After paying tens of thousands of pounds for a motorhome many owners want to keep their vehicle for their own enjoyment – with some seeing it as an extension of their home!
Last month, we asked motorhomers if they’d consider letting friends, family or even a complete stranger use their motorhome.
Here’s the results…
After almost 300 votes, a huge 78 per cent of voters said they wouldn’t let anyone else use their motorhome – not surprising after making such a huge investment.
Only three per cent of voters said they would be happy to hire out their motorhome for money – with many worried that a stranger would not look after their prized possession as much as they do.
Twelve per cent of owners said they would be happy to let friends of family borrow their leisure vehicle – although only four per cent already do.
As things stand a Caravan Guard motorhome insurance policy does not permit policyholders to hire out their motorhomes to earn money. However, friends and family can be added as named drivers and then they can enjoy the full protection our extensive cover.
Your comments
Some readers were very clear that their motorhome would never be up for hire!
M Ranton said: “Most definitely not! It would feel like giving away a family member.”
And April agreed for fear of it being damaged.
“No definitely not,” she said. “Nobody looks after you camper like you do. It also takes a long time to build up all the camping know-how and tricks of driving a much larger vehicle. It’s so easy to make a mistake, the van is then damaged.”
Gary Cunningham said it was a tricky question.
“I would have to say it depends on the individual,” he added. “Your motor home is an extension to your house. My wife and I are quite particular about our personal space and there would only be a limited number of people we know would treat it with the same care as us. and then as a professional driver I would be mindful of whether they would drive it okay. I’ve seen people in hire vans….. scary, very scary. I wouldn’t want my motor home driven similarly, there’s a world of difference between the family hatchback and a 20 something foot home on wheels.”
Barry Carter was one of the three per cent of voters who were undecided.
“Our motorhome is over 3500kg so those in my family who would like to borrow it don’t have a driving licence with the required C1 category,” he said. “If they had they would also have to demonstrate to me that they could drive it safely. Whilst they have been camping with us a number of times so know the ropes of camping and also help to clean and maintain it inside and out and know how precious it to us, would I trust them with it out of my site, I don’t know? Perhaps when I have scratched and dinted it I might change my mind.”
Over to you…
Let us know what you make of the results in the comments box below.
I am one of the 78%. I expect that the way I take care will not apply to anyone who had to use my motorhome. As stated as well anyone who is not covered by the insurance policy will compromise the contract. It also takes time for the owner to get used in manoeuvring the motorhome, especially in tight corners. So a new person, with no experience leaves much to be desired.
I am shocked with the results
I am in favour of allowing my family and friends to use my motorhome.
78% very sad people. I hope i never need your assistance on the road
12% happy and content
Would hate to lend our treasured Motorhome – it is our private space in place of dirty hotels – even hate any repair/service or habitation people near it in case they don’t treat it properly!
No never, so agree with the comments. But family blackmail might make it necessary.