Exploring the Motorhome Lifestyle with Phil and Tom
At The Motorhome Showroom, we are passionate about helping customers find the perfect motorhome for their next adventure. With years of experience in the industry, our team has developed a deep understanding of what makes a great motorhome and how to choose the right one. We recently spoke to Phil and Tom SB from our sales team, to get their thoughts and insight into life at The Motorhome Showroom and the motorhome world.
How did you both start your career in the motorhome industry?
Many of our team members started their careers in unique ways. Phil began as a weekend sales person, enjoying the role so much he progressed to full time when the opportunity arose. Others, like Tom, got their start working in the shop part-time while at school or university, discovering a passion for helping customers find the perfect vehicle. Both Phil and Tom have been with us for 16 years now and have some great insights to share below!
What do you enjoy most about the motorhome industry?
Both Phil and Tom find one of the most rewarding aspects of working in the motorhome industry is seeing the excitement on customers’ faces when they pick up their new motorhome. Buying a motorhome is about more than just purchasing a vehicle – it’s about enjoying your holidays and making special memories with family and friends. The team also loves building relationships with returning customers to help them upgrade or find their next perfect motorhome.
What does a typical day look like for you at The Motorhome Showroom?
Tom’s day is a mix of engaging with prospective customers, arranging the forecourt to showcase our motorhomes, crafting adverts, and successfully closing sales.
As the Sales Manager, for Phil no two days are the same. Daily, he will coordinate with the sales team to follow up on enquiries and organise scheduled appointments. However, with our open-door policy, our day can change quickly as customers drop in to explore our motorhomes. We’re always on hand to welcome them, answer questions, and guide them toward finding the perfect motorhome to suit their needs. On top of this, Phil also oversees all other departments and teams, each with their own unique daily tasks and priorities. The fact that no day, customer, or requirement is the same is what makes Phil’s job so enjoyable and challenging.
What’s some advice you would give to someone who’s looking to choose their perfect motorhome?
Phil’s best advice for anyone starting their motorhome search is to visit and explore the options in person. With so many different layouts available, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. We can help guide you toward the right choice based on your needs, budget, and preferred layout. Tom says that discovering your perfect layout is key!
How should a buyer decide on the best motorhome for them?
Phil knows that your first motorhome will most likely be a bit of a learning curve, understanding how to use it, what works best, how the layout suits you, and how you could improve your experience. You’ll have to jump in and make a decision after doing some research and looking at the options available to you. At The Motorhome Showroom, with our open-door policy and knowledgeable staff, we can help guide customers to make the right choice.
Tom would recommend taking the time to consider your personal needs, as each motorhome model is designed with specific purposes in mind. Whether you’re looking for a spacious layout for family trips, a compact design for weekend getaways, or something in between, there’s a motorhome that’s perfect for your unique requirements. Understanding how you plan to use the motorhome – for long-term travel, occasional weekends, or more luxurious stays – will help guide you toward the ideal choice.
What are some of the most popular features customers are looking for in motorhomes today?
This is certainly guided by the customer and their budget, says Phil. The newer the motorhome, the more technically advanced they are mechanically and on the habitation. Customers also have different needs, for example, those travelling with children would find a feature like travelling belts more important than others. The nice thing with motorhomes is that some of the most popular features like awnings, TVs, and bike racks can be fitted by us, as a dealer, at any point. These features improve the user experience and enjoyment of your motorhome and can be staged to suit all budgets and changing requirements.
Tom has found that some of the most popular features customers are looking for today are drop down beds, travel seats, and garages.
What are the top factors a customer should consider when buying their first motorhome?
Phil suggests that the most important factor has to be the budget. Set yourself a budget you want to work with and find the best fit for that budget. We offer finance packages that offer flexibility with fantastic rates. Finance is there to help customers purchase their motorhome, within a set monthly budget.
A customer should also consider the bed layouts, storage space, and number of seatbelts in the vehicle, says Tom.
What’s one tip you always share with friends or family who own motorhomes?
Phil recommends from a service point of view, to take note of the winterisation process. This is so important and something that customers do miss. Draining down tanks, boilers, opening taps and getting your motorhome generally ‘winter ready’, whether you are using it regularly through the winter months or storing, is really important. You can find a winterisation guide here. Phil’s best tip would be to enjoy your vehicle as much as you can – if it’s parked on the drive and you’re free for the weekend, then why not take it for a trip!
Tom’s top tip to family and friends is to make sure you buy your motorhome from him!
Do you have a favourite motorhome model? If so, why?
For Phil, it’s so personal to each requirement. He has a family so would always aim for a vehicle with enough room and berths to suit. A fixed bed is always nice for longer periods away. Phil finds it’s not so much his favourite model, but more the best layout for him. That said, his absolute favourite, and being a VW fan, would be the VW Camper. These still carry the ‘cool’ vibe, look great and pack plenty in, competing well with the bigger motorhomes. Tom also agrees that anything VW is his favourite!
The world of motorhomes is more than just a mode of travel – it’s a lifestyle of freedom, adventure, and endless possibilities. As our Q&A with Phil and Tom reveals, choosing a motorhome is a personal journey that goes beyond simply selecting a vehicle. Our team at The Motorhome Showroom is more than ready to guide you through every step of your motorhome adventure. From understanding the intricacies of different layouts to finding the perfect features that suit your unique needs, our team is committed to helping you find not just a motorhome, but a gateway to life-long memories.
