New to motorhoming? Attempting to determine the way it all works? Don’t worry- we had been all motorhome newbies at one time. Listed here are among the greatest motorhome suggestions and methods for inexperienced persons (or any motorhome or campervan proprietor needing a fast refresher after a protracted break!)
Don’t overlook to seize your FREE motorhome departure/ pre-trip guidelines beneath
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Finest Motorhome Ideas & Methods for Newcomers
Typically, if you’re new to one thing, it could 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 guide Motorhoming Made Easy!)
EVERYONE with a motorhome was a beginner sooner or later. Each single one among 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 after we get it residence!?
Motorhoming for Dummies…?!
To assist, listed below are some helpful motorhoming suggestions for inexperienced persons, plus some suggestions and methods for anybody who needs a fast refresher.
I jokingly name it my ‘Motorhoming for Dummies’ information, however I wish 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 when you make a mistake. We’ve 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 had been errors made by individuals in our Fb group (which you’re welcome to affix) – due to everybody who shared their tales!
So be form to yourself- you’re a newbie! And among the foolish stuff you do will make epic tales in just a few months. 🙂
Don’t overlook 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 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 suggestions that can assist you get arrange in your first journey:
- While you first get your motorhome/ camper, give your self time to undergo all of the methods in your motorhome, learn the handbook and perceive what every thing does
- Work out the best way to flip the lights on at nighttime! This can in all probability be carried out utilizing the management panel close to the habitation door- study which button you might want to press; you’ll be amazed how typically you want it if you are available in 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 fuel bottles are higher than one- when you’ve got house in your fuel 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 right away
- Don’t overpack- particularly not for the primary journey. Take the naked naked minimal.
- Photo voltaic panels are an excellent thought when you plan to spend time away from electrical hookup or go wild tenting along with your motorhome.
- Nonetheless, you in all probability don’t want a motorhome generator– actually not right away
- Change the fridge on a very good 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 among the extra vital 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 ought to be yellow or black, however still- it’s doable.
In case you DO make this error, you’ll want to empty out your tank (into applicable containers) and then you definitely may be capable 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 use a tank cleaner like this, though personally, I’d get it carried out professionally (and even then I’d be involved about consuming from it for a protracted, very long time!)
And when you by chance put water into the gas tank… you’ll have to name a storage or your motorhome breakdown service.
In case you’re new to motorhoming, you may also be enthusiastic about 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 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 concept.)
Each single factor that you just put onto your automobile 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 improper, 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 inside 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 received’t work except you might be plugged into mains electrical, both at residence 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 identical 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 fuel kettle (assuming you will have a fuel hob), to be able to make a brew while not related (equivalent to parked up in a fairly parking spot for lunch or when you select to go motorhome wild tenting.)
Bonus motorhome tip: It’s a extremely good thought to have 2 fuel bottles, as a substitute of only one. Not solely does it provide you with extra fuel, however you then know if you’re operating low, so you may alternate or refill as wanted. Nothing worse than being caught in need of fuel!! 🙂
Don’t overlook 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 contemporary water and an electrical energy cable. You possibly can seize a free guidelines that can assist you bear in mind all of it right here:
Examine your motorhome leisure battery
One of many greatest points new motorhome homeowners 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 best way to look after a motorhome leisure battery right here) however, earlier than you permit, ensure to check it and exchange it if mandatory.
On that subject, be sure to do common motorhome habitation checks (both your self or at a storage) to ensure every thing stays okay and secure.
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 to’ve carried out all of your motorhome departure and pre-trip checks, and to ensure 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 fuel
- 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 scorching drink at hand
Make sure to shut all home windows and hatches earlier than driving off
Oh, we’ve all carried out 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 by way of the pre-trip guidelines will assist cease all that.
Additionally, motorhome home windows are notoriously weak. Enhancing them is actually fast and simple- see my overview of the Lock M Out motorhome window locks.
Bonus motorhome tip for beginners- Follow placing your awning up
If in case you have an awning in your motorhome or camper (and when you’re heading to Europe, I extremely advocate one), then practising placing it up BEFORE you get to a campsite is a extremely good thought. It may be a bit of sophisticated the primary time or two, so familiarising your self with the method will assist enormously.
Motorhoming suggestions and methods for inexperienced persons 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 street journey, listed below are some suggestions and methods that can assist you profit from your time on the street.
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 immediately in command of a automobile which is increased, 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 tougher 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 digital camera was a godsend!
You do NOT wish to get your self caught someplace like a slender 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 spend money on a devoted motorhome sat-nav system: one that you could put your automobile dimensions in and it’ll plan a route for you which ones avoids low bridges, slender 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 when you’re going motorhoming in Norway!!)
One other helpful motorhome tip: You’ll discover the gradual lane on motorways is usually wider. In case you’re nervous, keep on 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 totally different pace limits in lots of nations 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 when you’re towing, you may solely do 60mph on a motorway, no matter weight.
Bonus motorhome tip for inexperienced persons: pay attention to low-overhanging timber if you’re driving! These suckers sneak up on you…
Put money into wing-mirror protectors
These are probably the most 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 automobile clip them!), nevertheless it does occur. Watch out if you buy them, there are variations for lengthy and quick arms (the motorhome, not you!), so make sure you get the right ones.
An alternative choice is to color your wing-mirrors brilliant yellow or pink, or put a reflective stripe down them to catch driver’s eyes.
Strive to not arrive at nighttime
Whether or not you’re heading for a brand new campsite, or heading residence, arriving after darkish simply makes every thing tougher. Don’t overlook, many motorhome campsites shut after a sure time (for safety causes), so when you arrive too late you won’t be allowed in till the following morning.
Bonus motorhome tip for inexperienced persons: In case you DO end up at nighttime, a respectable head-torch is invaluable, leaving your fingers free to do all the roles you might want to do. And bear in mind my tip from earlier, about studying the best way to flip the lights on at nighttime?!
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 put up about your first motorhome journey. However a few them embrace:
- Have your motorhome membership playing cards or particulars at hand
- Refill 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!
- In your first evening, have a simple 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!
Concentrate on your assets (gas, fuel & water)
One of many issues I really like most about vanlife is how frugal I’m with treasured assets, like freshwater and fuel. 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 vital to recollect to replenish/ exchange these assets as typically as doable, particularly when 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 contemporary water or empty waste out of season- most 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 fuel bottles in your motorhome, you may discover it tougher to search out stations within the UK than in Europe, however they’re round. Make sure to replenish as typically 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 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 wish to go to, and plan an itinerary round all of them which is smart.
You possibly can create collections with Google Maps, so you may see all of the factors of curiosity in a single space, and you need to use 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 healthier when you may calm down, and glide. Certain, make plans to see locations but in addition permit time to do stuff you hadn’t deliberate, like discover, play video games or simply sit by the hearth and calm down.
Have ample 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 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 vital.
Additionally, do not forget that most motorhomes 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 possibly can then drive this repaired tyre to the closest storage for a everlasting repair.
It saves weight, however when you’ve got a big gap or rip within the sidewall, no quantity of resolution will repair that- so ensure your motorhome breakdown cowl is in place- simply in case!
Concentrate on moist grass pitches
Ever pushed onto a moist discipline in a heavy automobile? If not, I sincerely hope it stays that method! Keep in mind 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 just going to end in 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 filled with rattles. Severely, it drives me nuts. Certain, you may flip the radio up and ignore it, however there are methods to cease rattles in your motorhome. It mainly entails numerous tea towels and non-slip matting. You’re welcome.
Bonus motorhome suggestions and methods: You want lots much less STUFF than you assume you do. In case you haven’t used one thing for just a few journeys, take away it and unencumber some house and payload (except it’s security gear!)
Motorhome suggestions for beginners- life on the street
Cease the smells
In case 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… effectively, let’s simply say it is best to do every thing you may to cease smells.
I take advantage of a product referred to as Solbio natural bathroom fluid, which is pure and doesn’t comprise dangerous chemical compounds. It’s additionally secure to be disposed of in septic tanks or fosse, which means I’ve extra choices to eliminate my bathroom responsibly.
You too can use a squirt down your sinks to filter out the pipes and your gray waste tanks- it is going to assist hold your motorhome toilet 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 bathroom flush to maintain issues smelly rosy, however I simply use Solbio now.
Additionally, bear in mind to shut your bathroom after every use. It helps stops smells or spills whereas driving!
Bonus tip: In case you determine to depart muddy sneakers outdoors, don’t overlook about them earlier than you drive off!!!!
Don’t journey with valuables
I extremely advocate not being valuables equivalent to 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, equivalent to laptops and iPads, attempt to discover a hiding place not simply reached. The longer it takes for a thief to search out, the much less possible 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 may click on to a safe a part of your van. They’re effectively value getting, particularly for jewelry. See them right here
Take into account the best 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 choice 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 carried out 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 an effective way of getting round if we had been parked up at a campsite. Many individuals select to hold pushbikes for a similar cause, in addition to getting some train.
In case you don’t wish to do that, or don’t have house in your payload, then public transport is your good friend. Most campsites have a bus cease or practice station someplace close to, or you may name a taxi if there’s no different alternative.
Take into account your motorhome safety
It’s not good to consider, however motorhomes are fashionable targets with thieves, each at residence and on the street. It’s vital to make your van look as tough to steal as doable, 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 likewise gadgets to cease it being stolen, like steering or pedal locks.
Motorhome Ideas and Methods: The most effective motorhome safety gadgets for at residence 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! ?)
Carry every thing you want
In contrast to the UK, most nations in Europe have strict guidelines relating to sure equipment you might want to carry with you. This consists of 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 may want a blind spot warning sticker!
Need to head to Europe along 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 at present.
Be ready for emergencies and hold paperwork accessible
You additionally want to hold some paperwork with you, which incorporates:
- Passport (or identification card)
- Driving licence (test it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance coverage documents- test you might be lined for driving in Europe – Breakdown cowl
- Automobile V5 logbook (which should present your right handle)
- Automobile should 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
Ensure you hold these papers someplace simply accessible to be able to attain them simply if required. I extremely advocate carrying some money too, no less than 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 will have a European accident kind in case of a street visitors accident whereas travelling. This put up tells you every thing you might want to do in an accident.
Driving on the ‘improper’ facet of the street
I promise, motorhoming in Europe and driving on the opposite facet of the street will not be as tough because it might sound earlier than you do it.
It’s vital 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 best way it is best to go, as do roundabouts (which even have useful arrows.) Actually, it is going to really feel straightforward after about 20 minutes. In case you are heading to Europe, right here’s what you might want to find out about driving in Europe after BREXIT.
Getting fuel and water
In case you don’t plan to make use of campsites each evening, it’s vital to know the best way to discover freshwater, get fuel and eliminate your waste hygienically. Europe is lots simpler to do that in than the UK is- there are many waste disposal factors at motorway companies, together with a freshwater faucet obtainable to campers.
With LPG, don’t make the error I did and assume a European fuel bottle will match onto your UK system- the connections are utterly totally different. You’ll both want to purchase and produce European pigtails (the hose connections) with you or, when you’re planning to spend so much of time in Europe, spend money on a refillable fuel system, so you may replenish with LPG at lots of of places throughout Europe.
Extra motorhome suggestions: Tips on how to get fuel in Europe with a motorhome/ camper
Learn 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 big complexes with swimming swimming pools, eating places, children golf equipment and leisure. Others are cheaper, with much less amenities, however do permit you someplace secure to park up at evening. The standard and value will fluctuate 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 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 may keep along with your motorhome or camper (not a caravan, sadly) for a restricted period of time (the restrict will probably be signposted).
They’re typically paid, though one can find 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 payment.
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 guide, which is why I desire to make use of an internet information after 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 when you now go to Portugal along 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 when you break the principles.
Motorhome wild tenting guides for the UK & Europe
Analysis the principles for the nation
Which leads me to my subsequent point- be sure to analysis the principles of the nation you might be visiting. Don’t make the error of considering all nations 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 when you go campervanning in Switzerland)
- What paperwork or different tools do you want?
- Guidelines for towing or utilizing your journey drone
Further motorhome tip for inexperienced persons to Europe: Analysis the principles for tolls/ vignettes right here
I hope you discovered these motorhome suggestions for inexperienced persons (plus bonus motorhome suggestions and methods) helpful! If in case you have any extra, be at liberty to drop them within the feedback beneath.
Need extra suggestions for motorhoming?
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