Your Ultimate Guide to Test Driving a Motorhome from a Dealership

Dealerships are great for a first look — but a genuine connection happens on the open road. That’s why taking a motorhome test drive is a critical part of the journey towards RV ownership.

 

This guide has been organised into easy-to-follow steps to help you prepare for motorhome test drives. Inside, you’ll find advice on creating wish lists, setting test drive parameters and manoeuvring out of the dealership. You’ll also learn about modern driver assistance features that enhance safety and improve your driving experience, like adaptive cruise control.

 

Finally, we offer advice for test driving on motorways, urban streets and rural roads — before evaluating your test drive to reach a final decision.

 

Contents Create two wish lists Set test drive parameters with the dealership Prepare for your test drive Manoeuvre out of the dealership Navigate urban areas Drive on the motorway Travel on rougher rural roads Evaluate your test drive before returning to the dealership Consider finance and prepare to negotiate

 

 

Understanding the value of a motorhome test drive will help you approach the process with clear goals, so you can:

• Determine whether this model is the right size for you to drive comfortably — by being easy to manoeuvre and suitable for your travel needs
  
  

• Find out how all the systems operate — and whether they’re in good working order
  
  

• Uncover any faults or issues — which may give you grounds for negotiating a lower price or dismissing this model and moving on to the next
  
  

• Identify whether the motorhome gives you the best value for money — and will enhance your lifestyle.

 

All motorhomes have compromises — so you’ll need to decide throughout testing whether this model is compromised to your liking. Don’t worry if it turns out to be the wrong fit because you’re never obligated to buy after completing a test drive.

 

 

1. Create two wish lists

 

 

Before you even set foot in a dealership, it's crucial to have a clear idea of what you want in your ideal motorhome. Knowing this will help you stay focused while test driving and ensure you find a recreational vehicle that meets your needs.

 

Put together two wish lists — one that details motorhome living features you ideally want and another that focuses on driving features.

 

Motorhome wish list

Compiling detailed wish lists is a vital first step in your motorhome buying journey. Think of them as your initial road map.

 

However, before you reach the test driving stage, it’s important to assess each potential motorhome against the criteria in your wish lists. Only when a model ticks all your essential boxes will it make it to the test drive stage.

 

Assessing each motorhome critically ensures that when you do get behind the wheel, you're focused and productive — test driving RVs that already align with your core needs.

 

Read our guide on how to buy the right motorhome in New Zealand.

 

 

2. Set test drive parameters with the dealership

 

 

When requesting a test drive, plan where you'll go and for how long, and discuss this with the salesperson — who may have some suggestions to enhance your test drive experience.

 

For instance, a typical test drive may involve a 30-60 minute drive on a preplanned route that includes a mix of urban streets and open roads. This lets you experience different driving conditions to get a feel for whether you’re choosing the right motorhome.

 

The dealer will need to scan your driver licence before the test drive. In New Zealand, most motorhomes can be driven on a Class 1 licence. However, if the motorhome’s Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) exceeds 3,500kg, you’ll need a Class 2 licence.

 

You'll also likely have to sign a test driver form where, during the test drive, you promise to:

• Obey traffic laws
  
  

• Avoid using drugs or alcohol.

 

This form will likely include an insurance clause about liability should an incident occur.

 

Typically, the RV is covered by the dealership's insurance — but the test driver is responsible for any insurance excess if a claim needs to be made.

 

Many high-volume RV dealerships are comfortable with letting prospective customers take the model they may purchase away for a 30-60 minute test drive. This is your opportunity to fully engage with the motorhome and discover whether it’s right for you.

 

 

Some dealerships insist that the salesperson come with you. Even if they don't, you may want to ask them to explain features that you'd otherwise miss. You’ll find pros and cons to test driving on your own versus taking a salesperson. Mary Hamilton — Wilderness’ Marketing Director

 

 

3. Prepare for your test drive

 

 

Bring your future travelling companions along to the dealership — whether they be your family, partner or friends. This is important because you want to take into account their:

• Comments on the comfort of the passenger travel seats
  
  

• Thoughts about how the motorhome performs.

 

The dealer should prepare the motorhome for travel mode before you arrive. If not, check that the front cab seats are locked into their driving positions. Depending on the model, lounge seats may also need to be converted into travel seats with seatbelts. Ask the dealer to show you how to convert them.

 

 

Secure interior fittings before driving

 

Before heading off on your test drive, check with the dealer that all:

• Drawers and cupboards are fully latched — to prevent them from flying open during turns or sudden stops, which could cause damage or injury
  
  

• Vents and windows are closed — to avoid wind damage, water leaks if it rains or even detachment at high speed, creating a danger for other motorists 
  
  

• Items are secure — to ensure that nothing shifts or falls, which can damage the interior and distract you while driving.

 

You’ll gain an impression of daily travel life in the motorhome by ensuring everything is properly secured.

 

 

Familiarise yourself with the driver controls

 

 

After switching on the ignition, it’s time to test the secondary controls to find out how everything works in the cab.

 

Most new motorhomes come with touch screens and multifunction steering wheels with various switches and controls. Make yourself familiar with both to see how to operate the:

• Cruise control — to maintain a steady speed without using the accelerator, which is particularly useful for long motorway journeys
  
  

• Speed warning setting — to alert you when exceeding a pre-set speed, helping to comply with local speed limits and avoid potential fines
  
  

• Satellite navigation — to program your route, receive turn-by-turn directions and estimate your arrival time
  
  

• Infotainment system — to control audio sources such as radio and digital media, connect your phone via Bluetooth and access other entertainment features
  
  

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system — to regulate the temperature and airflow in the cab, ensuring a comfy motorhome driving experience.

 

Also, scroll through the driving aids in the vehicle menu on the touchscreen. You’ll find helpful technology like blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert and emergency braking control. Confirm they’re active and ready to assist you in preventing incidents.

 

 

Adjust your driving position and wing mirrors

 

 

Feeling comfortable in your driving position is paramount. If you purchase the motorhome, you’ll be spending a lot of time in it. Follow these steps to set yourself up for a comfy test drive.

 

1. Position the seat cushion forward or backwards — so that your legs bend naturally towards the pedals
   
   

2. Adjust the steering wheel reach — to ensure your wrists can comfortably rest at the top of the rim
   
   

3. Set the wing mirrors — to give you the best possible vision.

 

Make sure the wing mirrors show only a fraction of the sides of the motorhome and donate most of their reflective real estate to what’s behind and adjacent to the RV.

 

Try not to rush these adjustments, as comfort over long distances is critical. You’re now ready for test drive takeoff.

 

 

4. Manoeuvre out of the dealership 

 

 

Most incidents involving a motorhome happen during low-speed manoeuvres in parking areas, so just getting to the road is one of the most critical times during any test drive.

 

 

Reversing

 

If your motorhome features a reversing camera, the test drive is a prime opportunity to check how it works.

 

Does the camera give a distorted image? Can it be turned on permanently to provide a rearview mirror while driving? Are there onscreen guidelines that show the motorhome's projected path based on the steering wheel's angle?

 

Test how intuitive and visible the reversing camera display is from the driver’s position.

 

The best reversing camera systems come directly from the van platform manufacturer. The RV maker then adapts them to the motorhome body.

 

It's common for post-factory reversing camera systems to have lenses facing too far downwards towards the rear bumper’s trailing edge. This presents the problem of preventing a clear view of obstacles and hazards further behind the motorhome.

 

 

Turning

 

A key danger during low-speed manoeuvres is that the rear wheels track along a tighter arc than the front ones — especially when performing a tight forward turn. While reversing, the rear wheels continue to follow a narrower arc, so take care that the front wheels don’t hook up on something a little wider out.

 

The longer the motorhome’s wheelbaseThe distance between the front and rear axles on a vehicle, the more exaggerated this difference in the tracking arcs of the front and rear wheels. Safely negotiating the obstacles inside the dealership is a great way to determine whether you’re more comfortable driving a motorhome with a shorter or longer wheelbase.

 

Find out more about motorhome chassis and construction.

 

 

5. Navigate urban areas

 

 

Leaving the dealership to drive at relatively low speeds in urban areas gives you an opportunity to assess the engine's refinement. A well-refined engine runs smoothly without excessive noise, provides a comfy driving experience, transitions between gears seamlessly and doesn’t show any jarring or rough behaviour.

 

This part of the test drive allows you to check:

• Cab window and side mirror visibility — how well you can see your surroundings, and whether any blind spots exist
  
  

• Acceleration and braking performance — how responsive the RV is before coming to a stop and taking off again, which is vital for navigating slow-moving traffic
  
  

• The transmission — how smoothly it shifts up and down, changing gears.

 

 

Engine performance

 

Low speed urban driving lets you evaluate how smoothly and quietly the motorhome’s engine performs. Check how smoothly the engine responds to throttle changes and how quiet or loud the intake and exhaust systems are.

 

Lower road and wind noise while city driving makes it easier to hear subtle audible warnings — such as those indicating potential engine issues. A few examples include cam chain wear, bearing noise and exhaust leaks.

 

 

Power steering

 

 

Modern power steering systems vary the amount of steering assistance based on the recreational vehicle's speed.

 

At higher speeds, the steering feels firmer, giving you a better sense of control and stability. The steering is lighter at lower speeds — making it easier to manoeuvre the motorhome in situations like parking or navigating city streets.

 

Making 90-degree turns onto urban side roads puts the most stress on any CV joints fitted to the front driveshafts of a front wheel drive motorhome. Listen out for worn or water-damaged joints that emit a telltale clacking sound.

 

First impressions of a motorhome’s dynamic excellence, or lack thereof, are obtained during the urban driving experience. The RV’s potential as an attractive ownership proposition can be assessed here by asking a simple question — are you enjoying the drive?

 

If the answer is no, make a safe U-turn and head back to the dealership. However, if the answer’s yes, proceed to the next step.

 

 

 

 

6. Drive on the motorway

 

 

Transitioning from slower urban roads to faster motorway bitumen gives you the chance to assess the motorhome's cruising capabilities.

 

 

Rattle and hum

 

Rattles and vibrations must be minimal on these smooth and open multi-lane roads. Pay close attention to how the motorhome’s suspension handles expansion joints on overbridges. You should cross them comfortably and free from harsh jolts.

 

For rear wheel drive (RWD) and all wheel drive (AWD) models, listen for an excessive hum from the long driveshafts and rear differentials. If any, it should be at a low volume.

 

 

Driver assistance

 

Check how the motorhome reacts to sudden side wind gusts on exposed overbridges and flyovers. Find out if it has a crosswind assist protocol for the electric power assistance system (EPAS) — a modern feature that guides your steering during these tricky driving situations.

 

The motorway is also an ideal location for testing advanced driver assistance systems, such as cruise control and lane keeping assist (LKA).

 

While you’re on the motorway, evaluate the RV’s steering precision during lane changes. The recreational vehicle should respond predictably and accurately — allowing you to easily guide the front wheels between lane markers without touching them.

 

If radar is fitted in the RV’s front grille, it’ll detect traffic sharing the same lane ahead and adjust your cruising speed accordingly. This is called adaptive cruise control (ACC). You can verify that the ACC maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.

 

Radar also works with any LKA program in the EPAS — making minor steering corrections to keep the motorhome centred in its lane. Just be aware that using the indicators ahead of a lane change will temporarily deactivate the LKA system, so you don’t have to fight the EPAS for control of the motorhome.

 

From the controlled environment of motorways, it’s now time to explore the unpredictable nature of rural roads.

 

Discover more about motorhome road safety features and technology in German RVs.

 

 

7. Travel on rougher rural roads

 

 

New Zealand's rural roads present a unique set of challenges for motorhomes. These roads can vary significantly, so it's essential to consider how a motorhome handles both sealed and unsealed surfaces.

 

 

Sealed rural roads

 

Sealed rural roads are often:

• Narrow and winding
  
  

• Highly crowned to drain rainwater efficiently
  
  

• Characterised by bumps, potholes and uneven surfaces.

 

These roading conditions allow you to assess the motorhome’s suspension performance, handling and overall stability.

 

 

Unsealed rural roads

 

Commonly known as gravel roads, unsealed rural roads present different challenges.

 

These roads are where you can effectively evaluate the suitability of a motorhome chassis. Factors such as suspension layouts, sway bar thickness and chassis rigidity vary between manufacturers like Fiat Ducato, Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, LDV and Volkswagen Crafter.

 

Better suspension layouts, for instance, help reduce driver fatigue and improve vehicle stability on uneven surfaces.

 

 

A chassis for sealed and unsealed roads

 

 

By test driving an integrated and semi-integrated motorhome on both sealed and unsealed rural roads, you’ll gain a clearer picture of whether you prefer one built on:

• A complete cab chassis, or
  
  

• A hybrid chassis — which combines the front end of a commercial van with a lightweight aluminium ladder chassis designed specifically for motorhome construction.

 

 

Drivetrain systems

 

You’ll find varying opinions on which chassis configuration delivers the best ride quality on New Zealand’s challenging rural roads.

 

Some argue that lighter front wheel drive (FWD) hybrid motorhome chassis offer superior performance. Others contend that a complete steel chassis with RWD is preferable.

 

You can also find adaptive AWD systems that aim to provide the grip and stability of four wheel drive (4WD) without the penalties of increased fuel and tyre use.

 

 

As the owner of an all wheel drive complete chassis RV, I’m convinced it’s the best option for NZ driving conditions. Paul Owen — Award-winning motoring journalist

 

 

Fatigue and motion sickness

 

 

Find out how well the motorhome tracks over the numerous camber changesHow a vehicle's wheel angle changes as its suspension moves and surface imperfections on rural country roads. Take note of whether it shows:

• Bump steer — when undulations influence the direction of the recreational vehicle
  
  

• Sway — how well the sway of the motorhome body is controlled when cornering
  
  

• Tactile feedback — the steering response you feel through your fingers on the steering wheel 
  
  

• Noise and vibration — the frequency that bumps are transferred into the cabin.

 

How the motorhome handles these issues will contribute to how much driver fatigue you may experience and whether your passengers get any motion sickness after a long stretch of winding country roads.

 

 

Cabin noise

 

It's normal for cabin noise levels to increase when driving a motorhome on New Zealand's rural roads. The varied surfaces, bends and elevation changes can cause the RV to shift and move — potentially generating more interior noise than you'd experience on smoother urban streets or motorways.

 

Driving on gravel roads can significantly increase tyre noise compared to smoother asphalt or tarmac because tyres vibrate much louder when coarse granite chips are beneath their tread. During your test drive, consider whether this increased cabin noise is tolerable for extended periods. 

 

After testing the motorhome on urban streets, motorways and rural roads, it may be time to take a break — and an ideal time to share thoughts with your passengers.

 

 

8. Evaluate your test drive before returning to the dealership

 

 

After completing your test drive and returning to the dealership, it's worthwhile pulling over in a quiet and safe location with your travel companions to discuss the experience. This lets everyone share their thoughts on the motorhome's performance and comfort — without the pressure of the sales environment.

 

 

Driving performance and comfort

 

Looking back on your test drive, how did the motorhome measure up in terms of comfort and performance? Recall:

• Your driving position and overall comfort — including leg and headroom
  
  

• The seat support and adjustability — and how it would feel over extended periods of time
  
  

• Your ride quality for smoothness — remembering any jarring sensations on certain roads
  
  

• The noise levels in the cab — under various driving conditions.

 

 

Features and handling

 

Next, think about how the motorhome's key systems and features performed by asking:

• Was the cab’s heating and cooling quick to be effective and easy to control?
  
  

• How intuitive and reliable was the navigation system?
  
  

• Did the safety features, like airbags, seatbelts, the reversing camera and blind spot monitoring make you feel secure?
  
  

• How well did the motorhome handle across different road types, and were the brakes responsive?

 

 

The living space

 

 

Taking a driving break gives you an opportunity to thoroughly inspect the motorhome's interior. Be sure to use this time to:

• Reassess the motorhome’s layout and features
  
  

• Outline any potential annoyances or dealbreakers.

 

As the driver, you may discover certain parts of the RV you enjoy, but your passengers don’t — and vice versa. Think about whether any post-purchase changes or improvements can be made to the motorhome to meet both sides' expectations.

 

 

Determine your overall impression

 

Form a final assessment of the motorhome based on your test drive and inspection by:

• Assessing its suitability for your specific travel needs and lifestyle
  
  

• Discussing whether it’s value for money at its current sale price
  
  

• Trusting your gut feeling — whether you feel comfortable and confident driving this recreational vehicle.

 

 

9. Consider finance and prepare to negotiate

 

 

After your test drive and private discussion about whether the motorhome is right for you and your fellow travellers, take some time to think it over. If you decide to buy, negotiating the motorhome’s price is crucial.

 

To help you get the best deal:

• Research its current market value using NZ-specific platforms like Trade Me Motors, Turners and RV Super Centre listings — to get a benchmark price range
  
  

• Check online resources such as buyer guides, RV forums and dealer websites — for insights into typical asking prices and seasonal fluctuations
  
  

• Compare prices at different dealerships — including independent sellers and authorised brand dealers
  
  

• Look at recent sales of similar models by checking completed sales and auction results — to reveal what buyers are actually paying, rather than just the advertised prices.

 

 

It’s important to remember that the ability to walk away from a deal is a powerful negotiating tool. If the dealer isn't willing to meet your needs, be prepared to leave and explore other options. However, also consider that some models may be in limited supply and high demand.

 

Decide on your maximum budget and stick to it during negotiations — to help prevent you from spending more than you want. Your budget may include determining what you can afford in monthly finance repayments.

 

Find out how to buy a motorhome on finance.

 

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It’s important to know what to look for when test driving a motorhome. Compromise is a key element — for instance, smaller models often offer easier driving and parking, while larger ones can provide more living space.

 

To help you make an informed decision, consider renting the same motorhome model for an extended period, like a week-long holiday.

 

Find out how to try a motorhome before you buy.