Take a look at this quick guide exploring the various costs involved in running a motorhome, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before diving in.
Owning a motorhome is an appealing idea for many people in the UK – and it’s easy to see why. You get the freedom to hit the road whenever you want, explore hidden corners of the country, and even venture across Europe, all while enjoying your home comforts.
However, there are a few expenses to consider which are not always obvious at first. So let’s take a look at some of the main costs involved in running a motorhome, so you can plan your adventures effectively.
Jump to:
- How much does UK road tax cost for motorhomes?
- What does motorhome insurance cost?
- How much does servicing a motorhome cost each year?
- What does a motorhome MOT cost?
- Does parking cost more in a motorhome?
- Is it expensive to refuel a motorhome?
- Factoring in the cost of motorhome consumables
- The cost of wear and tear on your motorhome
- Other motorhome insurance implications
How much does UK road tax cost for motorhomes?
The cost of taxing your motorhome depends mainly on its weight and emissions. In the UK, motorhomes weighing under 3,500kg typically cost more than those weighing over 3,500kg. But engine size also plays a role in the pricing, with bigger engines generally costing more. According to the UK government website, motorhome owners could currently pay anywhere between £171 and £360 in one annual payment, depending on weight and engine size.
For those with newer motorhomes registered between 1 April 2017 and 11 March 2020, you might find you pay a different tax rate if it’s in the M1SP category and its CO2 emissions are included on the ‘type approval certificate’. The M1SP category refers to vehicles that are classified as ‘Special Purpose’. If you’re unsure whether your motorhome falls into this category, check with your manufacturer or dealer for confirmation.
Remember that tax rates can change, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the government website for up-to-date motorhome tax rates.
What does motorhome insurance cost?
The cost of motorhome insurance can vary quite a bit, depending on things like your age, how often you plan to use your motorhome, your driving history, and the size of the vehicle. Here at Just Kampers Insurance, our motorhome policies start from as little as £225 per year, with an option to spread the cost if that’s easier for you.
We recommend choosing comprehensive cover for the best protection, covering accidents, theft, and third-party damage. We can tailor our policies to suit your needs, whether you’re exploring the UK or heading for adventures abroad, so do get in touch and see how we can help. Call our friendly team on 01256 444 546.
To help keep your costs down, consider adding breakdown cover to your policy, installing extra security features, and even join a motorhome owners’ club for potential discounts.
How much does servicing a motorhome cost each year?
Just like a car, your motorhome needs to be safe and roadworthy, so regular servicing is a must. But because motorhomes come with loads of extra features that you won’t find in a standard vehicle, they do have some additional maintenance requirements.
According to the Caravan and Motorhome Club, a standard habitation service in the UK usually costs between £200 and £350, though prices can vary across the country. It’s worth enquiring with the garages in your area to give you an idea of what you can expect, so you can plan for this accordingly.
Staying on top of servicing can also save you money in the long run, helping to extend the life of your vehicle and even improve the resale value when you come to sell – a well-looked after motorhome will always be more appealing to buyers.
That’s where a habitation service comes in, where a qualified professional performs a thorough inspection on the living areas of your motorhome, including gas, water, electrics, ventilation, and bodywork, allowing you to catch any issues early on.
What does a motorhome MOT cost?
As with any other vehicle, motorhomes need regular MOTs to keep them road-legal and safe. But motorhome MOTs can be a bit different from the standard car MOT you’re probably used to.
There are several different types of MOT classes, and the one you need depends on the specific type of motorhome you have – considering things like its weight, size, seating capacity, and the way it’s used. Most motorhomes will need either a Class 4 or Class 7 MOT, but in some cases, particularly with heavier vehicles, a HGV MOT might be required (though this is not as common).
As a motorhome owner, you’ll need to know which class your vehicle falls under. A quick check of the official MOT classes will point you in the right direction.
Not sure how much your motorhome MOT should cost? Well, there’s a maximum amount test centres are allowed to charge. This limit depends on your vehicle type and the kind of test it needs. Here are the price limits at the time of writing:
Class 4 MOT max price: £54.85
Class 7 MOT max price: £58.60
Click here to visit the government website and find out more.
Does parking cost more in a motorhome?
Parking costs for motorhomes vary greatly based on your location and travel style. For motorhome owners based in urban areas, finding legal and affordable parking is important, to avoid any unwanted fines or difficulties. Some councils offer dedicated parking schemes for motorhomes, but you’ll need to check local regulations.
If you need long-term storage for your motorhome, costs could add up quite quickly, depending on the storage facility. So, it’s a good idea to check what’s around your area so you can budget accordingly.
When travelling, you can expect campsite fees of approximately £10 – £50 per night, depending on the amenities and location of the site.
Is it expensive to refuel a motorhome?
Fuel can be one of the bigger ongoing costs for motorhome owners. Motorhomes tend to use more fuel than regular cars, which means those long road trips or frequent journeys can quickly add up.
As there are so many different types of motorhomes, it’s hard to specify an exact average for fuel consumption. That said, a lot of motorhomes tend to average somewhere between 20 and 35 miles per gallon, so you can use this as a rough guideline.
Keep in mind that a few simple driving habits, like keeping steady speeds and avoiding excess weight, can help to improve your fuel economy and get the most out of your motorhome.
As you probably know, fuel prices in the UK can be a bit unpredictable. They often fluctuate, which can make it tricky to budget, especially if you’re gearing up for a long-term trip.
That’s why it’s worth taking some time to estimate your annual mileage and budget for fuel as accurately as you can, to avoid any unexpected financial troubles and plan your trip effectively.
Factoring in the cost of motorhome consumables (Gas, Electricity, Water, etc.)
Motorhomes typically rely on consumables like gas, electricity, and water wherever you’re going. It’s important to account for these essentials to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.
Gas is a key utility in many motorhomes, powering everything from your hob and oven to your fridge and heating, so it’s worth budgeting for. To give you a rough idea, a 6kg gas bottle currently costs around £30-£40, and may last a couple of weeks, depending on your usage. The cost also varies depending on the type of gas you’re using, and whether you’re using a refill system or not.
Water costs will differ depending on whether you’re using campsite facilities or relying on your own supply. Many campsites offer water, charged at a fixed daily rate or a meter rate based on your usage. If you’re storing water yourself, you’ll need to invest in water tanks or containers, but then it should be a minimal expense going forward, as you top up your tanks as and when you need to at designated service areas or campsites.
The cost of motorhome electricity can vary quite a bit – not just from vehicle to vehicle, but even day to day. It all depends on your setup, the appliances you’re running, and how much you’re using them.
To keep electricity costs down, try using LED lighting and energy-efficient devices where possible. These small adjustments can make a bigger difference than you might think. UK campsites will often charge per night for electricity, with rates ranging anywhere from £5-£30 or more, depending on hook-up requirements and the campsite itself. If you’re staying at a metered campsite, regularly check your usage so you can avoid unexpected charges.
For long-term travels, consider investing in solar panels. They give you extra power from clean energy, even when you’re off-grid, offering more freedom and flexibility for your adventures.
The cost of wear and tear on your motorhome
Most motorhomes experience wear and tear due to their extensive use and unique living setup. Costs for repairs and replacements vary widely, as there are so many different components that could be affected. Tyres alone may cost upwards of £100 each, and routine replacements for fixtures like window seals, furnishings, or small appliances can add up to £200 or more annually.
To minimise costs and reduce the likelihood of unwanted surprises, it’s good practice to factor these potential expenses into your budget, and stay on top of servicing your motorhome.
Other motorhome insurance implications
Owning a motorhome may impact your other insurance policies – particularly home insurance. Storing your motorhome at home may require additional security features and can affect your overall risk profile from an insurer’s perspective. It’s important to disclose all relevant information to your insurance provider to avoid rejected claims should anything happen.
Here at Just Kampers Insurance, we offer specialist cover for motorhomes and campervans, ensuring you’re properly protected.
Summary
Running a motorhome in the UK can be incredibly rewarding, but it doesn’t come without costs. Here’s a quick list of the potential costs that you should investigate and consider:
- Road Tax
- Insurance
- Servicing
- MoT
- Parking
- Storage
- Fuel
- Consumables
- Wear and Tear
Let’s not forget owning a motorhome is about creating memories and enjoying the freedom to explore. Budgeting for all aspects of ownership ensures fewer surprises and more time enjoying your investment.
For tailored motorhome insurance, get in touch today or give us a call on 01256 444 546.
