Resources

Gearing up to buy your first motorhome or upgrading to your next one? Perhaps you’re just keen to see the latest gadgets and RV must-haves — in which case, a motorhome show can be the perfect place to check it all out. 

Held across New Zealand throughout the year, these events bring together everything from the newest motorhome models to expert advice and exclusive show specials.

Motorhome shows also offer the chance to connect with New Zealand’s passionate RV community — a group always ready to share stories, advice and inspiration. Many shows include informative seminars, where you can learn from industry experts about motorhome maintenance and planning unforgettable road trips.

In this helpful guide, we walk you through all you need to know about motorhome shows in NZ. From the top events across the country to tips on planning your visit and making the most of the show day to who may not be attending, we have you covered.

Does it feel like the right time to own a motorhome, but your savings aren’t quite where they need to be?

Perhaps you’re expecting a future windfall through a property sale or inheritance. Maybe you’re thinking about a lifestyle change to travel for an extended period of time. Or you may be a first-time buyer needing additional funding to cover the full cost of your dream RV.

Purchasing a motorhome is unquestionably a significant investment. However, there's a way to get the model you want sooner than you think — by buying it on finance.

After a long drive in the summer heat, there’s arguably nothing worse than arriving at your freedom camping spot to find a fridge stocked with warm beer. 

One of the greatest joys of living the motorhome lifestyle is the convenience of having everything you need at hand — including a couple of cold ones to relax at your destination.

In this fun blog, we offer advice on preparing and optimising your fridge for travel. We also discuss how to prevent your beer from getting warm and manage power to keep your fridge working well. Plus, we look at keeping your fridge cold when freedom camping off-grid.

Motorhoming allows you to be spontaneous, set your own schedule, and travel New Zealand on your own terms. The key to success, however, is ensuring you invest in a motorhome that's best suited to your individual requirements.

In this blog, we look closely at some common mistakes to steer clear of — like insisting on a separate bathroom, planning for part-time passengers and underestimating storage needs.

Natural renewable energy sources like wind, water flow, geothermal steam and tidal surges can all be harnessed and extracted efficiently — with the right technology.

However, the sun is the most suitable renewable for keeping the habitation battery in your motorhome charged because the infrastructure is affordable enough. Even fitting the most basic solar panel system to your motorhome will help lower your overall cost of ownership — so you can freedom camp for longer and reduce your overall camping spend.

In this blog, we examine how solar systems work, the types of solar panels available and the many benefits of owning a motorhome with a solar system. We also discuss the affordability of solar panels, the risks of installation and whether solar power is right for you.

Imagine navigating winding gravel roads to wake up to breathtaking views in remote corners of New Zealand. A four wheel drive motorhome opens up access to these incredible experiences but not to the same degree as a Toyota Landcruiser — so will it truly be worth your investment?

In this article, we assess the different kinds of motorhome drivetrains and their benefits. Plus, we discuss whether four wheel drive and all wheel drive motorhomes are the same.

We also examine the costs and practicalities of owning a four wheel drive, why you might buy one and the importance of choosing a motorhome that fits your lifestyle.

Freedom camping is one of the most peaceful experiences you can have while owning a recreational vehicle. But if you want to camp away from commercial campgrounds, your motorhome almost always needs to be a certified self-contained vehicle.

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about certified self-containment, including the current standard and most recent amendments to the regulations. We also look at the different types of self-contained certification, how to get your motorhome certified and share some maintenance tips and checks to help your RV stay compliant.

Some friendly RV salespeople prefer to paint pictures of you watching the sunset by your new vehicle, holding a refreshing beverage — rather than tell you about the challenges of motorhome ownership.

It’s important to take your time gathering the information you need and gaining a clearer view of motorhome life before signing the paperwork and taking off on your adventures.

In this entertaining and informative blog, we reveal our top ten questions to ask a motorhome dealer before parting ways with your hard-earned cash. Find out how much work a motorhome lifestyle requires, when the RV last had a water tightness test and whether you can check the roof.

Carado has shattered the notion that quality comes at a premium — and has become the market leader and best-selling motorhome manufacturer across continental Europe.

The brand’s motorhomes go to market at more affordable prices yet retain the German heritage and exceptional quality associated with the Erwin Hymer Group (EHG). This combo of value, engineering expertise and Teutonic designa style often associated with German design principles and aesthetics has made Carado a favourite choice for many private buyers and rental companies alike.

In this blog, we discuss why Carado is your best motorhome choice if you’re a budget-conscious buyer. We look at its competitive pricing, value for money, emphasis on essential features, practical design choices, long term value, after sales warranties and support, upgrade opportunities and awards.