More and more Melbourne and Victorian retirees are finding the lure of the open road hard to resist. When the weather gets cold, a motorhome lets you head North for warmer climates and buying a quality used motorhome can often get you on the road sooner than waiting for a new RV.

The challenge of buying used is that there is such a variance between the used motorhomes available which makes it hard to know which one to choose. In this mini-guide, we asked seasoned grey nomads to share their insights on buying a used motorhome, the advantages of buying Australian made vs imported motorhomes, commentary on the diverse layouts available and which ones best suit different individual preferences.

1. The Allure of Australian-Made Motorhomes

The grey nomad community swears by the superior build quality and craftsmanship of Australian-made motorhomes. Aussie retirees are justified in believing that locally made motorhomes offer not just durability but also exceptional longevity. There are plenty of 20+ year old Australian made motorhomes on the road, still going strong and with a resale value of more than their original retail price. While imported motorhomes have only been in the market for a few years, most people looking to buy a used motorhome would agree that an Australian made motorhome that is under 10 years old in good condition is generally quite an attractive offering. Most importantly, Australian-made motorhomes are designed specifically for Australian environments. They are tough, sturdy, tried and tested.

2. Crucial Consideration: Motorhome Layouts

Recognising that one size doesn't fit all, our nomadic experts highlight the importance of exploring different internal configurations. From city enthusiasts relishing cafe life, to those seeking solitude in nature, there is a motorhome size and layouts to cater for all kinds of travelling styles. Generally, the more you can examine various configurations and sit in each motorhome to experience each layout, the more likely it is you will discover the ideal used motorhome to best suit your travel lifestyle. For example, an East-West facing bed offers urban explorers a much more comfortable night sleep parked on a sloped curb than a North-South facing bed. Likewise, a design that prioritises the kitchen will be no use if you plan on eating out every meal, whereas if you do love your own cooking, a large fridge is a must!

3. The Dealer Advantage

Considering the significant investment even a used motorhome represents, our grey nomad advocates recommend opting for a reputable dealer over a private seller for your peace of mind. Motorhomes are generally owned by an older demographic and, let’s face it, when someone sells an RV for ‘health reasons’ it is unlikely that their attention will be fully focused on ensuring your purchase of their used motorhome is free of trouble. For example, seams and seals can deteriorate and an undetected water leak in a motorhome can greatly reduce the body integrity in a shockingly short time. A Dealership on the other hand is wholly focused on providing the very best, trouble free motorhome they can for the given budget. A used motorhome dealer also guarantees a secure platform for purchase, to protect you from scams or sellers who fail to deliver what was promised. Purchasing from a dealer also offers the peace of mind of a warranty for most motorhomes which provides you with an added layer of security. While you can sometimes save money with the up front purchase by buying privately, it’s a gamble because a sitting motorhome can attract all kinds of problems which don’t become evident until you are 50 km down the road. The odds are that any money you save will be quickly eroded when something mechanical invariably fails, or you discover the undisclosed water leak on the first stormy night.

4. Roberts RV World: The Premier Destination

If you are looking to buy a used motorhome in Melbourne, Roberts RV World stands out as a dealer where you can really accelerate the process of choosing the right used motorhome for you. Making RV Dreams come true since 1968, Roberts RV World is a one-stop-shop for all things motorhomes. In addition to an extensive new and used motorhome inventory, we have an on-site service department, parts department and accessories to hand including awnings, solar, lithium batteries and more; all conveniently located undercover in our 1 acre complex. We strive to make our dealership the ideal destination for you to explore various makes and models, compare layouts, sizes, and features, and find a motorhome that perfectly aligns with your travel goals.

5. Choosing the Right Size: Small vs. Large Motorhomes

Australia’s diverse landscapes demand careful consideration of motorhome size. For those enamoured with city life, smaller motorhomes provide ease of maneuverability in urban settings. Conversely, those inclined towards a self-sufficient lifestyle in more remote areas will likely find larger motorhomes better suited for extended trips. Specifically, a compact motorhome such as the Avida Leura is going to be much more suited for driving to a new location every day and exploring all the towns along the way. Fuel efficient and compact, you can park a Leura almost anywhere, but they don’t have excessive storage. For travelers planning on parking next to a river or out in the forest to while away the day reading or pursuing remote activities, an Avida Longreach offers greater self sufficiency for extended stays off the grid due to the huge storage for water, food, power and toys.

Which used motorhome will you choose?

Buying a used motorhome is a fun and exciting experience and the team at Roberts RV World in Melbourne are here to share our extensive experience that dates back to our inception in 1968. We stock Australian-made motorhomes in all shapes and sizes with all kinds of layouts, because we know you want options, and you can explore them all here with no pressure to buy. If you find the right used motorhome in our showroom, everyone wins, but if you are just starting your buying journey and want to savour the process, browse to your heart's content - we are always glad to share our passion for RVs and our RV accessories to help you narrow down your search and choose the best used motorhome for you!

Give Richard a call today on 03 9357 4555