Johns Cross

Buyers Guide

This section of the website is designed to aid those who are new to motorhoming. We hope it provides answers to some of the questions raised in purchasing a suitable vehicle. We will first go through the different varieties and then move on to the benefits of buying new and pre-owned products. Below is a brief explanation of the types of motorhomes available and their primary differences. Variations in engine type and specification can also play a large part on the retail price of the vehicle.

Types Of Campers

Micro Campers

Primarily built on either, a car or small commercial vehicle, these provide practicality in the ways of parking and also driving. Being similar to a car in size can give the user the benefits of daily use and ease of town driving as it's size is less restricting. Available in high fixed roof and elevating roof format means you can find a vehicle to fit in most garages. Being smaller though, they only provide comfortable living for one or two although this can be expanded on site with the use of drive away awnings.

Van Conversions

As the name suggests, these vehicles are a commercial vehicle that has been adapted inside and out to provide the functions of a motorhome. They keep all the original body panels which require a lot more work to convert. This is reflected in their price, especially when new. Like the micros they have a choice of roof (Fixed high top or elevating) and with so many sizes available you have no shortage of choice. The fixed high top models do provide more in the way of storage and are the only type that can have a shower facility. Although they are slightly larger they are still perceived by many to be usable as an only vehicle.

Coachbuilts

A coachbuilt is created when a standard chassis cab is brought together with a modified caravan style body. This creates a motorhome that is better insulated than the previous we have mentioned and also provides more space in equivalent length. There are different styles which are depicted by the letters A, B and C.

A Class

These are usually the largest, as they are built on what is known as a scuttle cab, which is a completely flat base for which to build from. This method of construction comes at a premium and this heavy weight group are the most expensive varieties. Being very coach like in appearance they give the user the largest volume of space and features like hydraulic pull down front beds. They are also square in appearance and that means that fuel efficiency can be affected, which is probably the only draw back when considering the space they provide.

B Class

This type is becoming ever more popular as it gives a very stream line appearance. The B class has a small aerodynamic over cab section which incorporates cupboard storage inside. The rest of the construction is common to all the coachbuilt family, but its inability to house an over cab bed means it's not the best for larger families. On the upside, because the sleek lines it has, it does return the best fuel figures.

C Class

Without a doubt this is the most common sort of motorhome that you will find on the road. The only difference between this and the B class is the over cab luton style. In most instances it will hold a single or double berth which will provide more function for the main layout. With it being the most available on the market you will have more choice in layouts and price range too.

New or Pre-Owned

Looking at pre owned motorhomes which carry high residual values, it can seem that the price of a new vehicle is not a million miles away in some cases. New comers to motorhoming may be tempted to buy a new entry level vehicle as it is the same price as a good pre-owned mid to high range product. The thing to bare in mind is that purchasing new, you are going to have to add extras to it, in some cases to tailor it to your needs. You also may pay a large premium to increase engine size. When you look at a pre-owned motorhome, you will generally see that the previous owner will have fitted extras, and added one or two useful modifications. This should not be over looked, as the price you pay for it will include the many hundreds / thousands of pounds in items fitted by these past owners. In addition you will be buying a tried and tested motorhome that has been run in both mechanically and habitation wise. Practically all motorhome owners take pride in their vans, after all, its their second home and caravanners and motorhome owners are a special sort of people with pride of ownership.

There are other factors which may come to mind when buying a product of this type, and we ask that if you have any questions then please contact us and we will do our utmost to provide you with all the information. Our office is open seven days a week so there is always someone on hand to help. We hope to see you at Johns Cross Motorcaravan and Camping centre soon.