Make the most of your next motorhome show with our expert advice
Your motorhome show survival guide
The campervan and motorhome show season is under way. As well as providing a great weekend away with entertainment and an opportunity to camp with friends, the shows are a great place to buy anything from routine motorhome gear to a brand-new ’van.
However, if you’re new to motorhoming, or it’s your first foray to the shows, it’s worth taking heed of a few top tips beforehand.
Peter Vaughan Content Editor: Motorhomes
Peter Vaughan Content Editor: Motorhomes
Explore our national shows
We host motorhome, campervan and caravan shows across the UK, as well as a growing collection of festivals. Whether you're in the market to buy a new vehicle, want to shop for accessories at discounted rates, or just want to relax in front of live entertainment with friends, you'll find what you're looking for at our shows!
Lots of choice – so focus
You’ll see many more campervans and motorhomes in one place at a show than you will on a typical dealer forecourt, with a huge variety of makes and models, sizes and prices, new and used. With that, however, comes the risk that you’ll be tempted into something that isn’t really right for your needs or budget. So, before you go, ascertain what you can afford to spend and make a list of the attributes that your vehicle must have, as well as features you’d like but aren’t 100% essential. Then, stick to those requirements.
Listen and learn
Many of the shows offer seminars where you can learn a lot about the hobby – and best of all, they’re free! Even if the show you’re attending doesn’t include advice seminars, there will be plenty of opportunity to learn from other motorhomers at the show – we tend to be a friendly bunch, willing to help newbies joining the pastime with lots of hints and tips.
Discounts and deals
A good reason to attend a show is for the special offers that you’ll often find there – anything from free accessories to thousands of pounds off the list price. We all like to save money – and the savings can be HUGE – but, remember, it’s only a good deal if it’s the right vehicle for you. You’ll regret it later if you’re trading in that ‘bargain buy’ after only a few months…
Where are you buying from?
At a show you may find a dealer that’s travelled some distance to be there – a distance that could be the opposite direction to the one you’ve driven from. If you’re thinking about purchasing from a retailer that’s based miles from your home, check out the position with regard to any warranty issues – will you have to travel all the way to the selling dealer’s site to get it fixed?
Part exchange
If you’re hoping to part-exchange your current motorhome for a new/newer one, then the dealer will want to see your existing wheels to assess the value. Don’t go to the show in your Mini and expect a part-ex price on your Swift as the dealer will want to check out the condition of your motorhome and can only give an rough estimate without clapping eyes on it.
Complete the deal later
If you’re not sure, then hold fire. Of course, there’s always the possibility that you might miss the motorhome you’re looking at, but you need to weigh that up against not rushing in. Ask if the same deal is available straight after the show, when you can take a test drive and see the backup on offer at the dealer premises.
Do you need it?
You’ll know whether you need that cut-price toilet chemical or not, but if you’re investing in much larger, much more expensive add-ons and accessories for your motorhome then do ask yourself these questions – Do you need it? Do you have space in your motorhome for it? Do you have enough payload for more kit?
Stay over – for thinking time
Most of the motorhome shows offer camping on site, so not only can you enjoy the weekend’s entertainment and have some time away in your motorhome, but you can have three days to really examine the vehicles on display – there’s no need to rush into a decision in a couple of hours before beating the motorway traffic on the dash home.
Book your ticket today
Ready to join a motorhome and campervan show? Armed with this guide, you'll be well placed to make the most of the experience. Discover our full calendar of shows online and book your ticket today.
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