Motorhome: basic equipment, pitch & costs – tips for your camping vacation

Motorhome – More and more people are venturing into camping these days, and you can choose between a roof tent, a camper or a motorhome.
With the latter, you have enough space and storage space to take everything you need for camping with you.
You are flexible, can plan your route individually and stop off at the nearest campsite as you wish.
With an integrated kitchen and a built-in bed, nothing stands in the way of a carefree camping trip.
But how much does a good motorhome cost, which is the best and what should I look out for when buying one?

Carefree travel with the motorhome

Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a short trip or a trip lasting several weeks – camping allows you to experience the feeling of complete closeness to nature and freedom and enjoy an intense and unforgettable time with your loved ones.
You can plan your day as you wish, set off in the morning when you feel like it and have all your camping equipment with you at all times.

You have these advantages on a camping vacation with a motorhome

Ample space, storage space and integrated accessories – the following advantages speak for a motorhome:

  • Flexible travel options
  • Sufficient space for all your equipment
  • Practical for vacations with children and dogs
  • Stops and overnight stays are possible at any time
  • No time-consuming assembly of the sleeping area
  • Integrated kitchen and bathroom
  • Privacy and a homely feel

With a motorhome, you can take relaxed breaks and eat a home-cooked meal right at the integrated table!

Disadvantages: Reasons that speak against a motorhome

Simply buy a motorhome and off you go!
Sounds very cool in theory, but unfortunately it’s not so easy to do in reality.
So before you buy, be sure to consider the following disadvantages that speak against a motorhome:

  • Motorhome is bulky; does not fit in every parking space
  • Very expensive to purchase
  • Partially high costs for parking spaces
  • Overnight stays are not permitted on every campsite
  • A lot of fuel costs depending on the duration of the trip
  • Driving a motorhome takes some getting used to

Exactly what costs will I incur with a motorhome?

Motorhome costs and basic equipment

A new motorhome costs around 35,000 euros to purchase without accessories, which you will have to spend right from the start.
If you want more than the basic equipment, you need to budget around 45,000 euros.
Not forgetting the fuel you have to pay on the road.
In the best case scenario, you will have an integrated kitchen and only need to think about the appropriate camping crockery to be able to cater for yourself on the campsite.
You may also need to think about other equipment, such as a camping toilet, heating and air conditioning.
You can find out all about the costs involved here:

You will incur these costs with a motorhome:

  • Between 35,000 and 45,000 euros acquisition costs
  • Taxes / Insurance
  • Additional fuel (consumption: approx. 23-28L per 100km)
  • Costs for pitches and campsites
  • Camping equipment and important accessories
  • Maneuvering aid if necessary
  • Power supply
  • Catering on the way

Even if a fully equipped motorhome is super comfortable, it can add up to quite a few costs!

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Should I buy or rent?

A motorhome is not exactly cheap when you consider the costs you will incur on the road.
If you want to see if camping in a motorhome is for you first, you can think about borrowing or renting one.
You can just as easily go on an adventurous tour, try out traveling with a motorhome and save yourself some money.
The cost of renting a motorhome is between 70.00 and 150.00 euros per day, depending on the size, equipment, condition and season.

  • Between 70.00 and 150.00 euros per day

Important accessories for motorhomes

What is important in a motorhome?
Although the purchase of your motorhome covers the biggest costs, you need to think about other important accessories that belong on and in your motorhome in order to enjoy a carefree and carefree camping vacation.
Outdoor – To be able to sit and relax in front of your motorhome and enjoy time with your loved ones, you can use an awning that is attached to the outside and not only protects you from the sun, but also gives you some privacy on the campsite.
Bugs – A fly and mosquito net is also important, especially in very warm regions, to protect you from annoying animals and nasty bites.
If you want to cycle and explore the area during your camping vacation, your motorhome should also have a bike rack.
Tidiness – Tidiness is essential, especially if you are living in a motorhome with several people. Of course, some cupboards and drawers are already available, but it still makes sense to purchase additional camping cupboards to keep all your equipment organized.
Camping furniture – Last but not least, you need camping furniture and all your basic equipment, such as a tent, sleeping bag and mattress, which you need for camping and can take with you in your motorhome.

Checklist: Additional equipment for the motorhome

The following camping equipment should not be missing in your motorhome:

Variants: Different models and tips

Of course, there are different variants and models of motorhomes that differ in size and equipment.
Depending on your preferences, travel route, intended use and budget, you can choose a suitable model that suits you and your camping vacation.
Here you will find popular and recommended motorhome models that are suitable for beginners, single travelers and couples, as well as families with children:

  • Hymer B-Class
  • Hymer Exsis
  • Eura Mobil Terrestra
  • Hymer Tramp
  • La Strada Avanti
  • Eura Mobil Integra
  • Carthago Chic C-Line
  • Hobby Optima

Pitch & campsite: What you need to consider

If you are traveling with a motorhome, you can plan your itinerary individually and design your vacation flexibly.
Although you can choose your next campsite at any time, camping with a motorhome is not permitted everywhere and is very expensive at some campsites.
When choosing your next stopover, you should therefore always first check whether motorhomes are allowed at all and, ideally, look for free options.
You should also make sure that there is a station for supplying and disposing of fresh water and waste water and that the site has an appropriate power connection.
However, you can often simply park your motorhome in a parking lot or on a quiet road for a short break.
In Germany, you can usually stay here for up to 8 hours, but you should remember not to set up any camping furniture or similar in front of your vehicle, but to stay inside for the most part. Wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany!
You should bear this in mind when making your choice:

  • Is camping with a motorhome allowed here?
  • How much does the parking space cost?
  • How long can I stand here?
  • Is there a fresh water and waste water station?
  • Is an appropriate power connection available?

Once you arrive at the campsite, you can sit down with your loved ones in front of your motorhome and enjoy the starry sky!

Driving license class B trailer

Can I drive a motorhome with my driver’s license?
Or do I need a special trailer driver’s license?
To drive a motorhome, you definitely need a class B driving license. As a rule, you do not need an additional trailer driver’s license.
Nevertheless, it is extremely important to inform yourself in advance and to have the appropriate driving license or to get one before your vacation so that you don’t get into any trouble on the road.
Here you can find out everything you need to know about driving licenses and trailers:

Evaluation: Camping site – what is important?

If you are going camping with a motorhome, you should definitely pay attention to a few important criteria when choosing your campsite so that you can enjoy your time here as much as possible.
For example, a central location with enough privacy and a certain level of cleanliness of the site and sanitary facilities are important exclusion criteria that you should consider when making your choice so that you still feel comfortable and at home during your vacation.
Here are some factors you should keep in mind when looking for the right pitch:

  • Sufficient rest
  • Catering on site
  • Friendliness of neighbors and employees
  • Price-performance ratio
  • Cleanliness on site
  • Well-maintained sanitary facilities
  • Condition of the rental accommodation / plots
  • Leisure activities
  • Good location

Camping with a motorhome: First impressions

If you are now interested in a camping trip with a motorhome, then take a look at this video to get helpful tips and suggestions for this type of vacation and a first insight into outdoor life with a motorhome: https://youtu.be/CtODBVnO8GE

Rooftop tent: the motorhome alternative?

Rooftop tent – No integrated kitchen, toilet etc., but all the more flexibility and comfort! A roof tent is the perfect solution for sleeping even more comfortably and easily without having to drive an entire motorhome. The roof tent is folded up on your vehicle when you’re on the road – so you’re always guaranteed to find a parking space, even in smaller parking spaces! Once unfolded, it offers you an amazing living space with room for up to 5 people. Read more about the advantages, different models, roof load and prices here:

Caravan as a cheaper alternative to a motorhome

Caravan – If you prefer to travel with your car, but at the same time want to have enough space and storage room for all your outdoor equipment, then you should consider a caravan.
You can simply drive off in your car and attach it to the back.
You have everything you need for camping with you and are still flexible on the road. Read more here:

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