Blog

Finding the right motorhome for your adventures can be tricky with all the different brands, specifications, features and layouts to choose from. In this article we’re touching on German vs New Zealand made motorhomes and taking a closer look at some of their key differences.

Europe is the world’s biggest market for motorhomes, but not every European motorhome is made to the same high standards. Within Europe, several German brands have built a global reputation for innovative design and exceptional comfort and reliability. The Erwin Hymer Group alone accounted for 26% of motorhome and caravan sales in Europe in 2019/20. They’re proven market leaders with a host of industry awards under their belt. Their brands Carado, Bürstner and HYMER are for sale in New Zealand at Wilderness. 



New Zealand manufacturers primarily produce motorhomes for the rental market, but there are several companies, such as TrailLite and the ALM Group, that make off-the-shelf motorhomes for the retail market. In addition to supplying its rental brands, Action Motorhomes also builds for the retail market. TrailLite has been in business for over 60 years and Action Motorhomes can draw on over 70 years of experience. 

Here’s what you need to know to work out whether a German or New Zealand made motorhome better suits your lifestyle. 

There are few topics that get motorhomers more animated than the question of whether owning a motorhome with an offside habitation door is a good idea or not. When European motorhomes were first imported into New Zealand around 2010, many motorhomers were concerned that having the habitation door on the offside was an accident waiting to happen. More than ten years later, these motorhomes are now mainstream and the safety concerns seem to have lessened.

In this article, we take a look at why motorhomes with offside doors are imported, address the safety and legality issues and weigh up the pros and cons of an offside entry door.

Motorhome ownership gives you the fantastic opportunity to take to the road any time. Understanding motorhome weight and its implications is key to ensuring that each motorhome trip you take is as safe as it is enjoyable.

We’ve noticed that most first time buyers rarely consider motorhome weight. In our experience, their focus is on the layout and the more superficial aspects of the vehicle. However, buyers that return to purchase their second or third motorhome almost always have thought about the factors that influence how they can use their motorhome including weight. That’s usually because they have discovered that their first motorhome didn’t have sufficient payload to carry all the extras that they want to take with them.

We’ve created this article to help you understand why motorhome weight matters and how you can enjoy your motorhome while keeping its weight under the legal limits. In this article, we’ll explain weight terminology, help you understand how to factor weight into your motorhome purchase decision, give you tips on how to avoid overloading your motorhome, and show you how to increase your payload or carrying capacity.

Deciding to buy an RV is the first step towards a life of exciting adventures and freedom on the road. Many factors will influence the price of a motorhome and it’s important to understand these

For many motorhome buyers, checking warranty cover is at the bottom of the checklist after details like engine, chassis, or interior touches. 

Bürstner’s Lyseo Harmony Line picked up another win at the 2020 German Innovation Awards - fitting recognition for a motorhome manufacturer whose innovation has led the pack for decades.

Looking for your first motorhome or want to upgrade? Come and see SmartRV’s exclusive range of value brand Carado, popular Bürstner and premium HYMER vehicles at the Covi SuperShow in Auckland in March.

A week touring New Zealand in our Carado T449 sold iMotorhome reviewer Richard Robertson on intelligent European design philosophy and dismantled many preconceptions he had about layout, kitchens and right-side entry doors.

Motorhome writer Malcolm Street finds the new Bürstner Lyseo IT745 offers a clever combination of extra living space during the day and superb comfort at night.

Want complete isolation? Try remote Anatori Beach on the West Coast near the very top of the South Island. Fancy the bright lights of the big city? Park your motorhome in the very heart of Auckland city, close to the harbour bridge and under the lights of the Sky Tower, and walk to a multiple of options for drinks and dinner.

Exceptional quality and comfort meet adventure in the new HYMER 4x4, available from Wilderness.

Finding joy on the road in your home-away-from-home isn’t an experience all motorhomes can provide. But one brand certainly can — Bürstner.

Working out which motorhome to purchase may involve some trade-offs and compromises. But if the overall experience is right then you’ll be able to love and enjoy it for years to come.