If you are new to motorcaravanning,
then you have just introduced yourself to a world of freedom.
Opportunities await : places to stay in breathtaking locations,
the options of long holidays or short breaks, and an escape
from airport delays, hotel regimes and crowded beaches. Choose
where you go, how long you stay and what you do. Dictate the
pace, destination and budget yourself, and change your plans
as often as you wish.
And once you’ve arrived you can use your motorhome as
a base for all your favourite activities – walking, fishing,
horse-riding, painting, rambling or simply relaxing well away
from it all. Whatever activities you enjoy, wherever you like
to enjoy them, nothing else gives you the flexibility and freedom
of a motorhome.
If you are new to the concept of motor caravanning, at Castle
Motorhomes we’ll look after you. Come and talk to our
friendly, approachable staff and we’ll take you through
every stage of choosing, buying and owning a motorhome.
This section is designed to help newcomers like yourself to
resolve any queries you may have, but please do not hesitate
to contact us with any further questions - we are always on
hand to help you.
What are the different types of motorhomes available ?
There are 6 main types to consider, all very different with
respect of external size, internal space, facilities and price.
A brief description of each follows.
• A-Class
These vehicles are built from scratch on top of a chassis-cowl
unit, with transmission, engine and even dashboard specifically
fitted. The integration of the cab and living space provides
a very efficient use of space.
• Coachbuilt
The most common type of motorhome, coachbuilts are made from
a complete body fitted on to the back of an LCV Chassis,
giving a spacious interior, as the living space is usually
slightly wider than the cab section.
Van Conversions
• High-Top
These larger van conversions often contain small washrooms
at the rear and utilize the extra roof space for storage, lockers
or a child’s bed. This extra height gives good headroom
throughout, giving a spacious feel in the living area.
• Elevating Roof
The idea of an elevating roof conversion is simple : the convenience
of a fixed-roof van with the additional headroom of a high-top,
available when parked on-site.
• Fixed Roof
The simplest of all motorhomes, fixed roof conversions usually
offer a fold-out bed & cooker in the back of an LCV.
Both compact and manoeuvrable, these conversions are ideal
for short trips
• Demountable Bodies
These are basically removable living areas that fit on to the
back of a pick-up truck. The living area can sometimes be
left on-site while you explore the area.
Those are the options and below are some of the most frequently
asked questions by our customers.
1. Why are Van Conversions relatively expensive ?
Van Conversions are usually expensive compared to most motorhomes
because the existing base vehicle is an expensive start point.
From here, a conversion will also take longer to build as
all the fittings have to be tailored to fit into the existing
space.
2. How do I insure a new motorhome and is it expensive ?
It is quite simple, there are a number of insurance companies
that specialize in insuring motorhomes. As with a car, there
are various levels of cover available, so it’s just
a case of deciding which cover suits you and comparing premiums
to find the best deal. You will be pleasantly surprised to
discover that generally the costs of insuring a motorhome
are comparable to that of a standard family car.
3. What accessories will I need ?
Once you have the motorhome, there are just a few items you’ll
need to get yourself started. You may have some items at home
but for your convenience we have grouped together all the essential
accessories into a starter pack tailored to meet your own specific
needs. Featuring for example, a stand alone step for easy access,
Aquaroll container for convenient freshwater storage and a
wheel clamp for added security. Please give us a call for more
details.
4. Do I need a special license to drive a motorhome ?
If you have a Category B license obtained prior to 1st Jan
1997 you can drive any rigid motor caravan without a trailer
where the ‘maximum authorised mass’ does not
exceed 7,500kg & with a trailer where the combined ‘maximum
authorised mass’ does not exceed 8,500kg.
If you have a Category B license obtained after the 1st Jan
1997 you can drive any rigid motor caravan without a trailer
where the ‘maximum authorised mass’ does not exceed
3,500kg & with a trailer where the combined ‘maximum
authorised mass’ does not exceed 4,250kg, where the trailer
does not exceed 750kg. For more information click on our useful
links page to guide you to the DVLA website.
5. What do motorhomes cost ?
The price of a motorhome can range from as little as around £3,000
for a pre-owned vehicle, through to around £60,000 for
a brand new top of the range A-Class motorhome.
6. How should I store my motorhome when not in use ?
While many people choose to store their motorhome on the driveway
or garden at home, this is not always convenient. A number
of caravan sites and independent compounds offer a storage
service. Facilities vary from a site secured by perimeter
fencing and security measures like CCTV cameras to those
compounds with security lighting, cameras, washing facilities
and quite often a security presence.
