Are you going travelling in a motorhome? Need to know methods to enhance consolation on the journey or tricks to make your journey higher? Listed below are 20 issues to know earlier than you go, plus my SCARIEST second within the motorhome- and learn how to keep away from it!
Don’t neglect to seize your FREE motorhome upkeep guidelines under that can assist you keep organised.
*We work exhausting to make this the very best motorhome weblog and highway journey web site potential, stuffed with useful content material for you. The web site is supported by our readers, so in case you purchase by means of hyperlinks on this web site we might earn a commission- at no additional value to you. All opinions stay our personal.
Should you discover this submit helpful, you may additionally deal with us to a espresso – we promise to take pleasure in it whereas creating extra helpful content material like this- we would even take pleasure in a biscuit (or two!)
Travelling in a motorhome- my story
I’ve been touring the UK and Europe in a motorhome for a number of years. As a whole newbie, the educational curve on that first motorhome journey was STEEP and at occasions felt completely overwhelming. But right here I’m, nonetheless touring and nonetheless studying issues, particularly now I’m travelling solo in my van.
I needed to share with you a number of the suggestions and tips I’ve learnt for travelling comfortably within the van, and simple methods you may make issues slightly simpler.
Should you’re a whole newbie, and wish to do what to do in your first journey to a campsite, or learn how to pack your camper van, these posts will assist:
– What to do in your first motorhome journey
– How one can pack a motorhome or campervan for a highway journey
So, let’s dive in to some useful suggestions and some tips to make touring and travelling in a motorhome as snug as potential.
Travelling in a Motorhome- suggestions for on the highway
Earlier than you set off in your journey, and when you’re truly driving, there are some things you are able to do to make life simpler.
Earlier than you set off
I’ve an entire submit about establishing your motorhome on your first journey right here, however the necessary issues to recollect are:
- Get accustomed to the automobile earlier than you begin driving. This is applicable to each the cab and driving seat, and the habitation space.
- arrange your wing-mirrors and rear mirror (except you will have a reversing digicam. If it’s your personal motorhome, I like to recommend becoming wing mirror protectors.
- Know the place the emergency hazards are, indicators and fog lights. Particularly in case your travelling within the UK the place the climate adjustments steadily!
- Replenish the water tank with contemporary water, except you’re going to a campsite
- Know your peak, width and size, and weight. Should you don’t know the precise weight, assume it’s the utmost weight.
- If it’s an extended journey, plan a number of brief stops- driving a motorhome might be tiring
- Arrange the seat to be snug. I take advantage of a cushion on my driver seat to make it extra comfortable
If you’re on the highway
If you’re out and about having adventures, listed here are some issues to recollect:
Examine your journey time rigorously. Many motorhomes, particularly when you have a towing automobile, will journey a lot slower than the velocity restrict, which is how sat navs calculate how lengthy a route will take you. So don’t overestimate how far you may journey, particularly in distant areas with slender roads. Smaller autos won’t have this concern.
If you’re stopping for a relaxation break, watch out for small or tight automobile parks. Many are a nightmare for motorhomes. Providers aren’t often an issue however city centres and supermarkets might be. You’ll discover it simpler in lots of European international locations over the UK, however you may often discover a spot in case you’re conscious. Many automobile parks have public bogs, that are helpful to make use of when you’re travelling.
If you’re in search of parking areas or an in a single day keep, your greatest guess is to make use of a campsite for the primary night time or two, particularly in case you’re model new to motorhoming or in a brand new motorhome. This may make it simpler to do issues like checking the water system, emptying black waste (bathroom) and individuals are there on your peace of thoughts in case you get into issue.
Should you undoubtedly wish to keep off-grid, listed here are some high suggestions for motorhome wild tenting for you. All the time have a backup plan, simply in case your first spot doesn’t work out.
FAQs about travelling in a motorhome
What velocity limits apply to motorhomes within the UK?
- In case your automobile is underneath 3.5 tonnes, you are able to do 70mph on motorways and twin carriageways and 60mph on single carriageways (obeying another velocity limits, in fact!)
- If you’re over 3.5tonnes, you’re restricted to 60mph on twin carriageways, however can do 70mph on motorways.. You’re restricted to 50mph on single carriageways.
- Decrease velocity limits apply to all motorhomes of any weight.
And sure, you’re allowed to make use of the surface lane for overtaking on a motorway or twin carriageway the place secure to take action.
The place can I drive with my motorhome?
You’ll be able to drive your motorhome on most UK roads (not together with non-public land in fact). Keep in mind the gross automobile weight for small bridges, and likewise your automobile peak and width. I like to recommend getting a motorhome sat nav to assist keep away from unsuitable roads.
Are you allowed to sleep in a motorhome on the highway?
Sure, so long as you’re correctly parked and the automobile is taxed/ insured
Are you able to legally journey at the back of a motorhome?
Provided that there are seat belts. Some facet seats are thought of okay, however please seek the advice of together with your insurer.
Are you able to stroll round in a motorhome whereas driving?
No. You have to be correctly belted right into a seat. Animals should even be correctly restrained.
Travelling in a motorhome- suggestions for parking up/ residing within the camper
So, when you’ve completed the journey half for the day, right here’s learn how to make your motorhome, campervan or caravan really feel like a house away from house.
Selecting the Proper Bedding and Linens
It’s a widely known incontrovertible fact that sleep is necessary. And never with the ability to sleep properly is likely one of the most typical causes of upset and frustration throughout a motorhome vacation.
That will help you get an excellent night time’s relaxation, it’s price getting some first rate, high-quality bedding. You may get some motorhome bedding which is particularly designed for caravan or motorhome use, as a result of it’s often extra compact, light-weight, and simpler to scrub than common bedding.
Some folks select to make use of sleeping baggage, as they’re simpler to retailer and clear however I dislike sleeping baggage, particularly as I dwell in my motorhome fulltime and wish it to really feel like house. Having fairly bedding is likely one of the greatest methods to make the house snug and cosy.
You may also add a mattress topper for additional consolation, and guarantee that your pillows are of the suitable firmness for you.
Create a Cosy Residing House
Your motorhome or caravan ought to really feel like a house on wheels. Even when it’s a small campervan, creating a comfortable and alluring residing house is a good way to make you are feeling snug on the highway, wherever you’re.
Comfy seating areas with smooth furnishings like cushions and throws are a good suggestion, and can assist the house really feel extra your personal. Including some ornamental touches, like photos or images of your adventures, is at all times going to carry a smile to your face.
You may also add rugs, desk cloths or mats so as to add color and create a snug setting.
Tip: When selecting rugs or mats on your automobile, search for choices which are light-weight, sturdy, and simple to scrub. Contemplate investing in mats which are particularly designed for out of doors use, as they’re typically produced from supplies that may face up to harsh climate situations.
In case you have pets, ensure that they’re pet pleasant and sturdy.
Most motorhomes are available in some type of beige, gray, white and brown. Add some heat, inviting colors together with your cushions and throws and add smooth lighting to create a relaxed environment.
Being conscious of your water utilization
One of many issues I really like most about residing in a motorhome is how rather more conscious I’m of my assets, particularly water.
If you’re staying off-grid greater than utilizing campsites, be sure you handle your assets rigorously by having shorter showers and turning the faucet off when washing up or cleansing your tooth.
And be sure you clear your motorhome water tank regularly- right here’s how.
Good Heating and Air flow System
The primary time you attempt motorhome journey in a chilly setting, you’ll recognize your heating system with an entire new fervour. It’s essential to have a dependable supply of warmth throughout chilly nights and chilly climate. Be sure that your automobile has an excellent heating system, and that it’s in good working situation earlier than heading out in your journey. You’ll additionally have to be sure you have LPG or diesel to run it.
Satisfactory air flow is equally necessary to make sure that contemporary air circulates all through the automobile and prevents condensation build-up.
A Effectively-Stocked Kitchen
There’s nothing higher than parking up in a brand new place, ideally in the midst of nowhere, opening the fridge and understanding that you simply don’t want something from the store or native markets since you’ve obtained all the pieces you might want to cook dinner yummy meals.
Fill up on non-perishable meals objects, akin to canned items, pasta and rice to just remember to at all times have one thing good to eat. Oh, and biscuits. Everybody wants biscuits.
Tip: Should you having fun with consuming outside, think about a transportable motorhome BBQ for out of doors cooking, and refill on non-perishable snacks and drinks for lengthy journeys.
Maximising Storage House
Perversely, the extra ‘stuff’ you will have in your camper, the extra claustrophobic it could really feel. Maximising storage in your campervan is essential. Options like shelving, baskets, and organisers will assist to maintain all the pieces neat and simple to entry.
Through the use of space-saving objects like collapsible containers and compact home equipment, you may minimise the quantity of litter made by miscellaneous objects and all the pieces feels a lot calmer and simpler to seek out.
Tip: Should you’re struggling for house, get a motorhome storage field on the again of your camper. It makes all the pieces a lot simpler! Use vertical house every time potential, akin to hanging organisers or over-door storage to maximise valuable house.
Expertise
Regardless of the dimensions, you’re working a cellular home on wheels. And good know-how can go a good distance in serving to that. Among the know-how I believe are necessities embrace:
Travelling in a motorhome- our scariest second (up to now!?)
Proper, in any case that, let me share a narrative about my scariest second on the highway.
We took our first motorhome into Europe, by means of Italy and up into the Swiss Alps. On our second day within the Alps, we stopped at slightly place known as Gelmer for lunch and a visit up the terrifying Gelmerban funicular (a VERY outdated prepare which matches backwards up a mountain!)
Gelmer is midway up a mountain within the Swiss Alps. Whichever approach you go, you’re instantly driving on tiny, hairpin, mountain roads. And as quickly as we set off, we realised there was one thing critically incorrect with our brakes.
We’d been wild tenting within the Alps the night time before- which was MAGICAL. However we’d been going up and down STEEP mountain roads for the previous 24 hours and, unbeknownst to us, the brake fluid had boiled dry and fully disappeared!
Travelling in a motorhome- our mistake
Once we purchased the van 3 months earlier, we’d been informed it had simply had a full service and MOT. We did our personal checks, however we by no means thought to examine the brake fluid.
Seems, it hadn’t been modified for a lot of, a few years and was principally water- which meant it had evaporated over the previous 48 hours because the brakes obtained scorching.
All this led to us hurtling down a steep mountain, with a trailer pushing us even quicker… and no approach of slowing down apart from our hand brake.
I’m eternally grateful that Mr WB was driving, not me. Actually, I’m undecided I’d have recognized what to do. There was nowhere to tug over, nowhere to cease and turning round wasn’t an possibility.
All we may do was proceed down the mountain, making an attempt desperately to decelerate as we approached every hairpin flip and praying we didn’t catch as much as a sluggish automobile in entrance.
I couldn’t even communicate, I used to be that scared. I simply let my husband do his thing- which he did brilliantly. He used engine braking as a lot as possible- and the handbrake to complement that. Sure, it ruined the handbrake. No, we didn’t care.
Travelling in a motorhome- the nice half
On the backside of the mountain was a small village (a reasonably widespread sight whenever you’re driving in Switzerland). Simply off the primary highway was a storage, and we pulled into the forecourt in a cloud of smoke.
The mechanics didn’t communicate a phrase of English (why ought to they?!) however they did communicate the common ‘Oh’.
Oh certainly.
These guys had been sensible. That they had a number of vehicles and jobs already in, however they stopped what they had been doing to assist us. The proprietor known as his son, who got here to assist too, and so they shortly changed the brake fluid, modified the pads and checked wheels, tyres, handbrake (fortunately not broken) and glued something which wanted fixing.
Additionally they checked the oil and did a few different important checks for us, as we not trusted the ‘service’ the motorhome had apparently had. Inside a few hours, it was all completed and sorted.
Travelling in a motorhome- our recommendation
Fortunately, this story had a contented ending. We had been okay. The van was okay. We purchased a giant crate of beer for the mechanics and headed off on the highway once more.
Nonetheless, it taught us to not belief salesmen!
Please please PLEASE, earlier than you go travelling in a motorhome, get it totally checked by an unbiased mechanic- NOT the folks to procure it from.
Particularly in case you’re planning to take your van abroad into some pretty harsh terrain. There’s a full record of important motorhome checks you must do HERE.
This story isn’t meant to frighten anybody from travelling, whether or not in a motorhome, a camper or a automobile. Heck, it didn’t put us off!
However I hope sharing our story (and mistake!) will assist you to keep away from being in such a terrifying state of affairs your self. If anybody else who would possibly profit from a little bit of pleasant recommendation, be at liberty to share this with them on Fb or Pinterest.
