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.
Reputable RV salespeople will provide a thorough handover tour of your newly acquired motorhome or campervan and all its systems. Others may cast your fate to the wind, leaving you with a stack of manuals to figure it all out — or worse, having to fend for yourself without a manual.
Here, we guide you through some essential queries to put to your motorhome dealer.
1. How much work is there with a motorhome lifestyle?
It’s rarely discussed when thinking about owning a recreational vehicle, but it’s important to understand the work involved with living a motorhome lifestyle. This is especially beneficial if you’re a first time RV buyer. Finding any opportunities to try before you buy will give you better insights into the motorhome lifestyle.
Pre-road trip work
Some weeks leading up to your next road trip adventure, it’s crucial to check that you’re meeting all required compliance, such as:
- An up-to-date vehicle registration
- A warrant of fitness (WoF) or certificate of fitness (CoF)
- Paid road user charges (RUC)
- A current self-contained certificate
- An electrical warrant of fitness (eWoF) that meets current standards.
Then, allow at least half a day to fully prepare your motorhome before heading on tour. This will give you time to:
- Pack your clothing, food and outdoor gear
- Refill the gas bottles
- Inspect the air pressure in your motorhome’s tyres
- Check the engine oil, coolant and windscreen washing fluids.
If you purchase a relatively new model diesel motorhome, it’ll likely comply with Euro6 emission standards — so make sure the AdBlue tank is topped up.
Check your motorhome insurance isn’t outdated and that the policy will cover everything you expect it to. It’s also time to reactivate your motorhome’s WiFi plan if it's on hold.
Before hitting the road, ensure the power cable is disconnected and stored away — and that your motorhome’s gas bottles are turned off and secured.
For more pre-touring tasks, read our blogs on getting your motorhome ready for summer and preparing your recreational vehicle for a winter road trip.
Work during your road trip
Between setting up camp at one location and packing up to move on to the next, some vital tasks need to be done, like:
- Draining your grey water tank and topping up your fresh water one
- Emptying the wastewater container
- Sourcing extra gas if you run low
- Monitoring the energy storage of your motorhome’s domestic batteries.
Your motorhome’s awning may also need to be deployed upon arrival at a campground — and then packed away again before leaving. Likewise, if you carry outdoor furniture and a barbecue, those items will need to be set up and stowed away.
Learn more about monitoring your motorhome while on the road.
Post-road trip work
Plan a free half day upon returning from your road tour, as some essential jobs to complete include:
- Cleaning the interior and exterior of your motorhome
- Emptying the grey water and wastewater tanks
- Draining your fresh water tank
- Disposing of rubbish and any perishable food items
- Removing your clothing, non-perishable food and outdoor gear from the motorhome — and placing it in storage for your next trip.
Find out how to spring clean a motorhome in preparation for your next tour to the most beautiful parts of New Zealand.
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For some people, the chores of motorhome ownership become an obstacle that prevents them from using the vehicle to its full potential. The RV often sits in the driveway at home instead of regularly taking its owners on highly enjoyable holidays.
Maintain a baseline level of readiness by permanently storing some essentials in your motorhome — and have a manageable checklist to work through prior to each road trip.
Paul Owen — Award-winning motoring journalist |
2. Is the motorhome roadworthy?
When you reach the point of purchasing and preparing for your first journey, you’ll want to think of the freedom and excitement ahead — not be concerned about potential issues or breakdowns.
Knowing your prospective motorhome’s roadworthiness is critical before you decide to buy. Scrutinise the RV dealer with safety questions that need to be answered, such as:
- Has a certified technician recently passed a motorhome WoF or CoF inspection?
- Have there been any structural or mechanical repairs from accidents — and do you have any documentation related to these events?
- Do you have a documented service history to show that any balance of the motorhome’s original warranty is still valid?
- Are there any known issues with this particular make or model?
A test drive is essential for fully assessing if the motorhome is in a serviceable condition and whether you can form a personal bond with it. You may even wish to have your own mechanic independently inspect the motorhome. Simply ask the dealer if this is possible.
3. Can you run out of essential supplies in this model?
One of the joys of motorhome travel is the ability to explore off-the-beaten-track. However, venturing into isolated areas requires careful planning and the ability to be self-sufficient. Be sure to ask the dealer how long you can comfortably live in your prospective motorhome while off the grid.
Some RVs are simply designed for freedom camping. They have gas-powered central heating, solar panels and larger water and waste tanks. Others, not so much — like campervans without gas that must be plugged into mains power to turn on a fan heater.
It’s quite likely you’ll run out of a necessity at some point in your motorhome adventures, such as:
- Gas — by using the heater a lot over the winter months, taking long showers and cooking for relatively long periods
- Water — through heavy usage showering, cooking, washing dishes and flushing the toilet
- Battery power — by way of leaving lights on and keeping appliances like the TV on.
Consider whether you need room in your chosen motorhome for a spare gas bottle, water tank or battery to help you camp off the grid for long periods.
Ask the dealer if this motorhome comes with a starter pack with essential supplies for freedom camping, such as fresh water and grey water hoses.
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Tips for conserving your essential motorhome supplies
To prolong your gas supply while off-the-grid, ensure the motorhome you buy is well-insulated and has appliances with low gas consumption ratings. Wearing warm clothes inside your RV will also reduce your need for heating.
To conserve water when freedom camping, monitor your fresh water tank closely so you know how much is being used. Taking short showers like Navy showers where you get wet, turn off the water, soap and then rinse quickly will help your supply last longer.
To preserve battery power while camping remotely, prioritise essential appliances and ensure your motorhome has energy-efficient LED lighting. Consider purchasing a motorhome with a factory-fitted solar panel for extra power capacity.
Find out about buying used motorhomes with solar panels. |
4. Have all the appliances and interior systems recently been tested?
Purchasing a new or used motorhome is a significant investment. You’ll want to be sure everything is working fine. By asking the right questions about the RV’s appliances and interior systems, you’ll gain the peace of mind and confidence to buy.
Enquire how well each appliance and system in the motorhome is currently working — then insist on a demonstration of each item. Also:
- Check all the lights as you move through the recreational vehicle
- Query when the gas and electrical systems were last certified by a qualified professional
- Ask for any records of RV appliance checks done inside the motorhome.
Common problems like fridge malfunctions and water heating issues are things you’ll want to find out about pre-purchase.
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Don’t accept a simple yes from the salesperson to this question. Ask to be shown how each appliance, including the water and cabin heating, works — it’ll also help the familiarisation process should you buy the motorhome.
Check that every 12 volt (V) power outlet works when the motorhome doesn’t have a 240V power supply — and that every 240V socket works when it does.
Paul Owen |
Check out our guide to 12V battery power in motorhomes.
5. Is there warranty cover if something breaks?
A comprehensive motorhome warranty and support will give you invaluable peace of mind and protection against unexpected repair bills.
Before driving off in your new motorhome, know precisely what's covered — and for how long. Warranties vary in the length of coverage they provide according to the conditions of individual manufacturers. For instance, your motorhome’s:
- Vehicle platform is covered by the warranty of the automotive manufacturer who supplied it
- Fit-out and installed domestic appliances are usually covered by the motorhome company that built the rest of the RV.
When you have the opportunity to discuss warranties and guarantees with the RV dealer, ask questions like:
- What warranty do you offer, what does it cover, and for how long?
- What kind of warranty or guarantee exists for the motorhome’s mechanical condition?
- Is damage from water ingress covered — and under what conditions?
- What kind of after sales support do you provide?
- Is there an option to extend the warranty period?
- Are there any exclusions or limitations to the warranty coverage?
- What is the process for making a warranty claim?
Discover more about the warranties and guarantees of some European motorhomes in New Zealand.
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Some motorhome dealers also offer roadside assistance if anything goes wrong, so check with the salesperson to see if this applies.
Paul Owen |
6. Will parts be readily available?
When buying a motorhome in New Zealand, it’s crucial to consider the availability of parts. Your motorhome will probably be a long term investment, so you’ll want to be sure it's easy to maintain and promises longevity.
Try to understand how easy or difficult it may be to get parts from the dealer or motorhome manufacturer. By considering parts availability upfront, you can save yourself headaches and expenses down the road.
If the motorhome dealership has a workshop attached to it, ask to speak to a technician about the supply of parts for your prospective motorhome.
On the other hand, if the dealership doesn’t have a workshop, contact some local RV repair firms. Check whether they can easily access parts to fix the specific brand and model you’re considering.
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A recreational vehicle has to endure tough conditions throughout its lifetime. Driving a motorhome down a bumpy country road in heavy rain at highway speed is possibly like your house being shaken by an earthquake and hit by a hurricane simultaneously.
Having parts available in a timely manner is imperative.
Paul Owen |
7. Is the motorhome certified as being self-contained?
Motorhomes aren’t all created equal when it comes to freedom camping. To ensure your motorhome complies with the regulations, it must be certified self-contained.
Travelling to remote locations in a certified self-contained RV means you can legally freedom camp in designated spots because it will meet all the safety and compliance standards for freedom camping in NZ.
If the dealer confirms that your prospective motorhome has self-contained certification, ask to see the sticker and documentation. Also, query whether it meets the latest changes to the standard.
For an overview of the 2023 amendments, see these freedom camping changes from the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE).
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Motorhomes are more than houses on wheels — they’re entirely self-contained without an umbilical cord connected to local council services.
It sounds great if you have an aversion to paying rates, but you’ll have to develop an intimate relationship with all the systems of any RV you’re thinking about purchasing. There will be times when that knowledge will be vital.
Paul Owen |
8. What RV financing options are there?
Before you undertake a motorhome purchase on finance, it's crucial to understand how it will affect your finances over the time it takes to pay it off. Ask the dealer about their finance plans and ensure you're comfortable with their terms and conditions.
A few other queries around finance you may want to ask are:
- Can I get pre-approved for finance before choosing a motorhome?
- What are the interest rates and repayment terms?
- Is there a minimum deposit required?
- Are there any fees or charges associated with the finance plan?
- What are the options for early repayment or refinancing?
If you show interest in paying for the motorhome on finance, enquire if the dealer is willing to negotiate on price. They may be motivated by:
- Greater potential profit — interest rate markups and paying off the RV over time can increase the dealer’s overall profit on the sale
- A committed buyer — asking about financing options will signal to the dealer that you’re serious about purchasing a motorhome, adding another incentive to reach a deal
- Additional opportunities to upsell — financing can open the door for the dealer to offer add-ons like an extended warranty to increase the profit margin
- A faster sales process — as the dealer handles the finance paperwork and approval.
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Paying off a motorhome while using it is a great way to access the lifestyle at an earlier age than saving to buy one outright.
Meanwhile, before purchasing the motorhome, ensure that the salesperson has informed you of any pre-delivery costs, including registration and dealer preparation charges.
Paul Owen |
9. When did the motorhome last have a water tightness test?
Water damage inside your motorhome can lead to costly repairs, disrupt your upcoming travel plans and reduce the vehicle’s potential resale value.
A reputable dealer will be proactive about moisture prevention and provide you with a record of recent tests. This demonstrates the dealer’s commitment to selling motorhomes in excellent condition.
You can enquire about water tightness testing by asking questions like:
- When was the last time this motorhome had a water tightness test?
- Do you have the results of the cabin moisture test?
- Did a qualified technician conduct the test?
- Were there any areas of concern identified in the water tightness test?
If problem areas were identified, ask what steps were taken to address those moisture issues. Also, find out how frequently you need to have a water tightness test conducted — to keep the motorhome’s warranty valid. Do some research to compare water tightness warranties of the brands you’re considering.
To learn more about water ingress in motorhomes, how it occurs and what areas to look closely at, read our blog about how to prevent motorhome water damage.
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Regular cabin moisture tests by a certified technician are a requirement of motorhome warranties. They involve the use of ultra-sensitive equipment that can detect the presence of moisture underneath what look like dry surfaces. Always ask to see the latest test report.
Paul Owen |
10. Can you show me the roof?
Maintaining your motorhome’s roof is critical for preventing leaks and ensuring the vehicle’s longevity. Water readily pools on motorhome roofs because they’re flat and generally lack guttering — making them more susceptible to water damage over time.
Therefore, becoming familiar with your prospective motorhome’s roof is vitally important, especially if it’s a secondhand model. Start by asking the dealer some questions about its current condition, such as:
- Can you talk about the motorhome roof and have it inspected for any signs of damage?
- Has the roof recently been resealed, and if so, when — and what type of sealant was used?
- Do you know about any issues with the roof of this particular model?
- Are there any specific cleaning or care instructions for this motorhome roof?
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You may be afraid of heights, but it’s still worth asking the salesperson for a way to inspect the motorhome's roof closely. This area receives the least attention during motorhome grooming — and is most likely to be the source of any water ingress problems.
A good dealership should be able to provide a safe method of getting up there for a closer look.
Paul Owen |
Receiving valid answers to these ten dealer questions when buying an RV will help ensure that your chosen motorhome better meets your expectations and has a long life.
If you have any questions about a motorhome for sale on Wilderness, get in contact with our sales team for honest, upfront answers.
