New to motorhoming? Making an attempt to determine the way it all works? Don’t worry- we had been all motorhome newbies at one time. Listed here are a number of the finest motorhome suggestions and tips for rookies (or any motorhome or campervan proprietor needing a fast refresher after an extended break!)
Don’t neglect to seize your FREE motorhome departure/ pre-trip guidelines beneath
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Greatest Motorhome Ideas & Methods for Learners
Typically, once you’re new to one thing, it will probably really feel like everybody else is in on some secret and also you didn’t get the memo. And motorhoming is even worse, as a result of there aren’t many ‘classes’ or programs you’ll be able to take that will help you be taught stuff (which is strictly why I wrote my e-book Motorhoming Made Easy!)
EVERYONE with a motorhome was a beginner in some unspecified time in the future. Each single one in all us sat behind the wheel of that (monstrous) beast, questioning how on earth we get out of the automobile park with out destroying our van… or the one subsequent to us. Or what we do after we get it dwelling!?
Motorhoming for Dummies…?!
To assist, listed here are some helpful motorhoming suggestions for rookies, plus some suggestions and tips for anybody who desires a fast refresher.
I jokingly name it my ‘Motorhoming for Dummies’ information, however I need to make one thing actually clear- simply since you’re new to one thing doesn’t make you a ‘dummy’. Everybody has to be taught someplace.
Additionally, don’t really feel embarrassed should you make a mistake. We’ve got ALL tousled in some unspecified time in the future throughout our time on the highway. You’ll be happy to know that a number of of those newbie motorhoming suggestions had been errors made by individuals in our Fb group (which you’re welcome to affix) – because of everybody who shared their tales!
So be sort to yourself- you’re a newbie! And a number of the foolish stuff you do will make epic tales in just a few months. 🙂
Don’t neglect to seize your FREE motorhome departure and pre-trip guidelines to recollect every thing you want earlier than your first journey.
Primary Motorhome suggestions for rookies
Prepared? Let’s dive in to newbie errors to keep away from and issues NOT to do with a motorhome or campervan.
Listed here are some quick-fire suggestions that will help you get arrange in your first journey:
- While you first get your motorhome/ camper, give your self time to undergo all of the techniques in your motorhome, learn the handbook and perceive what every thing does
- Work out learn how to flip the lights on in the dead of night! This may most likely be accomplished utilizing the management panel close to the habitation door- be taught which button you’ll want to press; you’ll be amazed how usually you want it once you are available in at evening or through the evening.
- Perceive your electrical system- you’ll be able to’t get 230v (or use the 3-pin sockets) except your can is plugged into the mains
- 2 gasoline bottles are higher than one- when you have area in your gasoline locker, get a second bottle
- You (most likely) don’t want a second motorhome leisure battery– and also you undoubtedly don’t want one immediately
- Don’t overpack- particularly not for the primary journey. Take the naked naked minimal.
- Photo voltaic panels are an amazing concept should you plan to spend time away from electrical hookup or go wild tenting together with your motorhome.
- Nevertheless, you most likely don’t want a motorhome generator– actually not immediately
- Change the fridge on a great few hours earlier than you propose to depart, ideally in a single day so it has time to get cool earlier than you place meals in
Most of these are self-explanatory, however I’ve expanded on a number of the extra essential factors beneath
Don’t put gas within the freshwater tank… (or vice versa!)
Sadly, it’s doable to get the water tank filler and the gas filler confused. Admittedly, the water ought to have a blue or white screw cap, and the gas needs to be yellow or black, however still- it’s doable.
Should you DO make this error, you’ll want to empty out your tank (into applicable containers) and then you definately would possibly have the ability to drain off the gas. If you are able to do this, discard the water and add the gas slowly over time together with non-contaminated gas, so it may be combined collectively.
You’ll additionally want to scrub out your freshwater tank. You should utilize a tank cleaner like this, though personally, I’d get it accomplished professionally (and even then I’d be involved about ingesting from it for an extended, very long time!)
And should you by accident put water into the gas tank… you’ll have to name a storage or your motorhome breakdown service.
Should you’re new to motorhoming, you may also be focused on these posts:
Don’t underestimate your weight
While you had been shopping for your motorhome, it is best to have been listening to your motorhome payload. That’s the distinction between what your motorhome weighed once you purchased it and what the utmost is that it’s legally allowed to weigh (there’s a bit extra to it than that, however you get the concept.)
Each single factor that you just put onto your car goes into your payload. That features garments, motorhome books, electrics, bedding, sneakers, pets, meals, water and YOU (and all the opposite passengers.)
It’s really easy to get this fallacious, and even up driving a car which is over the authorized weight restrict (that means that your motorhome insurance coverage turns into invalid.) To be sure to’re inside the limits, e-book right into a weighbridge after you’re totally packed and get weighed.
Perceive your motorhome electrics
So many motorhome newbies don’t realise that the 230v electrical sockets of their motorhome or camper received’t work except you might be plugged into mains electrical, both at dwelling or at a campsite. And even then, you most likely received’t have the ability to use your electrical kettle, toaster, microwave AND hairdryer all on the identical time (otherwise you’ll overload the campsite electrics, journey the change and have to search around for the fuse field in your pajamas!)
I extremely suggest getting a gasoline kettle (assuming you will have a gasoline hob), with the intention to make a brew while not related (reminiscent of parked up in a reasonably parking spot for lunch or should you select to go motorhome wild tenting.)
Bonus motorhome tip: It’s a very good concept to have 2 gasoline bottles, as a substitute of only one. Not solely does it provide you with extra gasoline, however you then know once you’re operating low, so you’ll be able to trade or refill as wanted. Nothing worse than being caught wanting gasoline!! 🙂
Don’t neglect your motorhome necessities
I do know, I do know, I KNOW. You’ve received a brand new motorhome and it’s simply.so.simple to purchase issues for it. Cushions and bedding and cutlery and crockery and… stuff.
However, there are some important gear which each and every motorhome wants. Issues which you’ll actually remorse not packing, like a hose in your recent water and an electrical energy cable. You possibly can seize a free guidelines that will help you keep in mind all of it right here:
Examine your motorhome leisure battery
One of many largest points new motorhome house owners have (or those that winterised their motorhome for storage and haven’t used it for some time) is that the leisure battery dies. There are a number of causes this might occur (you’ll be able to learn extra about learn how to look after a motorhome leisure battery right here) however, earlier than you allow, be certain to check it and change it if essential.
On that matter, be sure to do common motorhome habitation checks (both your self or at a storage) to verify every thing stays okay and secure.
Do your departure checks and plan your route earlier than you allow
It’s very simple to get caught up within the pleasure of occurring an journey. Nevertheless, take just a few moments earlier than you allow to be sure to’ve accomplished all of your motorhome departure and pre-trip checks, and to verify your route is deliberate into the sat nav.
Issues that are simply missed embody:
- Locking fridge
- Checking all overhead lockers/ wardrobes/ cabinets are closed and clicked shut
- Turning off the gasoline
- Closing the glass lid on the hob
- Unplugging the electrical cable (your motorhome might need a warning buzzer for that!)
- Checking the outside steps are away
- Ensuring your exterior motorhome storage field is closed and locked
- Closing and locking home windows and hatches
- Packing away TV
- Having highway journey snacks and a sizzling drink at hand
Be sure you shut all home windows and hatches earlier than driving off
Oh, we’ve all accomplished this! You’re merrily driving alongside, considering how FRIENDLY everyone seems to be at present, as a result of they’re all waving… till finally you realise you’ve for a hatch flapping round. Otherwise you’ve left the motorhome TV satellite tv for pc up, or a window is banging within the again. Working via the pre-trip guidelines will assist cease all that.
Additionally, motorhome home windows are notoriously weak. Bettering them is absolutely fast and simple- see my evaluate of the Lock M Out motorhome window locks.
Bonus motorhome tip for beginners- Apply placing your awning up
If in case you have an awning in your motorhome or camper (and should you’re heading to Europe, I extremely suggest one), then practising placing it up BEFORE you get to a campsite is a very good concept. It may be just a little sophisticated the primary time or two, so familiarising your self with the method will assist enormously.
Motorhoming suggestions and tips for rookies VIDEO
Watch the video of some extra beginner suggestions for motorhoming and campervanning:
Motorhome Journey Ideas and Methods
Earlier than you head off on a motorhome highway journey, listed here are some suggestions and tips that will help you take advantage of your time on the highway.
Know your motorhome dimensions (and get a correct sat-nav!)
Till you do it your self, it’s laborious to elucidate to individuals what driving a motorhome is like. You’re abruptly in control of a car which is larger, wider and longer than you’re used to. You’ll be extra conscious of the highway than you’ve ever been earlier than.
You’re additionally a LOT tougher to show round.
Belief me, as somebody who’s sat in a car while reversing for two miles BACKWARDS up a hill, the motorhome reversing digital camera was a godsend!
You do NOT need to get your self caught someplace like a slim highway (that is whereas I used to be motorhoming in Wales, in case you’re questioning!)
One of the best ways to keep away from this drama is to spend money on a devoted motorhome sat-nav system: one that you could put your car dimensions in and it’ll plan a route for you which of them avoids low bridges, slim roads and weak crossings. You possibly can even set it as much as keep away from toll roads or ferry crossings (good luck doing THAT should you’re going motorhoming in Norway!!)
One other helpful motorhome tip: You’ll discover the gradual lane on motorways is usually wider. Should you’re nervous, stick with that one.
Pay attention to pace restrictions
In case your motorhome is over 3.5 tonnes, (or, technically, if the max unladen weight is 3.05 tonnes) you’ll discover you need to obey completely different pace limits in lots of international locations round Europe, together with the UK, the place you’ll be able to solely drive at 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on twin carriageways (as a substitute of the nationwide pace restrict). And should you’re towing, you’ll be able to solely do 60mph on a motorway, no matter weight.
Bonus motorhome tip for rookies: concentrate on low-overhanging bushes once you’re driving! These suckers sneak up on you…
Put money into wing-mirror protectors
These are one of the crucial helpful bits of equipment I’ve ever purchased. In fact, nobody units out to clip their wing-mirror towards a wall (or have one other car clip them!), nevertheless it does occur. Watch out once you buy them, there are variations for lengthy and brief arms (the motorhome, not you!), so you should definitely get the proper ones.
An alternative choice is to color your wing-mirrors vivid yellow or pink, or put a reflective stripe down them to catch driver’s eyes.
Attempt to not arrive in the dead of night
Whether or not you’re heading for a brand new campsite, or heading dwelling, arriving after darkish simply makes every thing tougher. Don’t neglect, many motorhome campsites shut after a sure time (for safety causes), so should you arrive too late you won’t be allowed in till the subsequent morning.
Bonus motorhome tip for rookies: Should you DO end up in the dead of night, a first rate head-torch is invaluable, leaving your arms free to do all the roles you’ll want to do. And keep in mind my tip from earlier, about studying learn how to flip the lights on in the dead of night?!
Motorhome suggestions and tips for the campsite
There are many suggestions and tips for staying on a campsite. I share all of them in my submit about your first motorhome journey. However a few them embody:
- Have your motorhome membership playing cards or particulars at hand
- Replenish with water earlier than you get settled in your pitch
- Drive forwards onto levelling chocks as a substitute of attempting to reverse onto them
- Should you can, use hand indicators as a substitute of shouting at one another!
- On your first evening, have a simple dinner able to go. Make it easy for your self.
Don’t neglect to fill out your motorhome logbook with all the small print of your journey!
Pay attention to your assets (gas, gasoline & water)
One of many issues I really like most about vanlife is how frugal I’m with treasured assets, like freshwater and gasoline. I’m rather more conscious of how a lot I exploit within the motorhome than I’m in a home.
Nevertheless, it’s essential to recollect to refill/ change these assets as usually as doable, particularly should you’re travelling into distant areas, like on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland. In locations like that, there are only a few gas stations. You’ll additionally wrestle to get recent water or empty waste out of season- lots of the motorhome campsites on the NC500 shut for winter. While you do discover someplace, make use of it.
If in case you have refillable gasoline bottles in your motorhome, you would possibly discover it tougher to seek out stations within the UK than in Europe, however they’re round. Be sure you refill as usually as doable.
Bonus motorhome tip: You’ll want hose attachments for Europe. I’ve discovered 1/2″ (21mm) and three/4″ (26mm) connectors like this work on the majority of locations. The trick is remembering to take them off the faucet once you’re completed…
Use Google Maps
I’m a giant fan of Google maps to assist me plan a visit. Though I exploit the sat-nav for day-to-day navigation, I exploit Google maps to plan my highway journeys to assist me uncover and keep in mind locations I need to go to, and plan an itinerary round all of them which is sensible.
You possibly can create collections with Google Maps, so you’ll be able to see all of the factors of curiosity in a single space, and you need to use that that will help you determine the place to go to that day.
However don’t over-plan your motorhome vacation. Life on the highway is healthier when you’ll be able to loosen up, and glide. Certain, make plans to see locations but additionally enable time to do stuff you hadn’t deliberate, like discover, play video games or simply sit by the hearth and loosen up.
Have enough security gear
I lived on boats for 15 years and have all the time been strict about security. I’ve fireplace detection and CO2 detection items in my van, plus an extinguisher and a hearth blanket. Admittedly, after I did have a fuse fireplace in my motorhome (fuse field shorted), it was the center of the day and I smelt it earlier than any alarms went off, however that doesn’t make it any much less essential.
Additionally, keep in mind that most motorhomes now not have a spare wheel. That is to save lots of weight (and prices!) As a substitute, you’ll probably have a tyre restore equipment. This works by ‘squirting’ (technical time period) the answer into the tyre after which reinflating it utilizing a compressor. You possibly can then drive this repaired tyre to the closest storage for a everlasting repair.
It saves weight, however when you have a big gap or rip within the sidewall, no quantity of resolution will repair that- so be certain your motorhome breakdown cowl is in place- simply in case!
Pay attention to moist grass pitches
Ever pushed onto a moist subject in a heavy car? If not, I sincerely hope it stays that method! Do not forget that a motorhome or perhaps a campervan is heavier than a automobile, and that a lot weight on a comfortable, moist, quickly to be muddy subject is simply going to lead to you getting caught. That’s why mud mats like these are so helpful!
Cease rattles
There may be NOTHING worse than listening to a motorhome stuffed with rattles. Significantly, it drives me nuts. Certain, you’ll be able to flip the radio up and ignore it, however there are methods to cease rattles in your motorhome. It principally entails a number of tea towels and non-slip matting. You’re welcome.
Bonus motorhome suggestions and tips: You want rather a lot much less STUFF than you suppose you do. Should you haven’t used one thing for just a few journeys, take away it and unencumber some area and payload (except it’s security gear!)
Motorhome suggestions for beginners- life on the highway
Cease the smells
Should you’re a whole beginner to motorhomes, you won’t know that the extra you utilize your van, the extra odours you’ll begin to expertise. Bits of meals will get caught within the gray waste pipe and the bathroom… properly, let’s simply say it is best to do every thing you’ll be able to to cease smells.
I exploit a product known as Solbio natural bathroom fluid, which is pure and doesn’t include dangerous chemical compounds. It’s additionally secure to be disposed of in septic tanks or fosse, that means I’ve extra choices to get rid of my bathroom responsibly.
You may also use a squirt down your sinks to filter out the pipes and your gray waste tanks- it is going to assist maintain your motorhome rest room and bathroom smelling recent.
If you want, you can too get the pink spray or liquid so as to add to your motorhome bathroom flush to maintain issues smelly rosy, however I simply use Solbio now.
Additionally, keep in mind to shut your bathroom after every use. It helps stops smells or spills whereas driving!
Bonus tip: Should you determine to depart muddy sneakers outdoors, don’t neglect about them earlier than you drive off!!!!
Don’t journey with valuables
I extremely suggest not being valuables reminiscent of jewelry with you in your journey. The much less you need to fear about, the higher. In case you are abroad, be certain to all the time carry your passport and pockets with you, as a substitute of leaving it within the van.
For different valuables, reminiscent of laptops and iPads, attempt to discover a hiding place not simply reached. The longer it takes for a thief to seek out, the much less seemingly they’re to stay round.
Bonus motorhome tip for rookies: There are hidden secure units like secret tins, or these which lock with a code and you may click on to a safe a part of your van. They’re properly value getting, particularly for jewelry. See them right here
Contemplate learn how to attain locations with out your motorhome
On my first journey to Scotland (just a few years in the past with my ex husband), we made the… unlucky choice to drive into Edinburgh. Yep, in a motorhome. With a trailer. To say it was a mistake can be an understatement. What we must always have accomplished is park up outdoors someplace secure and both ridden the bikes in or taken public transport.
We selected to tow motorbikes with us as a result of we beloved exploring by bike, however they’re additionally a good way of getting round if we had been parked up at a campsite. Many individuals select to hold pushbikes for a similar purpose, in addition to getting some train.
Should you don’t need to do that, or don’t have area in your payload, then public transport is your buddy. Most campsites have a bus cease or prepare station someplace close to, or you’ll be able to name a taxi if there’s no different alternative.
Contemplate your motorhome safety
It’s not good to consider, however motorhomes are widespread targets with thieves, each at dwelling and on the highway. It’s essential to make your van look as troublesome to steal as doable, in order that they are going to (hopefully!) go on to simpler choices.
I like to recommend units each to cease your car being damaged into (like extra motorhome hab door locks), and in addition units to cease it being stolen, like steering or pedal locks.
Motorhome Ideas and Methods: One of the best motorhome safety units for at dwelling and whereas travelling
Motorhome suggestions and tips for Europe
Don’t let being a motorhome newbie put you off planning a visit to Europe. Listed here are some motorhome suggestions and tips for Europe journey (Europe Motorhoming for Dummies, if you’ll! ?)
Deliver every thing you want
In contrast to the UK, most international locations in Europe have strict guidelines concerning sure equipment you’ll want to carry with you. This contains issues like:
- GB sticker on the again of your motorhome
- Warning Triangle
- Hello-visibility jacket for every individual
- Headlight deflectors for UK-based autos
- Visibility sticker in case your car is over 3.5 tonnes.
- First support equipment – obligatory in France and Germany.
- Spare bulbs for all lights within the car
While we’re on the topic; no- you do NOT want a breathalyser for France. However you would possibly want a blind spot warning sticker!
Need to head to Europe together with your motorhome?
Seize your FREE (printable) guidelines and uncover 25 stuff you NEED to take with you once you journey in Europe. Make your life simpler at present.
Be ready for emergencies and maintain paperwork accessible
You additionally want to hold some paperwork with you, which incorporates:
- Passport (or id card)
- Driving licence (examine it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance coverage documents- examine you might be coated for driving in Europe – Breakdown cowl
- Automobile V5 logbook (which should present your appropriate tackle)
- Automobile should be legally taxed and MOT’d
- Trailer certification
- Inexperienced card (get out of your car insurer)
- Worldwide Driving Allow if required
- Private journey insurance coverage
Be sure you maintain these papers someplace simply accessible with the intention to attain them simply if required. I extremely suggest carrying some money too, at the least 100€, in case you get fined (they will request fee in money, or escort you to the closest money machine.)
Bonus motorhome tip: make certain you will have a European accident type in case of a highway site visitors accident whereas travelling. This submit tells you every thing you’ll want to do in an accident.
Driving on the ‘fallacious’ aspect of the highway
I promise, motorhoming in Europe and driving on the opposite aspect of the highway just isn’t as troublesome because it may appear earlier than you do it.
It’s essential to keep in mind that the highway system is ready as much as be on that aspect of the highway, so exits/ entrances naturally curve the way in which it is best to go, as do roundabouts (which even have useful arrows.) Truthfully, it is going to really feel simple after about 20 minutes. In case you are heading to Europe, right here’s what you’ll want to learn about driving in Europe after BREXIT.
Getting gasoline and water
Should you don’t plan to make use of campsites each evening, it’s essential to know learn how to discover freshwater, get gasoline and get rid of your waste hygienically. Europe is rather a lot simpler to do that in than the UK is- there are many waste disposal factors at motorway providers, together with a freshwater faucet obtainable to campers.
With LPG, don’t make the error I did and assume a European gasoline bottle will match onto your UK system- the connections are fully completely different. You’ll both want to purchase and convey European pigtails (the hose connections) with you or, should you’re planning to spend so much of time in Europe, spend money on a refillable gasoline system, so you’ll be able to refill with LPG at a whole bunch of areas throughout Europe.
Extra motorhome suggestions: Methods to get gasoline in Europe with a motorhome/ camper
Discover ways to discover locations to remain
In Europe, there are (usually talking) three classes of locations you’ll be able to keep in a single day with a motorhome:
Motorhome Campsites
Campsites in Europe vary from large complexes with swimming swimming pools, eating places, children golf equipment and leisure. Others are cheaper, with much less services, however do enable you someplace secure to park up at evening. The standard and value will fluctuate massively from nation to nation.
Should you’re travelling out of excessive season and are planning to make use of campsites, I extremely suggest shopping for an ACSI CampingCard membership to economize in your in a single day tenting.
Motorhome Aires in Europe
An Aire is an authorized motorhome and campervan in a single day parking place. These locations are discovered throughout Europe and are authorized locations the place you’ll be able to keep together with your motorhome or camper (not a caravan, sadly) for a restricted period of time (the restrict might be signposted).
They’re usually paid, though you will see that some in additional distant areas that are free to make use of in a single day. Lots of them have motorhome service points- usually for a small extra payment.
Yow will discover the areas of those locations from on-line guides or books. Simply keep in mind that info can go old-fashioned rapidly in a printed e-book, which is why I desire to make use of a web based information after I’m on the lookout for Aires in France and Europe.
Greatest motorhome suggestions and tips: Discover ways to discover FREE in a single day motorhome parking and stopovers
Wild tenting with a motorhome
Wild tenting (staying off-grid) is rather more tolerated in most of Europe than it’s within the UK. Admittedly, some locations are simpler than other- Norway welcomes it with open arms, whereas should you now go to Portugal together with your camper, you’ll discover wild tenting is extra sophisticated.
Pay attention to Nationwide Park rules- most have strict bans on in a single day parking in them and you can be fined should you break the foundations.
Motorhome wild tenting guides for the UK & Europe
Analysis the foundations for the nation
Which leads me to my subsequent point- be sure to analysis the foundations of the nation you might be visiting. Don’t make the error of considering all international locations in Europe are the identical. You have to analysis issues like:
- What are the pace limits and restrictions?
- Are there tolls or do you want a vignette (such as you do should you go campervanning in Switzerland)
- What paperwork or different gear do you want?
- Guidelines for towing or utilizing your journey drone
Additional motorhome tip for rookies to Europe: Analysis the foundations for tolls/ vignettes right here
I hope you discovered these motorhome suggestions for rookies (plus bonus motorhome suggestions and tips) helpful! If in case you have any extra, be at liberty to drop them within the feedback beneath.
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