Motorhome Guide

Berth

Usually from two to six and refers to the number of people the motorhome can sleep and carry (e.g. number of beds and seatbelts).

Some motorhomes can sleep a certain number of people but don't necessarily have the same number of seatbelts or travelling seats.

The berth advertised should always be representative of the number of seatbelts the motorhome has when the two are different.

You'll want to make sure the number of berths represents the number of people who will be using the motorhome the majority of the time. You won't want to cram in beds for six when 95% of the time only two people will be using it. 

Bed style

Beds can be singles, doubles or queens and you’ll find them located in all sorts of places:

• Over the cab
• Tucked away under a seat
• Island beds (space on either side)
• Drop down beds
• Back of the motorhome 
• Front of the motorhome 
• Positioned against a side wall (french bed) 

Length

There’s a common misconception that longer motorhomes are harder to drive. Don’t let this put you off choosing the right motorhome for you. Once you’ve got the knack, it makes little difference whether you’re driving with 6m or 8m behind you.

• Under 6m - these won't always be van conversions, and there are some great compact floorplans in our Benimar range 
• 6-7m -option for someone needing something smaller but still wanting storage
• 7-8m -you'll start to find permanent beds in this length with kitchen and living
• 8m+ - best of both worlds with permanent beds, storage and decent living and kitchen spaces

Rear vs front wheel drive

The answer to this really comes down to your lifestyle and where you plan on going with a motorhome. If you want a motorhome to take you to remote locations this often means driving off-road or down gravel roads; choose rear wheel drive for adventure. Rear wheel drive also offers better traction if you intend to tow a boat or car behind the motorhome.

A front wheel drive is better suited to sealed roads and motorcamps. Many new vehicles, particularly European imports are built on front wheel drive chassis, which is the majority of the market in NZ. You'll just want to consider where you'll be going and what sort of traction you need on those surfaces. 

NZ made vs imported

You can be certain Kiwi-made motorhomes are built to suit our roads, weather conditions and freedom camping regulations because they were made right here. Made in, for and by New Zealand. Naturally, that comes with a higher price than an imported motorhome. If you're looking for something more off the rack, ready to drive away with a good price to value ratio then an imported product may be more suited to your style. 

Used motorhomes

Good for the budget conscious or those looking to get into a full time motorhome without the price tag; depending on the brand and age, depreciation could be as low as 2-4%, meaning it could cost you as little as $2,000 per year to own.

Pre-owned won't always mean "cheapest" however and the price range of used motorhomes varies just as much as it does when it comes to new motorhomes. What it could mean though is with your budget you can get the right specification and floorplan for your needs in a used rather than new motorhome.

Benimar

A great entry motorhome for beginners or anyone looking for the perfect weekender/holiday motorhome. They’re great value for money and have a variety of functional floor plans to choose from. Benimars suit people who aren’t looking to get off the beaten track but rather prefer exploring towns, campgrounds and tarmac self-contained camping for a few days before moving on.

Bailey motorhomes

Bailey’s floor plans are popular in New Zealand, especially those with a rear lounge, which are great for backing up to the view. These motorhomes are well suited to campgrounds and occasional self-contained camping in locations closer to resources and towns.

TrailLite 300+

The great all-rounder! These New Zealand made motorhomes are perfect for the buyer who is budget conscious but still wants the best. With great specifications for people looking to upgrade into a rear wheel drive and start getting into some serious self-contained camping. Perfect for long stints on the road, our 300+ would be comfortable for weeks to months travelling.

TrailLite 500 Series

The 500 series comes with more choice than 300+ and the option to add your personal taste to the interior colour scheme. Add-ons are available to really make this motorhome your very own. The 500 series is built on a Mercedes-Benz base and drive like a car, are easy to handle but with rear wheel drive and great specification so you can go remote and enjoy some quality self-contained camping.

TrailLite 700 Series

If you’re wanting to get away for prolonged stints, this is the motorhome to consider. Our 700 series is built on an Iveco base and has huge specification so you’ll enjoy maximum comfort while you’re away. It also comes with the option to upgrade specifications and customise your interiors with the Landmark option. Think big water, big solar, big batteries and an easy to drive powerful engine.

TrailLite 900 Series

This is the ultimate full time living machine. 900s are large and spacious and coupled with huge specification meaning you’ll have everything you need to comfortably stay off grid for quite some time. Perfect for full time living, family motorhoming or spacious comfortable on road travel.