Like many who visited the October 2023 NEC show, I found the prices I of new models eye-watering. There was the usual array of glittering 'vans and some brilliantly inventive packaging and novel layouts. But the overriding theme was the pricing.
In 2016 I bought a top-spec Renault Trafic van for £17,000 from a Renault main dealer, then spent some £20,000 having experts convert it. So it owes me around £37,000 in total.
Today, that wouldn't even buy you the base vehicle, and a fully converted Renault Trafic to a similar specification would cost around £70,000 or more. Basic campervans all seem to start at £50,000 to £60,000, while a top-spec VW Transporter is north of £100,000.
If you're thinking of trading in your old motorhome - as many people do after three or four years that's quite a chunk of cash to find, or a lot of finance to arrange to bridge the gap. And with interest rates relatively high these days, neither option is cheap.
You can point the finger at Brexit, wars, silicon chip shortages, the economy and the energy crisis, but that doesn't change the facts it's not cheap to upgrade your motorhome.
Like many owners, I've now decided to stick with what I have and run it for a few more years. But what do you need to know to keep your 'van reliable and healthy in the longer term?
SLEEPY 'VAN SYNDROME
Probably one of the biggest issues that affects motorhomes is lack of use. This might sound odd, but having a vehicle stationary for long periods over winter never does it much good.
The key problems are with rubber items, such as drivebelts and cambelts in the engine, together with tyres that are left standing in one position.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 2024 من Practical Motorhome.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 2024 من Practical Motorhome.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
1996-2006 BESSACARR E600 AND E700 SERIES
Each month we focus on a great secondhand mainstream motorhome. We then tell you which is the best of the bunch, what to pay and which problems to look out for
VISIT THE DÜSSELDORF SHOW
The annual Caravan Salon is a huge event, hosting a vast array of the latest motorhomes and attracting thousands of visitors, says Techno Tom Bedworth
BENIMAR MILEO 294
The cleverly designed washroom is just one of this 'van's many plus points, says Peter Baber
VENTURA VR400
This rugged, gas-free camper is designed with off-grid adventures very much in mind
HIGH TIMES INNSBRUCK-STYLE
Kim, Marcus and the children enjoy spectacular alpine adventures in the beautiful capital of the Austrian Tyrol
THE WANDER OF YORK
Keeping it local is a great way to spend the weekend, even if it is a little rainy, Sue Greenwood discovers
SHORE FOOTED
A few muddy walks in the rain fail to dampen Susan Taylor's enthusiasm for the beauties of coastal Hampshire
Euro connections
France two ways, and a quick dip in Northern Spain!
Go coast to coast!
Join us on a tour of super seaside hotspots all around the UK
2015-present ELDDIS ENCORE
Each issue, Gentleman Jack focuses on a great secondhand motorhome. He then reveals which is the best of the bunch, what to pay and which problems to look out for