Which Motorhome Features Do You Really Need? A Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a motorhome, you need to choose a unit equipped with essential features you’ll need to make the most of your trip or travel experience. Fortunately, with the countless motorhome options available in the market, you can always find the one suitable for your unique needs.
Depending on your preferences, you can opt for a luxurious unit fitted out with all the latest gadgets and gizmos or a simple model that’s merely comfortable and functional. To choose the right unit from hundreds of motorhomes for sale at various dealerships, it’s crucial to decide which features you want in your dream motorhome.
If you’re confused with the options, here are the different essential motorhome features you might want to consider:
1. Storage Space
One of the features you may need is ample storage space to keep all the things you want to bring along with you. The best motorhome has extra space for bedding, clothing, and kitchen essentials, such as cups, cutlery, and plates.
If you want to bring chairs, bikes, canoes, inflatables, and other camping equipment, a motorhome with an extra storage area outside is a good choice. It’ll let you take everything you need to enjoy a great experience anywhere with your friends and family.
2. Pet-Friendly Features
If you’re traveling with your animal companions, you should look for pet-friendly features when buying a motorhome. These features may include hidden dog bowl drawers and leash latches on the exterior. Other motorhome units even have dedicated space for pet beds or canine kennels to make your pets comfortable.
3. RV Beds
Another feature you need to consider is the sleeping arrangements or beds in the motorhome. The style and number of beds may depend on your needs. While other people prefer beds that always stay in place so they don’t need to make them up before going to sleep, some don’t mind the bed configurations as long as the bedroom is spacious enough to accommodate everyone.
Several motorhomes have bunk beds as well, which are perfect for families with teens or kids. If you’re a minimalist, you can also consider a motorhome that comes with a bed that serves as a couch in the morning.
4. RV Heating And Cooling Units
Regardless of your destination, choosing a motorhome with heating and air conditioning systems is always a good idea. Remember that temperatures may range from extremely cold to extremely hot. If you want to stay cozy and comfortable throughout your trip, a motorhome with cooling and heating capabilities is a perfect choice.
5. RV Kitchen & Accessories
Every motorhome varies in kitchen sizes and configurations. There are center kitchens, front kitchens, kitchen slide-out floor plans, and rear kitchens.
Most motorhome kitchens have several types of appliances, such as a sink, fridge, oven, microwave, and stove. Stoves typically run on gas while the refrigerator may run on both electricity and gas.
In many modern motorhomes with residential-style appliances, you’ll find a full-size pantry, roller-bearing drawer guides, cabinet drawers, center islands, and induction cooktops. If you prefer a spacious kitchen, opt for a motorhome with center islands as it offers more storage space than some kitchen floor plans.
6. RV Extra Bathroom Space
A bathroom is highly essential for many people, and a motorhome with a bathroom area can make a difference between a frustrating and enjoyable trip. Bathroom configurations may vary from one motorhome to another.
Some bathrooms have toilets and standing showers and are wide enough for families traveling with children. Depending on your needs, choose a bathroom that’ll provide convenience for everyone during your motorhome trip.
7. Off-Grid Capabilities
If you love exploring remote areas and want to travel down a rough road, it’s vital to check if the motorhomes you’ll buy have off-grid capabilities. Off-grid features of motorhomes usually include a solar system setup that generates ample power to run your appliances.
By taking advantage of solar power, you can enjoy dispersed camping and travel wherever you want without depending on a campground for amenities. It means you can spend more time in remote places too without sacrificing the comfort and luxury of electricity.
8. RV Spacious Living Room
Some motorhome floor plans feature center living rooms, rear living rooms, and front living rooms. Other living rooms have a small kitchen slide-out, while some have full wall slides with huge windows.
Several modern motorhomes also have living rooms with residential-style furniture, entertainment systems, and more interior storage space. No matter what you’re looking for in a motorhome’s living room, figure out the best floor plan you want so you won’t compromise your comfort.
9. RV Slide-Outs
A slide-out is a good motorhome feature as it adds more size and space to your unit. This is especially beneficial for people who prefer a motorhome with functional space.
Most slide-outs are living spaces like bedrooms and dining areas. However, while they’re convenient and provide bigger spaces, you have to note that slides may add weight to your rig, increasing your fuel consumption. Also, you have to park it in a place where there’s enough space for slide-outs.
So, before you choose a motorhome with slide-outs, weigh their pros and cons first to make a well-informed decision.
10. Entertainment Systems In Motorhome
A motorhome experience isn’t complete without an entertainment system. Besides, nothing beats a trip with singing and dancing moments with your family and friends. So, if you want to have fun and make the most of your motorhome vacation trip, pick a motorhome with a television and stereo system.
11. Onboard RV Generator
An onboard generator is a non-negotiable motorhome feature as it provides the electricity you need to power your appliances and equipment. Plus, it generates power to operate your charger or converter that charges your motorhome’s house batteries.
In case of a power outage, an onboard generator offers you peace of mind knowing your air conditioning or heating will still run, and you’ll have safe food storage and hot water. The other advantage of an onboard generator is that you have the freedom and confidence to go wherever you want because you have a power source you can rely on.
Conclusion
The selection process can be overwhelming with the different motorhomes to choose from, especially if every model offers great features. So, if you want to make the right decision, keep the abovementioned features in mind and evaluate your needs. This way, you’ll find the motorhome of your dreams without regrets.