New to motorhoming? Making an attempt to determine the way it all works? Don’t worry- we have been all motorhome newbies at one time. Listed here are among the greatest motorhome suggestions and methods for learners (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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Finest Motorhome Suggestions & Methods for Novices
Typically, if you’re new to one thing, it will possibly 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 may take that can assist you study stuff (which is precisely why I wrote my ebook Motorhoming Made Easy!)
EVERYONE with a motorhome was a beginner sooner or later. Each single certainly one of 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 house!?
Motorhoming for Dummies…?!
To assist, listed below are some helpful motorhoming suggestions for learners, plus some suggestions and methods 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 study someplace.
Additionally, don’t really feel embarrassed in case you make a mistake. We have now ALL tousled sooner or later throughout our time on the street. You’ll be happy to know that a number of of those newbie motorhoming suggestions have been errors made by individuals in our Fb group (which you’re welcome to hitch) – due to everybody who shared their tales!
So be type to yourself- you’re a newbie! And among 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 the whole lot you want earlier than your first journey.
Fundamental Motorhome suggestions for learners
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 can assist you get arrange in your first journey:
- Once you first get your motorhome/ camper, give your self time to undergo all of the programs in your motorhome, learn the handbook and perceive what the whole lot does
- Determine the right way to flip the lights on at the hours of darkness! This can in all probability be executed utilizing the management panel close to the habitation door- study which button that you must press; you’ll be amazed how usually you want it if you are available at evening or throughout the evening.
- Perceive your electrical system- you may’t get 230v (or use the 3-pin sockets) except your can is plugged into the mains
- 2 gasoline bottles are higher than one- if in case you have area in your gasoline locker, get a second bottle
- You (in all probability) don’t want a second motorhome leisure battery– and also you positively don’t want one right away
- Don’t overpack- particularly not for the primary journey. Take the naked naked minimal.
- Photo voltaic panels are an excellent thought in case you plan to spend time away from electrical hookup or go wild tenting together with your motorhome.
- Nonetheless, you in all probability don’t want a motorhome generator– definitely not right away
- Swap the fridge on a superb few hours earlier than you propose to depart, ideally in a single day so it has time to get cool earlier than you set meals in
Most of these are self-explanatory, however I’ve expanded on among the extra necessary factors beneath
Don’t put gasoline within the freshwater tank… (or vice versa!)
Sadly, it’s potential to get the water tank filler and the gasoline filler confused. Admittedly, the water ought to have a blue or white screw cap, and the gasoline must be yellow or black, however still- it’s potential.
If you happen to DO make this error, you’ll want to empty out your tank (into applicable containers) and then you definitely would possibly be capable to drain off the gasoline. If you are able to do this, discard the water and add the gasoline slowly over time together with non-contaminated gasoline, so it may be combined collectively.
You’ll additionally want to scrub out your freshwater tank. You should use a tank cleaner like this, though personally, I’d get it executed professionally (and even then I’d be involved about consuming from it for an extended, very long time!)
And in case you by chance put water into the gasoline tank… you’ll must name a storage or your motorhome breakdown service.
If you happen to’re new to motorhoming, you may additionally be fascinated about these posts:
Don’t underestimate your weight
Once you have been shopping for your motorhome, you need to have been listening to your motorhome payload. That’s the distinction between what your motorhome weighed if 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 thought.)
Each single factor that you just put onto your car goes into your payload. That features garments, motorhome books, electrics, bedding, footwear, pets, meals, water and YOU (and all the opposite passengers.)
It’s really easy to get this mistaken, and even up driving a car which is over the authorized weight restrict (which means that your motorhome insurance coverage turns into invalid.) To be sure you’re throughout the limits, ebook right into a weighbridge after you’re absolutely 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’re plugged into mains electrical, both at house or at a campsite. And even then, you in all probability received’t be capable to use your electrical kettle, toaster, microwave AND hairdryer all on the similar time (otherwise you’ll overload the campsite electrics, journey the swap and have to search around for the fuse field in your pajamas!)
I extremely advocate getting a gasoline kettle (assuming you’ve gotten a gasoline hob), with the intention to make a brew while not linked (comparable to parked up in a fairly parking spot for lunch or in case you select to go motorhome wild tenting.)
Bonus motorhome tip: It’s a very good thought to have 2 gasoline bottles, as an alternative of only one. Not solely does it offer you extra gasoline, however you then know if you’re operating low, so you may 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.straightforward to purchase issues for it. Cushions and bedding and cutlery and crockery and… stuff.
However, there are some important gear which each motorhome wants. Issues which you’ll actually remorse not packing, like a hose in your recent water and an electrical energy cable. You may seize a free guidelines that can assist you bear in mind all of it right here:
Test your motorhome leisure battery
One of many greatest 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 may learn extra about the right way to look after a motorhome leisure battery right here) however, earlier than you permit, be sure to check it and substitute it if vital.
On that subject, be sure you do common motorhome habitation checks (both your self or at a storage) to verify the whole lot stays okay and protected.
Do your departure checks and plan your route earlier than you permit
It’s very straightforward to get caught up within the pleasure of occurring an journey. Nonetheless, take just a few moments earlier than you permit to be sure you’ve executed 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 street journey snacks and a sizzling drink handy
Be sure you shut all home windows and hatches earlier than driving off
Oh, we’ve all executed this! You’re merrily driving alongside, pondering how FRIENDLY everyone seems to be as we speak, as a result of they’re all waving… till ultimately 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 by means of the pre-trip guidelines will assist cease all that.
Additionally, motorhome home windows are notoriously weak. Bettering them is admittedly fast and simple- see my evaluation of the Lock M Out motorhome window locks.
Bonus motorhome tip for beginners- Follow placing your awning up
You probably have an awning in your motorhome or camper (and in case you’re heading to Europe, I extremely advocate one), then practising placing it up BEFORE you get to a campsite is a very good thought. 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 methods for learners VIDEO
Watch the video of some extra beginner suggestions for motorhoming and campervanning:
Motorhome Journey Suggestions and Methods
Earlier than you head off on a motorhome street journey, listed below are some suggestions and methods that can assist you take advantage of your time on the street.
Know your motorhome dimensions (and get a correct sat-nav!)
Till you do it your self, it’s exhausting to clarify to individuals what driving a motorhome is like. You’re all of a sudden answerable for a car which is larger, wider and longer than you’re used to. You’ll be extra conscious of the street than you’ve ever been earlier than.
You’re additionally a LOT more durable 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 street (that is whereas I used to be motorhoming in Wales, in case you’re questioning!)
The easiest way to keep away from this drama is to put money into a devoted motorhome sat-nav system: one 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 may even set it as much as keep away from toll roads or ferry crossings (good luck doing THAT in case you’re going motorhoming in Norway!!)
One other helpful motorhome tip: You’ll discover the sluggish lane on motorways is usually wider. If you happen to’re nervous, stick with that one.
Concentrate on 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 it’s a must to obey completely different pace limits in lots of international locations round Europe, together with the UK, the place you may solely drive at 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on twin carriageways (as an alternative of the nationwide pace restrict). And in case you’re towing, you may solely do 60mph on a motorway, no matter weight.
Bonus motorhome tip for learners: concentrate on low-overhanging bushes if 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. After all, nobody units out to clip their wing-mirror in opposition to a wall (or have one other car clip them!), however it does occur. Watch out if you buy them, there are variations for lengthy and brief arms (the motorhome, not you!), so be sure you get the right 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 at the hours of darkness
Whether or not you’re heading for a brand new campsite, or heading house, arriving after darkish simply makes the whole lot more durable. Don’t neglect, many motorhome campsites shut after a sure time (for safety causes), so in case you arrive too late you won’t be allowed in till the following morning.
Bonus motorhome tip for learners: If you happen to DO end up at the hours of darkness, a first rate head-torch is invaluable, leaving your palms free to do all the roles that you must do. And bear in mind my tip from earlier, about studying the right way to flip the lights on at the hours of darkness?!
Motorhome suggestions and methods for the campsite
There are many suggestions and methods 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 handy
- Replenish with water earlier than you get settled in your pitch
- Drive forwards onto levelling chocks as an alternative of making an attempt to reverse onto them
- If you happen to can, use hand alerts as an alternative of shouting at one another!
- In 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 main points of your journey!
Concentrate on your sources (gasoline, gasoline & water)
One of many issues I like most about vanlife is how frugal I’m with valuable sources, like freshwater and gasoline. I’m far more conscious of how a lot I take advantage of within the motorhome than I’m in a home.
Nonetheless, it’s necessary to recollect to refill/ substitute these sources as usually as potential, particularly in case you’re travelling into distant areas, like on the North Coast 500 route in Scotland. In locations like that, there are only a few gasoline stations. You’ll additionally battle to get recent water or empty waste out of season- most of the motorhome campsites on the NC500 shut for winter. Once you do discover someplace, make use of it.
You probably have refillable gasoline bottles in your motorhome, you would possibly discover it more durable to seek out stations within the UK than in Europe, however they’re round. Be sure you refill as usually as potential.
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 if you’re completed…
Use Google Maps
I’m an enormous fan of Google maps to assist me plan a visit. Though I take advantage of the sat-nav for day-to-day navigation, I take advantage of Google maps to plan my street journeys to assist me uncover and bear in mind locations I need to go to, and plan an itinerary round all of them which is sensible.
You may create collections with Google Maps, so you may see all of the factors of curiosity in a single space, and you should utilize that that can assist you determine the place to go to that day.
However don’t over-plan your motorhome vacation. Life on the street is best when you may chill out, and glide. Positive, 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 fireplace and chill out.
Have sufficient security gear
I lived on boats for 15 years and have at all times been strict about security. I’ve fireplace detection and CO2 detection items in my van, plus an extinguisher and a hearth blanket. Admittedly, once 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 necessary.
Additionally, do not forget that most motorhomes now not have a spare wheel. That is to save lots of weight (and prices!) As a substitute, you’ll presumably 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 may then drive this repaired tyre to the closest storage for a everlasting repair.
It saves weight, however if in case you have a big gap or rip within the sidewall, no quantity of resolution will repair that- so be sure your motorhome breakdown cowl is in place- simply in case!
Concentrate on moist grass pitches
Ever pushed onto a moist area in a heavy car? If not, I sincerely hope it stays that manner! Keep in mind that a motorhome or perhaps a campervan is heavier than a automobile, and that a lot weight on a delicate, moist, quickly to be muddy area 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. Critically, it drives me nuts. Positive, you may flip the radio up and ignore it, however there are methods to cease rattles in your motorhome. It principally entails plenty of tea towels and non-slip matting. You’re welcome.
Bonus motorhome suggestions and methods: You want quite a bit much less STUFF than you suppose you do. If you happen to haven’t used one thing for just a few journeys, take away it and liberate some area and payload (except it’s security gear!)
Motorhome suggestions for beginners- life on the street
Cease the smells
If you happen to’re an entire beginner to motorhomes, you won’t know that the extra you employ 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 you need to do the whole lot you may to cease smells.
I take advantage of a product known as Solbio natural rest room fluid, which is pure and doesn’t include dangerous chemical substances. It’s additionally protected to be disposed of in septic tanks or fosse, which means I’ve extra choices to eliminate my rest room responsibly.
You may also use a squirt down your sinks to filter the pipes and your gray waste tanks- it’s going to assist hold your motorhome toilet and bathroom smelling recent.
If you want, you may as well get the pink spray or liquid so as to add to your motorhome rest room flush to maintain issues smelly rosy, however I simply use Solbio now.
Additionally, bear in mind to shut your rest room after every use. It helps stops smells or spills whereas driving!
Bonus tip: If you happen to determine to depart muddy footwear exterior, don’t neglect about them earlier than you drive off!!!!
Don’t journey with valuables
I extremely advocate not being valuables comparable to jewelry with you in your journey. The much less it’s a must to fear about, the higher. If you’re abroad, be sure to at all times carry your passport and pockets with you, as an alternative of leaving it within the van.
For different valuables, comparable to 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 possible they’re to stay round.
Bonus motorhome tip for learners: There are hidden protected gadgets like secret tins, or these which lock with a code and you’ll click on to a safe a part of your van. They’re properly value getting, particularly for jewelry. See them right here
Contemplate the right way 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 determination to drive into Edinburgh. Yep, in a motorhome. With a trailer. To say it was a mistake could be an understatement. What we must always have executed is park up exterior someplace protected and both ridden the bikes in or taken public transport.
We selected to tow motorbikes with us as a result of we liked exploring by bike, however they’re additionally an effective way of getting round if we have been parked up at a campsite. Many individuals select to hold pushbikes for a similar motive, in addition to getting some train.
If you happen to 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 practice station someplace close to, or you may name a taxi if there’s no different selection.
Contemplate your motorhome safety
It’s not good to consider, however motorhomes are common targets with thieves, each at house and on the street. It’s necessary to make your van look as troublesome to steal as potential, in order that they are going to (hopefully!) go on to simpler choices.
I like to recommend gadgets each to cease your car being damaged into (like extra motorhome hab door locks), and likewise gadgets to cease it being stolen, like steering or pedal locks.
Motorhome Suggestions and Methods: The very best motorhome safety gadgets for at house and whereas travelling
Motorhome suggestions and methods for Europe
Don’t let being a motorhome newbie put you off planning a visit to Europe. Listed here are some motorhome suggestions and methods for Europe journey (Europe Motorhoming for Dummies, if you’ll! ?)
Convey the whole lot you want
In contrast to the UK, most international locations in Europe have strict guidelines relating to sure equipment that you must 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 help 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 if you journey in Europe. Make your life simpler as we speak.
Be ready for emergencies and hold paperwork accessible
You additionally want to hold some paperwork with you, which incorporates:
- Passport (or id card)
- Driving licence (verify it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance coverage documents- verify you’re lined for driving in Europe – Breakdown cowl
- Car V5 logbook (which should present your right deal with)
- Car 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 to hold these papers someplace simply accessible with the intention to attain them simply if required. I extremely advocate carrying some money too, at the least 100€, in case you get fined (they’ll request fee in money, or escort you to the closest money machine.)
Bonus motorhome tip: make sure you’ve gotten a European accident type in case of a street visitors accident whereas travelling. This submit tells you the whole lot that you must do in an accident.
Driving on the ‘mistaken’ facet of the street
I promise, motorhoming in Europe and driving on the opposite facet of the street shouldn’t be as troublesome because it might sound earlier than you do it.
It’s necessary to do not forget that the street system is ready as much as be on that facet of the street, so exits/ entrances naturally curve the way in which you need to go, as do roundabouts (which even have useful arrows.) Truthfully, it’s going to really feel straightforward after about 20 minutes. If you’re heading to Europe, right here’s what that you must find out about driving in Europe after BREXIT.
Getting gasoline and water
If you happen to don’t plan to make use of campsites each evening, it’s necessary to know the right way to discover freshwater, get gasoline and eliminate your waste hygienically. Europe is quite a bit simpler to do that in than the UK is- there are many waste disposal factors at motorway providers, together with a freshwater faucet accessible 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 utterly completely different. You’ll both want to purchase and produce European pigtails (the hose connections) with you or, in case you’re planning to spend so much of time in Europe, put money into a refillable gasoline system, so you may refill with LPG at a whole lot of places throughout Europe.
Extra motorhome suggestions: How one can get gasoline in Europe with a motorhome/ camper
Learn to discover locations to remain
In Europe, there are (usually talking) three classes of locations you may 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 amenities, however do enable you someplace protected to park up at evening. The standard and value will fluctuate massively from nation to nation.
If you happen to’re travelling out of excessive season and are planning to make use of campsites, I extremely advocate shopping for an ACSI CampingCard membership to economize in your in a single day tenting.
Motorhome Aires in Europe
An Aire is an accepted motorhome and campervan in a single day parking place. These locations are discovered throughout Europe and are accepted locations the place you may keep together with your motorhome or camper (not a caravan, sadly) for a restricted period of time (the restrict will likely be signposted).
They’re usually paid, though you can find 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 charge.
You will discover the places of those locations from on-line guides or books. Simply do not forget that info can go old-fashioned shortly in a printed ebook, which is why I desire to make use of a web based information once I’m in search of Aires in France and Europe.
Finest motorhome suggestions and methods: Learn to discover FREE in a single day motorhome parking and stopovers
Wild tenting with a motorhome
Wild tenting (staying off-grid) is far 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 in case you now go to Portugal together with your camper, you’ll discover wild tenting is extra sophisticated.
Concentrate on Nationwide Park rules- most have strict bans on in a single day parking in them and you can be fined in case 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 you analysis the foundations of the nation you’re visiting. Don’t make the error of pondering all international locations in Europe are the identical. It’s essential to analysis issues like:
- What are the pace limits and restrictions?
- Are there tolls or do you want a vignette (such as you do in case you go campervanning in Switzerland)
- What paperwork or different gear do you want?
- Guidelines for towing or utilizing your journey drone
Further motorhome tip for learners to Europe: Analysis the foundations for tolls/ vignettes right here
I hope you discovered these motorhome suggestions for learners (plus bonus motorhome suggestions and methods) helpful! You probably have any extra, be happy to drop them within the feedback beneath.
Need extra suggestions for motorhoming?
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