Buying A Motorhome
Author: Cathy Anderson
Buying a motorhome is a huge investment - whether it’s your first foray into the RV lifestyle, or you’re a travel veteran looking to upgrade or downsize your unit.
There are several places to start the search for a new or secondhand motorhome. Here are some of the best options.
SHOWS
These events happen all over the country throughout the year, and are an excellent way for showgoers to ‘tyre kick’ new and existing models on show. At these events you get the opportunity to admire various models on display from the outside to check out their aesthetics and external features, and then step inside to ‘picture yourself here’. It’ a great way to get a feel for various layouts, finishes and features that may, or may not, satisfy your checklist. RV Sales Centre attends many shows, and takes a variety of models. There are new motorhomes for sale for those looking to upgrade as well as near-new models with low kilometres on the clock to appeal to those on a tighter budget.
The other great thing about shows is the range of accessories and associated products on display – you can literally walk in without owning anything, and walk out completely kitted up for your new motorhome adventures.
Here is a sample of shows which RV Sales will attend in 2018:
Geelong Outdoor Living Show
19 - 21 January
Geelong Showgrounds
Ballarat Great Outdoor & 4x4 Expo
2 - 4 March
Ballarat Showgrounds
Gippsland Leisurefest Roadshow
23 - 25 March
Kernot Hall, Morwell
https://10times.com/outdoor-adventure-leisure
Great Outdoor & 4x4 Expo
20 - 22 April
Mt Gambier Showgrounds
Horsham Outdoor Adventure Leisure Expo
26 - 30 April, 2018
Horsham Agricultural Society
https://10times.com/leisure-expo
Bendigo Indoor Winter Homexpo Leisurefest Roadshow
1 - 2 June
Bendigo Showgrounds
www.homeshowexpos.com.au/shows/
Mildura Great Outdoor & 4x4 Expo
29 June - 1 July
Mildura Racecourse
Shepparton Great Outdoor & 4x4 Expo
31 August - 1 September
Shepparton Showgrounds
Warrnambool Great Outdoor & 4x4 Expo
14-16 September
Warrnambool Racecourse
Gippsland Great Outdoor & 4x4 Expo
16 - 18 November
Sale Showgrounds
RV SALES CENTRE OPEN DAY
Another great way to see different vehicles up close is to attend open days offered by manufacturers, dealers and distributors. RV Sales Centre operates Expo Days so buyers can spin a few tyres, but also press the flesh with people who know the products inside and out. After all, who better to guide you towards your ideal vehicle than those in the business who are passionate about the lifestyle and have done a significant amount of road testing? RV Sales Centre’s expert staff can guide you toward certain motorhomes that are appropriate to your intended style of travel, whether you need something for off-road travel or a weekend warrior who’s looking for a neat rig to spend a few days in. RV Sales Centre offers a try-before-you-buy program, so you could rent a motorhome and, if you buy a unit within 12 months, your hire fees will be refunded. And the best part about Open Days? There’s usually a sausage sizzle...
MOTORHOME DEALERS
There are many motorhome dealers across the country selling all manner of units, both new and second-hand. Many of these attend local and interstate caravan and camping shows, and also host their own Open Days to welcome new and existing customers. RV Sales Centre’s dealers include Berwick Commercials in Victoria, Brisbane RVs in Qld, Wallaby Motorhomes in Sydney, KB Campers in Perth and a Camperagent in Adelaide. Each dealer hosts their own open days and participate in regional shows.
MAGAZINES
While visiting shows and dealerships is an excellent way to peruse vehicle choices, let’s not forget print publications such as Trade RVs and the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia’s magazine, The Wanderer. Both of these offer excellent opportunities to view motorhomes for private sale – many of which may be in your area. These magazines also offer plenty of travel stories to inspire your next itinerary, as well as useful tech and DIY tips and the latest news and gear reviews.
SIGN UP FOR DEALS
Sometimes a great deal could literally land in your lap. You can increase your chances of that happening by signing up to enewsletters from companies such as RV Sales Centre. These newsletters will alert you to specials of the week and newly-listed vehicles for sale. They also can contain links to interesting and useful articles to help you decide your next steps as a buyer, whether it’s determining your style and travel and ‘must-have’ list or information about financing, insurance, maintenance and travel stories.
