FOREWARD
This is the first of four “beginners’ guides” to motorhoming that will, hopefully, smooth your entry into this fascinating and enjoyable pastime. This one is entitled “Choice of motorhome”, and we will discuss the choices available to any prospective motorhome owner, and how to steer a path through the huge variety of models available. The others are “How to choose”, detailing the viewing of motorhomes for sale; “The pickup”, where we will help you ensure your first experiences with your motorhome are without hiccup; and “Acclimatisation”, where we will discuss the services and facilities in the motorhome, and how to get the best out of it.

INTRODUCTION
For some, it’s a hobby, and for others, it’s a way of life, living in their motorhome full time, and enjoying the freedom that the lifestyle brings.

The first motorhomes, or campervans, started appearing in the 1950s. The first UK motorhome dealership appeared in London in 1958, and the first motorhome rally was held at Woburn Abbey in 1960.

Since then, the motorhome has enjoyed periods of popularity – there has always been an enthusiasm for motorhomes from the devotees, but since the early part of the millennium, the popularity for them has entered the mainstream. In 2006, over 90,000 new motorhomes were registered across the European Union. The biggest market for new motorhomes is France, followed by Germany, and the UK saw 11,300 new motorhomes registered.