First time motorhome buyer’s checklist for Ireland (2026)
Buying a motorhome in Ireland is an exciting step and a little preparation makes the difference between a purchase you enjoy for years and one you regret. This checklist walks a first time buyer through the twelve things worth sorting out before you hand over a deposit, from budget and layout to inspection, finance and storage. Work through it in order and you will arrive at the yard knowing exactly what to ask.
The checklist at a glance
1. Set a realistic total budget
2. Decide between new and pre-owned
3. Choose the right layout and berths
4. Match the size to your driving and parking skill
5 .Inspect the habitation area for damp
6. Check the base vehicle and mechanics
7. Confirm the warranty and service history
8. Sort your finance early
9. Get the right motorhome insurance
10. Plan for annual servicing and habitation checks
11. Think about where you will store it in Winter
12. Consider a custom Knaus order just for your needs
1. Set a realistic budget
Start with a total budget rather than a monthly figure. Alongside the purchase price, allow for insurance, motor tax, servicing, storage and the running costs of longer trips. Our guide to how much a motorhome costs in Ireland breaks the typical price ranges down by type, so you can settle on a number that fits your plans before you fall in love with a vehicle. It is usually more than you initially expect.
2. Decide between new and pre-owned
New gives you full warranty cover especially on the roof and the latest chassis technology. Pre-owned gives you more motorhome for the money, because someone else has already taken the early drop in value. But there will be wear and tear and the all important roof has aged. Neither option is automatically the better choice and our new or pre-owned motorhome guide weighs up warranty, depreciation and finance, so you can see which suits you.
3. Choose the right layout and number of berths
Layout matters more than almost anything else once you are on the road. Think about how many people will travel and sleep, whether you want a fixed bed or a made up one and how much storage and seating you need for the way you travel. Our guide to choosing a motorhome layout covers the main options for Irish touring, from compact two berth vans to spacious six or seven berth models. And we guide you on the weight restrictions.
4. Match the size to where you will drive and park
A larger motorhome is more comfortable to live in for longer periods, but harder to handle on narrow Irish lanes and tight coastal roads. Consider where you will park at home, whether your driveway or storage space has a height or length limit and the kind of sites you plan to visit. Bigger is not always better and the right size is the one you will actually enjoy driving. You want to be able to reverse and turn comfortably, because you will not always be driving forward.
5. Inspect the habitation area for damp
Damp is the single biggest risk on any used motorhome. Water ingress around windows, roof seams and the habitation door can lead to expensive structural repairs that are not obvious at a glance. Ask for a damp meter reading, look closely at soft or discoloured panels and be wary of any seller who will not let you check these things. You want some sort of guarantee.
6. Check the base vehicle and mechanicals
The habitation side and the chassis cab are often looked after by different specialists, so a tidy interior can still hide a neglected engine or running gear. Look at mileage, service history, tyres and brakes and make sure a proper mechanical inspection covers both halves of the vehicle before you commit rather than after. The roof is usually where trouble hides. And it can hard to see if you are buying during good weather.
7. Confirm the warranty and service history
For a new motorhome, check the length of the manufacturer in terms of years in business and ask for a structural warranty and what keeps it valid. For a pre-owned one, ask whether any warranty remains at all and request the full service and habitation record. A dealer who inspects every vehicle before sale removes most of the guesswork, which is why our pre-owned motorhomes come inspected and documented. When we take trade in we can fix any issues before we offer for resale.
Worktop layout, washroom configuration and storage are specified within the motorhome model range you choose from rather than fixed as standard. Comparing how different layouts handle this is far easier side by side, so it is worth browsing the full Knaus motorhome range to see how the kitchen and washroom change from one model to the next. Or talk it through with Liam. If you plan to cook inside the motorhome most of the time, then you may want more space than someone who plans to cook outside most of the time. Some people like to use a Cadac type barbeque outside or an airfryer to do the cooking.
8. Sort your finance early
Most buyers in Ireland use hire purchase, a deposit followed by fixed monthly payments over an agreed term. Personal contract purchase is less common and runs over a shorter term with a larger final payment. Whichever route you choose, ask for the total cost of the finance rather than the monthly figure alone, and it is worth arranging your finance before you start viewing so you know what you can comfortably invest when you are ready to do so.
9. Get the right motorhome insurance
Motorhome insurance is not the same as car insurance and cover varies on mileage limits, European travel, contents and whether the vehicle is your main home. Get a quote before you buy so there are no surprises and tell the insurer how and where the motorhome will be stored, since this often affects the premium.
10. Plan for servicing and habitation checks
A motorhome needs an annual habitation check as well as a chassis service in line with the base vehicle schedule. Keeping both up to date protects your warranty and your resale value. Our servicing and habitation team looks after every make, whether you bought from us or elsewhere.
11. Think about where you will store it
A motorhome that is off the road for the winter needs somewhere secure, dry and ideally under cover. Good storage protects the vehicle, helps hold its value and can reduce your insurance premium. If you do not have space at home, ask about our motorhome storage options in Letterkenny or near you.
12. Consider ordering a custom Knaus
If nothing in stock is quite right, you do not have to settle. As the national Knaus agent in Ireland, we can custom design and build a new Knaus motorhome to your own specification, from berth count and layout to chassis and options. Start with our online configurator to picture your build, then talk to Liam to turn it into a firm quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much should a first time buyer spend on a motorhome?
There is no single right figure. Set a total budget that covers the purchase price plus insurance, tax, servicing and storage, and be honest about how often you will use it. A slightly cheaper pre-owned model with money left over for running costs often serves a first time buyer better than stretching to the newest vehicle on the yard. Rather than guessing talk with us and we can steer you towards some suitable options.
What is the most common mistake first time motorhome buyers make?
Buying on looks alone and skipping the damp and mechanical checks. A motorhome can present beautifully inside and still have hidden water ingress or a neglected engine, so a thorough inspection of both the habitation side and the base vehicle is always worth the time.Sometimes the chassis has been damaged but is hard to see at a viewing.
How many berths does a first time buyer need?
Match berths to the people who will actually travel regularly, not the largest group you might occasionally carry. A two or four berth model is easier to drive, park and run, while six or seven berth layouts suit larger families who need the space more often than not. The bigger you get the more you become confined on small country roads or when accessing small French villages etc. Sometimes you need an extra double bed option for when visitors join you, but you can always convert the table or use the luton overcab bed.
Can I get finance as a first time motorhome buyer?
Yes. Hire purchase is the most common route in Ireland and is available on both new and pre-owned motorhomes, though lenders may apply an age limit on older vehicles. Compare the total cost of the agreement rather than the monthly payment and arrange your finance before you view.
People Also Ask
Do I need a special licence to drive a motorhome in Ireland?
Most motorhomes with a maximum weight up to 3,500 kg can be driven on a standard category B car licence, while anything heavier needs a C1 entitlement. Always check the maximum weight of a model before you buy, and see our motorhome FAQs for more on licence and weight questions.
Can I take an Irish motorhome to Northern Ireland and Britain?
Yes absolutely and many owners tour across the border and over to Britain regularly. Plan your route, ferry and overnight stops in advance, as our Ireland and Northern Ireland road trip guide shows. The North West is full of Northern Ireland motorhomes on any decent weekend.
What is the difference between a motorhome and a campervan?
Motorhomes offer more living space and berths, while campervans are smaller and easier to drive and park on narrow roads. Our guide to types of motorhomes explains which format suits different travellers.
What accessories does a new motorhome owner need?
The usual first purchases are levelling ramps or chocks, an electric hook up lead with extension cable, water and waste hoses, a gas regulator and basic security. Air con if you plan to travel to hot locations. Our parts and accessories shop stocks the essentials for all makes and models.
Why buy from the national Knaus agent rather than privately?
A recognised agent inspects every vehicle, backs it with warranty and service support and can order a custom build or source a specific model for you. Buying from a well established agent is so much safer than buying from a previous owner or some small motor dealer. You can read more about that support on our Knaus motorhomes page.
Talk to Donegal Motorhomes
Working through this checklist puts you in a strong position before you ever set foot in a yard. As the longest running motorhome and campervan company in Ireland and the single national Knaus agent, Donegal Motorhomes can talk a first time buyer through every step, whether you are in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. Contact the team in Letterkenny, or call Liam on 087 285 7602, and we will help you get the right motorhome first time.