Affordable Motor Home Rentals Review

Editors Review

Last Updated: 10/13/19

A family-owned and operated business who started their business in 1996, Affordable Motorhomes is a smaller company based out of Christchurch, offering motorhomes, campervans, and sleepervans in models from 2 to 4 berths.

About Affordable Motor Home Rentals

This family-owned and operated business in Christchurch has been in the industry for more than a decade. Additionally operating in Auckland, the small size and close-knit nature of the company means that they are able to collect customers from either city’s airport and the surrounding areas; they can also arrange pick-up and drop-off locations for hired vehicles. There’s plenty of flexibility in booking since the family-owned business doesn’t have the strict internal regulations that often force larger companies to deny requests for rentals of less than a week. This high level of attention to detail and strong customer service, as well as truly affordable prices (as little as $33 a day in the low season), has made them a favorite among couples and small families looking to rent motorhomes for trips in New Zealand.

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Fleet

Unusually, all the motorhomes, campervans and sleepervans offered are custom-built within the family business, which appears to be part of what contributes to their low rental cost and reliability. Each model is fully self-contained and certified, which means that you can stay in them in campsites managed by the Department of Conservation, whose guidelines they adhere to, and in sites where there are no designated toilet facilities.  Plus , all motorhomes are diesel-powered so you'll be getting a great deal of savings. There's no need to plug into a power supply to keep warm because the units come with an on-board    independent heating system, together with other important add-ons such as a roof-mounted solar panel and standard linen. Included among extras in all the models are complimentary DVD and CD players and radio systems; picnic chairs and tables, portable BBQs, snow chains (for the winter months) and GPS systems are available for small fees. And conveniently, all motorhomes are part of the New Zealand Automobile Association (AA), hence, all day/ all night road assistance at no extra cost. 

Vehicles

Motorhomes

4 Berth Consort

A 2007- 2008 Ford Transit gives way to a family of 4. This motorhome is actually the only option for bigger groups with two seat belts in the driving cab and another two diagonal belts in the rear seating area. The queen bed in the rear is quite spacious for two while the over cab bunk with child safety net makes a comfy sleeping place for your kids. As a fully certified self-contained unit, the motorhome features everything you need―private bathroom, comfortable living quarters packed with an entertainment system and full kitchen with a gas cooker, microwave, and fridge.

Campervans

2 Berth Standard (Bed-in-Middle)

This 2 berth campervan is a Toyota Hi-ace model that highlights its double bed in the middle. Aside from that, the kitchen, which is located at the rear side, holds an extendable hand-held tap, which can also be for outdoor use. Because of the vehicle dimensions, the unit does not come with a full bathroom but rather a porta potty portable toilet. Still, you are provided with all kitchen and sleeping amenities as well as a safety net that can be attached to the open storage area with mattress for your baby.

2 Berth Standard (Bed-in-Rear)

If you are looking for a 2 berth campervan with a double bed at the back area, this unit is designed for your needs. This one is relatively the same as the previous campervan, featuring a Toyota Hi-ace model and all essentials of home. Comparatively, the kitchen is positioned at the back of the front seat so that the entire rear acts as the living quarters and sleeping area. 

2 Berth Compact

Another spacious 2 berth is this Ford Transit model now with built-in shower and toilet. The kitchen with sink, microwave, gas cooker, and fridge with ice box is stationed at the back of the driver's and passenger's seat so that the back area is allocated for the rear lounge convertible into a double bed. This one is ideal for those looking for more than space and comfort while on-board.

Sleepervans

2 Berth Sleepervan Estima

For those who prefer small, easy-to-drive-and-park unit, you can have this 2 berth model, which is also a self-contained campervan. An automatic transmission, these vehicles are 2002 to 2003 car refurbished car models converted into nice sleepervans in 2015- 2017. This, in particular, is a Toyota Estima model with a rear kitchen, convertible double bed, radio/ CD player, air-conditioning, and awning for an extended private room. However, do not expect for a very roomy interior. No room for standing up inside or even taking a bath.

2 Berth Sleepervan Alphard

A white version of the 2 berth sleepervan is this Alphard model, which is newer compared to the Estima. These are 2004 or 2006 series Toyota Alphard units with seat belts for two in the driving cab. Featuring 240-volt mains, the unit also comes with another 12-volt house battery that charges while you drive. Because of the size, this one does not come with a bathroom.  

Insurance

The company requires a bond (imprint) to cover the standard insurance of $2000 for 1999/2003 series models and $3500 for 2004/2017 series models. The insurance covers you on all open, public roads. The imprint, however, does not include windscreen and tyres but only single-vehicle accidents as well as overhead and underbody damage. You can reduce the liability to $300 for an additional daily rate of $20 to $30, depending on the age models. An additional of $10/day includes windscreen insurance. 

Reputation

As far as reputation goes, Affordable Motorhomes are known for their can-do attitude and professional yet personal service; on a first-name basis with their customers, they’re reportedly friendly and always willing to help if anything goes wrong. Among other good points, a detailed briefing on how their chosen vehicle works are provided to every customer before they set off. By and large, reviews are glowingly positive; however, the age of the vehicles means that occasional maintenance is necessary, and some customers run into problems in this area on their trips. This obviously isn’t ideal, although, by all accounts, repairs are made quickly and efficiently without extra charges. Some also expressed dissatisfaction with sat-nav and other small amenities costing extra. Customers report that vehicles tend to be meticulously maintained despite their sometimes lengthy mileages and that no matter how many kilometres are on the clock, they run like new. 

Summary

As their name goes, Affordable Motorhomes focuses on cheaper rentals without compromising quality and personalized service. Their fleet of motorhomes, campervans, and sleepervans may not be the newest but these work great, and you can rely upon their dependable staff when the need arises.