10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying an Accessible Motorhome or Caravan

The dream of hitting the open road again — on your terms, in your time — never really fades, does it? But here's the thing: buying an accessible motorhome or caravan isn't like buying any other vehicle. 

Get it right, and you've unlocked years of freedom, independence, and proper adventures. Get it wrong, and you're stuck with an expensive mistake that makes life harder, not easier.

Maybe you're lying awake wondering: Will this layout actually work as my needs change? Can I trust what the dealer's telling me? What if I miss something crucial? You're not overthinking it. This is a massive decision, and those worries are completely valid.

The good news? Most buying mistakes follow predictable patterns — and they're all avoidable when you know what to look for. This guide will walk you through the ten most common pitfalls, so you can make a confident choice that'll serve you brilliantly for years to come.

Let's start.

Mistake No. 1 – Ignoring Your Long-Term Mobility Needs

Right now, you might be managing just fine with a walking stick or minimal support. So it's tempting to choose a motorhome layout based on today's reality, isn't it?

But here's what catches people out: mobility rarely stays static.

What works brilliantly now might become a daily struggle in two or three years. That slightly narrow doorway? Manageable today with a walking frame, but impossible once you need a wheelchair. The side entrance that's "good enough"? Not so good when transfers become more difficult.

Think about transfer space, turning radius, and doorway widths as future-proofing, not over-engineering. A well-designed accessible motorhome should adapt as your needs evolve — not force you into another expensive purchase down the line.

Consider layouts with generous circulation space, accessible bathroom facilities positioned for easy access, and sleeping arrangements that won't require awkward manoeuvring. 

Learn more about choosing the best accessible caravan or motorhome layout to future-proof your purchase.

The best mobility-friendly caravans are designed with progression in mind, allowing you to retrofit additional support features without major reconstruction.

A proper wheelchair accessible caravan should accommodate not just today's wheelchair, but potential changes in chair size, turning radius, or transfer requirements. 

Think about sleeping arrangements too — a comfortable double bed with adequate transfer space on both sides isn't a luxury when limited mobility affects your independence. It's essential.

It's not pessimistic to plan ahead. It's smart.

Mistake No. 2 – Not Checking Accessibility Features in Detail

"Accessible" means different things to different manufacturers — and that's the problem.

One dealer's "wheelchair accessible motorhome" might just have a ramp bolted on and slightly wider doors. Another's might include proper tracking systems, adjustable bed heights, and a fully adapted wet room. The gap between those two definitions? Enormous.

Before you commit, get specific. Check the entry width (wheelchairs need a minimum 750mm clearance). Test the ramp or lift under real conditions — even if it's raining (let's face it, in the UK it often is). 

Examine grab handle placement throughout the vehicle. Are they positioned where you'll actually use them, or just ticked off a compliance checklist?

The accessible washroom deserves particular scrutiny. Can you comfortably transfer to the toilet? Is there turning space for a wheelchair? Will the shower area accommodate a shower chair if needed?

Accessibility isn't just about access — it's about comfort, safety, and maintaining your independence once you're inside.

Don't take promotional photos at face value. Insist on seeing fully equipped demonstration models. Better yet, spend time in the actual vehicle you're considering. Sit where you'll sit. Move as you'll move. 

For comprehensive guidance on what to look for, read our complete buying guide for wheelchair accessible caravans.

A vehicle that's genuinely barrier free travel-ready will stand up to this scrutiny. One that's just ticking boxes won't.

Mistake No. 3 – Overlooking Weight, Size, and Driving Licence Requirements

Here's something that stops people in their tracks after they've already fallen in love with a vehicle: realising they can't legally drive it.

UK driving licence categories matter more than most buyers expect. Standard Category B licences cover vehicles up to 3,500kg. Many wheelchair accessible motorhomes, especially those with hydraulic lifts and reinforced floors, tip over that limit. 

Check the official UK driving licence categories on GOV.UK to confirm what you're legally entitled to drive before committing to a purchase.

Suddenly you're looking at Category C1 requirements, additional training, and potentially expensive insurance adjustments.

Adapted motorhome features add weight — sometimes significant weight. Wheelchair lift systems, reinforced tracking, accessible bathroom modifications, even the extra structural support for safety restraints. It all adds up.

Then there's payload. That's the difference between your vehicle's gross weight and its unladen weight — essentially, what you can safely carry. Accessibility adaptations eat into payload allowance, leaving less capacity for passengers, luggage, and all the kit that makes life on the road comfortable.

Check the V5C document carefully. Confirm the actual kerb weight, not just what's advertised. And if you're planning any custom-built motorhomes with additional modifications, factor in how those changes affect your legal driving status before you sign anything.

Mistake No. 4 – Assuming Every 'Accessible' Vehicle is Truly Accessible

You've seen the listings. "Accessible." "Mobility-friendly." "Suitable for wheelchair users."

But peel back the marketing, and you'll often find vehicles that are barely adapted at all. A fold-out ramp that requires two people to deploy safely. Doorways just wide enough to technically accommodate a wheelchair, but torture to navigate in practice. "Accessible" loos that are anything but.

The term "accessible" has no legal standard in the leisure vehicle market. Anyone can slap it on a listing.

What you're really looking for is proper WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) certification or manufacturer-verified adaptations that meet recognised standards. 

These vehicles have been purpose-built or professionally converted with genuine wheelchair access in mind — not just retrofitted with the minimum to justify the label.

When you're browsing disabled campervans for sale, dig deeper. Who did the conversion? What standards did they work to? Can they provide documentation of the accessibility modifications? 

If the seller can't answer these questions confidently, that's your signal to walk away.

Coachbuilt GB specialises in bespoke modifications for motorhomes and caravans, working to recognised standards that prioritise both safety and practical usability. 

It's the difference between a vehicle that claims to be accessible and one that genuinely is.

Mistake No. 5 – Failing to Test the Vehicle Personally

No amount of spec sheets or promotional videos can replace actually being in the vehicle.

You wouldn't buy a pair of shoes without trying them on, would you? Yet people commit to £60,000 motorhomes based on photos and dealer descriptions. It's madness, really.

Comfort is intensely personal. What works beautifully for one wheelchair user might be completely impractical for another. The ramp angle that's easy for someone with upper body strength could be impossible for someone else. 

The bed height that's perfect for independent transfers in one person's case might require assistance in another's.

Book proper demonstration appointments. Not a quick walk-around in a car park, but genuine time to test everything. Deploy the ramp or lift yourself. Practise transfers. 

Move through the living space as you would on an actual trip. Use the kitchen. Check the bathroom. Open cupboards. See if you can reach what you need to reach.

Bring whoever travels with you. They'll spot things you might miss. And if certain movements feel awkward or unsafe during a test, trust that instinct. It won't get better with ownership.

Think about your typical trips. Can you imagine waking up in that double bed after a long drive? Preparing breakfast in that kitchen? These aren't just features on a spec sheet — they're your daily reality on the road. 

Models like the Swift Kon Tiki have earned their reputation in the accessible market, but even well-regarded names need personal verification. What works brilliantly for one person might not suit you.

View our current stock of accessible motorhomes to see real-world examples.

Ready to experience accessible travel UK done properly? Book a hands-on demonstration with our team. We'll tailor every feature to your needs, and you'll leave knowing exactly what you're getting.

Mistake No. 6 – Ignoring Aftercare and Maintenance Support

The sale isn't the finish line. It's the starting gun.

Accessible motorhomes aren't standard vehicles. They've got hydraulic lifts that need servicing, tracking systems requiring periodic inspection, and electrical adaptations that need specialist knowledge when something goes wrong.

And let's face it — eventually, something will go wrong. That's not pessimism, it's just engineering reality.

The critical question isn't whether you'll need support. It's whether your supplier will actually provide it when you do.

Cheap conversions from unknown sellers might save money upfront, but try finding someone to repair a faulty wheelchair lift when the original converter has disappeared. Good luck getting spare parts for proprietary systems from manufacturers who've gone bust or stopped supporting older models.

Ongoing servicing equals long-term reliability. It's that simple.

Look for suppliers with in-house servicing capabilities and established parts networks. Ask about response times for breakdowns. 

Check if they offer mobile servicing or loan vehicles during repairs. These aren't luxury extras — they're the peace of mind that lets you actually enjoy your travels rather than worrying about what happens if something goes wrong.

Coachbuilt Engineering provides comprehensive after-sales support, from routine servicing to specialist repairs on all accessibility adaptations. Because a motorhome that's off the road is just an expensive ornament, and nobody wants that.

Mistake No. 7 – Buying Without Checking Adaptation Quality or Safety Certification

Some adaptations look professional. Some actually are professional. Telling the difference can save your life.

Wheelchair restraint systems aren't decorative. They're crash-safety equipment that needs to meet ISO 10542 and Unwin standards. Improperly installed tracking can fail under impact, turning your wheelchair into a projectile in a collision. 

It's not dramatic — it's physics.

Learn more about ISO 10542 wheelchair restraint safety standards to understand what certified systems should provide.

DIY conversions and unverified sellers are everywhere in the used market. They're cheaper, obviously. They're also potentially lethal.

Check for documentation. Proper converters provide certification for structural modifications, electrical work, and safety systems. If a seller gets defensive when you ask for paperwork, that's all the answer you need.

Look for evidence of professional workmanship. Clean wiring looms, properly sealed floor penetrations, quality fixtures and fittings. If something looks bodged, it probably was.

European Type Approval matters for newer vehicles. Post-2014 motorhomes that have been significantly modified should carry updated documentation reflecting those changes. Without it, you might face insurance complications or even MOT failures.

How do you check safety standards in accessible motorhomes? Simple. Ask for proof, inspect thoroughly, and don't accept vague reassurances. Your safety isn't negotiable.

Mistake No. 8 – Forgetting to Budget for Customisation or Future Modifications

Even the best off-the-shelf accessible caravan won't fit your needs perfectly. That's not a criticism — it's just reality.

You might need grab handles repositioned. Different kitchen worktop heights. Additional storage configured for wheelchair access. A charging point for mobility equipment. Upgraded lighting for visual impairments. Climate control adjustments for medical conditions.

These aren't luxuries. They're the personalisation that transforms a vehicle from "accessible" to "actually works for me."

And they cost money.

People consistently underestimate post-purchase modification costs, then feel trapped when they realise their budget's exhausted. Build in at least 10-15% contingency for adaptations and unexpected necessities.

Think about resale value too. Well-executed, professional modifications to recognised standards actually enhance value for the right buyer. Cheap bodge jobs do the opposite.

Planning a flexible budget now means avoiding nasty surprises later. And if you're working with specialist converters from the start, many customisations can be incorporated during the initial build — often more cost-effectively than retrofitting them afterwards.

Mistake No. 9 – Overlooking Pre-Owned or Custom-Built Options

Brand new isn't always better. Sometimes it's just more expensive.

The pre-owned accessible vehicles market is full of exceptional motorhomes at significant discounts. Many have barely been used — perhaps someone's health deteriorated faster than expected, or circumstances changed and they can no longer travel.

Their loss could be your gain.

Quality pre-owned accessible motorhomes from reputable dealers come with warranties, full service histories, and often recent adaptations that you'd pay thousands to install yourself. You're getting proven reliability and established accessibility features without the brutal depreciation hit of buying new.

Custom-built motorhomes offer different advantages. If you've got specific needs that off-the-shelf models can't accommodate, bespoke conversion might actually be more economical than trying to retrofit a standard vehicle.

Our vehicle adaptations guide explains the modification process and what's possible with bespoke conversions.

Whether you're dreaming of accessible accommodation on wheels for extended tours or weekend escapes, pre-owned doesn't mean compromising on quality. 

Many used accessible motorhomes are better equipped than budget new builds, with proven reliability and real-world testing already done. Your accessible holiday adventures start the moment you find the right vehicle — not necessarily the newest one.

Check Coachbuilt GB's current stock of pre-owned accessible motorhomes and accessible caravans. Each vehicle undergoes thorough inspection, and you'll get honest guidance about whether it genuinely suits your requirements — because a sale that doesn't work for you doesn't work for anyone.

Our complete guide to buying a used wheelchair accessible motorhome covers everything from safety checks to paperwork verification. 

Mistake No. 10 – Choosing Based on Price Alone

The cheapest option rarely is.

When you're comparing accessible motorhomes, that £15,000 price difference between suppliers might look tempting. Until you discover the cheaper one has uncertified safety systems, no after-sales support, and adaptations that don't actually work properly.

False economy doesn't begin to cover it.

Price matters, obviously. But value matters more. A slightly more expensive vehicle from an established, reputable manufacturer with proper certification and comprehensive support will cost you less in the long run than a budget option that needs constant repairs, modifications, and eventually replacement.

Think about total cost of ownership: purchase price, insurance, maintenance, adaptation costs, potential resale value. The full picture, not just the sticker price.

And consider what you're actually paying for. Manufacturer reputation isn't just marketing fluff — it's your assurance that someone will answer the phone when things go wrong. That parts will be available. That the vehicle was built to standards that prioritise your safety and comfort.

If you're new to accessible vehicles, our first-time buyer advice can help you understand what represents genuine value.

Long-term value, resale confidence, and supplier reputation aren't extras you can economise on. They're the foundation of a successful purchase.

Expert Checklist: What to Review Before You Buy

Before you commit to any accessible motorhome or caravan, run through this checklist. Coachbuilt offers comprehensive pre-purchase consultations to help you evaluate any vehicle — even if you're buying elsewhere. It'll take ten minutes and could save you ten thousand pounds in mistakes.

Entry system: Does the ramp or lift deploy smoothly? Can you operate it independently? Is there adequate ground clearance on typical campsites?

Turning space: Can you actually manoeuvre a wheelchair throughout the living areas? Not just technically fit, but comfortably navigate?

Accessible kitchen and bathroom: Are these genuinely usable, or just compliance box-ticking? Can you reach what you need? Transfer safely?

Restraint and safety systems: Certified to recognised standards? Properly installed? Documentation available?

Aftercare plan: Who services it? How quickly? What's covered? Where's the nearest facility?

If any answer raises concerns, don't ignore them. That niggling doubt is your subconscious flagging a problem.

Want a personalised checklist tailored to your specific needs? Get in touch with Coachbuilt GB or explore our first-time buyer advice. 

We'll walk you through every consideration that matters for your circumstances — no sales pressure, just honest guidance.

Your Freedom, Your Terms

Choosing an accessible motorhome or caravan feels massive, doesn't it? 

One minute you're excited about reclaiming your independence, the next you're lying awake wondering if you'll make the right call. What if I miss something crucial? What if this doesn't work as my needs change? 

That weight you're carrying? Completely understandable. This isn't just a purchase — it's your future freedom.

But here's the thing: you're not guessing anymore. You know the pitfalls. You know what questions to ask. You know how to spot the difference between genuine accessibility and marketing waffle.

This knowledge? It's your power.

Every mistake you avoid is money saved, stress prevented, and confidence gained. You're not settling for "good enough" or taking someone's word for it. You're making an informed choice that'll serve you brilliantly for years to come.

The open road is waiting. And now? You're ready for it.

Ready to take the next step? Browse our range of accessible motorhomes and WAIV camper day vehicles, or get in touch to discuss your requirements.