5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Buy a Motorhome
Buying a motorhome is more than just choosing a vehicle — it’s choosing a lifestyle. Whether you’re dreaming of spontaneous weekend getaways or a long-term adventure across Australia, the right motorhome can give you the freedom to explore your way.
But before you dive in, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on what you really need. Asking yourself the right questions will help you narrow down your options and make a confident, well-informed decision.
Let’s start with the most important one…
1. How Do I Want to Travel?
Take a moment to picture yourself on the road. Are you planning quick weekend breaks or extended road trips? Do you prefer staying in holiday parks or free camping in remote locations? Your answers will guide your choice of motorhome — from the layout to the features you’ll need onboard.
- Short getaways: If you’re heading out for a few days at a time, a compact motorhome with basic amenities might be all you need, such as our Fiat Ducatos or Toyotas.
- Extended travel: Longer trips call for more comfort — think extra storage, a full kitchen, and a separate shower and toilet, such as our Avida motorhomes.
- Free camping: Going off-grid? Look for a fully self-contained vehicle with solar panels, a large water tank, and a reliable battery setup. Lucky, most of our motorhomes for sale are!
- Holiday parks: If you plan to stay in powered sites, you might not need as many off-grid features — but comfort is still key.
Tip: Your travel style might evolve over time. Choose a motorhome that meets your current needs and gives you flexibility for the future.
Image: 2-berth Fiat Ducato exploring Australia
2. Who Will Be Travelling With Me?
Before you fall in love with a motorhome layout, think about who’ll be sharing the road with you. Will it just be you and your partner? Are you bringing the kids or grandkids? Or maybe you’re planning to host occasional guests or travel with your dog?
The number of people — and their comfort needs — will influence everything from bed configurations to seating and storage.
- Solo travellers or couples: Our Fiat Ducato and Toyota motorhomes offer a compact, easy-to-drive option with all the essentials.
- Small families: Look for our Avida motorhomes with dedicated sleeping spaces and an extra living room.
- Travelling with guests: A layout with a dinette that converts into a bed offers flexibility when you need it.
- Bringing pets: Be sure to consider space for pet gear and think about where your furry companion will sleep or relax.
Ask yourself:
- Do I need separate beds or are shared sleeping spaces okay?
- How important is a larger dining or lounge area for downtime?
- Will I need extra seatbelts for all travellers?
Tip: Most of our customers at Cruisin RV Sales choose a 4- or 6-berth motorhome — even if they’re only travelling as a couple — simply because of the extra space and comfort our vehicles provide. More room to move, more storage, and more flexibility means a better travel experience, especially on longer trips.
Image: Freedom of having lunch with a view
3. What’s My Budget – and What Should It Cover?
It’s easy to focus on the purchase price — but don’t forget to consider the full picture. Setting a realistic budget (and understanding what’s included) will help you avoid surprises down the track.
Start by asking yourself:
- How much am I comfortable spending upfront?
- Do I need finance options?
- What extra costs should I factor in?
Here’s what your budget should include:
- Purchase price of the motorhome
- Registration and insurance
- Servicing and maintenance (especially if you plan to travel long distances)
- Optional extras, such as solar panels, bike racks, or upgraded batteries
- Running costs, like fuel, gas, and campground fees
Why buy from Cruisin RV Sales?
All of our ex-rental motorhomes come fully equipped with features that would otherwise cost thousands — including full kitchen setups, solar panels, TV/DVD units, reversing cameras (option), and more. Plus, we have a list of add-ons that we can fit for you!
On top of that, most vehicles come with a FREE 5-Year National Warranty, giving you peace of mind and long-term value. Plus, all our vehicles go through a comprehensive checkup inspection before being sold, and we make sure everything is road-trip-ready for you!
Tip: Buying ex-rental is a smart way to get a well-maintained, road-tested motorhome at a competitive price — with all the extras already built in.
Image: Popular Avida Motorhome from Cruisin’ RV Sales
4. What Level of Comfort and Space Do I Need?
When it comes to motorhomes, space really does matter — especially if you’re spending more than just a couple of nights away. Think about how you like to live and relax while travelling. Do you enjoy cooking? Prefer to unwind indoors in the evening? Need plenty of storage for your gear?
Ask yourself:
- Do I want a full kitchen or just the basics?
- Will I be using the shower and toilet daily, or relying on campground facilities?
- How much storage do I need for clothing, food, and outdoor equipment?
- Do I want to be able to stand up and move around freely inside?
What to look for:
- Kitchen: A good-sized fridge, gas stove, microwave, and pantry space make meal prep much easier on the road.
- Bathroom: Many of our vehicles offer separate showers and toilets — a must-have for free camping and comfort. Check out the difference between an Ensuite Bathroom and a Wet Area!
- Living area: Choose a layout with a fixed bed if you don’t want to make and pack up a bed every day. With our Avida motorhomes, buyers are setting their permanent bed at the back, and still have a spacious dining area!
- Storage: Overhead cupboards (or bed), wardrobe space, and under-seat storage can make long trips much more enjoyable.
Why many buyers go bigger:
Even for couples, our 4- to 6-berth Avida motorhome can provide a more comfortable experience — with the freedom to cook, relax, and sleep without compromise. It’s one of the main reasons our larger models are so popular among buyers.
Tip: Think about how you’ll use your motorhome not just during the day, but also on rainy afternoons or quiet evenings when you’re spending time inside. Comfort makes a big difference when you’re travelling for weeks at a time.
Image: Our Avida Motorhomes have everything you need from kitchen to ensuite bathroom
5. Am I Comfortable with the Vehicle’s History and Condition?
Buying a motorhome is a long-term investment, so it’s important to feel confident in the vehicle’s background and how it’s been maintained. Before committing, make sure you’ve asked the right questions and taken a thorough look at its condition.
Ask yourself:
- Do I know how many kilometres it’s travelled?
- Has the motorhome been regularly serviced?
- Are all the major systems — plumbing, electrics, appliances — in good working order?
- Has the interior been well cared for and maintained?
Why buy from Cruisin RV Sales?
All our motorhomes are ex-rental vehicles that have been meticulously maintained throughout their service life. Unlike private sales, you get full transparency:
- Complete service history
- Detailed inspections before sale
- High-quality fit-outs built for durability and reliability
- FREE 5-Year National Warranty included with most models for added peace of mind
You’ll also benefit from features already built in — like reversing cameras, solar panels, and entertainment systems — saving you thousands compared to buying them separately.
Tip: Don’t be put off by higher mileage — our motorhomes are designed for long-distance touring and regularly maintained by experienced technicians. In fact, many buyers prefer ex-rentals because they’ve already been road-tested and proven reliable.
Here is why Buying your Motorhome in Winter is a Smart Idea!
Image: Full transparency with our vehicles
Ready to Find Your Perfect Motorhome?
Buying a motorhome is an exciting journey — and asking yourself these five questions is the best way to make sure your investment matches your travel dreams, lifestyle, and budget.
Cruisin’ RV Sales is here to support all your motorhome adventures. If you’re considering upgrading your vehicle or making your first purchase, our range of ex-rental motorhomes offers reliable, comfortable options for every traveller. Let’s make this year filled with incredible journeys, cherished memories, and the freedom of the open road! 🧡
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Ready to hit the road? Let the festivities begin! Explore our fantastic range of motorhomes and campervans for sale! Got a question? Feel free to call us at 1300 124 329!
Did you purchase a motorhome from us? We’d love to hear about your adventures! Share your journey with #cruisinrvsales! Happy and safe travels!
*The deals and offers mentioned in this article might be withdrawn at any point. Please contact our sales team to learn about current offers.