A motorhome offers great freedom and adventure, but is often also surrounded by misconceptions and myths. From worries about costs to concerns over maintenance and parking, many myths can cloud the experience for new and seasoned ’van owners.
Here, I’ll debunk some of the most common motorhome myths, so you can confidently hit the road.
1. Coachbuilt motorhomes are difficult to drive
Many people tell me that they couldn’t drive a coachbuilt because of its size, particularly its length.
I believe that the width is the bigger consideration when you’re driving a motorhome. After all, wherever you point it, the vehicle will keep travelling. Remember, as a driver, you are high up, with a great view of the road, you are not in a rush – you are on holiday – and you have all the mod cons of a car, such as power steering, a reversing camera, and often, an automatic gearbox.
2. All motorhomes are gas guzzlers
Motorhome fuel consumption is something that could put you off a ‘van. However, although motorhomes can use more fuel than regular cars, advances in engine technology and the addition of fuel additives have made modern leisure vehicles far more economical than their 20-year-old counterparts.
Most Ford- or Fiat-based ’vans deliver a good 30 miles per gallon or more if you drive conservatively.
I often hear people obsessing about mpg. But consider the bigger picture of your trip: how much of your budget goes on fuel? Less than you think.
3. They are only for summer use
Some people will be storing their motorhome once the colder weather comes around but the winter months can be a great time to embark on a tour. Modern motorhomes are fitted with high-quality insulation, advanced and efficient motorhome heating systems, and winter-ready features that make year-round travel comfortable.
Many accessories, too, can help to enhance the pleasure of your winter adventures, for example, thermally insulated windscreen covers.
I have enjoyed many trips in winter, when campsites are generally quieter, and the sunsets are amazing! We once spent a wonderful Boxing Day in the ’van, on the beach, making a fabulous Christmas dinner. And why not?
4. They are only for retirees
While motorhomes are indeed popular with people who have retired, they are also increasingly embraced by families, young professionals, and those who are seeking adventure. Some will even be looking for the best campervan for everyday use.
The leisure vehicle community is truly diverse, with younger people choosing them for flexible travel, remote working and outdoor activities.
The hashtag #Vanlife is now huge on Instagram, with people of all ages and backgrounds engaging in the pastime. Self build campervans are more popular than ever and, of course, cheaper.
5. Maintenance is complicated
Motorhome maintenance isn’t much more complex than that of any regular vehicle. The owner can easily handle many such tasks, like checking the motorhome tyre pressure, water levels and batteries.
A basic service for the vehicle’s chassis and engine usually ranges in price from around £300, while a habitation check carries an annual cost of anything from £150 to £400, depending on where you take the motorhome for its servicing.
6. You can park and sleep anywhere in your ’van
Many people believe motorhomes have free rein to park overnight anywhere, but there are rules and regulations about where you can stop, particularly in urban or protected areas.
The term ‘wild camping’ has come into widespread use. But its definition is to arrive on foot or horseback at sunset, pitch your tent and leave at sunrise, leaving no trace of your stay. Hardly arriving in a ’van with heating, hot water and a leather interior!
All land in the UK is owned, and I’d always advise you to seek permission from the landowner if you are on private land. Off-grid, park up with caution and respect. Always leave no trace.
7. Campsites are too expensive
While some premium campsites can be costly, there is a wide range of options catering to all budgets when you’re looking for the best motorhome sites, from basic, no-frills sites to fully serviced luxury parks with swimming pools, a choice of restaurants and entertainment.
Motorhome owners can choose according to their taste, based on their preferences and budget. Additionally, many campsites offer discounts during off-peak seasons, for midweek stays, or for longer bookings.
Budget-friendly sites, including Certificated Locations (CLs, operated by the Caravan and Motorhome Club) or Certificated Sites (CSs, run by the Camping and Caravanning Club) and permissible off-grid spots can be very affordable or even free, with some priced as low as £10-£20 per night. Some campsites also offer special low-season discounts or promotions for loyalty club members.
I can recommend searching club sites for deals and using apps such as Park4Night or Searchforsites. Pub car parks are always an option via the Nightstops Scheme, run by Practical Motorhome in conjunction with the Motor Caravanners’ Club.
8. Insurance cover will be expensive
Although insurance can be perceived as costly, owing to the vehicle’s value, there are ways to reduce premiums.
Motorhome insurance is, in fact, comparable to insuring any standard car, especially when the vehicle is well maintained, securely stored and carefully driven.
Factors like where the motorhome is stored, the driver’s experience, and whether it has security features (such as a tracking device and alarm) can significantly lower insurance costs.
Many providers offer specialised policies, including seasonal coverage, accessory cover, stuck-in-mud cover, or mileage-based options. I’d suggest choosing a specialist insurer offering a policy designed for a leisure vehicle.
For more on this, see why I recently said I think the cheapest isn’t best when insuring a motorhome.
9. All ’vans suffer water ingress
Water ingress is a known problem in many older or poorly maintained motorhomes, but it’s not an inevitable problem for all leisure vehicles.
Advances in construction materials and sealing techniques, and the latest water-resistant technologies, have significantly reduced the risk of water ingress in modern motorhomes.
With regular maintenance, thorough habitation inspections and proper care, water ingress can be prevented or caught early. Manufacturers now use better sealing methods, and many motorhomes come with warranties that cover water ingress for up to 10 years.
However, if you are thinking of buying a secondhand motorhome, looking out for water ingress is just one of the things
10. The industry is in decline
On the contrary, the motorhome industry is thriving, especially after the pandemic, which spurred huge demand for self-contained travel options.
The industry has also adapted to changing consumer preferences, with a developing market for innovative motorhomes, eco-friendly options and more.
Motorhome sales and rentals have boomed in recent years, with brands struggling to meet demand. There’s been a resurgence in younger buyers and families entering the market, while trends such as remote working and ‘van life’ have injected new energy. This shift has led to a wider variety of ’vans, including more eco-conscious designs.
As I write, the industry is suffering an oversupply of 2024 models, seeing some dealers struggle with cash flow and a number go into administration.
Consumers are reported to be taking longer to make a purchase decision. And who can blame them?
But does this mean a decline in the industry? Personally, I think not, but rather, a slowdown ahead of another boom and yet more growth.
11. The price bubble will burst soon
Some people believe that the surge in motorhome prices, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic, is temporary and prices will soon drop. However, the reality is a bit more complicated.
Demand for leisure vehicles remains high, owing to increased interest in flexible, self-contained travel options, and the supply chain issues faced by manufacturers have only added to the pressure on prices.
In my opinion, rather than being a bubble that will burst, the motorhome market has stabilised at a higher price point, because of sustained demand and ongoing supply shortages.
At the moment, we are seeing great offers and discounts on new models, funded by manufacturers to help clear the current oversupply of stock.
Although the rate of price increases might slow, it’s unlikely prices will drop significantly any time soon.
Prices for used ’vans are undergoing a slight downward correction, but I believe that these will remain strong for the next few years.
The rising popularity of motorhome travel, combined with the continuing material and manufacturing costs, means that prices are likely to remain strong and even increase again in 2025.
12. You can fit your own seatbelts
Installing seatbelts to additional seats in a motorhome is not a DIY project.
Seatbelts must be professionally fitted to meet safety standards and legal requirements. In the event of an accident, improperly fitted seatbelts can cause severe injury or death, and having non-compliant seatbelts can invalidate your insurance and lead to legal consequences.
In the UK, seatbelts are required for all passengers in designated travel seats, and they must be installed in compliance with safety regulations. Retrofitted seatbelts require professional installation, to ensure that they are anchored to suitable points that can withstand the forces of an accident.
Improper fitting can compromise safety, leading to severe repercussions.
You must also have sufficient payload to accommodate the additional belted travel seats, and inform the DVLA of any change to travel seat numbers.
13. Don’t worry about payload
In fact, motorhome payload limits are absolutely crucial, for both safety and legal reasons.
The payload refers to the weight that your motorhome can safely and legally carry, including passengers, water, fuel, food, equipment and personal belongings.
Overloading your ’van can lead to dangerous driving conditions, damage to the vehicle, and even legal penalties or points on your licence.
Exceeding your payload can cause mechanical strain on the ’van, reduce braking efficiency and increase tyre wear. My advice is to weigh your motorhome empty. The difference between this number and your V5 gross weight is your payload.
Now consider loading your motorhome and weighing it again.
Your local animal feed centre or farm might have a weighbridge, or you could search gov.uk/find-weighbridge for a public weighbridge near you.
In my own experience, the cost for a weigh-in is around the £10 mark.
14. Van with Windows lowers the value
‘Van with windows’ status on your V5 registration document (logbook) does not necessarily mean that your campervan will be worth less or will cost you more to insure.
Although getting your campervan reclassified as a ‘motor caravan’ with the DVLA can sometimes be rather complicated, it’s not essential for insurance purposes or valuation.
Many insurers know the nuances around V5 classifications and will insure a campervan appropriately, even if it’s still registered as a ‘van with windows’.
What matters most to the insurers is how the vehicle is used, the level of conversion and the safety features, rather than the official V5 status.
Are you after some ideas for what you should be taking on tour with you? Then see my pick of the 15 must-haves for any motorhome trip.
You can find out more about me and listen to my podcast at motorhomematt.co.uk
Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of Practical Motorhome, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. The material contained in this article should be used for informational purposes only and in no way should be relied upon as a substitute for independent insurance or breakdown cover advice. Individuals carrying out the instructions do so at their own risk and must exercise their independent judgement in determining the appropriateness of the advice to their circumstances and skill level. To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither Future nor its employees or agents shall have any liability in connection with the use of this information. You should check that any warranty is not affected before proceeding with technical work
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