Choosing a Motorhome

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

With the excitement of purchasing a recreational vehicle on the horizon, a choice between buying brand new, used or a premium ex-rental often emerges. Ex-rental motorhomes can be a compelling option but are they value for money?

In this blog, we explore the advantages of buying a premium ex-rental motorhome, like affordability, after sales support and lower depreciation — and the perceived disadvantages such as high mileage and reliability.

Thinking about purchasing a used motorhome and wanting to know the steps to take to get the key in your hand and drive off into the sunset? To find the right reliable RV you’ll need to carefully complete a series of checks — to gain the knowledge and confidence to buy.

In this comprehensive article, we look at your must-haves, consider ex-rentals and run through checking the condition of a used motorhome. We also talk about inspecting the exterior and interior of your prospective purchase and touch on the cost of a used motorhome.

The sole purpose of having solar panels on a motorhome is to recharge its habitation battery. But not all solar panel systems are created equal. There can be significant differences in the way the panels have been mounted on the roof.

The components of a solar system, and the way they’ve been installed, will determine whether the solar panel system will fulfil your expectations while off-grid camping.

In this blog, we discuss what to look for when buying a used motorhome with solar panels. We touch on rigid and flexible solar panels, and the quality of the panels, solar controller, and habitation battery. We also chat about the electrical certificate of fitness, the wiring that connects everything together, and whether a portable solar panel may be your best solution.

Bürstner has built a reputation for innovation over its fifty year history — from the incredibly popular drop down bed to the space saving vario washroom.

If a kitchen is the heart of a home, then the dining area fulfils that role in a motorhome. This is where you’ll come together to eat meals, have a chat and play board games. It’s where you’ll socialise, relax and even work — so it pays to consider your options carefully.

In this article, we look at the most common seating arrangements along with pros and cons for each. We also touch on various table designs and upholstery options, to find the motorhome that best suits your RV lifestyle plans.

Of all the advantages that come with owning a motorhome, packing up and heading for the path unknown is right up there. Catherine Milford of Motorhomes, Caravans & Destinations magazine looks at what to buy for effortless off-road travels.