Guide to Buying the Right Motorhome in New Zealand

The open road is calling

Get ready for the thrill of embarking on your motorhome ownership journey. The promise of freedom and adventure awaits — but before you dive into brochures and floor plans, take some time to define your dream motorhoming lifestyle.

This isn't just about choosing a vehicle — it's about crafting the ideal mobile base for your adventures.

• Will you be weekend warriors exploring hidden coastal gems or seasonal travellers chasing the perfect sunset?
  
  
• Are you a couple seeking cosy intimacy or a family needing space for everyone?
  
  
• Do you crave luxurious amenities, or are you content with simple comfort and functionality?

It’s essential to work out how you envision using your motorhome. Decide who’ll be travelling with you and what level of luxury you require. These points will significantly narrow your search to help you find the recreational vehicle most suited to your unique needs.

Our motorhome buying guide is designed to help you navigate the exciting world of RVs by walking you through each essential consideration — so you can confidently choose the right one.

Contents

• Put together a realistic wishlist

• Choose a motorhome type

  • Campervans

  • Motorhomes

• Main features to consider when buying a motorhome

  • Chassis

  • Construction

  • Engine

  • Layout

  • Interior fit out

  • Storage

  • Light, heating and ventilation

  • Quality

  • Power and water

• • Technology and appliances

• Ownership costs that can affect your motorhome choice

• Top ten motorhome buying tips

• Purchasing your motorhome

Put together a realistic wishlist

Establishing a clear vision of what you want is your starting point for finding the recreational vehicle most suited to your needs in New Zealand conditions.

Motorhome brochures and websites are full of images of happy, smiling people enjoying their RVs in attractive destinations. What they don’t show is the:

• Bumpy corrugated gravel road that leads to those places
  
  

• Hoarfrost encasing the surrounding trees in a thick layer of ice upon waking up on a winter’s morning
  
  

• Two wheel drive motorhomes getting stuck in a place that only four wheel drive RVs should go. 

Discuss the likely scenarios of how and where you’d use your own motorhome with your significant other. Note down your key features — what you must have, those nice-to-haves and what you can live without.

To help you figure out the ideal size, shape, layout and vehicle platform of your dream motorhome, consider important aspects like:

• The amount you can comfortably spend
  
  

• Which seasons you intend to go touring
  
  

• How far off-the-beaten-track you plan to venture
  
  

• Whether the equipment you want to carry keeps the RV under its maximum payload
  
  

• How often you want to use commercial campgrounds
  
  

• How many seat belts and beds you need
  
  

• Whether a heavy vehicle licence is required.

Take plenty of time to assess these factors — to gain greater clarity on what motorhome you need. Drill down into the everyday details of your future motorhoming lifestyle so you can define the RV that’ll suit you best.

Choose a type of recreational vehicle

Readymade recreational vehicles come in two main categories — campervans and motorhomes.

Whatever type of RV you decide to buy, compromising between what you need and what’s nice to have is part of the decision-making process. For instance, larger motorhomes offer greater space and amenities but can be more challenging to manoeuvre and park — so layout versus size is an important consideration.

If you prefer a separate toilet and shower space, you may have to accept a smaller kitchen area.

A new campervan or motorhome has warranties and the latest features, yet it comes with a higher price tag. Alternatively, a used motorhome will have some wear and tear. More mileage on the clock means accepting greater risk.

Differences in size and self-sufficiency between the two often stem from their underlying construction. This leads to what will likely be your most critical decision — which kind of RV body construction suits your intended motorhome lifestyle.

Each category has advantages and disadvantages, so examining them closely is essential.

Campervans

Campervans are often light commercial vans that have been converted into RVs. Characterised by their compact size and car-like drivability, they’re ideal for navigating narrow urban streets and winding rural roads.

Inside a campervan, you’ll typically find a:

• Seating area that converts into a bed
  
  
• Small kitchen area with basic cooking facilities
  
  
• Compact fridge
  
  
• Small water tank.

While campervans can accommodate more than two people, they're ideally suited to solo adventurers or couples. With limited space, road life can get slightly cramped in a larger group — especially if the weather forces you to stay inside.

The most compact entry-level campervans retain the van's dimensions and tend to have less headroom. Higher-end campervans offer better accessibility and comfort by replacing the original roof with a higher structure to ensure the interior space feels more roomy.

Campervans are almost always narrower than motorhomes at less than two metres wide. Some are also longer than motorhomes — like the extra-long wheelbase version of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter at more than seven metres.

Several campervans also have the tractive advantage of an all wheel drive drivetrain. This is a massive benefit if you want to roam as far away from civilisation as possible. However, the same compact body dimensions that make it easier to travel further also restrict your interior living space.

Campervans can often use parks designed for cars, as many car parks across New Zealand are five and a half to six meters long.

The beauty of campervans ultimately lies in their versatility. They're nimble enough to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations yet sufficiently comfortable for everyday use around town.

Campervans for private ownership

Campervans designed and sold for leisure have a few key distinctions in design and features to ones intended for rental fleets, such as:

• More unique layouts — campervan rental fleets tend to be simplified towards a few models with standard floor plans, whereas there’s more variation in layout amongst leisure campers

• Higher-quality materials — with many owners investing for the long term, more durable kitchen benches, more comfortable mattresses and more dependable fixtures are likely

• A higher degree of customisation — modifications like adding solar panels, bike racks and even unique storage solutions are possible

• Extras to stay off-grid for longer — like a larger water tank or a more robust battery system.

Motorhomes

A motorhome is a purpose-built recreational vehicle with a living space designed on a dedicated chassis — often a van or truck platform. The habitation unit can be integrated with the van or truck's cab in several ways, leading to a few different motorhome styles, known as:

• Semi-integrated — the original cab is retained, with the living space constructed behind it

• Integrated — the cab is fully incorporated into the living space, creating a seamless flow from the driving area to the rest of the motorhome

• Cabover — the cab remains separate, but the living space extends over the cab roof, allowing for additional sleeping space.

Features of a motorhome

Motorhomes are generally wider than campervans, and some are longer — giving you more room to move around and relax. They usually come equipped with essential amenities for comfortable living on the road, including:

• Permanent made up beds — which can be fixed in place or drop down from the ceiling
  
  
• A fully functional kitchen — with fridge, gas cookers, a sink, benchtop and sometimes an oven or microwave
  
  
• A bathroom with a toilet and shower — either combined in one space or separate areas of the motorhome
  
  
• Plenty of storage space — such as overhead lockers, underfloor compartments, underbed storage and a large external garage for bulky items like bikes or surfboards
  
  
• Heating — with premium brands featuring complete insulation, double-glazed windows and central heating systems.

Many motorhomes offer a more spacious living experience than campervans, providing numerous comforts of home while you’re on the road.

Main features to consider when buying a motorhome

Once you’ve established that a particular motorhome type and model fits your budget and meets your needs, it’s time to get up close and personal — to focus on the most important features.

Chassis

The chassis is the foundation of any motorhome — literally and figuratively. The underlying framework supports the entire vehicle and significantly influences its on-road performance, handling and safety. 

The chassis is vitally important because it:

• Ensures proper motorhome weight distribution and balance — which is essential for stability
  
  

• Houses the suspension system — which absorbs vibrations and shocks from the road
  
  

• Accommodates the engine and drivetrain components — for power and performance
  
  

• Provides the structural backbone of your RV — guaranteeing durability and strength over time
  
  

• Plays a crucial role in safety — impacting how it handles in difficult driving conditions and emergency situations.

The Fiat Ducato platform

The Fiat Ducato is a versatile commercial van platform adapted for various uses — including cargo, passenger transport and motorhomes. Its design, dimensions and front wheel drive configuration make this chassis well suited for conversion.

About half of all motorhomes imported into New Zealand are on a Fiat Ducato platform. It’s widely used, hugely popular and offers excellent reliability. A motorhome built on a Fiat Ducato chassis drives more like a car, giving you a smooth ride inside its cab. This is particularly prevalent in campervan conversions and smaller motorhomes.

The Fiat chassis also offers a narrower turning circle, so manoeuvring your motorhome is much easier — even if you’re caught in a tight spot.

Other popular motorhome chassis

It's important to note that the Ducato isn’t the only motorhome chassis available.

Ford is the second most popular platform and has gained market share over the past five years. Fiat and Ford make up about two-thirds of the market, while the other third is everything else — including Iveco, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz.

As a manufacturer of premium European vehicles, Mercedes motorhome chassis is highly regarded and often found in top-of-the-line motorhome brands.

Be sure to ask about the chassis of any prospective RV. Knowing whether it has come from a well-known manufacturer will give you an idea of how easily you can source parts or servicing for it locally.

Find out more about motorhome chassis.

Construction

The construction of a motorhome is a critical factor influencing its durability, weight, insulation and overall quality. Understanding the different construction methods and materials will help you make a more informed decision.

Traditional builds

Historically, some early RVs utilised wooden frames with metal or fibreglass panels that aimed for strength and solidity. However, challenges with wood rot led to the adoption of laminates.

The first generation of laminates had a weakness — delamination. This encouraged further innovation in motorhome construction materials.

Modern construction

Contemporary manufacturing has advanced significantly. While some manufacturers still use bonded laminates, frequently incorporating technologies from the aerospace industry, they've greatly improved the bonding processes and quality of materials.

This can include strong, lightweight honeycomb construction and closed-pore polyurethane foam insulation that’s water resistant and has excellent thermal properties.

Aluminium and fibreglass are popular choices as they offer lightweight, durable properties. Lighter motorhomes provide several advantages, including:

• Better fuel economy
  
  

• Lower on-road costs
  
  

• The ability to drive with a standard car licence — depending on the motorhome’s gross vehicle mass (GVM).

Powder-coated aluminium provides a low-maintenance finish but can be susceptible to dents. Fibreglass, while more dent-resistant, is heavier and can fade over time — requiring extra maintenance to retain its appearance.

Some manufacturers like HYMER have utilised innovative materials and techniques. One example is composite components like polyurethane-aluminium (PUAL) sandwich panels for walls and roofs.

Learn more about motorhome construction.

Engine

The engine is another fundamental component of any motorhome — impacting performance, fuel economy and driving experience. When looking at RV engines, think about your needs and driving style.

Engine power

Engine power is measured in horsepower (HP) or kilowatts (kW) — while torque measured in Newton-meters (Nm) indicates pulling power. Higher HP generally translates into quicker acceleration — whereas greater torque is beneficial for climbing hills and towing.

Comparing the power and weight specifications of different motorhomes relative to each other and your anticipated travel needs is important because it affects:

• Acceleration — a higher ratio means your motorhome can accelerate faster, which helps when overtaking and merging onto motorways
  
  

• Hill climbing — a good power-to-weight ratio helps you tackle hills and mountains, especially with passengers and gear onboard
  
  

• Your overall driving experience — an RV with a favourable power-to-weight ratio will generally feel more responsive and easier to handle, making for a more enjoyable driving experience.

Modern engines also have to comply with stringent emissions standards. Check that the emissions rating of your prospective RV’s engine meets the latest NZ standards.

Closely examine the motorhome specifications of the model you’re considering purchasing. Are you getting an entry-level engine and chassis pack or one that’s been up-specced for better performance and safety?

Fuel

The majority of modern motorhomes have diesel engines. If you're thinking about buying a diesel-powered motorhome, it's essential to understand the role of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) and how it impacts the RV’s maintenance and operation.

DEF is a solution of urea and deionised water. It’s stored in a separate tank in your diesel motorhome and is injected into the exhaust stream — to significantly reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

It’s important to know that DEF is stored in a separate tank from diesel fuel, so you must never mix the two. The product is readily available at truck stops and gas stations across New Zealand — with AdBlue being a familiar brand.

Transmission

Transmission options typically include manual and automatic. While a manual transmission may offer a lower initial cost, automatic transmissions are increasingly popular in motorhomes because they:

• Are easy to use — especially in slow-moving traffic and when manoeuvring
  
  

• Often improve fuel economy
  
  

• Can enhance the resale value.

When deciding which transmission is best for you, consider your preference and the driving conditions you’ll commonly encounter.

Get to know the Fiat Ducato Series 8 motorhome platform.

Layout

The layout of any recreational vehicle is a key aspect that determines whether the interior feels spacious.

Motorhome layout is crucial for comfort and functionality. It dictates how you'll use the space and how many people can travel comfortably. When evaluating the layout of various RVs, weigh up:

• Length — which commonly ranges between six and seven and a half metres, with some motorhomes up to nine metres long
  
  

• Sleeping — how many people will regularly travel, and the kind of sleeping arrangements they require
  
  

• The living area — what you need to relax or socialise, and how the space flows with the rest of the interior
  
  

• The bathroom — including whether you need separate toilet and shower areas, dry space and storage
  
  

• Your cooking habits — with regards to what the kitchen offers, such as a fridge, oven, storage and bench space
  
  

• Garage space — find out how much gear you can stow and the maximum load of the motorhome garage.

By carefully assessing these factors and asking the right questions, you’ll choose a motorhome layout that ideally fits your travel style.

Check out our RV buyers’ guide to motorhome lengths, layouts and floor plans.

Interior fit out

A motorhome’s interior fit out is where design and functionality merge to create your dream vacation space. After establishing your ideal size and layout, the interior's quality and features will significantly impact your level of comfort and enjoyment.

Interior fit outs vary widely — from basic and functional to luxurious and stylish. Consider your budget, travel style and how much time you'll spend inside the motorhome to determine the right fit out for you.

Modern RV fit out trends

In today’s world of trying to find any competitive advantage, the modern motorhome fit out can be a real selling point from a manufacturer’s point of view. However, as a buyer, you’ll want to be looking for:

• Lightweight and sustainable materials — with less overall weight as the main benefit, be sure that strength and durability aren’t compromised
  
  

• Integrated smart technology — which lets you control heating and lighting while monitoring water and power usage from a control panel or mobile app
  
  

• Adaptability — convertible furniture, adjustable tables and clever design solutions can help maximise the internal space.

Ensure you open and close all storage areas to assess how well they’ll hold items on the road.

Look at how easily the lounge seats convert into seatbelt-equipped travel seats. Is this a process you can successfully repeat over a long period of ownership without wear and tear?

Beds and bed layouts

A restful night's sleep is essential for enjoying your motorhome adventures. Beds and sleeping arrangements are a top priority for most RV buyers. Contemporary motorhomes offer a variety of bed types and layouts — each with advantages and disadvantages.

As you shop around, the beds you’ll come across include the:

• Fixed bed — usually oriented north-south inside the RV, fixed beds are permanently made up with slatted bases and high-quality mattresses, offering superior comfort but taking up precious space
  
  

• Island bed — a version of a fixed bed that’s easily accessible from both sides
  
  

• Drop down bed — manually or electronically comes down from the ceiling, which saves space but can have limited headroom
  
  

• Transverse bed — another type of fixed bed that’s oriented across the width of the RV
  
  

• Converted bed — where the lounge space converts into a bed at night, offering flexibility but taking time to set up and being less comfortable than a fixed bed
  
  

• Bunk beds — found in some larger recreational vehicles, they’re ideal for younger families.

Test different bed types and layouts before deciding what works best for you. Think carefully about comfort and good support, the ease of preparing for bed, space during the daytime and the quality of the mattress.

Read our RV buyers’ guide to motorhome bed types and layouts.

The kitchen

A well-designed and functional kitchen can significantly enhance your motorhoming experience. Check whether your prospective motorhome has all the kitchen essentials you need, such as a:

• Gas cooktop — with at least two or three hobs
  
  

• Fridge — which could be a compressor or absorption type with or without a freezer
  
  

• Sink — with a functional tap and, ideally, a cover to increase bench space when not in use
  
  

• Benchtop — one that’s durable and easy to clean after preparing meals. 

Also, note how much storage space is available and how simply items can be accessed from the kitchen’s cupboards and drawers. Look into whether the RV’s kitchen storage primarily consists of drawers that are easily accessible and offer maximum capacity or more cavernous cupboards where your items can roll around.

Take a look at our RV buyers’ guide to motorhome kitchens.

Bathroom areas

One of the most essential parts of any motorhome is the bathroom. Its design and features can significantly impact your comfort and convenience while travelling.

The layout of a motorhome bathroom is usually either:

• Separate — in which case the toilet is in a different area to the shower
  
  

• Combined — where the shower and toilet are in the same space.

Separate shower and toilet areas allow you to keep the toilet space dry, whereas a combined bathroom is often a wet room. However, if the motorhome has a clever bathroom swivel wall, you can keep the space around the toilet dry when the shower’s in use.

Observe the other key features in the motorhome bathroom, such as good ventilation, sufficient lighting, adequate storage and quality fixtures and fittings.

See our RV buyers’ guide to motorhome bathrooms and toilets.

Storage space

Modern motorhome designers are increasingly innovative in maximising storage space — utilising every nook and cranny to provide ample storage options. Functional storage spaces become vital components of motorhome touring for storing some comforts of home.

When evaluating the internal storage space of a prospective RV, look out for:

• Overhead lockers — above the living and sleeping areas
  
  

• Underbed storage — like drawers or compartments that utilise the space well
  
  

• Wardrobes and closets — which provide hanging areas for your clothing
  
  

• Kitchen cupboards, drawers and pantries — for food supplies and cookware
  
  

• Bathroom cabinets and shelves — for toiletries and your other bathroom essentials.

If your RV features a rear garage, check how usable and convenient it is. For instance, does it have multiple access doors? Are there fixing points to secure your large outdoor toys while driving?

Storage solutions designed for easy access, efficient organisation and practical use will go a long way toward a clutter-free, easy-to-live-in motorhome.

Check out our guide on maximising storage space inside your motorhome.

Light, heating and ventilation

Without enough lighting, heat or airflow inside your motorhome, it can become a rather unpleasant place to hang out.

Light

Lighting plays a vital role in creating a relaxing and enjoyable RV living space. It influences the ambience, makes tasks easier and even impacts your quality of sleep.

Excellent motorhome designs aim to maximise the use of natural light — by utilising windows and skylights during the day to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

When evaluating a prospective recreational vehicle, closely assess the size and placement of each window. Larger windows and strategically placed skylights can greatly affect the amount of natural light that enters the interior.

Look for power-saving LED lighting that fully illuminates the cabin with the flexibility of dimmer switches and movable lamp locations. LEDs use less power than traditional bulbs — which is essential for conserving the life of your house battery.

Expect to find ambient lighting for the living space and task lighting to help with specific undertakings like reading or cooking. Night lights, which offer subtle illumination, may also be present.

When inspecting a motorhome’s artificial lighting, focus on the key considerations of functionality, placement, brightness and energy efficiency.

Find out more about motorhome lighting.

Heating

When the colder months roll in or an unseasonal cold front approaches, you’ll want a recreational vehicle with reliable and effective heating to keep you warm and cosy.

It’s vital to effectively retain whatever heat you create inside your RV. European-designed motorhomes offer excellent insulation and heating as they’ve been designed for much harsher winter conditions than you normally experience in New Zealand.

Insulation, a heating system and ventilation are the three key ingredients for effectively heating a motorhome, so look for:

• High-quality insulation in the walls, floor and roof — plus double-glazed windows
  
  

• An electric-powered heating system — that also runs on gas or diesel when off-grid
  
  

• Warm air vents — strategically placed around the motorhome to blow the heat where it needs to go.

Discover more about motorhome heating.

Ventilation

Ventilation helps to control moisture, regulate temperature and ensure fresh air circulation — all essential for maintaining a healthy and comfy motorhome environment.

Cooking, showering and even breathing generate moisture inside recreational vehicles. Without adequate ventilation, this moisture can lead to condensation, dampness and, eventually, the growth of mould.

You’ll want to ensure any prospective motorhome has enough vents and windows for adequate ventilation. The two main areas of concern are the bathroom and kitchen — which are prone to moisture buildup.

The placement and size of windows and vents can improve natural ventilation. For instance, an extractor fan in the kitchen can better remove cooking fumes and steam. Similarly, a roof vent in the shower will help expel moisture.

Assess whether the motorhome has good airflow throughout when windows and vents are opened in different areas.

Learn more about motorhome ventilation.

Quality

Quality speaks volumes about a motorhome's longevity and reliability. Rather than just admiring the aesthetics, delving into construction and materials is crucial. A well-built motorhome will withstand the rigours of travel and provide years of enjoyment.

Key indicators of quality include:

• How streamlined the body panels are connected — on both the interior and exterior of the motorhome
  
  

• The types of materials used — and whether the manufacturer is certified to an international standard 
  
  

• A comprehensive warranty — showing that the motorhome manufacturer is willing to stand behind the quality of their work.

Checking for quality construction will help you avoid problems down the road. To help you determine whether your motorhome’s been built with longevity and safety in mind, run through a few checks. Look out for:

• Straight furniture and fittings that are securely attached to the sidewalls
  
  

• Gaps that haven’t been covered with silicone sealant
  
  

• How carefully the fittings and wiring have been done.

Poor alignment and gaping between different parts of your prospective motorhome can be a sure sign of a careless build. If you find signs of a poor-quality build while inspecting the surface, consider what issues may be present in the unseen parts of the RV.

Power and water

Power and water systems are the lifelines of recreational vehicles — and the life-extenders when you’re freedom camping off-grid.

Your level of touring comfort will be closely aligned with how well and for how long your power and water systems can provide those essential services. To make an informed purchasing decision, it’s important to understand these systems and their components.

Power systems

Most motorhomes in New Zealand typically use a combo of:

• 240V AC power — by connecting to mains power at commercial campgrounds, you’ll be able to access this standard household power supply
  
  

• 12V DC power — your prospective motorhome’s house battery supplies 12V power to USB ports, LED lights and even your fridge when you’re off-the-grid
  
  

• An inverter — which converts 12V power into 240V so you can charge your laptop or phone or use appliances while freedom camping
  
  

• Solar power — may be installed on the motorhome roof to generate electricity and recharge your house battery from the sun’s rays while you’re off-grid.

Choose a motorhome with enough house battery capacity for your power needs. Consider whether an onboard inverter will be useful and if you need solar panels to camp remotely for longer. Also, check that there are enough power outlets in the places where you need them.

Take a look at our blog about powering your motorhome with 12V batteries.

Water systems

When evaluating a motorhome’s water system, the primary consideration is whether there’s enough capacity for your planned activities.

You don’t want to carry too much water because it will add extra weight to your RV’s payload. However, holding too little water may mean you’re unable to freedom camp for as long as you want.

Look closely at whether water-saving fixtures like low-flow showerheads and taps have been installed.

Technology and appliances

The reality of modern motorhoming is one where appliances and technology seamlessly integrate — to create a comfortable and connected experience on the road.

Smart technology lets you control various motorhome functions like lighting, heating and appliances from a control panel or mobile app. Some appliances to look for include:

• A cooktop — consider the size and ensure it has at least two or three burners
  
  

• An oven — if you enjoy baking or roasting while on holiday
  
  

• A fridge freezer — check the size, type and energy efficiency rating

• Microwave — not a necessity and takes up valuable space but can be handy if you prefer to heat up premade meals on the road
  
  

• Entertainment — like onboard WiFi, a TV and even an integrated surround sound system, which is more common in high-end RVs.

Also, check whether your prospective motorhome has useful technology features like a reversing camera, an alarm system and GPS navigation.

Find out about the safety features and technology of German motorhomes.

Ownership costs that can affect your motorhome choice

Your budget will likely influence which type of recreational vehicle you choose, but the ongoing expenses of motorhome ownership must also be considered. The initial purchase price is only part of the story — running costs like fuel, maintenance and insurance can be significant over time.

Insurance

Insurance premiums can ramp up significantly if you’re looking at higher-end motorhomes, such as those with integrated body shapes. However, a specific motorhome's features and value can also push this cost up — not just the RV type.

Registration and licensing

For lighter campervans and many semi-integrated motorhomes, you can expect relatively lower vehicle registration and warrant of fitness (WoF) fees. If the motorhome's GVM is equal to or under 3,500kg, the WoF and registration fees will be cheaper.

For motorhomes over 3,500kg, like many integrated and cabover types, you’ll have to pay a higher registration fee because the RV will need a certificate of fitness (CoF).

Learn more in our guide to motorhome warrants and certificates of fitness.

Maintenance and servicing

In general, campervans have simpler mechanical systems and fewer appliances onboard. This often translates into lower maintenance and servicing costs.

For semi-integrated motorhomes, the base vehicle and the complexity of onboard systems can dictate servicing costs. Fully integrated and cabover motorhomes may have more complex systems — leading to higher maintenance and repair costs.

Fuel

Lighter RVs with smaller engines usually have more efficient fuel economy — saving you money at the pump. Many motorhomes run on diesel, which is still the cheapest fuel in New Zealand.

The aerodynamics of the recreational vehicle also plays a role in minimising fuel consumption.

Depreciation

A higher initial purchase price often means greater depreciation in the earlier years of RV ownership. However, if you purchase a popular brand or model of campervan or motorhome, its resale value may hold up firmly in the market.

Storage

Storage costs can depend on space and, therefore, the size of your RV. You may be able to store a smaller campervan at home for no cost, whereas a larger integrated motorhome may require a significant off-site storage expense.

Camping

Other ownership costs include securing annual DOC passes and New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) membership — neither are necessary, but they greatly enhance the mobile lifestyle.

The more well-equipped and spacious the motorhome, the less likely its owners will use commercial campgrounds, eliminating a significant cost when touring. Buying a new vehicle with a warranty may also reduce your cost of ownership and help maintain resale value — as the remainder of the warranty period can be transferred to the new owner. 

Learn more about the costs of buying and owning a motorhome.

Top ten motorhome buying tips

We've listed our top ten motorhome buying tips to help you make a more knowledgeable and confident decision.

1. Always check the motorhome's roof to ensure it's in good condition.
   
   

2. Inspect windscreen labels — to check when registration, warrant and the various certificates expire.
   
   

3. Get the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to find out when the van platform (chassis) was made.
   
   

4. Check the engine bay — to see whether it’s clean and if the fluid reservoirs are at their required levels.
   
   

5. Look for any stone chips or other damage in the paint and bodywork.
   
   

6. Ask to see the results of the last water ingress check or water tightness test conducted on the motorhome.
   
   

7. Check that the fitted tyres are suited to your likely use of the motorhome.
   
   

8. Use a tyre gauge to check tyre pressures.
   
   

9. Ensure any fitted bike racks, tow bars, awnings and solar panels are secure.
   
   

10. Inspect the service records — if you’re buying a secondhand or ex-rental motorhome.

Check out our ten common mistakes to avoid when buying a motorhome.

Purchasing your motorhome

After narrowing your search to a couple of motorhomes, it’s vitally important to take them on test drives — involving both urban driving and motorways. Discuss the length of your test drive and where you plan to go with the RV dealer.

If you’re buying a used RV, insist on a complete technical inspection by an independent expert. This is to ensure that your chosen motorhome is in a serviceable condition. If everything checks out, let the negotiations begin.

Use any faults and flaws identified by the test drive or inspection as bargaining leverage to push for a better deal with the motorhome seller.

Don’t sign the sale and purchase agreement until you’re completely satisfied with the deal and any finance arrangement you’re entertaining. Be sure you completely understand the terms and conditions of the contract and any warranties.

When the deal is done, it’s time for the handover. This should take about an hour or two and cover every aspect of operating your new motorhome.

See our top ten questions to ask dealers when buying a motorhome in NZ.

Use our cost of ownership calculator to figure out how much it’ll cost you to own a motorhome in New Zealand.