How much is a new motorhome?

How much do you have to pay for a new motorhome? Everyone who starts to be interested in caravanning at some point asks a similar question. The differences in the prices of camping vehicles of different brands are huge, but it is worth being aware that the higher price is behind something more than "only" the manufacturer's brand and reputation.

I had been planning an article on this topic for a long time, but in the end I was prompted by a visit to the Caravan Salon 2017 fair in Düsseldorf . There, I could directly compare the prices of the vehicles put up next to each other, as well as "organoleptically" assess their quality.

Unfortunately, the basic conclusion is one: price matters. Generally, every 10,000 the euro in the price is a quality gap . If you think that by paying for a new motorhome cheaper, you will not only save, but also get a vehicle that is as well made as in a more expensive company, in most cases you will be wrong.

And although the photos show a motorhome for 35,000. the euro may look almost identical to the one for 45 thousand. euro, and even like one for 60 thousand. euro, then if you could compare them directly, you would probably see the reasons why these prices are so different.

The cheapest motorhome - for how much?

In terms of prices, campers with alcoves are the best. The champion of low prices seems to be the Bela Easy brand, which advertises the 5.90 m Macau model with the price "from 31,990 euro" . And even 5 people can sleep inside. The basis in this case is a Citroen with a 110 HP engine. The Bela Trendy 1XS model shown in the photo, although smaller, cost from 35,990 euros.

An interesting offer is also XGO (own brand of the Palmowski motorhome dealer). On the company's website, the cheapest model with an alcove is the 6.5-meter, 4-seater Dynamic 20 model with a Fiat chassis and a 130 HP engine. It costs less than 35 thousand. euro. However, models at prices "from 33,999 euros" were also promoted at the fair.

It seems that such a price is the absolute minimum . Unfortunately, if we choose a vehicle in the price class below 45 thousand. euro, we must be aware that the producer's priority was price, not quality. And this, in turn, may be reflected in the quality of the materials used, production technology, assembly quality, or the equipment used.

Unfortunately, during the fairs, in some models, these savings were visible to the naked eye - sometimes it was scary to touch the furniture, because it gave the impression that it was about to fall apart. Cheap materials were also recognizable by their specific smell.

Smaller costs more

Since a motorhome with an alcove, 6.5 meters long, is available for about 30-40 thousand. euro, maybe we can buy something smaller cheaper? Nothing could be more wrong!

Small vehicles, as a rule, do not belong to the cheapest car category. A cheap camper van (such as an XGO or Clever ) can cost similar (but usually a bit more) to a semi-integrated camper van with an alcove. In the case of a model from a reputable brand such as Knaus , the price will be higher - for example, the Knaus Boxlife 540 model with a 115 HP engine costs from 41,770 euros . Prices for the Hobby Vantana start at 45,420 euros.

The Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Camp branded by Reimo , visible in the photo, costs over PLN 52,000. euro. Polish novelty, the 5-meter Globe-Traveler Swift based on the new Fiat Talento costs 53 thousand. euro.

As the representative of the manufacturer explained to us, this price is due to two reasons. The first is the company's policy, which focuses on the use of high-quality components, without putting low price first. The second is a greater degree of innovation and, consequently, the complexity of the entire structure and production . Simply put - it is easier to put a toilet and a bed into a 6.5-meter van than to adapt it to the residential function of a small van.

Some models with modular construction , which combine the function of a van and an accommodation, may be cheaper. For example, the Polish WaveCamp offered at the fair models based on Volkswagen at prices from 35,490 euro.

But it is still more than the basic Bela Easy alcove. So if the price is your priority, you should definitely not choose the smallest vehicles. In the case of motorhomes, smaller does not mean cheaper .

How much is a mid-range motorhome?

And so we come to the answer to the question, how much does a relatively large family motorhome cost, which will be modern, decently equipped, well-made - and thus one that will become our dream of carefree traveling come true.

I will not write here about top-shelf motorhomes, although liners were also available at the fair for prices above 1 million euro. However, much, much cheaper, from 65 thousand. You can buy an integrated Knaus motorhome - Van I for EUR 5,000. Euro more expensive - Sky I. As usual, models with much more expensive equipment were exhibited at the fair, but here the quality really made a good impression. The starting price of the Knaus Sun I 700 model shown in the photo is 87,480 euros.

The cheapest motorhomes of the same brand are currently the L! Ve TI and L! Ve Traveler models at prices from PLN 50,000. euro . And it is from this price level (EUR 50-60 thousand) that well-made, well-equipped, semi-integrated motorhomes start. This is perhaps the most universal and at the same time shortened answer that can be given to the question posed in the title.

Or maybe a trailer?

If you have funds at the level of 20-35 thousand euro, it may be a reasonable solution to buy a caravan . In this price range, you will have a choice of many well-equipped and modern caravans of good brands, including the one shown in the photo - Knaus Deseo (approx. EUR 20,000).

Anyway, if we do not care about the latest construction, in the case of price-sensitive caravans, you can go much lower. For example, Dethleffs C'joy or Adria Aviva cost from approx. 11 thousand. euro, and there are also cheaper offers on the market.

Buy wisely

A new camping vehicle, and especially a motorhome, never costs little. No matter how much you earn, buying a touring car will always be a heavy burden on your home budget. However, since you are going to make your dream come true, try to make it a well-thought-out purchase, not just the cheapest one.

This is not to say that low-end vehicles are not worth buying at all. Everyone makes their own decisions. I just want to point out that when taking advantage of a "bargain" offer, you should be aware that the lower price did not come from the good heart of the seller , but from the lower value and lower quality of the entire vehicle. An expensive purchase is not a guarantee that the vehicle will meet all your expectations, but the "cheapest" one is much more likely to disappoint.

PS. All prices quoted are for the German market.

First RV Trip - How to Prepare?

If you are just starting your adventure with caravanning and you are wondering how to prepare for it and where to sleep in a motorhome, I recommend buying our guide "Your first motorhome trip" or our original motorhome routes in the form of eBooks at www.gdziekamperem.pl

The above publications will teach you how to plan your trip, how to plan a motorhome route and what to take on your first trip.