Motorhome Ownership: Costs, Rules, and Real-Life Tips for UK Owners

When you buy a motorhome ownership, the decision to live or travel in a self-contained vehicle on wheels. Also known as campervan ownership, it’s not just about buying a vehicle—it’s about adopting a lifestyle with legal, financial, and practical rules you can’t ignore. Most people think it’s cheaper than a house, but the truth? It’s a different kind of expense. You’ve got insurance, road tax, servicing, storage, and sometimes even site fees—even if you’re not staying on a campsite. And if you think you can just park anywhere, think again. The UK has strict rules about where you can legally stay overnight, even on your own land.

Motorhome maintenance, the ongoing care needed to keep your vehicle running safely and reliably. Also known as campervan servicing, it’s not optional. Batteries die, fridges break, and tyres wear out faster than you expect. One owner we spoke to spent £2,300 on a single winter repair after skipping annual checks. That’s more than half the cost of a used entry-level model. And if you’re planning to rent it out on Airbnb, you’ll need even more frequent servicing—plus insurance that covers commercial use. Then there’s UK motorhome laws, the legal limits on where and how long you can camp on public or private land. Also known as wild camping regulations, these rules vary wildly. You can camp on your own land for up to 28 days a year without permission—but go beyond that, and you risk fines or enforcement. Beaches? Mostly banned. Forests? Often prohibited. Even Walmart-style parking isn’t a thing here. The law doesn’t care if you’re just sleeping in your van; if you’re staying too long, you’re breaking the rules. And don’t forget motorhome costs, the full price tag including purchase, insurance, fuel, and hidden fees. Also known as RV ownership expenses, these add up fast. A £20,000 motorhome isn’t £20,000 once you factor in mandatory MOTs, winter storage, and the fact that you’ll need a special driving licence if it’s over 3,500kg.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t theory—it’s real stories from people who’ve been there. How to avoid getting kicked off a Walmart-style lot (yes, it happens here too). Whether you can run your fridge while driving (and why it’s a fire risk). What happens if you camp on a beach in England. How long a motorhome actually lasts before it turns into a money pit. And the one thing that keeps families from hating each other on a two-week trip. This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a reality check for anyone serious about motorhome ownership in the UK.