Owner guides
Best motorhome to buy: top 5 models guide
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Each year, budding adventurers ask our travel experts the same question: “what’s the best motorhome to buy?”
To answer this question, we’ve decided to release this comprehensive list of the best motorhomes to buy in 2022. In compiling the list, we have researched every aspect of each motorhome and considered the price, build quality, layout, specifications and features.
Making our shortlist of some of the best motorhomes to buy in 2022 are the:
Carado T-Series - Best Value Motorhome Overall
Roller Team Zefiro - Best Motorhome for Storage Space
Roller Team Auto-Roller - Best Motorhome for Large Families
KEA Horizon - Best Second-hand Motorhome
Dethleffs Trend - Best Luxury Motorhome
Below, we will provide a full breakdown of each motorhome. We’ll also explain:
What you need to consider before buying a motorhome;
How you can “try before you buy”; and
How to immediately start earning a return on your investment!
The Best Motorhomes to Buy in 2022
Carado T-Series - Best Value Motorhome Overall
Cost
Brand new from $139,900
Overview
Carado is Europe’s biggest-selling motorhome brand and one of the most popular makes in New Zealand. They are renowned for providing German design and functionality at a competitive price. It’s hard to beat the value that the compact and aerodynamic Carado T-series provides. They have heaps of internal living space, tonnes of storage, large comfortable sleeping areas and fully ergonomic bathrooms and kitchens. A great choice for the average person.
Layout Options
The Carado T-Series of motorhome comes in 9 different models with your choice of:
4 or 5 person seating
2 to 5 sleeping berths
Single beds, french bed, double bed or queen bed (fixed and pull-down options)
5.95m to 7.40m vehicle length options
Specifications and Features
Fiat Ducato chassis
2.3L Multijet engine (120hp)
Combi 6 gas heating system
Huge rear garage storage space
Solar panel, skylight and energy-efficient LED lighting
Ergonomically designed upholstery furniture with hard-wearing seat covers and swivel cab seats
High-quality mattresses with pulldown bed options
Ergonomic kitchen with three-burner hob, spacious worktop, draws and fridge/freezer combo
Mini spa bathrooms with hot shower, cassette toilet, large mirrors and recessed LED spotlights
Best For
The average family or couple looking to buy a motorhome with all the essentials.
2. Roller Team Zefiro - Best Motorhome for Storage Space
Cost
Brand new from $139,990
Overview
Roller Team motorhomes are built in Italy and have quickly become one of the most popular brands in New Zealand over the last 10 years. They pride themselves on building highly reliable motorhomes with the best quality materials and technology. The Zefiro range offers a high-end feel at a reasonable price and boasts an underfloor storage system for travelling with large items (e.g. surfboards, skis, etc).
Layout Options
The Roller Team Zefiro range of motorhome comes in 6 different models with your choice of:
5 or 6 person seating
5 or 6 sleeping berths
Single beds, double bed or rear island bed (fixed and drop down options)
6.41m to 7.45m vehicle length options
Specifications and Features
Ford Transit chassis
Ford 6D engine (130bhp) (upgrades available)
6KW Combined + electric/gas heating and hot water
Underfloor storage system
Panoramic roof, central skylight and LED lighting
Luxurious interior throughout with two high-quality upholstery options for comfort and ease
High-quality foam mattresses on raised beds (ladder access)
Spacious kitchen with ample bench space, three-burner hob, oven, large cupboards and a fridge/freezer combo
Medium-sized bathroom with hot shower (inbuilt footstep and shelving), shower door, swivel toilet, handbasin, tall mirrors, medicine cabinet and window.
Best For
Sporty families who like to travel with bulky sporting goods.
3. Roller Team Auto-Roller - Best Motorhome for Large Families
Cost
Brand new from $154,490
Overview
A step up from the Zefiro range is Roller Team’s Auto-Roller range. Another extremely popular model in New Zealand, this motorhome is built for large families and offers numerous sleeping arrangements (all 6 berths). The Auto-Roller provides luxurious Italian flair throughout, making every road trip a 5-star experience. Whilst large, this motorhome manages to retain a homely feel.
Layout Options
The Roller Team Auto-Roller range of motorhome comes in 3 different models with your choice of:
5 or 6 person seating
6 sleeping berths
Double beds in the rear and dinette (overcab and bunk bed options)
7.33m and 7.47m vehicle length options
Specifications and Features
Fiat Ducato chassis
Multijet Euro 6D (120bhp)
6KW Combined + electric/gas heating and hot water
Garage storage area at the rear
Panoramic roof, skylight and LED lighting
Elegant interior throughout with two high-quality upholstery options
Numerous sleeping arrangements provide a heap of homely living space for up to 6 people
Spacious dinette area for family dinners. Clever kitchen space with three-burner hob, oven, large draws and a fridge/freezer combo
Ergonomic bathroom with generously sized hot shower (inbuilt hand basin), shower door, swivel toilet and an overhead cabinet.
Best For
Large families who are willing to spend a little bit extra for a lot more living space.
4. Kea Horizon - Best Second-Hand Motorhome
Cost
Second-hand from $89,995 (2014 models and later)
Overview
Kea is the leading motorhome brand in both Australia and New Zealand. The Horizon model has been one of their most successful designs in recent years. However, they are no longer sold brand new, so this is one that you can only buy second hand. What makes the Horizon such good value for money is its spacious interior (designed for 6 people) and an array of features such as a microwave, dual dining tables and separate shower cubicle.
Layout Options
The Kea Horizon motorhome only comes in 1 style of layout, featuring:
6 person seating
6 sleeping berths
Rear lounge fold-down bed, dinette fold-down bed and large luton bed.
7.05m vehicle length
Specifications and Features
Volkswagen Crafter chassis
2.5L turbo diesel engine
Combined + electric/gas heating and hot water
External storage bin
Skylight and LED lighting
Spacious interior with faux timber finish
Fold-down bedding arrangements and luton bed are massive and comfy
Dinettes at front and rear. Large kitchen bench with a four-burner hob, microwave, large draws and a fridge/freezer combo
Spacious bathroom with separate show cubicle, cassette toilet, vanity cabinet and frosted window
Best For
People wanting to buy a spacious second-hand motorhome at a great price.
5. Dethleffs Trend - Best Luxury Motorhome
Cost
Brand new from $138,990
Overview
Dethleffs is one of the world's oldest and most renowned motorhome makers. Built in South Germany, their Trend model is a modern classic and a fan-favourite in New Zealand. It provides all the features you’d expect in a luxury motorhome - like a premium chassis, quality insulation and extra-wide living spaces - at a fairly competitive price. Perfect for those who want a high-end experience without breaking the bank.
Layout Options
The Dethleffs Trend range of motorhome comes in 20 different models with your choice of:
4 or 5 person seating
3-6 sleeping berths
Single beds, double bed or rear island bed (fixed and drop down options)
6.60m to 7.40m vehicle length options
Specifications and Features
Fiat Ducato chassis
2.3L MJET engine (140bhp)
Combi 6 gas heating system
Multiple external storage bins
Skylight and LED lighting
Extra-roomy interior with a modern finish, wide doors, insulated blinds and an Airplus ventilation system.
King bed with 7-zone mattress, children’s bed, over cab bed and a bunk bed.
Gourmet kitchen with a large worktop, 3-burner hob, soft-close drawers and oversized fridge/freezer combo.
Spacious bathroom with height-adjustable hot shower, sliding shower door, swivel toilet, large mirror, halogen lighting and more.
Best For
Buyers who want a large luxurious motorhome at a competitive price.
What to Consider Before Buying a Motorhome
Before you get caught up in the excitement of buying a motorhome, there are a few simple steps that you can take to avoid the heartbreak of making a poor decision.
First, start by reading our ultimate guide to buying a motorhome. It will teach you all the ins and outs you need to know when it comes to crunch time.
Secondly, take a few minutes to answer these questions, so that you know exactly what you are looking for in a motorhome:
What is your realistic budget? (See our guide to How Much a Motorhome Costs for guidance)
How will you be using your motorhome?
Where will you be taking it and how often will you be travelling?
How many people will be travelling in the motorhome?
Do you want something compact and easy to drive? Or something large and spacious inside?
What kind of sleeping arrangement would you like?
Will you be doing most of your cooking and dining inside the motorhome? Or would you prefer to use the amenities at your campsite?
Will you be heavily relying on the shower and toilet in your motorhome? Or would you rather use the bathrooms at the campsite?
Would you prefer to own a brand new motorhome or is it more cost-effective to buy second-hand?
Is a motorhome the right vehicle for your needs or should you consider other options? (See our guide to Fifth Wheel vs Motorhome for more info)
Try Before You Buy
One surefire way to avoid making a bad choice is to “try before you buy”. Motorhome and RV experts all around the world suggest this method so that when it comes time to make your purchase, you’ll know exactly what you do and don’t like about particular models.
Camplify offers private motorhome rentals all around New Zealand. Search through the motorhomes available for hire and find a model that you are interested in buying. Hiring it for a night or two will allow you to test the vehicle out and see whether it meets all of your needs and expectations.
All of the best motorhomes to buy in 2022 are currently available for hire on Camplify:
Carado T-Series
Muscles T449 (Papakura)
Te Hiiri T449 (Papakura)
Brand New Carado T449 (Christchurch)
Brand New Carado T447 (Christchurch)
Roller Team Zefiro
Weild’s Italian Roller Team 6 Berth (Christchurch)
Harvey RV1 (Auckland)
Little Pete (Papakura)
Kiwi Luxury Zefiro (Nelson)
Roller Team Auto-Roller
Weild’s Italian Auto-Roller 4/6 Berth (Christchurch)
Driving the Dream (Auckland)
Kea Horizon
R2 D2 (Auckland)
Dethleffs Trend
Wendy (Wellington)
John’s Camper (Christchurch)
The Funmobile (Auckland)
Earn a Return on Your Investment
Buying a motorhome might seem like a large investment, but there is one way that you immediately start earning a return - by renting out your motorhome when it’s not in use.
Each year, many Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their campervan through Camplify. By doing so, they quickly generate a long-term passive income stream. And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:
Comprehensive hire insurance.
24/7 nationwide AA Roadside breakdown cover for hirers.
Dedicated customer support.
If you’re interested in earning a return on your investment, you can calculate how much income you could generate each year by using our earnings calculator.