What are the different motorhome classes to consider?

An increasing number of Brits are enjoying the motorhome life. And why not? A motorhome can be your ticket to freedom, taking you all around the UK and beyond without a care in the world.

 

The latest Market Brief report from the National Caravan Council revealed that 14,655 new motorhomes were registered in 2018, which represents an all-time high. It’s part of a long-term trend of increasing motorhome ownership, with new registrations per annum having grown by some 83% in the last ten years.

 

For those people who have been ‘motor homing’ for years, the rise will probably come as little surprise. Life on the road can be extremely rewarding. When you own a motorhome, there’s nothing stopping you from just packaging a few essentials and hitting the road, sometimes without any particular destination in mind.

 

Being a motorhome owner also opens you up to a new community of people – and as NCC’s figures show, the motorhome scene is growing year on year.

 

If you’re new to the motorhome scene or wanting to join it, the first move you need to make, of course, is to get yourself a motorhome (quickly followed by getting some motorhome insurance). But what type of motorhome best for you?

 

To help you decide what vehicle to buy, we’ve rounded up the different types of motorhome that are available on the UK market – and what sort of motor homing lifestyle they’re best suited to…

 

1. For weekend breaks

 

If you intend to use your motorhome for weekend breaks away as a couple, you don’t need anything that’s too big or too expensive. All you really need it to be is somewhere comfortable to get your head down after a day of exploring.

 

A coach-built motorhome could be just what you’re after. Built on a chassis cab, so they retain the front cab with a motorhome body built onto them to create adequate sleeping and living space, these provide ample room and comfort for any couple.

 

What’s great about coach-built motorhomes is that, because they’re slightly smaller than other types, they handle that little bit nicer, making them the perfect first motorhome. Fuel consumption is often slightly better with coach-built, which means more money in the pocket for a romantic meal somewhere at your destination.

 

If you struggle to travel light, you might want to consider getting an over-cab, or ‘Luton’, which has additional space above the cab that can be used for storage space… or an extra bed if you need your space.

 

2. For family holidays

 

Family holidays in a motorhome can be a recipe for disaster if you don’t choose the right vehicle. If you’re going away with the family for a week or so, you’re going to need a bit more space than a coach-built motorhome can provide. That isn’t to say you couldn’t squeeze into one, but families and confined spaces often don’t go very well together…

 

In an A-class motorhome, you can separate the kids if they start arguing, and not feel like you need to go out on a walk to get some personal space. These prestigious motorhomes are often built from the chassis up, which ensures optimum interior space and comfort.

 

In your average A-class motorhome, you’ll have a lounge and, quite often, a full-size, drop-down double bed above the cab. It’s important that parents can enjoy a good night’s rest after a day of tending to their children’s needs.

 

As you might have guessed, however, A-class motorhomes don’t come all that cheap. Depending on your budget, you might have no choice but to keep cosy in a coach-built motorhome.

 

3. For going on tour

 

If you’re a successful musician, travelling around the world playing gig to sell-out venues, you might cruise around in an RV (recreational vehicle).

 

An import from America, an RV is the cream of the crop when it comes to motorhomes. In fact, it tends to resemble a coach more than it does your traditional motorhome, with its trailer providing ultimate space and comfort.

 

An RV is very much a home away from home, with domestic-quality facilities such as flat-screen TVs transforming you away from life outside motorhome – ideal if you need to switch off after a gig, for instance.

 

Of course, it’s not just rock stars that buy RVs, but that gives you an idea on the price point of these vehicles.

 

4. For sporting events

 

Some motorhomes defy categorisation. We’re talking about those huge vehicles – even bigger than RVs – which can transport vehicles as well as accommodate people. Typically, these tend to be used by motorsport enthusiasts who need to take their sports car to the track, then stay at the circuit after the event.

 

These more niche vehicles tend to have specific uses but might still qualify for motorhome insurance.

 

Insuring your motorhome

 

Once you’ve found and bought a motorhome that is suited to the lifestyle you want to design from it, you’ll need to get it insured with some motorhome insurance.

 

In fact, you might want to think about the insurance implications before you buy your motorhome – after all, the more your motorhome is worth, the higher the insurance premiums are likely to be.

 

Why not give Motorhome Protect a call before you put down your deposit to see how much you’re looking at for a 12 months cover? Our specialist team is more than happy to give you a free no-obligation motorhome insurance quote.

 

Here’s what you can expect when you take  motorhome insurance cover with Motorhome Protect:

 

• Unlimited cover across all the countries that are part of the European Union.
• Cover of camping personal effects for up to £3,000.
• Up to 6 months to complete a self-restoration.
• Cover for motorhomes with a value up to £150,000.
• Unlimited mileage cover.
• Introductory NCB allowed.
• Consideration of all claims and convictions.

 

So, what are you waiting for? Get a no-obligation motorhome insurance quote today and begin life on the road.