Sales of new motorhomes have more than trebled in the past decade, exceeding 11,000 in the UK in 2007, while the Caravan Club claims caravanning is the most popular paid-for holiday choice in Britain.

Modern cars, with traction control and power steering, make towing a caravan a much less daunting experience than it once was, and today’s motorhomes promise easy handling and home comforts: power showers, fitted kitchens and wireless internet. If you’re tempted to buy, follow our guide:

Buying a new motorhome: The traditional camper van is compact, usually two-berth and may come with a roof that rises when parked for extra headroom. With larger “coach-built” motorhomes – usually two- to six-berth – the living area is built around an existing chassis and cab.

Overcab coach-builts usually have an extra sleeping area above the driver’s cabin, whereas low-profile versions usually provide better fuel economy and manoeuvrability. A micro motorhome is smaller, often a van conversion, and suitable for those looking for a multipurpose vehicle for day-to-day motoring and weekend retreats.

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An A-class motorhome is custom-built from the chassis up, and the cab can usually be integrated into the living area.

Most motorhomes have diesel or turbo-diesel engines, which offer better fuel economy, but petrol alternatives are available. The cost of a motorhome starts at about £19,000, rising to about £70,000 for top UK models and £250,000 for an American-style Winnebago. Check the vehicle has a badge stating it has been safety-checked and approved by the National Caravan Council (www.nationalcaravan.co.uk).

A Knaus S Liner motorhome, which costs about £80,000, and, right, the Hymer Nova caravan, from £15,695

Swift is the biggest UK manufacturer of motorhomes, including the Bessacarr and Ace ranges (www.swiftleisure.co.uk). The market is split about 50-50 between British-built vehicles and imports from countries such as America and Germany.

The Motorhome Information Service has a list of retailers at www. motorhomeinfo.co.uk. Or try www. independentmotorhomeretailers.co.uk, www.brownhills.co.uk, www.travelworldrv.co.uk and www.nsr-leisure.co.uk.

Buying a new caravan: Consider how many berths you want and whether you want a single- or twin-axle van. Twin axles give better grip on the road but are much harder to manoeuvre, cost much more in replacement tyres and are really only necessary on large vans.

It’s worth spending a bit more on a newer caravan as these tend to have more aerodynamic designs, which reduce fuel consumption. Consider the layout, headroom, storage space (particularly if you have children) and the mod cons you require. It is best to buy new from franchised dealers.

Details of the leading brands are at www.swiftleisure.co.uk, www.explorer-group.co.uk and www.bailey-caravans.co.uk. Prices go from about £10,000 for a two-berth Sprite to about £20,000 for a four-berth Explorer Buccaneer.

Buying secondhand: Try the classified advertisements in magazines such as Motorhome & Caravan Trader. Lowdham Leisure World (www.lowdhamleisure.com) has a good selection of secondhand motorhomes, or visit www.brownhills.co.uk, www.catterickcaravans.com and www.michaeljordancaravans.co.uk. See www.caravanpriceguide.com for a price guide and for details of auctions, visit www.british-car-auctions.co.uk and www.manheim.co.uk.

With used caravans, look out for damp. It may also be worth getting a vehicle provenance check on your caravan or motorhome before you buy to ensure that it’s not stolen.

Finance and insurance: Most retailers have their own finance packages, but shop around. Black Horse finance offers motorhome and caravan packages (www.blackhorse. co.uk/caravans/caravan_index.aspx). Visit www.motorhomeinfo.co.uk for a list of motorhome insurers or try www.caravanwise.co.uk.

The Caravan Club (www.caravanclub.co.uk) offers insurance packages and Club Care insurance is operated by the Camping and Caravanning Club (www. campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk).

Driving and maintenance: Anybody who passed their driving test before January 1, 1997, can drive a 7½tonne vehicle on their normal car licence. Those who want to drive a larger vehicle must pass a further test and those who got their licence on January 1, 1997 or after will have to pass an extra test to drive anything over 3½ tonnes. Motorhomes require regular servicing and an annual MoT once they are more than three years old. The Caravan Club runs a one-day motorhome driving course for £90.

Towing a caravan: Aim for a towed load (that’s the weight of the van plus contents) of no more than 85% of the car’s kerb weight, which can be provided by your dealer.

Those who passed their driving test before 1997 can tow a caravan on their normal car licence, provided the combined weight does not exceed 8.25 tonnes; those who passed from 1997 must take a category E test if their car and caravan weigh more than 3.5 tonnes combined (see www.dvla.gov.uk for details). Carry a spare wheel that is suitable for your caravan as well as your car.

Show time: The International Caravan & Motorhome Show takes place in Birmingham on October 14-19, 2008. Details at www.caravanshows.com.

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