IF you are hiring a motorhome for the first time, the cost might initially seem prohibitively high.

But think again; you are taking charge of a very expensive vehicle from which the hire company makes a living and which also requires thorough preparation and insurance to meet all the legal obligations. 

Hiring a motorhome frees you from the need to clean, service and maintain it and to provide secure storage. It also means that you do not have to suffer the inevitable depreciation. The tightening up of the seatbelt laws has also meant that hirers will now need to ensure that there is a legally approved belted seat for every passenger that is to be carried. This could mean that some of their stock that could previously be legally rented out to families is now no longer suitable.

Several companies have an arrangement whereby if you choose to buy a motorhome from them after your holiday, the entire hire cost will be refunded. This can be particularly useful if you had already decided to buy a motorhome, but were perhaps undecided over the layout. A week’s experience with a particular arrangement could save you from making an expensive mistake later on.

Most hire companies will provide secure storage for your own vehicle during the hire period, although this will usually be at your own risk. This allows you the option of choosing a hire base close to your intended destination, unless of course, you feel that the driving is an essential part of the experience.

Hire contracts might seem unnecessarily complicated and even punitive, but this is largely for your own protection. Just think how it might spoil your holiday if the previous users had brought back the van either late, or in a dirty condition.

Do check the permissible age limits, as some contacts state that you must be between 25 and 70 years of age inclusive, yet others state that you must actually be under 70.

Smoking inside the motorhomes is almost always strictly forbidden, although some hirers set aside vehicles for those who wish to indulge. Pets may also be restricted to specially reserved vehicles.

This article was first published in Caravan Motorhome & Camping Mart magazine. If you've enjoyed reading it why not treat yourself to a copy of the magazine or order a subscription so you never miss an issue.

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