27 Important Motorhome Ideas & Methods for Rookies

New to motorhoming? Attempting to determine the way it all works? Don’t worry- we had been all motorhome newbies at one time. Listed below are among the finest motorhome ideas and methods for learners (or any motorhome or campervan proprietor needing a fast refresher after a protracted break!)

Don’t neglect to seize your FREE motorhome departure/ pre-trip guidelines beneath

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Finest Motorhome Ideas & Methods for Rookies

Generally, once you’re new to one thing, it could 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 possibly can take that can assist you study stuff (which is strictly why I wrote my e-book Motorhoming Made Easy!)

EVERYONE with a motorhome was a beginner in some unspecified time in the future. Each single one in all us sat behind the wheel of that (monstrous) beast, questioning how on earth we get out of the 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 ideas for learners, plus some ideas 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 in the event you make a mistake. Now we have ALL tousled in some unspecified time in the future throughout our time on the street. You’ll be happy to know that a number of of those newbie motorhoming ideas had been errors made by individuals in our Fb group (which you’re welcome to affix) – because of everybody who shared their tales!

So be variety to yourself- you’re a newbie! And among the foolish stuff you do will make epic tales in a couple of months. 🙂

Don’t neglect to seize your FREE motorhome departure and pre-trip guidelines to recollect all the pieces you want earlier than your first journey.

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Primary Motorhome ideas for learners

Prepared? Let’s dive in to newbie errors to keep away from and issues NOT to do with a motorhome or campervan.

Most of these are self-explanatory, however I’ve expanded on among the extra essential factors beneath

Don’t put gas within the freshwater tank… (or vice versa!)

Sadly, it’s potential 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 must 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 have the ability to drain off the gas. If you are able to do this, discard the water and add the gas slowly over time together with non-contaminated gas, so it may be blended collectively.

You’ll additionally want to scrub out your freshwater tank. You should utilize a tank cleaner like this, though personally, I’d get it achieved professionally (and even then I’d be involved about consuming from it for a protracted, very long time!)

And in the event you by accident put water into the gas tank… you’ll must name a storage or your motorhome breakdown service.

Don’t underestimate your weight

If you had been shopping for your motorhome, it’s best to have been listening to your motorhome payload. That’s the distinction between what your motorhome weighed once you purchased it and what the utmost is that it’s legally allowed to weigh (there’s a bit extra to it than that, however you get the thought.)

Each single factor that you simply 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 improper, 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 to’re throughout the limits, e-book right into a weighbridge after you’re totally packed and get weighed.

Perceive your motorhome electrics

So many motorhome newbies don’t realise that the 230v electrical sockets of their motorhome or camper received’t work except you’re plugged into mains electrical, both at residence or at a campsite. And even then, you most likely received’t have the ability to use your electrical kettle, toaster, microwave AND hairdryer all on the 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 fuel kettle (assuming you might have a fuel hob), so to make a brew while not related (resembling parked up in a reasonably parking spot for lunch or in the event you select to go motorhome wild tenting.)

Bonus motorhome tip: It’s a extremely good concept to have 2 fuel bottles, as a substitute of only one. Not solely does it provide you with extra fuel, however you then know once you’re working low, so you possibly can change or refill as wanted. Nothing worse than being caught wanting fuel!! 🙂

Don’t neglect your motorhome necessities

I do know, I do know, I KNOW. You’ve bought 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 on your recent water and an electrical energy cable. You possibly can seize a free guidelines that can assist you keep in mind all of it right here:

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Test your motorhome leisure battery

One of many largest 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 possibly can learn extra about tips on how to take care of a motorhome leisure battery right here) however, earlier than you permit, make sure that to check it and substitute it if obligatory.

On that subject, be sure to do common motorhome habitation checks (both your self or at a storage) to verify all the pieces 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. Nevertheless, take a couple of moments earlier than you permit to be sure to’ve achieved 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 fuel
• Closing the glass lid on the hob
• Unplugging the electrical cable (your motorhome may 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

You should definitely shut all home windows and hatches earlier than driving off

Oh, we’ve all achieved this! You’re merrily driving alongside, pondering how FRIENDLY everyone seems to be at the moment, 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 the pre-trip guidelines will assist cease all that.

Additionally, motorhome home windows are notoriously weak. Enhancing them is admittedly fast and simple- see my evaluation of the Lock M Out motorhome window locks.

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Bonus motorhome tip for beginners- Follow placing your awning up

If in case you have an awning in your motorhome or camper (and in the event you’re heading to Europe, I extremely advocate one), then practising placing it up BEFORE you get to a campsite is a extremely 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 methods for learners VIDEO

Watch the video of some extra beginner ideas for motorhoming and campervanning:

Motorhome Journey Ideas and Methods

Earlier than you head off on a motorhome street journey, listed below are some ideas 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 elucidate to individuals what driving a motorhome is like. You’re all of the sudden accountable for a car 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 car 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 put money into a devoted motorhome sat-nav system: one which you can put your car 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 in the event 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.

Pay attention to velocity 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 velocity limits in lots of nations round Europe, together with the UK, the place you possibly can solely drive at 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on twin carriageways (as a substitute of the nationwide velocity restrict). And in the event you’re towing, you possibly can solely do 60mph on a motorway, no matter weight.

Bonus motorhome tip for learners: pay attention to low-overhanging bushes once you’re driving! These suckers sneak up on you…

Spend money on wing-mirror protectors

These are one of the vital helpful bits of package I’ve ever purchased. After all, nobody units out to clip their wing-mirror towards a wall (or have one other car clip them!), but it surely does occur. Watch out once you buy them, there are variations for lengthy and brief arms (the motorhome, not you!), so make sure to get the proper ones.

Another choice is to color your wing-mirrors vibrant yellow or pink, or put a reflective stripe down them to catch driver’s eyes.

Attempt to not arrive in the dead of night

Whether or not you’re heading for a brand new campsite, or heading residence, arriving after darkish simply makes all the pieces tougher. Don’t neglect, many motorhome campsites shut after a sure time (for safety causes), so in the event you arrive too late you may not be allowed in till the subsequent morning.

Bonus motorhome tip for learners: In case you DO end up in the dead of night, a first rate head-torch is invaluable, leaving your palms free to do all the roles you must do. And keep in mind my tip from earlier, about studying tips on how to flip the lights on in the dead of night?!

Motorhome ideas and methods for the campsite

There are many ideas and methods for staying on a campsite. I share all of them in my submit about your first motorhome journey. However a few them embrace:

• 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 a substitute of attempting to reverse onto them
• In case you can, use hand indicators as a substitute of shouting at one another!
• On your first evening, have a straightforward dinner able to go. Make it easy for your self.

Don’t neglect to fill out your motorhome logbook with all the small print of your journey!

Pay attention to your assets (gas, fuel & water)

One of many issues I like most about vanlife is how frugal I’m with valuable assets, like freshwater and fuel. 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 essential to recollect to replenish/ substitute these assets as usually as potential, particularly in the event 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 battle to get recent 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.

If in case you have refillable fuel bottles in your motorhome, you would possibly discover it tougher to search out stations within the UK than in Europe, however they’re round. You should definitely replenish 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 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 street journeys to assist me uncover and keep 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 possibly can see all of the factors of curiosity in a single space, and you should utilize that that can assist you resolve the place to go to that day.

However don’t over-plan your motorhome vacation. Life on the street is healthier when you possibly can calm down, and drift. 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 at all times been strict about security. I’ve fireplace detection and CO2 detection models in my van, plus an extinguisher and a fireplace 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 essential.

Additionally, keep in mind that most motorhomes now not have a spare wheel. That is to avoid wasting weight (and prices!) As an alternative, you’ll probably have a tyre restore package. 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 make sure that 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 car? If not, I sincerely hope it stays that manner! 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 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 filled with rattles. Severely, it drives me nuts. Certain, you possibly can 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 ideas and methods: You want loads much less STUFF than you assume you do. In case you haven’t used one thing for a couple of journeys, take away it and release some house and payload (except it’s security gear!)

Motorhome ideas for beginners- life on the street

Cease the smells

In case you’re a whole beginner to motorhomes, you may not 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… nicely, let’s simply say it’s best to do all the pieces you possibly can to cease smells.

I take advantage of a product known as Solbio natural rest room fluid, which is pure and doesn’t comprise dangerous chemical compounds. 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 can too use a squirt down your sinks to filter out the pipes and your gray waste tanks- it would assist preserve your motorhome lavatory and bathroom smelling recent.

If you want, you can even 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, keep 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 neglect 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. If you’re abroad, make sure that to at all times 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 search out, the much less seemingly 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 nicely price getting, particularly for jewelry. See them right here

Think about tips on how to attain locations with out your motorhome

On my first journey to Scotland (a couple 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 can be an understatement. What we should always have achieved is park up outdoors someplace protected and both ridden the bikes in or taken public transport.

We selected to tow motorbikes with us as a result of we beloved exploring by bike, however they’re additionally a good way of getting round if we had been parked up at a campsite. Many individuals select to hold pushbikes for a similar purpose, in addition to getting some train.

In case you don’t wish to do that, or don’t have house in your payload, then public transport is your buddy. Most campsites have a bus cease or prepare station someplace close to, or you possibly can name a taxi if there’s no different selection.

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Think about your motorhome safety

It’s not good to consider, however motorhomes are standard targets with thieves, each at residence and on the street. It’s essential to make your van look as tough to steal as potential, in order that they may (hopefully!) go on to simpler choices.

I like to recommend gadgets each to cease your car 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 Methods: The most effective motorhome safety gadgets for at residence and whereas travelling

Motorhome ideas and methods for Europe

Don’t let being a motorhome newbie put you off planning a visit to Europe. Listed below are some motorhome ideas and methods for Europe journey (Europe Motorhoming for Dummies, if you’ll! ?)

Convey all the pieces you want

In contrast to the UK, most nations in Europe have strict guidelines concerning sure package you must 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 car is over 3.5 tonnes.
• First assist package – 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!

Wish to head to Europe along with your motorhome?

Seize your FREE (printable) guidelines and uncover 25 stuff you NEED to take with you once you journey in Europe. Make your life simpler at the moment.

Be ready for emergencies and preserve paperwork accessible

You additionally want to hold some paperwork with you, which incorporates:

• Passport (or id card)
• Driving licence (test it’s in date!)
• Motorhome Insurance coverage documents- test you’re lined for driving in Europe – Breakdown cowl
• Car V5 logbook (which should present your right tackle)
• Car have to be legally taxed and MOT’d
• Trailer certification
• Inexperienced card (get out of your car insurer)
• Worldwide Driving Allow if required
• Private journey insurance coverage

Be sure you preserve these papers someplace simply accessible so to attain them simply if required. I extremely advocate carrying some money too, a minimum of 100€, in case you get fined (they will request cost in money, or escort you to the closest money machine.)

Bonus motorhome tip: be certain you might have a European accident kind in case of a street site visitors accident whereas travelling. This submit tells you all the pieces you must do in an accident.

Driving on the ‘improper’ aspect of the street

I promise, motorhoming in Europe and driving on the opposite aspect of the street shouldn’t be as tough because it may appear earlier than you do it.

It’s essential to keep in mind that the street system is ready as much as be on that aspect of the street, so exits/ entrances naturally curve the best way it’s best to go, as do roundabouts (which even have useful arrows.) Truthfully, it would really feel straightforward after about 20 minutes. If you’re heading to Europe, right here’s what you must learn 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 essential to know tips on how to discover freshwater, get fuel 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 fuel 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 the event you’re planning to spend so much of time in Europe, put money into a refillable fuel system, so you possibly can replenish with LPG at a whole bunch of areas throughout Europe.

Extra motorhome ideas: Easy methods to get fuel in Europe with a motorhome/ camper

Discover ways to discover locations to remain

In Europe, there are (typically talking) three classes of locations you possibly can 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 permit you someplace protected 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 authorised motorhome and campervan in a single day parking place. These locations are discovered throughout Europe and are authorised locations the place you possibly can keep along with your motorhome or camper (not a caravan, sadly) for a restricted period of time (the restrict shall be signposted).

They’re usually paid, though you will see 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 further price.

You will discover the areas of those locations from on-line guides or books. Simply keep in mind that data can go old-fashioned shortly in a printed e-book, 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 ideas and methods: 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 in the event you now go to Portugal along 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 could possibly be fined in the event 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’re visiting. Don’t make the error of pondering all nations in Europe are the identical. It’s essential analysis issues like:

• What are the velocity limits and restrictions?
• Are there tolls or do you want a vignette (such as you do in the event 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 learners to Europe: Analysis the principles for tolls/ vignettes right here

I hope you discovered these motorhome ideas for learners (plus bonus motorhome ideas and methods) helpful! If in case you have any extra, be at liberty to drop them within the feedback beneath.

Final replace on 2025-05-28 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Photographs from Amazon Product Promoting API

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