adapted to your changed travel preferences. Particularly when you spend so much time around better equipped tourers. So, start reading up on the latest impressive tech spec to accommodate your lengthening holidays. After all, there’s nothing worse than motorhome envy!

Driving aids, safety and security have all moved on

Driving aids, safety and security standards are constantly being developed by motorhome manufacturers looking for the very best in features. And if you started off with a second- or third-hand vehicle then it won’t be long before the technology has moved on. You don’t want to put you and your family at risk by driving an out-of-date motorhome.

Indeed, even if you bought a top-of-the-range model fresh off the production line, in time even that model will be overtaken. Depending on how long you’ve had your current motorhome, there are no doubt more enhanced driving aids, safety, and security features installed in newer models.

From reversing cameras and antilock braking systems to alarm systems and winter-proofing, an upgrade to your motorhome might be what you need to feel more secure.

Bigger and better features

When you’re just getting used to motorhome touring, using communal bathrooms, showers, kitchens and other services may seem like simply another fun part of the experience. However, as you take longer breaks, perhaps even to more remote locations, having your own facilities can really make or break a trip.

One of the best reasons to get a motorhome upgrade is to grab something bigger and better with decent toilet and shower facilities. Being able to go to the toilet in the night without taking a torch and putting your raincoat on is a luxury that can’t be overestimated.

If you’re in the market for a new motorhome then there are other upgrades worth looking out for. These include water filters, solar power, LED lighting, automatic hydraulic levelling, extra storage space, air-conditioning and additional sleeping areas.

Solving set up headaches

When you first buy a motorhome, you might be unfamiliar with setting it up in the quickest and easiest way. Hopefully the seller patiently took you through the procedure of plugging in the mains hook-up, levelling the vehicle, erecting the awning and preparing the beds.

Over time you’ll get better at doing all of this, but after a while there might still be part of the process you simply can’t abide. Anything to cut down on set-up time or make it easier is definitely worth considering. This will help make the whole process less stressful and leave you more time to enjoy your travels and relax!

And remember, while wrestling with a sticky motorhome awning might be a rite of passage in camping circles, there’ll always be the possibility of further damage. You don’t want set-up problems to end up costing you money as well as time and effort!

Second guessing your motorhome

Setting off on your next motorhome trip is always going to provoke a mixture of emotions. You’ll be excited but also slightly worried whether everything will go as well as expected. What’s the traffic going to be like? Will the weather be good? Will the campsite you’re trying live up to expectations?

However, if you find yourself worrying about breaking down or asking each other whether those mystery sounds are getting any worse, then it might be time for a trade-in. Your motorhome is meant to provide you with the ultimate in comfort and a well-deserved holiday. A worry-free trip where you’re confident your vehicle will get you from A to B is an essential requirement.

Just like having the right motorhome insurance, breakdown cover is useful no matter how old your vehicle is.

Fuel consumption leaves much to be desired

Go on to any motorhome owners online forum and you’ll see much discussion about ‘average’ fuel consumption of motorhomes. So, if you feel you’re stopping for fuel more often than you should or spending way more than fellow tourers, then it’s probably because you are! And when you take into account concerns over the carbon footprint of our holiday options, fuel consumption is an important consideration.

Depending on how much you tour in your motorhome, looking for a more fuel-efficient alternative will certainly be time well spent. After all, there are some amazing options on the market now that will not only save you hundreds if not thousands of pounds on fuel but also have a big impact on your green credentials.

Your family has grown up

Touring in a motorhome is a great idea for any family – no matter how big or small. But as the years go by the number of family members piling into your motorhome will probably change. And with those changes you might need a larger or smaller vehicle to accommodate you.

After all, there’s no reason to drive a bigger motorhome than necessary if the kids have all grown up and don’t plan on joining you on your driving expeditions anymore. Similarly, if families have merged together or grandchildren now want to join in the camping fun, then you need something more spacious!

From teenagers who require a little more privacy to grandparents who need comfier living space there can be a range of family reasons to invest in a new motorhome.

When the repair bills climb out of reach

Modern motorhomes are incredible machines and very reliable if maintained correctly. But once several parts of your motorhome start to fail the repair bills can soon get very expensive indeed. As each invoice comes through from the garage you’ll probably begin to wonder if it’s even worth it anymore. If the repairs you’re having done are more than the value of the vehicle itself, then does it make financial sense to continue?

Upgrading your motorhome and treating yourself to a new model is the perfect way to say goodbye to expensive repair bills. Particularly if you buy from a reputable dealer who offers a decent warranty. Knowing that if there is a problem then you’ll be able to get help from the dealership or the manufacturer will certainly help you sleep at night. Having the right motorhome insurance in place will give you an extra level of protection, too.

Changes in financial circumstances

It’s common for personal finances to go up or down throughout our lives. But whatever happens it’s important your motorhome is still within your budget and doesn’t put undue strain on your finances. If you’re richer than you were when you first bought your motorhome, then you may want to treat yourself to a more luxurious vehicle now.

In a similar way, if money is tighter than it was back then, you might need to consider looking at something that’s cheaper or more cost-efficient to run. Either way, having the right insurance cover is the ideal way to protect yourself from the financial fallout from accidents, breakdowns, theft and other mishaps. 

It’s the best time to achieve maximum sale or trade-in value

Unless you’ve got a highly sought-after vintage model it’s unlikely your motorhome is getting any more valuable as it gets older. Usually, the longer you wait, the less your motorhome will be worth. So, if you’re wondering about whether now is the right time to sell your motorhome, there’s usually no time like the present!

In view of the current booming popularity of motorhome holidays, now might be a great time to get the best price for your old motorhome and upgrade to something new. That said, the price on your new motorhome might also go up, so do your research beforehand.

Do you really need an upgrade? Suggestions for DIY solutions

There are many reasons to look for a motorhome upgrade, but it doesn’t always mean having to buy a brand-new model. There are plenty of ways to add a bit of glamour or enhance your security without breaking the bank. Here are some suggestions worth considering:

• New upholstery and flooring

Motorhome upholstery and flooring can take a lot of punishment over the years. If it’s all looking a bit tired inside, consider replacing any foam cushioning, flooring, or the mattress. All at a fraction of the cost of upgrading to a completely new vehicle. If you don’t fancy splashing out on a full-blown upgrade, why not just add a pop of colour? Some new blankets and cushions for your seating or rugs for the floor are an easy, inexpensive fix.

• Change the curtains and blinds

If you’re looking to get some more privacy or stay a bit cosier on winter nights, consider adding a heavy-duty curtain to cut off the driver’s cab area. While you’re at it, update existing curtains with some bold, new designs. There might even be a friend or family member who can help you make them.

• Change the interior lighting

LED lights use far less power than other bulbs, last longer, and do a great job of brightening up even the drabbest corner. Installing LED strip lighting is a popular and inexpensive addition to many motorhomes. It’s also far more environmentally-friendly, too.

• Beef up security

Installing window alarms, deadlocks or expensive tracking devices will not only help to prevent theft – it could also pay off when it comes to your annual insurance renewal.

• Improve safety

Tyre safety accessories, reversing camera systems and parking sensors all can make a big difference to the security standards of your home on wheels.

• Deep cleaning

A deep clean both inside and outside can work wonders when it comes to a motorhome spruce up.

• Add a spot of easy luxury

Treat your motorhome to a little something extra this year. Whether new outdoor furniture, a better shower or a microwave oven, make next year’s travels just that little bit more luxurious.

• Keep everyone entertained

From improved onboard music systems, home cinema setups and better Wi-Fi there’s plenty you can do to make those rainy afternoons just fly by!

Protecting your vehicle with motorhome insurance cover

Keeping your motorhome well maintained and avoiding any mishaps are an important part of responsible motorhome ownership. However, despite your best efforts, there’ll come a time when disaster strikes. That’s why, from busy motorway junctions to remote country lanes you’ll want the best cover for both your vehicle and its contents.

Using our panel of insurers, our team of insurance specialists will search out the best motorhome insurance, tailored to your vehicle, needs and budget.

Our cover can include benefits such as:

• Cover for vehicles valued up to £150,000
• Enhanced cover for personal effects up to £3,000
• Unlimited mileage cover
• Up to 6 months to complete a self-restoration
• Consideration of all claims and convictions

Call Motorhome Protect and get a quick quote for motorhome insurance today.

Policy benefits and features offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.