Many people dream of enjoying the freedom of the open road and discovering the delights of the UK and Europe at their leisure.
So it’s little wonder that sales of motorhomes are rising.
Director Simon Gray, who owns a motorhome himself, said: “It is a growing market that we want to play our part in. We can lend over 10 years for a motorhome which you can’t do for a car.”
With the trend for more staycations, particularly with concerns over the effects of Brexit, a mobile home-from-home is becoming very popular, both with families and with the slightly older generation of holidaymakers whose children have perhaps grown up.
Many motorhomes are a family purchase with older members enjoying off-peak time vacations and relatives with children using them in school holidays.
It means the motorhome is well used and families get maximum value from it so it is a cost-effective way to take regular, multiple breaks throughout the year.
A couple of tips.
Firstly, make sure your driving licence covers a motorhome. If you obtained your licence before 1997 your normal category B licence allows you to drive a motor caravan up to 7.5t gross vehicle weight. For licences obtained since January 1, 1997 the weight limit reduces to 3.5t and, above that, a further test is needed.
Secondly, do your homework to make sure it fits your needs as motorhomes come in all shapes and sizes. The three main types of coachbuilt vehicles are:
- Over-cabs are generally larger with extra living space as their interior extends over the driver area, generally for a double berth.
- Low profile, similar to the over-cab, tends to have storage cupboards rather than a double berth.
- A-Class motorhomes, often built from the chassis up, are top of the range with more space and comfort. The wider cab normally accommodates a drop-down roof bed and swivel cab seats to form part of the lounge area.
There are also three main types of conversion motorhomes:
- Fixed roof has no standing room and just two berths.
- Elevating roof gives some standing room and perhaps extra sleeping accommodation in the roof section for children.
- High top has a permanently raised roof and standing room. Some have a fitted shower or toilet rooms.
So why are people drawn to the idea of a motorhome?
- Freedom to do their own thing – 45%.
- Sense of adventure – 38%.
- Flexibility to change plans as they travel – 28%.
- Setting an itinerary to suit their timeframes – 20%.
- Staying in really rural locations, close to beaches or mountains – 19%.
- More affordable holiday option – 19%.
- Getting closer to nature and a love of being outdoors – 18%.
If you would like to discuss motorhome finance please call us on 01603 381955, email [email protected] or contact one of our friendly advisers.
