How to Choose the Right Motorhome for Your Needs
How to Choose the Right Motorhome for Your Needs
Posted on May 22, 2023
It’s essential for any Canadian family that enjoys frequent camping holidays to choose the right motorhome for your needs. You need to consider many factors. For instance, the size of your family, your family’s needs, fuel efficiency, your budget, and of course, the price.
Furthermore, you have the option to rent a motorhome if your camping trips are few and far between. Let’s look at a guide that’ll help you establish which motorhome to buy!
Determine Your Needs When Choosing a Motorhome
When choosing the right motorhome for your needs, you need to consider the following factors.
Each family’s needs differ when it comes to travelling through the Canadian wilderness. The most important factor when it comes to your needs is the size of your family. Your family may also require a connection to electricity or perhaps appliances depending on your lifestyle.
Consider the Number of People Who Will Be Using the Motorhome
Another aspect to consider is whether you and your family will be taking along friends or family on certain occasions. Some motorhomes can be adjusted to include additional sleeping spaces, and bunks can be hidden in special nooks to create more seating space.
Decide What Type of Camping You Prefer
Motorhomes all have several mechanical and interior designs that cater to a host of different campers’ needs. If you prefer the rugged outdoors, it’s advised that you perhaps search for a motorhome with robust chassis and capable wheels that can glide over uneven terrain.
If you enjoy camping during the winter months, you should consider getting a motorhome interior heating and additional protection against the elements that’ll keep the heat inside the vehicle.
Consider Important Amenities
Amenities are all about creature comforts. If luxury is your personal style, you may need to increase your budget. However, simple motorhomes carry the most daily conveniences that most of us use in our daily lives.
Selecting the Right Size Motorhome
Before you purchase a vehicle based on function alone, you also need to consider the size. We’re not only talking about length here.
Choose the Right Size, Width, and Length
Motorhomes come in all shapes and sizes. A crucial feature to consider is to ensure that you’re comfortable driving your motorhome on the freeway toward your camping destination. It’s not only significant for interior volume, but you also need to consider how it will impact others around you on the road or camping sites. Based on how many will be inside simultaneously while driving, make sure the space won’t be too cramped.
Types of Motorhomes and Features
The type of motorhome you’ll buy will greatly depend on what factors you decide are important to you. There are five types of motorhomes, each with specific specifications that’ll cater to your unique needs.
Class A
Class A motorhomes are available in either diesel or gas. The diesel version has more torque and can be decked out in opulence with the diesel engine located at the rear. The increased torque and rear engine enable the vehicle to be pushed forward with ease over any terrain. With plenty of space for luggage and cargo, you’ll be able to take extended camping trips with a large group of friends or your extended family.
However, driving a ‘house on wheels’ may have its disadvantages. The Class A-type is between 30 to 40 feet in length and may be a bit difficult to get used to maneuvering in the beginning. Also, taking quick trips into town to get supplies may be challenging.
Class B
Smaller than Class C, the Class B motorhome is easily recognizable and has been known to be a popular choice among campers as these vehicles are much simpler to drive and have similar conveniences at a much more affordable price. These vehicles have many available floor plans with the sleeping area situated above the cabin, including slideouts that create more interior space once you’ve reached your camping destination. They’re perfect for small families and couples.
Class C
The Class C-type motorhome has a smaller size than the Class B as they’re designed on a van chassis. These vehicles have the capability to explore any off-road trail and at a length of only 20 to 25 feet, can be parked with ease in town. These ‘modified vans’ can also be purchased with off-roading equipment.
What’s quite amazing about these vehicles are their interiors. Designers of these vans have found ways to fit all the basic necessities within the van’s interior in the most creative ways. For instance, toilets can swivel, and sinks can be folded away in special nooks.
Fifth Wheels
Fifth wheels are perfect for extra-large families or travel groups and can be towed by any SUV or truck with the appropriate torque and a fifth-wheel attachment. With extended living spaces such as bedrooms, living rooms, and a dining area, you can further expand your living areas with multiple slideouts.
The most prominent advantage of these campers is that they can be detached from your SUV or truck which makes daily travel to town or sightseeing possible without any hassles. These vehicles are a fantastic recommendation if you’re buying a motorhome on a budget.
Travel Trailers
Travel trailers are ideal for camping trips where you need a small sleeping area with a bit more storage space for your cargo. Travel trailers can hold anything and can be conveniently stored until you need them. There are travel trailers available that have camping extensions and the minimal amenities should you need them.
Budget Considerations
Last but not least, your spending budget should be taken into consideration. Some costs will include the initial purchase value, maintenance, and fuel efficiency.
If you can’t purchase a motorhome in cash, you can get finance and arrange to pay for the vehicle in installments. Alternatively, there are many pre-owned certified motorhomes available that cost less compared to buying one brand new. You can get more amenities at a lower price.
Price Range for Motorhomes
Herewith are the approximate prices you can expect to pay for each type of motorhome:
The Class A motorhome has a starting price of between $70,000 to $1 million. Class B models can cost from $70,000 to $200,000. Class C motorhomes have a price range between $80,000 to $200,000.
Fifth wheels are available in many shapes and sizes and pricing ranges between $25,000 to $160,000. The smallest of the types, the travel trailer, has a price tag of between $18,000 to $100,000.
Fuel Efficiency
Ensure that your motorhome has acceptable fuel efficiency, especially if you’re planning on taking long journeys. Top motorhome manufacturers are moving into the 21st century and have begun producing fully electric models that will be much kinder to your wallet and the environment.
Maintenance Costs
Maintenance costs are part of your motorhome’s longevity. Typically, you wouldn’t need to service your motorhome regularly if you’re only going to use it for summer camping holidays. However, it’s still an important factor to verify so that you can make sure that you’re prepared when the time comes.
Conclusion
We hope we’ve set you on your way to choosing the right motorhome to take you and your family on your next camping trip. There are various options and factors to consider, which will help you in the end to make the most informed decision.
Final Tips on Choosing the Right Motorhome
Many Canadian campers have RV memberships. Some RVers at these clubs have intrinsic knowledge of motorhomes, and their experiences may be able to help you choose which motorhome will be best for you.
These memberships can also be very beneficial in terms of providing you with expert advice from members on how to properly maintain your motorhome or find the latest and greatest camping sites.