When buying a new motorhome through Southdowns you may have some questions about the buying process. To help assist you here are our answers to the most common questions you may have.
What driving licence do I need?
The type of driving licence required to drive a motorhome is based on the vehicles weight and your age.
Standard License (Category B):Â Anyone with a standard full driving license issued by the DVLA can drive a vehicle of up to 3,500kg. This tends to include the majority of campervans and smaller motorhomes.
C1 licence: If you passed your test before 1997 you will automatically also have a C1 license. This means you can drive anything between 3,500 – 7,500kg. If you passed your test after this date you will have to apply for your C1 License separately in order to drive this vehicle weight class.
HGV license: Anything over 7,500kg you will require a HGV license which requires an additional driving test.
Age:Â When you reach the age of 70 years, you will have to renew your driving license. To continue driving vehicles over 3,500kg you may have to pass a medical examination.
What is the handover process?
We’re particularly proud of our handover experience. Our specialist handover technician Simon is here to ensure you understand everything you need to know about your new motorhome. To find out more about what to expect on your handover, see here.
When can I collect my vehicle?
Once you have bought your vehicle from us your collection date will be confirmed with your salesman. Depending on whether the vehicle is already on-site and if you are having any added extras fitted by our service team, our average turn around time is 4 weeks.
Your vehicle collection can be arranged for Monday-Friday for either a 10.00am time slot or 14:00pm
How long does registration take?
To register a new vehicle can take up to 4 weeks due to the DVLA process.
Do you accept part exchanges?
Yes we do accept the part exchange of your previous motorhome or camper van. This would be subject to a used vehicle inspection.
Do you valet new motorhomes prior to collection?
Yes, every motorhome or camper van is valeted prior to your collection date. We always try to keep all our vehicles clean both inside and out to ensure they remain in great condition.
Will my motorhome come with warranty?
All motorhomes and caravans bought from Southdowns Motorhomes come with warranty as standard.
To find out more, visit our warranty page.
Can I sell my leisure vehicle without purchasing a new one?
Yes, we are always interested in the potential to buy used motorhomes or camper vans. If your vehicle is up to 5 years old, European built and has all its servicing up to date, we’d love for you to get in touch.
What do you provide with the vehicle?
All vehicles will arrive with the specification listed on the website. There may be times where due to manufactuer supply issues some added extras are delayed, in these instances we will advise you  prior to collection.
As standard we will also provide you with a gas bottle, hook up lead and a full vehicle walkthrough with our handover technician.
Unfortunately we do not provide a full tank of fuel upon collection, however this can be arranged at an added cost.
