The 10 reasons for renting a motorhome rather than buying

The camper is the ideal accessory for a roaming holiday. But, financially speaking, it will often be better to rent rather than invest in this kind of vehicle. Here's why.

Ah the camper! The freedom to travel and stop where we like to spend the night, eat, sting a head... But this freedom has its constraints, and the price is not the last. One. camping-car , even bought on occasion, represents an investment of several tens of thousands of euros. Not to mention maintenance costs, storage etc. Analyze your needs before opting for purchase or rental. Indeed, most of the time, rather than buying a vehicle that will not be used very often, it will be more interesting to rent a motorhome. Here's why.

1. It costs less

In France, we spend an average of 20 days a year in his camper. There's no need to draw you. Rental is often a better idea, financially speaking, compared to the purchase of a new vehicle. However, if you rent your vehicle or use it very frequently, things change. But one of the first questions to which to answer to know if you have to buy or rent a motorhome is: how long will I use it every year?

In detail, count at least:

• 30.000€ for the purchase of a vehicle,
• 1000€/year (sometimes much less, sometimes much more) for maintenance, insurance, etc.
• With a 6 to 7%/year decoder, your vehicle will only be worth it 15,000€about, after 10 years.
• So he cost you 25.000€ or 25€/year. This is the price, approximate, of a month of rental.

Conclusion, if you want to use it more than 4 weeks per year, the purchase can be considered. Below it is better to rent a motorhome.

2. You do not need a vehicle in the year

For you, the camping-car holiday is one to two times a year, at fixed periods? Opt for the rental. The advantage of owning your own vehicle is to be able to leave when you like (unless you rent it at the same time). But, most of the time, you will have time to plan your holidays and book a motorhome. You don't have to be bothered. Go for the rental.

3. You won't know where to park him.

Having a motorhome close to home, it’s good, it allows you to leave whenever you want. That's true. But there's still a place to park him. Camping-cars, when not used, especially winter, need to be protected from cold, rain, sun ... However, building a hard shelter large enough to accommodate a motorhome, buy a tarpaulin or shelter, or even rent a garage, are expensive solutions. The rental allows to avoid these costs.

4. You avoid daily maintenance

Empty, leakproofness test, technical control, cleaning... Even more than a car, a camper requires a regular maintenance . Often simple gestures, of course, but imperatives to keep his motorhome in good condition. In wintering, you will have to purge your clean water, disconnect your batteries... So many operations you will not have to worry about if you rent a motorhome.

5. Because you borrow newer vehicles

Another advantage of renting, from individuals but especially from professionals, is to be able to take control of recent models. They have maximum comfort on board, option etc. If you rent from professionals, it is also the guarantee to borrow regularly revised vehicles. The (or almost) holiday guarantee without mechanical or technical problems.

6. Administratively, it’s less complicated

As with any vehicle, the motorhome must be insured, attesting to a recent technical inspection. And all of this obviously has a cost. If you own and plan to rent your vehicle, you will need to highlight it on specialized sites, manage relationships with prospective tenants... Things you will not have to worry about if you rent a motorhome.

7. To travel far

The camper is the freedom to travel and stop where you want, when you want. It’s true Europe and in Maghreb. But it’s more complicated to get to know U.S. West , Canada or South America. These destinations (among others) are well suited to the discovery by camping-car. Especially than the arrival of Auxiliary applications now facilitate the organization of trips and breaks. But you will first have to cross the seas for several days, for a price not always attractive. For distant destinations, it seems obvious to rent a motorhome.

8. This allows to test before buying

You want to buy a motorhome but aren’t some of your choice? First forget the catalogues of motorhome manufacturers. Rental can be the way to test this vacation mode before taking the step. By renting one to two weeks, you will have a very good overview of the advantages and disadvantages of a camping-car stay. Some dealers also include a few days of rental so that future buyers can determine the best model for them.

In the same way, you can also determine the type of layout that suits you. More like a hood, a profile or a whole? The kitchen near the door or back at the door? Swivel seats or independent lounge? A suspended or fixed bed in the back? By renting, you'll test many amenities.

9. You want to adapt the choice of the vehicle to your wishes, your family

This year, it’s decided, you go to mountain camper. Next year, it will be a bicycle theme. The following year, you would go well to skiing, always on a camper. Another advantage of the rental is that depending on your holiday, you will be able to determine which camping-car is best for you. Do you need a very good heating, a number of bike carriers, a less fuel-consuming vehicle, more autonomy? The range of vehicles at your disposal is wide, make your choice.

The interest of renting is also to opt for a vehicle adapted to your family. Today you are two adults, and two young children. Tomorrow they'll grow up. Maybe even the family's getting bigger. What if we take beautiful mama with us? Will the interior configuration of your camper still allow you to welcome all this beautiful world in the best conditions? Not sure. The advantage of renting is to adapt to your family’s configuration at a specific time.

10. Get the advice of inhabited by renting

If you are considering buying a motorhome, starting with renting, in addition to confronting several models of vehicle, you will be able to exchange with other owners. Interest? Get valuable advice before a possible purchase. The motorhomes that you will encounter are often unaware of advice and other good plans. Enjoy it.

Who are the renters?

You can rent your motorhome with professional rentals. Dealers and accessories for motorhomes often offer this service. They have a wide range of vehicles, perfectly revised. Large vehicle rentals also offer motorhomes. Let's call Avis Car-Away or Hertz.

Another solution, renting between people. You can go through a platform that connects owners and tenants as Yescapa For example. These sites have partnerships with insurers to cover potential claims.

Big plus: they manage the rental contract, the payment and can assist you in case of problems. Their rates are generally much more attractive than those of traditional renters (from 50 euros per day). Even if the proposed vehicles sometimes have lived.

If you prefer to rent a motorhome directly from a owner, be particularly aware of the insurance conditions.