how to… MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT

Buying a motorhome at a show can be nerve wracking, says Nigel Hutson, but keep your wits about you and you’ll be ready to sign on the dotted line

Searching for that perfect new motorhome can be a headache. You can trawl through endless brochures, magazines and websites advertising leisure vehicles for sale, but there’s nothing quite like getting inside the real thing and having a good look and a poke around.

For instance, if you’re considering a fixed-bed layout, a bed that appears large enough on paper might actually be too narrow or too short when you use it for the first time. So the only way to check if you fit is to actually lie down on one.

Once you have determined which layout you want, you might find that a dealership not too far away from you has a demonstrator of one particular brand, but you can almost guarantee that if you want to compare a couple of models from different brands, they won’t have both. By the time you have located that second model, chances are (if you’re like me!), you will have forgotten the details of the first one.

This is where the motorhome shows come into their own. In the main, all of the UK brands have their models on display – the bigger events also attract overseas manufacturers, such as Adria, Knaus and Hymer.

In most cases, they’re all under one roof, too (or several roofs in the case of the February and October shows at the NEC Birmingham) and in the dry, so you can wander freely from one model to another – and maybe back again – to compare and contrast plenty of motorhomes back-to-back.

Next month’s Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC is also the first time you’ll be able to see the latest 2023-season models, all in the same place – it is a huge event, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes…

Buying experience

Before I go any further, I should explain that the last six leisure vehicles I have bought have all been ordered as a result of going to one of the UK’s specialist shows – hopefully you can learn from my experiences (and mistakes!).

So what are the advantages and the possible pitfalls of buying from a show? If you really are starting from scratch, I would suggest doing a little research before leaving home. Shows are great for seeing lots of models at the same time under the same roof (1), but in the case of the NEC Birmingham, that’s not one roof, but many.

To make sure you get the most from your time at the show, it’s good to have some ideas, so you can see all that you need to. Consider how many berths you want and what kind of layout will best suit you. For more about deciding exactly what you want from your new motorhome, see p101.

Once you’ve worked all that out and narrowed it down to some brands/ ranges that suit your pocket (yes, unfortunately these things do have to be paid for!) try to weed it further to a couple of models.

If you’re only going to use the ’van over the summer, there’s not much point in having things like Alde-type heating (which increases weight and cost), but conversely, if you’re a hardy soul who’s going away whatever the season, then there might be.

If you’re a growing family with young children, a fixed-bed layout might look attractive, but might not be that practical as the children get bigger.

Having a list of ‘must-have’ and ‘would-like-to-have’ features will help you to refine your search.

Take a good look

You’ve drawn up your shortlist, so now it’s time to spend some time in each of them, having a good look around (2).

Explore at your own pace and don’t be rushed – buying a motorhome is a big purchase, so you want to get it right.

Go back if you want to double-check something that you’ve missed. Are the sofas comfortable? Are the beds long/ wide/low enough? Can you reach that microwave (3) set up high? Do you fit comfortably in the shower?

Be mindful that most motorhomes on show will have some form of extra lighting (usually tucked into rooflights) to give what might be an enhanced impression of the interior light. Try not to be drawn in by the showroom glitz, but pay attention to the detail.

For instance, yours truly couldn’t really care less about a fashionable sunroof, but if I open up one of the overhead lockers and it bashes into a roof-mounted radio speaker or a light fitting, to me that is a sign of poor attention to detail from the vehicle manufacturer, and I might then start wondering about other niggles.

Is the switch for the washroom lights inside or outside the washroom? Personally, I prefer a pull cord just inside the door, so you’re not fumbling about in the dark for the switch. If the switch is outside, will you disturb other occupants in the ’van when you need to pay a night-time visit to the toilet? It’s really important to pay attention to every small detail of the motorhome (4) – it could make or break your experience as an owner when you finally buy the vehicle.

Of course, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll find a ‘perfect’ motorhome, because they’re all a compromise in one way or another, but if you can live with the small foibles, don’t write off that model. If it would be an irritation (and can’t be altered) every time you use the ’van, look elsewhere.

Ask about the extras

One reason buying from a show can be advantageous is that there are often goodies thrown into the deal.

Manufacturers will sometimes add extras for ‘free’, such as an increased spec or other options, or offer you exclusive show-only discounts on vehicles sold at the event (5). If you can’t see any deal mentioned, don’t be afraid to ask – you’re the paying

‘Explore at your own pace and don’t be rushed – buying a motorhome is a big purchase, so you want to get it right’

customer, so you have absolutely nothing to lose by this.

Eventually you’ll settle on one ’van that ticks the vast majority of your boxes, when it will be time to start talking to a dealer.

Seasoned motorcaravanners will know of good dealers not too far from home, and can check beforehand whether they’re represented at the event. If you’re buying from a larger brand, you might even find a selection of dealers at the show.

But if you’re new to the world of leisure vehicles, be careful. Find out where any dealer you speak to is based. It might be that you’re being offered a fantastic deal on a new motorhome, but if they’re a couple of hundred miles away from where you live, it’s likely to be a poorer deal overall.

Why? Sadly, the chances are that you will need something rectifying under warranty, so you don’t want to have to travel for hours to reach them.

If there is a dealership for the brand you’re set on closer to you than the one you are considering buying from, you could be lucky and find they might do the repairs, but don’t be surprised if they refuse, meaning you’d have to return to the dealer you bought from.

Other dealers are not obliged to do the repairs, and will prioritise their own customers. We often compare the motorhome industry to that of the car, but in reality they are miles apart.

To find out more about our most recent award-winning dealerships and manufacturers (6), see p112.

Finally, if you own a motorhome and are looking at part-exchange, consider carefully what each manufacturer or dealer can offer you (7).

Clinching the deal

Remember that you don’t have to sign there and then (unless it’s the last hour of the last day of the show, when you might well be under a bit of pressure). If possible, speak to a couple of dealers. Get a definite price that it’s going to cost you, and if you find a dealer who waffles and won’t give you a firm price, walk away and seek out another (8).

I’ve been lucky over the years and found a great dealership that might not be the nearest to home, but is still reasonably convenient. He simply gives me a price (with any extras and so on). I then go home and consider things away from the hype of the show, and if I’m happy with the deal, give him a call a day or so later to place my order (but before the end of the event, as special offers may end with the show).

Organise the finance

How are you financing your new ’van (9)? If it’s by a loan, there are sometimes financial arrangements available at the shows. Some finance companies are likely to be represented at these events, too, so you should be able to get a pretty quick decision.

Chances are that you’ll be given a date for manufacture, but don’t be too surprised if that comes and goes, particularly in the current climate, which is seeing supply chain issues resulting in manufacturers sometimes struggling to keep up with orders.

Stay in touch with your dealer to find out the latest delivery date.

To summarise, choose your vehicle carefully by comparing a selection of models, and then be even more careful with the dealer you select, especially their location. And never feel pressured into signing on the dotted line – give yourself the time you need to make the right decision, so you can go away and think about it if you feel you should.

With all that done, you can now wait with anticipation for your new arrival!

We meet father-and-son team Martin and Miles Storey, UK agents for Groupe Pilote, ahead of the NEC show.

Miles, you joined Pilote recently, tell us about your new role there.

My job is to assist Dad! Until I started working with him about a year ago, I didn’t realise how big his role in the UK was. He manages the dealer network, liaises with the factory in France and organises shows. I’m here to help with all of those aspects.

Why have you decided to take a stand at the show this October?

The October NEC show is the biggest industry event in the UK and there hasn’t been one since 2019. We think that it’s important to show Pilote as one of the major manufacturers, and we want to show that despite supply issues with chassis and chips, we are building for the future and there are exciting times ahead.

What can showgoers look forward to seeing on your stand this year? Essentially, a selection of the most popular of our vehicles specific to the UK market. We’re keen to show the differences between our ranges, particularly the Evidence and the Expression.

Expression is a base vehicle that can be personalised and tailored to what the customer wants, while Evidence is a range of our most popular layouts and options. We’ve selected five profiles in the Evidence range, including one A-class, and the spec is standard – you can’t change them.

The show will be different from previous years. Previously, we have had a ‘season’ of vehicles, but supply chain issues have meant that the industry has had to adapt, and there won’t be a large amount of new models, although there will be the odd tweak or change to the vehicles.

Of course, because of the pandemic, for the most part people haven’t been able to see the physical ’vans. So at the show in October, you’ll be able to see and touch and explore the vehicles.

How important is it to be able to show customers the physical motorhomes?

A motorhome is a big purchase in terms of price, so it’s important to be able to go to a show and make an informed decision, rather than just seeing it online.

It’s good for buyers to be able to talk with agents, manufacturers and dealers and to take advice based on what they plan to use the vehicle for.

To be able to physically touch and explore a motorhome is very important. Being able to enter a vehicle and open drawers, doors and cupboards allows customers to gain a sense of how they might use it – you really can’t do that on a screen or a piece of paper!

We have a selection of vehicles on show, which means that people can compare them properly, too.

What are the advantages of buying a motorhome at the show?

Given some of the stock and supply issues, things have changed in the industry, and so it will be different from the last show, in 2019. There’s big demand and short supply, so one of the main advantages of being at the show is that if you express an interest in a vehicle, you’ll be first in line for that model.

What about accessories? What should buyers be thinking about to complement their big vehicle purchases?

It’s a personal choice, really. With our Evidence range, a lot of popular accessory options have been incorporated into the price – for example, awnings and reversing cameras – which will make the purchase a little bit easier and makes for an excellent package. But of course, if you want something particular, the Expression range can cater for that.

What advice would you offer people visiting the show for the first time?

Don’t just jump in and buy the deal. Take your time, do plenty of research and find out which models are likely to be the most practical for you.

Ask loads of questions and compare different vehicles – that way, you can make sure it’s the right one for you.

If you’re unsure about what you want, be prepared to put in the time and do your homework. Try to establish exactly how you will be using the vehicle.

Any other advice you’d give those thinking of buying at the show?

Make sure any vehicle you’re hoping to see is actually going to be there. Think about the location of the dealer you are buying from – aftersales care is important and you might want to be near them.

Where do you like to eat while at the show – we hear the curry’s good locally?

We live in the Midlands, so we like to go home for tea – shows can be exhausting, so it’s good to recharge at home.