Which RV Is for Me?

Which RV Is for Me?

​There are endless options available in the world of caravans and motorhomes. If you’re making the decision to take your life on the road, we’ve gathered some crucial information for you. The most important thing is to decide what style of camping you are most likely to do and then find an RV which is going to fit your requirements best.
 
We also recommend that you purchase what you would like rather then what others may think will work for you. At DeLuxe RV we would be able to give you the expert guidance needed to take the right decision.

Buying a Motorhome

When purchasing a new motorhome, you have a range of options when it comes to bedding arrangements and features. It’s important to take your personal preference, budget and space allowance into account when choosing your configuration.

Buying a Caravan

Depending on how you like to travel, there are different varieties of caravans available to everyone. You have total control over the electronics, size and payload (depending on your tow capacity.) Speak to an expert dealer for help making this choice.

The Buying Process

​As more and more RVs hit the road, you need to make sure that the person or company you are purchasing from is reputable. Do some research and see what their existing customers are saying. Look for reviews, check out their Facebook pages and make sure it’s 99% positive. Make sure they are a recognised dealer for the RV they are selling and that it’s not a parallel import with no manufacturer’s warranty.
 
The most important thing to check is that your new RV comes with a full manufacturer’s warranty. If you are purchasing new then you expect the full warranty for both the vehicle and the body. For example, if you were to purchase a Winnebago Airlie on a Fiat Ducato then you will be looking for the manufacturer’s warranty on the chassis and engine plus the Winnebago warranty for the body and componentry. If you are buying 2nd hand, these warranties should be passed on at the time of purchase.

Aftersales Service

​This is probably one of the most important aspects of your purchase. No matter how careful we are, something is bound to go wrong at some stage. It may be a cupboard latch is forced and breaks or perhaps you have miscalculated the steepness of a driveway and scraped the rear end.
 
Check with your dealer that parts are readily available. Ask about the aftersales service and see if they have someone dedicated to this position. Make sure that your dealer is not just good at the sales process but they are equally as good when it comes to annual service checks and aftersales issues which may arise.
 
At DeLuxe, we only do warranty work and servicing on vehicles that we have sold. We now have hundreds of RVs on the road that we have sold to happy customers. We like to give priority to our own customers and offer excellent customer service. We often hear stories where it can take up to six weeks to have warranty issues even looked at. This can be very frustrating.

Buying Privately

“Buyer beware” is the best approach when buying privately. Your RV is unlikely to come with a manufacturer’s warranty. You have options of requesting a mechanical check through a local service agent, the AA or Vehicle Testing Station. Often this is well worth the cost so you have some peace of mind. Possibly ask the seller to stand behind the RV for 3 months in case something goes wrong with it. 

Parallel Imports

​If an RV seems cheap and it’s being sold by a non-recognised dealer for that brand, chances are it has been imported as a parallel import. This means it comes with no manufacturer’s warranty for the vehicle. It also means no manufacturer’s warranty for the body or the componentry.
 
Again, it’s a case of “buyer beware”. Most RVs that are parallel imported arrive with the wrong electrical plugs. Check for an electrical Warrant of Fitness, gas certification and self-containment. These little things that you may need can be very frustrating to attain and can also be very expensive.
 
Be aware that some motorhomes and caravans can have dampness issues. This may not be visible from the outset. We recommend that you do a moisture meter test before purchasing any second-hand RV. It can cost a small fortune to rectify rotting damage. If it smells damp when you first walk in then the chances of it having a leak and high moisture content is pretty good.

In Summary

Usually, buying your first RV can be a 6 – 12-month process. If you have the time, it’s important to fully research your options regardless of if you are buying new or second hand.
 
It’s a good idea to join the NZMCA. You will receive valuable benefits and be able to stay at their camping spots at very affordable prices. Your dealer should be able to assist with joining.
 
Make sure that your RV is fully insured before driving it anywhere. Usually, your dealer is able to assist with this and can come up with options of companies that specialise in RV insurance. If you are purchasing a second-hand motorhome from a dealer, it’s likely to come with a 3-month warranty.
 
You may wish to look at purchasing an extended mechanical warranty. This can be a good idea for used models which have done a lot of kilometres. 

DeLuxe RV Group and the Smith Family

​DeLuxe is a respected brand in Marlborough and throughout New Zealand. DeLuxe was established in 1926, initially as a passenger service company in Marlborough. Today, DeLuxe not only has the backing of its own RV business but it also has the backing of its large property development company which creates residential subdivisions.
 
When you deal with us we like to think that you are dealing with one of our family. With 5 family members heading up the company, you are bound to come into contact with one of us during your DeLuxe experience. The bulk of our RV stock is located in Blenheim; however, we also have stock on display in other parts of the country.
 
Greg and Gary are the 2nd generation of Smiths to manage the company with the 3rd generation, Brett and Laura, moving into managerial roles within DeLuxe RV Group and Anthony as part of the DeLuxe Property Group.
 
For more information about our motorhomes and caravans, get in touch with the team. Contact us online or call 03 926 6789.