If you are thinking of buying a motorhome then the chances are you will be parting with a lot of money even if you buy used. And it doesn't stop there, you will need security possibly a tracker, gas cylinders, a thermal screen cover, an awning or shelter maybe and a whole host of other things so be prepared. Take time to consider the most important thing which is layout, there are generally advantages and disadvantages to each so you will need something that best suits your needs and plans.

We had our own set of prerequisites. After visiting the motorhome show at the NEC we knew that we needed something bigger than a camper van but small enough to be manoeuvrable, we plan to tour Europe and some sites are not suitable for long motorhomes. It had to have a seperate shower and toilet, not a wet room with a wrap around curtain we also needed a good size comfortable bed. Finally, a decent size garage at the back so we could store bikes inboard and not rely on a rack on the back that extended the length further.

With the two front seats turned the lounge area of the 540 was large for a motorhome a fraction over 7M. The center table could be folded out to double its size and raised and lowered electronically. Stored above against the roof is the bed. This can be left made up and lowered down to seat base height or any point inbetween when required at night. The bed is raised and lowered electronically using a switch located just beside the hab door. 

There is a disadvantage to this layout, if one person prefers to stay in bed in the morning there is very little space left for the person who gets up and nowhere available to sit. I find this is only an issue in the winter, in the summer I prefer to make a cup of tea and then sit outside in the shelter, more on the shelter later.

In its lowest position a person can get into bed quite easily, it can be made even easier by using a small step. When the bed is raised you may need to use the ladder supplied. In this position the bed below can be used by folding out then lowering the table and laying the cushions flat. The lower bed is even bigger than the drop down but I suggest you use a matress topper to help make things more comfortable.