Are you a brand new or first time motorhome or campervan proprietor? Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don’t worry- all of us did after we began. Listed here are the important issues you could know and step-by-step steering to your first journey in your motorhome or camper.
Don’t neglect to seize your FREE motorhome departure guidelines under so you will have every little thing you want.
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New Motorhome House owners- what to do first!
CONGRATULATIONS! You’re the proud new proprietor of a motorhome or campervan. That’s so thrilling!!
Nonetheless- it may be a bit overwhelming. What the heck do you do with this massive lump of costly plastic now?
What are the important motorhome equipment you want in your first journey? How do you plan a motorhome street journey? And how on earth do you empty the bathroom?
DONT PANIC. I do know it appears intimidating now, however I promise it’s not that scary. EVERYONE began their motorhome life as a newbie (and all of us learnt from our errors!)
Listed here are our greatest ideas and recommendation for brand new or first time motorhome house owners (and step-by-step steering to your very first journey!)
Recommendation for brand new motorhome or campervan house owners
I get emails each week from individuals who have simply ordered motorhomes. They’re so excited, but each single one in all them has a query about a facet of motorhoming which was worrying them, however they felt embarrassed to ask.
It’s an odd hobby- only a few of us be part of a membership or have any training- so we find yourself surrounded by like-minded individuals, but with no-one to point out us the ropes.
We frequently discover ourselves on a campsite, on our very first motorhome vacation, feeling totally bewildered, surrounded by individuals who appear to have all of it found out.
However there’s nothing to be embarrassed about- all of us have to begin someplace and be taught as we go.
So right here we go, only for any first-time motorhome house owners or anybody who has a brand new (or new to you!) motorhome or campervan. It’s also possible to learn our important motorhome ideas for rookies right here
Right here’s a step-by-step information on what to do to your first journey, what you want and the way it all works. If I haven’t answered your query, ship me an electronic mail or message and I’ll add it in. I hope it helps you begin your new passion in the very best approach.
Seize a cup of one thing and a notepad. First VERY IMPORTANT tip- No person will know for those who have a look at your notes!! Significantly. So make as many notes as you want.
Important issues to do earlier than you permit in your first motorhome journey
I do know, I do know- you’re excited and simply wish to GO. However belief me, if you determine these items first, your first journey will go quite a bit smoother.
Firstly, do NOT do what I did and plan a visit lots of of miles down the street, with no clue what you’re doing. Discover a native website and e book an evening or two. We recommend a correct campsite to your first journey, moderately than wild tenting. Right here’s discover in a single day motorhome parking locations close to you.
Attempt to take as few individuals with you as possible- only for the primary evening till you work issues out. Possibly go away the youngsters at pals or family- though I recognize this can be powerful in the event that they’re excited too!
Ensure you have/ perceive:
Additionally, be sure to’ve packed your motorhome securely and have gotten satisfactory motorhome safety gadgets to guard your asset.
Lastly, for those who didn’t have a motorhome habitation test achieved as a part of the sale, we strongly urge you to get one achieved earlier than your first journey.
Easy methods to pack your motorhome or campervan for the primary journey
Motorhome packing with out rattles is an artwork. It’s additionally a science- the science of realizing what to go away behind! Don’t pack as for those who’re going to the Arctic for 3 months. Significantly. You’ll spend all of your time sorting stuff out and looking for issues in cabinets, and never sufficient time having fun with your self.
You may pack the van with extra issues if you get again. We’ve listed our important under, or you’ll be able to seize these motorhome checklists to assist.
Important packing checklist:
- Motorhome Bedding and pillows
- A change of garments and pyjamas
- Toothbrush, hairbrush and bathe package
- Towel, together with hand towel
- Kettle, tea/ espresso and milk
- Every other drinks- tonight is a superb time for a beer/ bottle of wine to have fun your new buy!
- Snacks- wholesome street journey snacks are enjoyable, however get some treats too!)
- Fast and straightforward street journey meals– make forward is even higher!
- ONLY BRING THE PANS/ UTENSILS YOU NEED FOR THE MEALS YOU HAVE CHOSEN.
- Washing up bowl & liquid, scrubber, and drying towel.
- Moist wipes
- Kitchen towels
- Rest room roll & fluid
- Plates and utensils
- Mugs and glasses- these magnetic glasses are wonderful!
- Stuff for pets. When you’ve got a canine, listed here are our canine journey necessities. Don’t neglect poo luggage!
- A lighter, for lighting BBQ or hob. Simply in case.
- Transportable BBQ/ campfire bucket (if allowed on the campsite)
- Electrical cable (230v- make it a pleasant lengthy cable)
- Hose for ingesting water and faucet connector (again- make it a pleasant lengthy hose that you simply ONLY use for ingesting water)
- Rest room cassette- Please test it’s in there first!!
- Levelling chocks if not already together with your motorhome (these are NOT important to your first evening!)
- Hose – for filling up your van at a campsite
When you select to spend the primary few nights within the van in your driveway to get to understand how issues work, or for those who ever go and go to pals, then this adaptor is a MUST to have the ability to plug your van in from a home socket.
See EVERYTHING we advocate for:
Ideas for brand new motorhome owners- Different issues to test earlier than you permit
Examine the waste outlet faucet and the freshwater tank faucets are closed – you probably have a guide system. Examine all vents, home windows, hatches are closed and the gasoline bottles are turned off. Truly, first test you HAVE gasoline bottles and that they’ve gasoline in them….!!
There are 2 sorts of gasoline system you’ll be able to go for:
- Swap system – like Calor or JGas
- Re-fillable system – like Gaslow or Safefill
On the time of updating this submit (2025), most suppliers nonetheless don’t enable the acquisition of a Calor bottle for those who don’t have one to swap. When you don’t have a propane bottle (the crimson one) I recommend you try to get one from one of many on-line promoting platforms.
(I as soon as found discovering LPG gasoline in Europe could be powerful with out the right gear- oops!)
You may seize your FREE motorhome departure and pre-trip guidelines right here
Driving the motorhome for the primary time
I’ve written a whole submit about drive a motorhome for beginners- you could find it right here.
First journey in a brand new motorhome- Easy methods to discover a campsite
There are a great deal of campsites across the UK (for those who’re not within the UK, I wager there are campsites close to you too!) For motorhome rookies, I’d advocate becoming a member of a motorhome membership and staying at one in all their websites. Another choice is Britstops.
I extremely advocate being members of 1 membership or the opposite, though it’s NOT a necessity. You may usually use their websites even for those who’re not a member, though you’ll pay extra.
I’d recommend reserving the campsite prematurely, then getting the tackle and ensuring precisely the place it’s earlier than you set off. Hopefully, it’s shut sufficient that the world effectively and know the place the small/ slim/ congested roads are.
Your first journey is just not the time to attempt wild parking / off grid. Work out how every little thing works first, then set off into the wild! When you do wish to attempt off-grid life, right here’s a step-by-step information to wild tenting with a motorhome within the UK.
You should definitely use a motorhome sat-nav for those who’re not sure- now is just not the time to be getting caught in a small residential road!
When you’ve got a number of pets, ensure they’re allowed on the site- many campsites limit canine to 2 max.
You may often select between a grass or hardstanding pitch – hardstanding is often gravel, which is ideal within the winter ( much less muddy because of the rain). I often want grass, however with a heavy motorhome I’ve to be actually cautious, so if unsure discover a hardstanding pitch.
It’s also possible to select electrical or non-electric pitch. I’d recommend electrical, so you may make certain every little thing works because it ought to. You may all the time unplug the electrical if you wish to take a look at how issues work utilizing simply your motorhome home battery.
READ MORE: Easy methods to drive a motorhome: ideas and methods for rookies
Recommendation for brand new motorhome owners- What to do if you arrive on the campsite
Whenever you arrive, there will probably be a reception constructing. Usually, there may be additionally a transparent signal saying the place arriving Motorhomes ought to pull in, but when not, attempt to choose a spot which doesn’t block the doorway/ exit.
Go into the reception and check-in. They may ask for fee for those who haven’t paid already. They may also ask for size and generally width of the motorhome too, and the registration, so be sure to know these.
Many campsites cost for the parking spot, after which cost for variety of individuals and animals onboard, so they may ask what number of adults/ youngsters/pets and so on you will have onboard.
They may then usually offer you a map of the campsite (which frequently has the positioning guidelines on the again) and they’re going to both let you know which pitch to park on, or let you know to go and choose your individual pitch. When you do that, you typically want to return and inform them the place you’re parked.
Some websites have a key for the electrical plug-in level, so that you is perhaps given these. You’ll typically even be given a code for the showers/ bogs and likewise for the entry/ exit barrier if crucial.
Easy methods to choose a spot for a motorhome or campervan
There is no such thing as a proper or improper reply to this. I promise. No-one will probably be judging you. It’s solely private choice the place you select to park.
I don’t use campsite bogs or services fairly often, so I are likely to park far far far far distant from them. I park even additional away from youngsters’s play areas, bars, eating places or different communal areas.
If there’s a small, secluded nook with out many individuals in it, that’s the place I’m heading!
After all, it’s possible you’ll wish to park subsequent to the youngsters play space, or the bathe block. Through which case, choose a spot close to there. On a busy weekend, you may not get a lot of a selection in any respect!
One different factor to search for is a flat pitch. When you can keep away from having to degree the motorhome right now, it’ll make your life a lot simpler.
Easy methods to park up together with your new motorhome
Some campsites are VERY strict in the case of how one can park on a pitch. Like, ridiculously strict. Others are far more relaxed and so long as you’re inside your boundary, you’ll be positive.
You may typically inform if you check-in; for those who’re given a 5-minute instruction on how the again left bumper of your motorhome MUST be solely 5 inches from the white submit, at a 73.6 diploma angle… you higher concentrate!
If not, then you’ll be able to chill out a little- however look on the website guidelines… simply in case.
Then, it’s merely a case of manoeuvring that massive white lump of plastic into the right spot. Folks WILL watch. Don’t be embarrassed. Take your time.
TOP TIP: #1 Couple street journey tip: Strive to not shout at one another for those who’re together with your associate and even with pals/ children.
Significantly- there’s nothing worse. Be affected person and type whilst you be taught and determine this complete factor out. Particularly if one in all you is an entire newbie.
Recommendation for brand new motorhome owners- Filling up with water
When you don’t have water onboard, you would possibly wish to choose your spot, go away an indication or electrical cable the place you wish to park up, after which go get water. There’ll most likely be a number of ingesting water filling spots across the campsite.
Some campsites even have faucets on every pitch, however most don’t. In contrast to caravans, you could take your automobile to the fill-up level, OR you will get a collapsible water container like this and stroll backwards and forwards a number of occasions. I take advantage of each, relying on the pitch and the way distant the faucet is!
When you drive to the water, simply pull in and join your water hose. You’ll typically want to supply your individual faucet connector – it’s price having a few these, since you WILL sooner or later, go away it behind! 🙂 I all the time use my very own hose as a substitute of a website hose, as I do know the place it’s been and what it’s been used for!
When you’re full (I actually wait till the water overflows- it’s not scientific, but it surely works!), head again to your pitch- you’ll most likely have to go across the one-way system.
Don’t neglect to refill your bathroom flush water too – you probably have the 2 half water system for the bathroom.
I often put some aquasol into our water tank with every fill-up. It’s completely odorless and tasteless and helps kill any micro organism which is perhaps within the water supply or the tank.
Levelling the motorhome
Regardless of your greatest efforts, you would possibly discover you NEED to degree the motorhome. Take a deep breath- this could get worrying. You typically solely have two levelling chocks on a motorhome– one for all sides. Usually, you’ll use them on the entrance wheels, however it’ll rely upon the pitch and the slope.
Clearly, the chocks will RAISE the van- so that you need them on the facet/ finish which is decrease. You actually place them behind or in entrance of the wheels, transfer far out of the way in which, then get the motive force to SLOWLY reverse or drive onto them.
You may need to commute a number of occasions to get the angle proper. One chock would possibly have to be nearer to the wheel, whereas one other is a bit of additional away so it doesn’t rise a lot.
Be affected person – finally you’ll get actually good at this, however for now it’s all new and complicated, so attempt to not yell at one another.
TIP – Having a slight angle is useful for rain water operating off the van and never pooling on the roof. I try to angle the extent towards my bathe drain, this helps with draining the bathe and never getting a pool of water within the bathe tray 🙂
Ideas for brand new campervan and motorhome owners- Plugging in Electrical
I all the time plug the top of the cable into the motorhome first (don’t worry- there’s just one finish which may match within the van, and one which works into the outlet on the positioning.) By plugging the van in, after which the positioning, you aren’t strolling round with a stay electrical cable.
As soon as it’s plugged in, attempt to not go away the surplus cable coiled up in small coils. I unfold mine down the size of the van, and even additional if potential. There have been incidents of electrical cables catching hearth when they’re left tightly coiled. Depart a number of ft between corners and try to be positive.
Some campsite could have totally different bollard connection setups – some it’s only a plug in and also you’re good to go, whereas others, you’ll need to plug in a flip till you hear a click on.
Turning on the gasoline
Assuming your bottle is in, strapped up and linked appropriately, all you could do is activate the bottle. All bottles have an ‘open’ and ‘closed’ arrow on the highest. I don’t open my gasoline bottles fully- there’s no actual cause for this besides that I’ve lived on a ship for years and there are such a lot of tales of boats exploding that I’m all the time cautious with gasoline.
Don’t panic, there are far fewer incidents with motorhomes and van- particularly trendy ones, so you’ll be able to open the gasoline bottle totally for those who like.
There’ll all the time be a quick odor of gasoline if you mild the hob or oven, and generally if you flip the gasoline bottle on or off. If this doesn’t fade inside a few seconds, flip the bottle off IMMEDIATELY and don’t mild something. Anticipate the odor to fade (open home windows and doorways for air flow), then slowly flip the bottle on midway. If it nonetheless smells strongly of gasoline, flip it off and search skilled recommendation.
A good friend of mine is tremendous cautious of gasoline additionally, and she or he makes use of this system when altering over her gasoline bottle when one runs out – only for peace of thoughts that there isn’t a leak. She makes use of the hand wheel gasoline pig tail (pipe) as she finds it simpler than the spanner model.
Rest room discuss
Soooo… it’s time to arrange the bathroom. There’s not a lot to it. When it’s empty, add in some bathroom chemical substances. I take advantage of a product referred to as Solbio natural bathroom fluid, which is pure and doesn’t include dangerous chemical substances.
It’s additionally protected to be disposed of in septic tanks or fosse, that means I’ve extra choices to eliminate my bathroom responsibly. Simply add a squirt into the bathroom cassette (yep, the place the ‘enterprise’ goes) and also you’re good to go.
So to talk.
Alternatively, the Elsan merchandise are good and the inexperienced bathroom chemical is “inexperienced” / natural and is septic tanks pleasant.
Ensure the water flush has water in (you probably have a separate flush- there will probably be a separate filler on the skin of the motorhome.)
I discover cheaper bathroom paper dissolves faster – making it simpler to empty. However I’ll go away that as much as you!
Phew…. Make your self a brew
In spite of everything that onerous work, make your self a cuppa – or open one thing stronger. Many of the work is finished, so now it’s time to begin enjoyable.
These are a number of the different jobs I do once I’ve parked up:
- Make up the mattress
- Get out chairs/ outside desk you probably have them (don’t panic for those who don’t- these are NOT important to your first journey!)
- Put out the awning (see under)
- Begin dinner/ get meals
- Put the canine outdoors on a longish lead- ensure he can’t get close to anybody else to hassle them. We additionally must keep watch over pleasant children who all the time wish to supply him their chocolate! (When you don’t know, chocolate is toxic to canine.)
Issues to check in your new motorhome
When you’re arrange in your first campsite together with your new motorhome, there are a number of issues I like to recommend attempting/ checking- particularly for those who’re a brand new motorhome proprietor. I don’t advocate doing all of them at once- simply sort out the checklist one after the other. Ensure to chill out and revel in your self too- if it’s all work it gained’t be as enjoyable!
Unwind the awning
The motorhome awning confused the heck out of me the primary time I did it. When you’ve got an awning, you’ll most likely have a winder (a protracted stick factor with a hook on one finish.) That hook goes into one finish of the awning (there must be an eye fixed) and then you definately begin turning the bottom. (Hopefully, that makes extra sense when it’s in entrance of you!)
A method will tighten, the opposite will launch. You wish to launch. Because the awning extends, it’ll get decrease and decrease. Finally, you’ll be capable of attain it. The legs will typically be contained in the entrance fringe of the awning- pull them out after which twist them downwards to decrease and prolong to the specified peak.
That most likely sounds terribly complicated, however as soon as , all of it is smart. Possibly attempt the awning out earlier than you go- simply so what to anticipate.
Additionally, don’t get the awning out if sturdy winds or rain is forecast. They aren’t superb in inclement climate and for those who put it away moist it’ll begin to rot. At all times go away the awning to dry out as a lot as potential earlier than you place it away.
TIP – no matter climate, use storm straps or rachet straps when your awning is out, it will provide you with peace of thoughts and that further degree of the awning not blowing away :).
First journey in a motorhome- Some unwritten guidelines of campsites
Most of those are frequent sense, so sorry if I’m stating the plain, however simply in case you don’t know:
- Don’t go away litter around- take all of it to the bins onsite. Usually there are recycling services, so use these if potential
- Don’t empty waste water (or different waste!) in your pitch- extra on that under. This contains throwing washing up water into the bushes. Until in any other case specified by the campsite (some enable this, primarily throughout summer season to assist water the vegetation).
- Don’t have loud music blaring.
- Choose up after your canine and eliminate it within the bins offered.
- Ensure your children/ animals aren’t bothering anybody else close by and ensure they’re quiet by the curfew.
- Don’t block entry to anybody else’s pitch or hang around over onto the street
- Don’t run engines or motorhome mills for those who can presumably assist it- and positively not within the night/ at evening
- Anticipate individuals to speak to you- particularly you probably have children/ animals. I’ve by no means been as standard because the time I received Mac as a brand new pet. It was crazy- individuals have been knocking on the door as a result of they’d heard about him and needed to say hello!!
And that’s it. Clearly, it would be best to type issues out to your liking, however hopefully you’d settled sufficient now to take pleasure in your self! And for those who’ve forgotten something, you’ll be able to simply pop residence (or to a close-by grocery store.)
Motorhome Proprietor tips- What to do if you’re prepared to go away
Sadly, the time will come when it’s time to pack up and go away. You’ll most likely have a complete lengthy checklist of belongings you wish to purchase/ repair/ improve- that’s completely regular.
So, to pack up, simply reverse the steps above. Begin with closing up the awning, then flip off gasoline, unplug electrical, drive off chocks and ensure every little thing is put away safely.
Ensure all home windows and hatches are closed earlier than you begin driving. You’ll most likely wish to empty water and waste tanks, though you’ll be able to empty the bathroom at residence for those who want.
Empty the gray waste tank
Practically each campsite has a gray waste water disposal level. Gray waste water is stuff from the bathe, sink and so on. NOT TOILET (that’s black waste.) You discover this level in your map, drive OVER it till the drain is roughly under your disposal faucet, after which open the waste faucet below the motorhome. Water will come gushing out, and also you simply wait right here till it stops.
TOP TIP- attempt to wipe off as a lot meals waste as potential BEFORE you wash up. This may cease meals waste and grease moving into the tank, the place it’s REALLY HARD to get it out of!
Emptying the toilet- Black waste
Your bathroom cassette will probably be detachable, often by means of a door on the facet of the motorhome. Take this out and stroll it to the black waste disposal / chemical waste point- which is usually a gap within the floor or a white disposal level (clearly marked- don’t use simply any gap within the floor!)
Unscrew the top of the cassette, and switch it the wrong way up into the opening. Yep, it’ll most likely odor fairly unhealthy. You would possibly wish to put on gloves for this bit. Ensure it’s completely empty earlier than changing it into the motorhome. Mine clicks shut- make certain it’s in appropriately!
You may, in fact, select to empty the bathroom at your own home if you return residence… I attempted this as soon as and vowed by no means again- it smells horrendous!
Emptying the recent water
You’ll most likely have extra recent water. Don’t go away this in your tank for weeks- it may go stagnant and nasty issues can begin rising in your tank. When you’re not going to be utilizing the van for some time, empty the water out similtaneously the gray waste- over the drain level. There will probably be two separate faucets for this below your automobile.
Earlier than you permit the positioning, return any keys you needed to the reception, or put them within the field by the exit.
Remaining recommendation for brand new motorhome owners- Again at residence
When you’re safely residence, you’ll wish to do some last checks and a closedown. This could embody:
- Closing all of the blinds
- We go away a small roof hatch open for ventilation- ensure rain can’t get in! If unsure, shut all of it up and are available again to air at the least as soon as each different week.
Observe – you probably have a more moderen van, this isn’t crucial as it’ll have inbuilt air flow within the roof sky home windows. - Take away all valuables, together with your motorhome Sat Nav and so on
- Allow alarm and immobiliser and different motorhome safety gadgets
- Lock the cab and habitation doorways (we’ve fitted an further habitation door lock to make issues much more safe.
And that’s it! You’ve accomplished your very first journey in your new van. I hope all of it went/ will go smoothly- be at liberty to tag me on Fb and let me know the place you find yourself!
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