FAQ
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1: First rent – then own
Rent a campervan for a weekend or two before you buy. This will help you quickly figure out what you want, and more importantly, what you don't want. Also, figure out how much money you're willing to pay.
2: Find out what your needs are
Are you a retired couple driving around Europe in the summer, or a family traveling every weekend all year round? How many beds and seats do you need? What about insulation?
3: Driver's license
Remember that a class B driver's license applies to total weights up to 3,500 kg, while between 3,501 and 7,500 kg you must have a class C1 driver's license.
4: Once you have found a motorhome or caravan you want
Are you unsure whether you have the knowledge needed to check your motorhome thoroughly? Then it is recommended to get a condition report on the motorhome, so that you know what you are getting into. In general, what you should check on the car part is the same as on a regular car – and in the living area you should check the same as in caravans.
5: Check that everything is ok externally
Look carefully at the car's exterior first. Does it have a lot of rust and uneven wear on the tires? Are there cracks in the tanks? Lots of small dents and scratches can indicate a car that hasn't been well cared for. Check that all lights, doors and locks work.
Check the engine and chassis. Take an extra close look to see if the engine is clean, and check the oil. Ask when the timing chain was last changed. City campers, alcove campers and semi-integrated campers are all based on vans. This means that the engine and drivetrain are the same as those found on the models without a living area. Find out what model the camper is based on and look up common faults and defects in these before you look at the camper. Then you have a better idea of what should be checked extra thoroughly, and you also have a better basis for asking the right questions.
Ask to see the service booklet. One of the very first things you should check is that the car has been regularly serviced and maintained. This should be done by someone who has experience with motorhomes, so that they have also had the living area checked regularly.
Apart from the engine, the same applies to the caravan.
6: Check that EVERYTHING works internally
Here you need to take extra time:
- Are the refrigerator and freezer cold enough?
- Do the gas burner/hob and oven/stove work?
- Can all cabinets and drawers be closed and locked?
- Are the TV, lamps and other electrical equipment working properly?
- Is the hot water hot enough? Also check the water pump and the water heater
- Does the toilet flush properly?
- Can the seats be turned towards the living area?
7: Check moisture and gas
A moisture test should be in place – especially if the camper is more than a couple of years old. Norway has a humid climate, and it doesn't take much for moisture to get into the living area. If the camper has first been exposed to moisture, it can be both difficult and expensive to clean up, so unless you know exactly what you're doing, you should steer clear of a camper with moisture damage.
Moisture damage can lead to structural problems with the living area, but it can also be dangerous to your health to stay in a motorhome with moisture damage for a long time. Among other things, mold can develop - something you definitely want to avoid where you sleep.
Most motorhomes also have gas pipes for things like the hob, hot water and fridge. These should be checked carefully for leaks and wear at regular intervals. So ask for confirmation that this has been done before you buy.
Also make sure to check that the batteries are in good condition. Motorhomes usually have at least two – one that functions as a regular car battery and one or more that provide power to the living area.
8: When you test drive
Think like when you are going to have a passenger car:
- Do the brakes work properly, without pulling you to the right or left?
- Is the clutch slipping?
- Do the handbrake and windshield wipers work?
- Are the heating, ventilation and air conditioning working?
- What about all the instruments, lights and switches – as well as the GPS and rearview camera?
- Check the seat heater, and almost most importantly: whether you were sitting properly during the trip.
Otherwise, it's generally much the same as buying a regular car. This means you need to test drive it and listen for unusual noises – and make sure the car behaves as expected. If you have little experience with motorhomes, it can be useful to take an experienced friend with you – or take the car you're considering buying to a service station.
Also remember that you should have a thorough check of your car before setting off on a long trip – regardless of whether it's your first time in a new motorhome or you've had the car for many years.
9: What camping equipment should you have?
It's always smart to have a power adapter, extra septic tank, your own water hose and leveling blocks. And don't forget camping chairs and tables.
Many of today's motorhomes can handle active use in the winter, but if you prefer to let your motorhome sit in hibernation, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are some important tips that will ensure good winter storage and a motorhome that is well prepared for the next season.
Where should the camper be parked?
The camper should preferably be parked indoors or under cover. If this is not possible and you are storing the camper outdoors, it is important that it is on a dry surface. Do not have a tarpaulin over the camper, as this can, among other things, lead to scratches in the paintwork. Remember that the handbrake should not be on when you park the camper for such a long period, but make sure that it is in gear so that it cannot roll.
Drain the camper of water
It is very important that you empty the water in your camper before winter. Start by emptying the water tank, then run a cleaning agent through the water system to prevent dirt from accumulating in the pipes. You can do the same with antifreeze, which will reduce the possibility of frost damage. You can buy both cleaning agent and antifreeze in our equipment store. After the antifreeze has been filled, you should empty the water tank again. It is also important that you place the shower hose in the shower tray and set all taps to the middle position. Finally, you can take a short drive in the camper to dry out the last drops of water.
Do a thorough interior wash
Before winter, it is a good idea to thoroughly wash the interior of the car. Seat cushions and mattresses should be pulled out slightly from the wall to avoid moisture and dirt. If you store the motorhome outdoors, it may be a good idea to take the seat cushions and mattresses home with you. Bed linen, clothes and duvets must be removed and the cupboard doors should be left slightly ajar. To avoid uninvited guests, it is important that you empty the motorhome of food. Give the refrigerator an extra thorough wash and set it to airing mode. Finally, you can install a fan to ensure good air circulation. This will prevent moisture from settling.
The toilet cartridge needs to be emptied.
The toilet cassette must be emptied and cleaned. You will find an emptying station right outside our premises. When cleaning the toilet cassette, it is important that you use good products. We have a large selection in our equipment store and are happy to help you find the right product.
Check gas cabinet and access
The gas should be disconnected, check the gas hose and make sure it has not cracked during the season. Remember that gas hoses should be replaced every four years.
Fill the tank with diesel
Fill the tank with diesel to prevent condensation and frost on the inside of the tank.
Maximize tire pressure
Too little air in the tires during the winter can, in the worst case, lead to the tires having to be replaced. Therefore, always remember to maximize the air pressure in the tires before putting the motorhome into storage. If you are wondering what the maximum air pressure is for your motorhome, you can find it in the manual.
Charge the batteries regularly
The batteries should be fully charged when the motorhome is parked for the winter and we recommend that you charge the batteries regularly, preferably every 3-4 weeks. This will prevent the batteries from being damaged during the winter. Remember that the batteries are especially vulnerable when the temperature is low.
Lubricate exterior locks and seals
All external locks should be lubricated with locking spray to prevent them from freezing. You can use silicone glue on seals. Locking spray and silicone glue can be found in our equipment store.
So, everything should be in place for the camper to have a painless and well-deserved winter hibernation.
For the vast majority, motorhomes with a total weight of under 3,500 kilograms apply. These are also the most common motorhomes on the market – although there are also some that require a class C1 driver's license.
Remember that it is not the car's kerb weight that determines the outcome – but the total weight it is approved for.
The payload of the motorhome is calculated by taking the car's permissible total weight (usually 3,500 kilograms) and subtracting the kerb weight including the driver of 75 kilograms.
This often gives you a payload of around 500 kilograms, and this includes everything loose in the motorhome – including the passengers.
With four people on board, holiday luggage, tableware and other necessary equipment, any bicycles, grills and furniture, you can see that 500 kilograms fill up quickly.
It's therefore important to pack economically - even if you have physical space for something, you may not necessarily want to take it with you.
Also remember that if you choose a car with a maximum permissible weight of more than 3,500 kilograms, you will have to pay higher rates on ferries and in toll booths.