10 Things to Check When Buying a Motorhome

An essential guide from Van Life Upgrades

Buying a motorhome is a big moment. Freedom, flexibility, and a rolling front door to adventure. But behind every dreamy Instagram sunset is a vehicle that needs to be solid, safe, and fit for your lifestyle. At Van Life Upgrades, we see the good, the bad, and the “how on earth did this pass an MOT?” motorhomes every week.

Whether you’re buying your first camper or upgrading your current setup, here are 10 essential things to check when buying a motorhome, before you hand over your hard-earned cash.

1. Check for Regular Habitation Checks (Hab Checks Matter)

A motorhome is half vehicle, half living space. While service history covers the engine, habitation checks cover everything else.

A proper hab check should include:

• Gas system safety

• Electrical systems (12V, 230V, hookups)

• Water systems and pumps

• Damp and moisture readings

Regular habitation checks show the motorhome has been cared for, not just driven. Missing hab checks are a red flag and often hide expensive problems.

SEO tip: Always ask for written proof of habitation checks, not just a verbal “yeah, it’s fine.”

2. Inspect for Damp and Water Ingress

Damp is the silent killer of motorhomes. It spreads quietly behind panels, under floors, and around windows.

Check:

• Corners of walls and ceilings

• Around rooflights and windows

• Inside cupboards and lockers

• Soft or spongy flooring

If a seller avoids the subject or rushes you through, walk away. Repairs can cost thousands and often outweigh the value of the van.

3. Look for Corrosion Under the Van

The underside tells a story most sellers hope you won’t read.

Get underneath and check:

• Chassis rails

• Subframes

• Mounting points

• Exhaust and brake lines

Surface rust is normal on older motorhomes, but heavy corrosion can mean structural issues and failed MOTs down the line. Coastal vans and winter-used vehicles are especially vulnerable.

4. Avoid Home Builds (Unless You Really Know What You’re Doing)

DIY conversions can look stunning, but looks don’t equal safety or legality.

Common issues with home builds:

• Poor electrical wiring

• Unsafe gas installations

• Incorrect ventilation

• Insurance complications

Unless the build has professional certification and documentation, it’s often safer to stick with factory-built or professionally converted motorhomes.

5. Decide What the Van Must Have (Before You View Anything)

Before you fall in love with a colour scheme, make a list of non-negotiables.

Key points to decide:

• Number of beds

• Fixed bed vs convertible

• Overall size and height

• Storage requirements

• Base van (Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, etc.)

• Layout preference

Be realistic. Small compromises are often necessary, especially on used motorhomes. Knowing what you can bend on prevents buyer’s regret later.

6. Check the Base Vehicle and Engine History

A beautiful motorhome on a tired base van is a costly mistake.

Check:

• Full service history

• Timing belt or chain status

• Gearbox performance

• Mileage vs age

Certain base vans are known for specific issues, so do your research before viewing. A healthy engine saves money, stress, and breakdown recovery memberships.

7. Make Sure the Layout Actually Works for You

Layouts look great on brochures and terrible in real life if they don’t suit how you live.

Ask yourself:

• Can you move around easily with the bed down?

• Is the bathroom usable without gymnastics?

• Can two people cook at once?

Spend time inside. Sit down. Stand up. Open cupboards. This is your home, not a showroom ornament.

8. Check Heating, Hot Water, and Year-Round Usability

A motorhome isn’t just for summer weekends. Even if you think you’ll only use it in warmer months, British weather has other plans.

Check:

• What heating system is fitted (gas, diesel, or electric)

• Does the hot water system work on all power sources?

• Is the van suitable for shoulder seasons or winter use?

• Are water tanks and pipework insulated?

Repairs or upgrades to heating systems can be expensive and complex. Making sure the motorhome is comfortable year-round adds huge value and flexibility to your van life.

A quick test on a cold day will tell you more than any sales pitch ever could.

9. Check Payload and Weight Limits

Many motorhomes look spacious but leave you with very little usable payload.

Payload includes:

• Passengers

• Water

• Gas bottles

• Accessories

• Clothes, food, and gear

Exceeding weight limits is illegal, unsafe, and invalidates insurance. Always check the VIN plate and calculate real-world usage, not brochure numbers.

10. Think About Future Upgrades and Servicing

A good motorhome should grow with you.

Ask:

• Is there space for extra batteries or solar later?

• Are systems accessible for servicing?

• Can upgrades be installed without ripping half the van apart?

At Van Life Upgrades, we regularly retrofit motorhomes, and trust us, some are designed with maintenance in mind, others absolutely are not.

Final Thoughts

Buying a motorhome should feel exciting, not stressful. Taking time to check habitation checks, corrosion, layout, accessories, and long-term usability will save you money and headaches.

If you’re unsure about a motorhome, or want advice on upgrades, inspections, or future-proofing your van, Van Life Upgrades is always happy to help. A little preparation now leads to many peaceful nights parked up later.