CHOOSE THE RIGHT LAYOUT

Choosing a motorhome layout that best suits your needs isn't easy, and there are lots of pitfalls to avoid.

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If you've ever been to a motorhome show – and we'd recommend one as a great place to start – you've probably been quite overwhelmed at the sheer number of vehicle layouts to choose from. With all the glittering new vehicles and LED lighting it's a real assault on the senses. It's all too easy to be seduced by a cool-looking vehicle and forget the practicalities.

Shows are a great way to cram in a lot of vehicle viewing in one place and amass a shortlist of candidates, but they're not always ideal for a more detailed and thorough look.

There are a few key things to really focus on before you sign on the dotted line for that shiny new motorhome. So what should you focus on and what aspects are less important?

WHAT LICENCE DO YOU HAVE?

A sub-3500kg motorhome can be driven on a B licence (there are moves afoot to increase this limit to 4250kg), while for a larger family motorhome such as an over-7m coachbuilt, A-class or RV you'll almost certainly be needing a C1 licence. Older drivers generally already have the C1 entitlement, but those that have only recently passed their test may not.

If you're 70 or older, the C1 entitlement needs to be renewed every three years and this may be subject to a medical check and is not guaranteed, especially if you have any medical conditions. So it might be safer to look at vehicles that can be driven on a B licence if you're over 70.

BASE VEHICLE IS SECONDARY

Many people get hung up on the base vehicle brand. If it's your first motorhome and you're used to buying cars, this is understandable. However, settling on one particular brand – particularly something less common like a Ford or a Mercedes coachbuilt – can really limit your layout options. So we'd suggest that you stay flexible on your base vehicle preference.