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 ideas and tips for inexperienced persons (or any motorhome or campervan proprietor needing a fast refresher after an extended break!)
Don’t overlook to seize your FREE motorhome departure/ pre-trip guidelines beneath
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Greatest Motorhome Ideas & Tips for Freshmen
Typically, once you’re new to one thing, it may well 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 strictly why I wrote my guide Motorhoming Made Easy!)
EVERYONE with a motorhome was a beginner sooner or later. Each single one in all us sat behind the wheel of that (monstrous) beast, questioning how on earth we get out of the automotive park with out destroying our van… or the one subsequent to us. Or what we do once we get it dwelling!?
Motorhoming for Dummies…?!
To assist, listed here are some helpful motorhoming ideas for inexperienced persons, plus some ideas 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 study someplace.
Additionally, don’t really feel embarrassed should you make a mistake. We now have ALL tousled sooner or later throughout our time on the highway. You’ll be happy to know that a number of of those newbie motorhoming ideas had been errors made by folks in our Fb group (which you’re welcome to affix) – because of everybody who shared their tales!
So be form to yourself- you’re a newbie! And a number of the foolish stuff you do will make epic tales in a number of months. 🙂
Don’t overlook to seize your FREE motorhome departure and pre-trip guidelines to recollect every little thing you want earlier than your first journey.
Primary Motorhome ideas for inexperienced persons
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 ideas that can assist you get arrange on your first journey:
- If you first get your motorhome/ camper, give your self time to undergo all of the methods in your motorhome, learn the guide and perceive what every little thing does
- Determine the right way to flip the lights on at midnight! It will in all probability be accomplished utilizing the management panel close to the habitation door- study which button you could press; you’ll be amazed how typically you want it once you are available at evening or throughout the evening.
- Perceive your electrical system- you may’t get 230v (or use the 3-pin sockets) until your can is plugged into the mains
- 2 gasoline bottles are higher than one- 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 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 important concept should you plan to spend time away from electrical hookup or go wild tenting together with your motorhome.
- Nevertheless, you in all probability don’t want a motorhome generator– definitely not immediately
- Change the fridge on 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 a number of 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 ought to be yellow or black, however still- it’s potential.
In case you DO make this error, you’ll want to empty out your tank (into applicable containers) and then you definately would possibly be capable of 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 wash 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 consuming from it for an extended, very long time!)
And should you by accident put water into the gasoline tank… you’ll must name a storage or your motorhome breakdown service.
In case you’re new to motorhoming, you may additionally be thinking about these posts:
Don’t underestimate your weight
If you had been shopping for your motorhome, it is best to have been being attentive 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 thought.)
Each single factor that you just put onto your automobile 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 unsuitable, and even up driving a automobile which is over the authorized weight restrict (which means that your motorhome insurance coverage turns into invalid.) To be sure to’re throughout the limits, guide 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 gained’t work until you’re plugged into mains electrical, both at dwelling or at a campsite. And even then, you in all probability gained’t be capable of use your electrical kettle, toaster, microwave AND hairdryer all on the similar 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 advocate getting a gasoline kettle (assuming you have got a gasoline hob), as a way to make a brew while not linked (resembling parked up in a fairly 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 may change or refill as wanted. Nothing worse than being caught wanting gasoline!! 🙂
Don’t overlook your motorhome necessities
I do know, I do know, I KNOW. You’ve bought 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 on your contemporary water and an electrical energy cable. You may seize a free guidelines that can assist you bear 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 may learn extra about the right way to take care of a motorhome leisure battery right here) however, earlier than you permit, ensure to check it and exchange it if essential.
On that matter, be sure to do common motorhome habitation checks (both your self or at a storage) to verify every little thing stays okay and secure.
Do your departure checks and plan your route earlier than you permit
It’s very simple to get caught up within the pleasure of happening an journey. Nevertheless, take a number of moments earlier than you permit 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 embrace:
- 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
Remember to 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 in the present day, 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 via the pre-trip guidelines will assist cease all that.
Additionally, motorhome home windows are notoriously susceptible. Enhancing them is actually fast and simple- see my assessment of the Lock M Out motorhome window locks.
Bonus motorhome tip for beginners- Apply placing your awning up
You probably have an awning in your motorhome or camper (and should you’re heading to Europe, I extremely advocate one), then practising placing it up BEFORE you get to a campsite is a very good concept. It may be slightly sophisticated the primary time or two, so familiarising your self with the method will assist enormously.
Motorhoming ideas and tips for inexperienced persons VIDEO
Watch the video of some extra beginner ideas for motorhoming and campervanning:
Motorhome Journey Ideas and Tips
Earlier than you head off on a motorhome highway journey, listed here are some ideas and tips that can assist 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 exhausting to elucidate to folks what driving a motorhome is like. You’re instantly answerable for a automobile 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 more durable to show round.
Belief me, as somebody who’s sat in a automobile while reversing for two miles BACKWARDS up a hill, the motorhome reversing digicam was a godsend!
You do NOT need to get your self caught someplace like a slender highway (that is whereas I used to be motorhoming in Wales, in case you’re questioning!)
One of the simplest ways to keep away from this drama is to put money into a devoted motorhome sat-nav system: one that you would be able to put your automobile dimensions in and it’ll plan a route for you which of them avoids low bridges, slender roads and weak crossings. You may 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 commonly wider. In case 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 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 a substitute of the nationwide pace restrict). And should you’re towing, you may solely do 60mph on a motorway, no matter weight.
Bonus motorhome tip for inexperienced persons: concentrate on low-overhanging timber once you’re driving! These suckers sneak up on you…
Spend money on wing-mirror protectors
These are some of the 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 automobile clip them!), however it does occur. Watch out once you buy them, there are variations for lengthy and quick arms (the motorhome, not you!), so make sure you get the right ones.
Another choice is to color your wing-mirrors shiny yellow or pink, or put a reflective stripe down them to catch driver’s eyes.
Attempt to not arrive at midnight
Whether or not you’re heading for a brand new campsite, or heading dwelling, arriving after darkish simply makes every little thing more durable. Don’t overlook, 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 inexperienced persons: In case you DO end up at midnight, a respectable head-torch is invaluable, leaving your arms free to do all the roles you could do. And bear in mind my tip from earlier, about studying the right way to flip the lights on at midnight?!
Motorhome ideas and tips for the campsite
There are many ideas and tips for staying on a campsite. I share all of them in my publish about your first motorhome journey. However a few them embrace:
- 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
- In case you can, use hand alerts as a substitute of shouting at one another!
- To your first evening, have a straightforward dinner able to go. Make it easy for your self.
Don’t overlook to fill out your motorhome logbook with all the main points of your journey!
Pay attention to your sources (gasoline, gasoline & water)
One of many issues I like most about vanlife is how frugal I’m with treasured sources, like freshwater and gasoline. I’m rather more conscious of how a lot I take advantage of within the motorhome than I’m in a home.
Nevertheless, it’s necessary to recollect to refill/ exchange these sources as typically as potential, 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 gasoline stations. You’ll additionally battle to get contemporary water or empty waste out of season- most of the motorhome campsites on the NC500 shut for winter. If 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. Remember to refill as typically 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 once you’re completed…
Use Google Maps
I’m a giant 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 highway 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 use that that can assist you resolve the place to go to that day.
However don’t over-plan your motorhome vacation. Life on the highway is healthier when you may chill out, and waft. Positive, make plans to see locations but in addition enable time to do stuff you hadn’t deliberate, like discover, play video games or simply sit by the hearth and chill out.
Have sufficient 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 models in my van, plus an extinguisher and a fireplace 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 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 in case you have a big gap or rip within the sidewall, no quantity of answer will repair that- so ensure your motorhome breakdown cowl is in place- simply in case!
Pay attention to moist grass pitches
Ever pushed onto a moist discipline in a heavy automobile? If not, I sincerely hope it stays that method! Do not forget that a motorhome or perhaps a campervan is heavier than a automotive, and that a lot weight on a tender, moist, quickly to be muddy discipline is barely going to end in you getting caught. That’s why mud mats like these are so helpful!
Cease rattles
There’s NOTHING worse than listening to a motorhome stuffed with rattles. Severely, 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 includes a whole lot of tea towels and non-slip matting. You’re welcome.
Bonus motorhome ideas and tips: You want loads much less STUFF than you suppose you do. In case you haven’t used one thing for a number of journeys, take away it and liberate some area and payload (until it’s security gear!)
Motorhome ideas for beginners- life on the highway
Cease the smells
In case you’re a whole 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… effectively, let’s simply say it is best to do every little thing 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 secure to be disposed of in septic tanks or fosse, which means I’ve extra choices to eliminate my rest room responsibly.
You may as well use a squirt down your sinks to filter out the pipes and your gray waste tanks- it can assist preserve your motorhome rest room and bathroom smelling contemporary.
If you want, it’s also possible to 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: In case you resolve to depart muddy footwear outdoors, don’t overlook about them earlier than you drive off!!!!
Don’t journey with valuables
I extremely advocate not being valuables resembling jewelry with you in your journey. The much less it’s a must to fear about, the higher. In case you are abroad, ensure to all the time carry your passport and pockets with you, as a substitute of leaving it within the van.
For different valuables, resembling 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 inexperienced persons: There are hidden secure 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 effectively 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 (a number of 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 should 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 liked 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.
In case 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 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 in style targets with thieves, each at dwelling and on the highway. It’s necessary to make your van look as troublesome to steal as potential, in order that they’ll (hopefully!) go on to simpler choices.
I like to recommend gadgets each to cease your automobile being damaged into (like further motorhome hab door locks), and in addition gadgets to cease it being stolen, like steering or pedal locks.
Motorhome Ideas and Tips: The perfect motorhome safety gadgets for at dwelling and whereas travelling
Motorhome ideas and tips for Europe
Don’t let being a motorhome newbie put you off planning a visit to Europe. Listed here are some motorhome ideas and tips for Europe journey (Europe Motorhoming for Dummies, if you’ll! ?)
Deliver every little thing you want
Not like the UK, most international locations in Europe have strict guidelines concerning sure equipment you could carry with you. This contains issues like:
- GB sticker on the again of your motorhome
- Warning Triangle
- Hello-visibility jacket for every particular person
- Headlight deflectors for UK-based automobiles
- Visibility sticker in case your automobile is over 3.5 tonnes.
- First assist equipment – obligatory in France and Germany.
- Spare bulbs for all lights within the automobile
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!
Wish 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 in the present day.
Be ready for emergencies and preserve paperwork accessible
You additionally want to hold some paperwork with you, which incorporates:
- Passport (or identification card)
- Driving licence (examine it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance coverage documents- examine you’re coated for driving in Europe – Breakdown cowl
- Car V5 logbook (which should present your appropriate handle)
- Car have to be legally taxed and MOT’d
- Trailer certification
- Inexperienced card (get out of your automobile insurer)
- Worldwide Driving Allow if required
- Private journey insurance coverage
Be sure you preserve these papers someplace simply accessible as a way 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 cost in money, or escort you to the closest money machine.)
Bonus motorhome tip: make sure you have got a European accident type in case of a highway visitors accident whereas travelling. This publish tells you every little thing you could do in an accident.
Driving on the ‘unsuitable’ facet of the highway
I promise, motorhoming in Europe and driving on the opposite facet of the highway shouldn’t be as troublesome because it might sound earlier than you do it.
It’s necessary to do not forget that the highway system is about as much as be on that facet of the highway, so exits/ entrances naturally curve the best way it is best to go, as do roundabouts (which even have useful arrows.) Truthfully, it can really feel simple after about 20 minutes. In case you are heading to Europe, right here’s what you could find out about driving in Europe after BREXIT.
Getting gasoline and water
In case you 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 loads simpler to do that in than the UK is- there are many waste disposal factors at motorway companies, together with a freshwater faucet out there 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, should 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 bunch of places throughout Europe.
Extra motorhome ideas: How one can get gasoline in Europe with a motorhome/ camper
Discover ways to discover locations to remain
In Europe, there are (typically 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, youngsters 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 differ massively from nation to nation.
In case you’re travelling out of excessive season and are planning to make use of campsites, I extremely advocate shopping for an ACSI CampingCard membership to save cash in your in a single day tenting.
Motorhome Aires in Europe
An Aire is an permitted motorhome and campervan in a single day parking place. These locations are discovered throughout Europe and are permitted 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 typically paid, though you’ll discover some in additional distant areas that are free to make use of in a single day. A lot of them have motorhome service points- typically for a small further charge.
Yow will discover the places of those locations from on-line guides or books. Simply do not forget that info can go old-fashioned rapidly in a printed guide, which is why I choose to make use of a web-based information after I’m searching for Aires in France and Europe.
Greatest motorhome ideas 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 would 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’re visiting. Don’t make the error of considering all international locations in Europe are the identical. It’s good 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 inexperienced persons to Europe: Analysis the foundations for tolls/ vignettes right here
I hope you discovered these motorhome ideas for inexperienced persons (plus bonus motorhome ideas and tips) helpful! You probably have any extra, be happy to drop them within the feedback beneath.
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