Buyers' Guide

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.

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.

Remember being told when you were younger that buying a secondhand car with high mileage was a bad idea? That may still be the case for pre-owned cars — but it doesn’t ring true for used motorhomes.

A recreational vehicle with a few miles on the clock can actually be a smart investment. In this blog, we explain how — by discussing what’s considered to be a high mileage motorhome, the advantages of buying one and the challenges of owning one.

We also look at factors that will mitigate your high mileage concerns, what to consider when evaluating and inspecting a high mileage RV — and how to finance one. Finally, we offer some tips when browsing used motorhomes with high mileage.

Let’s flip the script and uncover some myth busting truths about high mileage motorhomes that may save you a bundle and get you on the fast road to camping freedom.

As the point of contact between the road surface and your motorhome driving along it, tyres are the very foundation of vehicle safety. Although highly durable, they’ll need replacing at regular intervals during the lifetime of your RV.

But which tyres should you choose for your motorhome when the original factory ones wear out?

In this blog, we discuss when to replace your motorhome tyres and what to consider when choosing new ones. We also highlight some essential tips about tyre codes, load indices, tyre load capacity and speed ratings — to help you select the appropriate tyres for your motorhome.

French automotive magnate, André Citroën, was a man always on the lookout for a better way to make cars. Back in 1933, he asked his engineers to investigate what was then considered a radical concept — front wheel drive.

Their report came back highly positive, citing reduced manufacturing costs, more efficient use of space, greater freedom of design and better handling through a lower centre of gravity.

The purchase of a new (or new to you) motorhome is an exciting time, and nobody wants to get it wrong. To help you avoid the pitfalls, Motorhomes, Caravans and Destinations magazine has compiled a list of things to consider when buying your perfect home on the road.

Whether you’re a food traveller looking for local ingredients or an adventurer needing quick meals to fuel your outdoor experiences, the kitchen is where magic happens — it’s the soul of your motorhome.

In this guide, we review the most functional kitchen layouts, assess which appliances work best in a motorhome kitchen, discuss kitchen storage space and look at kitchen lighting.

Like other vehicles on the road, motorhomes and campervans are affected by depreciation. It’s often referred to as the hidden cost of ownership.

Depreciation isn’t always accounted for when looking at the initial purchase price of an RV. This can lead to financial surprises down the road, especially if you’re not prepared for the decrease in value.

In this guide, we look at what motorhome depreciation is, how it impacts total cost, what factors affect it, how to calculate it and how to minimise it.

The real estate industry lives or dies by the maxim location, location, location — while motorhome owners tend to have their own mantra of accessorise, accessorise, accessorise.