Should I Hire a Motorhome Before I Buy?

If you’re attracted to the idea of road trips, regular weekend getaways or impromptu holidays, hiring a motorhome is a great way to gain some on the road lifestyle experience. Having this will help you decide whether to buy a motorhome. In this edition of the Dicksons blog, we look at how we can support you in either journey – hiring a motorhome, or buying.

Why Hire a Motorhome Before You Buy?

When you buy a motorhome you’re making a significant investment and, like any other large purchase, you want to be sure it’s the right decision. The idea of owning a motorhome is definitely exciting, but will the reality turn out how you expect? Will maintaining and living in your motorhome be too different, far less desirable, than you thought it would be. By hiring a motorhome as your first move, you’re doing your homework and giving yourself a chance to ‘try before you buy’.

The Motorhome Lifestyle

When you hire a motorhome, you’ll get direct experience of the day-to-day reality of life on the road. It might surprise you. It’s not just about the convenience of travel, but about understanding the nuances of living in a more compact space than you might be used to, managing onboard systems (water, electricity, heating etc), and adjusting to the different routines of travel. By spending a bit of time on a break in a hired vehicle, you’ll be able to work out whether the lifestyle is something you can see yourself enjoying in the longer term.

Different Motorhome Models

Motorhomes are available in a wide range of sizes. There are more compact versions which are ideal for solo travellers or couples, and there are larger ones that can accommodate your families or a group of friends travelling together. Hiring means you can try out different models and layouts and work out which type of motorhome will suit your specific needs.

Features in Motorhomes

Motorhomes are packed with features, from heating systems to entertainment options and from kitchen set-ups to bathrooms. By hiring a motorhome you’ll get a true sense of what you need in your own vehicle, rather than deciding from guesswork. Trying out different features in a ‘real world setting’ will help you prioritise what’s important to you when it’s time to buy.

Motorhome Costs

Owning a motorhome comes with various costs that go beyond the purchase price. These include insurance, maintenance, storage and road tax. Hiring a motorhome in the first instance rather than buying lets you understand ongoing costs – ie. how much you might spend on fuel and campsite fees etc. You’ll get a clearer picture of whether a motorhome fits in your budget, and whether it’s an ongoing lifestyle choice for you.

Exploring Scotland in a Hire Motorhome

If you’re not sure about whether a motorhome is right for you and are thinking about hiring as a sort of ‘try before you buy’ experience, we recommend pairing that with a tour of Scotland. We live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with diverse landscapes including dramatic coastlines, majestic mountains and tranquil lochs. Having a motorhome adventure here will certainly give you the taste for it, and will help you decide whether you want to buy.

• Freedom: Scotland is made for motorhome travel. With vast open roads, stunning vistas and a wealth of quality campsites, hiring will allow you to explore at your own pace and get used to the motorhome lifestyle.
• Scenery: Whether you’re winding through the dramatic Highlands, along the shores of Loch Ness or tackling the NC 500, hiring a motorhome gives you the perfect opportunity to test out the lifestyle while taking in the views.
• Adventure: A motorhome provides the perfect base to explore remote areas, enjoy nature and return to comfort after a long day of adventure. From the Cairngorms National Park to the Isle of Skye, hiring a motorhome means your possibilities are endless.
• Culture: Hiring a motorhome means you can immerse yourself in Scotland’s culture that you might not otherwise visit. Edinburgh Castle, the Isle of Islay distilleries, and the prehistoric village of Skara Brae in Orkney are all within easy and comfortable reach to motorhomers.
• Campsites: Scotland has plenty of motorhome campsites with great facilities, but when you hire a motorhome you also have the opportunity to experience the joy of wild camping, a more off-the-beaten-path experience (do your research in advance, as there are certain places it is not allowed).

Why Dicksons is Perfect For Hiring or Buying

With years of experience and a commitment to our customers, we try to make it easy for everyone to take that first step into the motorhome lifestyle. Our hire service is easy to use, and features a fleet of available motorhomes, ranging from 2 berth rental campers to larger 6 berth models.

Our staff are knowledgeable about the motorhome market and can provide expert advice on which type of vehicle would be best suited to your needs – both as your hire vehicle but also when you decide to buy (we’re confident you’ll want to).

If, after hiring, you do decide that the lifestyle is for you, we can ensure an easy transition to ownership, covering everything from financing options to after-sales service. We have a range of new and used motorhomes for sale so, with the help of Dicksons of Perth, you can not only hire a motorhome that fits your needs but also gain valuable advice and support to make your decision to purchase much easier. With our help you might just find that life on the road is exactly what you’ve been looking for.