If you have already invested in a motorhome, then you’re already winning the holiday value game, mainly thanks to their low levels of depreciation compared to a car.
The longer you keep the ’van, the lower the cost per year will average out, too. So if you typically replace your motorhome every three years or so, extending this period by a year or so will reduce your average yearly depreciation cost.
Clearly, other factors, such as the cost of finance and interest rates, are also in play when you’re making these calculations, but you take the point.
CHOOSING A MOTORHOME
If you’re planning to buy a new motorhome, the key thing to look for is the design of the body. The larger the frontal area of the vehicle, the worse its economy tends to be. So taller vehicles almost always deliver worse economy that lower-profiles.
I can speak from experience on this aspect – I was involved in economy testing a group of motorhomes a few years ago, and the bodyshape had by far the most significant effect on their economy, much greater than engine size or gearbox type.
So for the best economy, look for the lowest-profile model you can find. The engine choice should be secondary – in real-world testing, we found that lower-power engines tend to need more revs on the motorway or when ascending hills, and engine revs have a direct correlation with economy.
Equally, modern automatic gearboxes have less of an effect on economy than you might actually imagine. In addition, their ease of use will make them highly desirable on the secondhand market, so they can also help with resale values.
Bear in mind that European-style motorhome layouts – such as bunks, and A-classes with single lounge chairs and an office-style fixed dining table – tend to be less popular with UK customers, so are likely to retain less value than others.
Denne historien er fra Summer 2024-utgaven av Practical Motorhome.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra Summer 2024-utgaven av Practical Motorhome.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
CREATE A HANDY SHELF
Ingenuity can turn garage clutter into useful additional storage space in your van
CREATE A TILED KITCHEN
Nigel Donnelly discovers it is entirely possible to achieve a sharp-looking kitchen refurb for less than 50
BUYING SECONDHAND
There are bargains to be had if you know where to look and can avoid the pitfalls of buying used. Former salesman Peter Rosenthal shows you what to watch for
Motorhome DASH CAMS
John Sootheran explores the big brother’ world of dash cams with motorhomers in mind
Motorhome SAT NAVS
State-of-the-art satellite navigation for motorhomers? Yes, it does exist. John Sootheran investigates
PILOTE P720U EXPRESSION
A superb washroom and generous storage are the main attractions in this smart four-berth
TALE OF THE LIZARD
Charming fishing villages and beautiful coastline are among the many attractions of Britain's southernmost point, Victor Charles discovers
JERSEY? SURE!
Superb beaches, fascinating history and Royal potatoes – what’s not to love about this island nation?
ANOTHER ILE WITH APPEAL
The Ile de Ré, nestling halfway down the west coast of France, has in recent years become something of a prime destination for motorcaravanners in the know.
TAKE ME TO THE RIVER
Caroline Mills journeys through Périgord in search of one of France’s most popular tourist destinations, the Dordogne