GoCheap Motorhomes Review

Editors Review

Last updated: 16th May 2021

From campervans to motorhomes, GoCheap Motorhomes offers the same fleet of Toyota, VW, and Fiat models that cater to travelling couples and families up to 6. 

GoCheap Motorhomes started in Tasmania but has now partnered with Cruisin' Motorhomes, hence the same depots.  They take on the older models―4 to 7 years old―from their sister company.

About GoCheap Motorhomes

GoCheap has been operating in Tasmania since 1999. They are proud to offer campervans and motorhomes. These vehicles are meant for couples, small families, and large groups. Their depots are at all the main places―Hobart Airport, Launceston and Devonport. But do take note that these depots are also Cruisin' Motorhomes pick-up and drop-off branches. It is because these two are sister companies. So, at the end of the day, it is just semantics; you will be picking up a Cruisin' branded campervan at the Cruisin' depot if you book from either company. The newer vehicles go to Cruisin while GoCheap acquires these models when they are 4 to 7 years old.  One thing to mention about GoCheap is that they offer a price match promise that allows you to find the same GoCheap unit for a lower price and they'll beat the competitor's price. Plus, they can give discounts for long hires. 

Fleet

It is quite common for campervan hire companies to hand their older models to a different brand: Apollo Campers hands down its older models to Cheapa Campa, Britz to Mighty Campers, Jucy hands down to Lucky Campers, and Cruisin' to GoCheap. It just means the campervans aren't new enough to represent the premium brand, but they aren't ready for the scrap yard either. GoCheap supplies 2 berth, 3 berth, 4 berth, and 6 berth campervans and motorhomes that are sourced out from their sister brand. All bedding is included with the price, so you'll enjoy the doona (duvet) rather than a sleeping bag. Even during summer, Tasmania can and does get cold at night―much more during the non-summer period where it can be freezing. So with the inclusion of some doonas, sheets, and pillows, you get enough warmth at night and snuggle comfortably. Plus, baby seats and booster seat can be fitted in their vehicles, which makes it a great feature for traveling families. 

Vehicles

2-3 Berth Hi-Top Campervan

It is the oldest unit on the fleet at 2010 onwards age model. This version of the hi-top has the sink and cupboards just behind the driver's cabin and the rear bench seats and table fold out to make the bed. In the event of a third person, wooden planks will be provided that can slide on to some rails up near the original roof level, and the 3rd person will sleep upstairs. You can, in fact, fit 2 up there but there are only 3 seat belts, so only 3 can travel. A 2-burner stove top and a microwave will provide you the cooking and a decent 60 ltr fridge/freezer will keep the food and beer in top shape.

2 Berth Picton

This kind of campervan never looks too flashy but they are very practical. Built on a Toyota Hilux, these units give more living space than the high top but not as much as the luxury Tamar campervan. Still, it comes with toilet/shower and some upgraded kitchen facilities such as 3-burner gas stove, a 110 ltr fridge/freezer, hot and cold water, and air-con and heating on the main cab.  These 2 berth campervans are a step up in terms of comfort; hence it's a recommended unit for those wanting added sophistication while on board. For the age, this ranges from 4 to 7 years old. 

2 Berth Tamar Campervan 

Also built on a 4-7 year old unit, the Tamar campervan is the top-of-line 2 berth campervan available through GoCheap Motorhomes. This VW/Fiat model is quite popular now throughout Australia, so GoCheap will have to be competing for your dollars via price and availability. The Tamar has a diesel engine, toilet/shower combo, main cabin air-con and heating, an 80 ltr fridge, 3 burner gas stove, and more! You can walk through from the driver cabin to the main cabin which is handy at night. There is plenty of space for 2 people in this campervan due to its size. On the flip side, being about 7m long, it can be hard to park in cities. But of course, the added size means a lot of storage too. 

4 Berth Henty Motorhome

A nice motorhome built on a Fiat base, this 4 Berth Henty features a fairly standard layout with a permanent bed above the driver's cabin and the rear lounge converting to the another double bed. It provides the basic conveniences that you would expect from a motorhome, including a toilet/shower, well-equipped kitchen, and spacious living room.  Overall, this is a good campervan that will suit groups of 4 while leaving a little enough room for your stuff. 

6 Berth Derwent Motorhome

The one and only big motorhome on offer, this 6 Berth Derwent is a great bargain despite its 4 to 7 years age model. Built on a VW or Fiat base, it is a diesel automatic motorhome that is easy to drive even with its length. Plus, it includes all the things you would expect in a large motorhome such as air-con, microwave, 100ltr water tank, hot and cold water, bathroom, and the like. And if you're traveling with 2 children, then this is another great option aside from the 4 berth Henty because of its 2 child seats inclusion.

Insurance

GoCheap Motorhomes' standard liability is $3,000 for their Hi Top and $5,000 for the remaining vehicles. The liability is also the same amount for the security bond. This is to be taken at the time of the rental agreement via credit card. There is an administration fee amounting to $100. To limit the liability as well as the bond to $0, you need to pay $29 (Hi Top) or $45 per day (other vehicles), which corresponds to a maximum payable of $1,450 (Hi Top) and $2,250 (other vehicles) for 50 days rental. There is also another option, the Maximum Cover Package at $55 per day, which now includes optional extras such as camping table and chairs, GPS, LPG, and toddler/child seat if needed. For this reduction option, the maximum amount payable is $2,750 (50 days rental).

Reputations

Reviews for GoCheap Motorhomes and/or Cruisin’ Tasmania are a mixed bunch. Overall, I would say that the biggest complaint is about the unhelpfulness of the staff. Being up to 7 years old, you can expect some wear and tear on the interior, and the same could be said for all the GoCheap motorhomes―they are cheaper for a reason. I guess the main thing to point out is that pillows, sheets, and doonas are included in the price, whereas some companies only provide sleeping bags or you have to pay extra for sleeping stuff. On the bright side, GoCheap Motorhomes is aiming at the quality and comfort-conscious rather than budget. This is good positioning as there are only a couple of companies in this market in Tasmania―Tasmania Campers would be the main competitor along with Autorent Hertz, Bargain Car Rentals, and Devil Campers. However, just like any other budget-based companies, you need to keep an open mind when renting from them. Breakdowns are highly possible due to age of the vehicle. 

Summary

Offering a nice alternative for couples and family campers, GoCheap Motorhomes gives other companies a run for their money in the 2-6 berth market. So, if you are looking for comfort vehicle at a cheaper rate, you can take a look at what GoCheap Motorhomes has on offer.