Motorhoming: the basics Before your start motorhoming, there are essential things you must know.
So, here is the guide of motorhome basics for beginners:
Driving licence:
First of all, the most important thing to know, is what type of motorhome you can drive.
For this, nothing easier, you need to look at your driving license:
– If you passed the test before 1 January 1997
You can drive up to 7,500 kg but after 70 years old, you must submit a medical form in order to renew your licence.
– If you passed the test after 1 January 1997
You can drive a motorhome up to 3,500kg, if you want to drive a larger and heavier one, you need to pass a C1 test.
Motorhome insurance
Having a motorhome insurance is essential and it constitutes a legal requirement. There are many insurance providers on the market, and a large range of policies. In order to chose the best one for you, better think about all your needs: the level of cover you want, the number of drivers, the type of motorhome your have, how often are you planning to use your motorhome, how far are you planning to go…
Motorhome weight
Knowing your motorhome’s weight limits is vital before leaving for a trip.
Knowing your motorhome’s weight limits is vital before leaving for a trip.
You must know the maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of your motorhome and not exceed it. It is the maximum your motorhome is authorised to carry, including passengers and items.
While travelling one rule to remember: heavy items must be stored as close as possible to the floor.
Speed Limits
Motorhomes are restricted to the following speed in UK:
For a motorhome exceeding 3050 kg or 8 passenger seats, and not exceeding 12 meters in length.
Build-up areas: 30 mph
Single carriageways: 50 mph
Dual carriageways: 60 mph
Motorways: 70 mph
Where to Park
Did you know that standard UK parking space is 4.8 x 2,4m and most parkings have limit barriers of 1,85 or 2m? This means that a motorhome can not go inside the parking, and even this was possible, you will need more than a single place to park. For all these reasons, the best thing to do is to look for an appropriate parking.
We know that starting anything new can be daunting and if you’re about to take your first steps into our fantastic pastime, you’ll want to make sure you have the confidence and the knowledge to get the most from your first tour. So read on for more tips and advice
Happy holidays!
1. How big can you go?
Consider what the largest ’van you can comfortably drive would be. How long is your drive at home and, if you plan to store your motorhome under cover, how high is your garage or carport? If you live near country lanes, consider a narrower panel van conversion.
2. Where can I park?
Check whether your home deed or lease has a covenant preventing you from keeping your motorhome there. Ensure there are no parking-zone bylaws before you leave it at the kerb. Also consider storage at a site. Look online for a comprehensive list of motorhome-friendly places to stop while on tour.
3. Double check your driving licence
If you passed your test before 1 January 1997, you can drive a motorhome up to 7500kg on your B+C1 licence. When you reach 70, you must submit a medical form to renew your licence to continue driving a ’van over 3500kg, and do this every three years. Those who passed their tests after 1 January 1997 must pass a C1 test to drive a ’van heavier than 3500kg.
4. Choose the right layout for you
Look at different floor plans and consider how many belted travel seats and sleeping berths you need, whether you need a shower and a toilet, a fixed-bed or one you make up. Consider how your circumstances may change in the next few years.
5. Separate ‘likes’ from ‘must-haves’
Draw up a shortlist of preferences – any motorhome ‘must-haves’ (belted seats, beds over 6ft) and ‘would-be-nice’ (microwave, reversing camera). Be prepared to compromise on the would-be-nice, but not the must-haves. Draw up another shortlist, this time of ’vans.
6. Where to buy?
The best prices for pre-owned motorhomes will be available to those buying privately or from an auction – but this is only an option for those who are experienced and know exactly what they’re looking for. Buying new or pre-owned from a local dealer will ensure you have a warranty, which will give you some peace of mind.
7. Visit a show
Motorhome shows are great for shopping around for a first ’van. Having a host of models in one place makes it easy to compare similar ones – don’t forget to read our top tips! Also, you’ll usually be in a good position to negotiate a deal. Similarly, large dealerships may offer a selection of new and pre-owned models.
8. Try before you buy
Campervan hire and motorhome hire can help you work out what you really want and need. Rent a motorhome with the same (or similar) layout to the one you’re considering. Find out how it suits your practical requirements. Also, a number of dealerships offer try-before-you-buy discounts if you go on to purchase from them.
9. Take a test drive
If you’re buying used, take a thorough test drive, ideally on a mix of open and urban roads. Make up the beds and lie on them, and ensure that all the components (heating, water systems, 12V electrics) work as they should.
10. Sort out your finances
Regardless of whether you pay for your motorhome out of savings, a retirement lump sum, equity release or finance, set a budget and stick to it!
11. Get the right insurance cover
Take out a dedicated motorhome policy – and go fully comprehensive. Check age limits for policyholders, and study any breakdown cover offered as part of the policy. Are there limits on the size of the vehicle that can be recovered? Get the motorhome’s contents covered, too.
12. Start by going local
Don’t head out on an epic adventure for your first trip in your new pride and joy. Be prepared to discover the odd niggle and to return to your dealer to get it fixed under warranty. Some will encourage you to spend your first night at their on-site pitch with hook-up; it’s a sensible option.
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14. Where to stay on a budget
If you’re looking for cheap (or maybe even free!) stopovers, check out our ever-expanding list of Nightstops. In addition, both The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club have comprehensive networks of minimum-facility, five–pitch CS/CLs (certificated sites/locations). They also offer cheap temporary holiday sites, which can run for a number of weeks and cost just a few pounds a night.
15. Your first trip abroad
Beginners nervous about touring abroad for the first time should consider going on an escorted tour with the either of the main ‘clubs’. The main clubs also offer their own versions, while booking your ferry crossings and touring sites, and giving other help in advance. Take your V5C (logbook), MoT and insurance certificates when you go abroad, along with a high-vis jacket, beam deflectors, a warning triangle and a first-aid kit. Double-check each country’s requirements before you leave home.
16. Save money abroad
Many Continental countries offer a low-cost network of stopovers suitable for motorhomes – in France they’re known as aires, in Germany they’re Stellplatz. They’re safe and legal, and for a few euros you’ll be able to hook-up to electricity, take on fresh water, and drain down waste and toilet tanks.
Aires and their equivalents outside France are listed in the comprehensive guides by Vicarious Books. Caravan Europe volumes are also worth taking on tour.
17. Go independent on the Continent
Those who would prefer to travel independently around mainland Europe should consider using Camping Cheques and Touring Cheques (Select Sites). These offer low-cost camping during the low season.
18. Which accessories must I have?
At the very least you should take toilet chemicals, grip mats, levelling ramps, a CO detector, a fire extinguisher, a torch, camping chairs and a basic toolkit for simple repairs and maintenance. Check our Essential section for further details.
19. Stick to the limit
In the UK, ’vans with an unladen weight of more than 3050kg are restricted to 50mph on single carriageways, 60mph on dual carriageways and 70mph on motorways. Spain recently enacted a €500 fine for going 1km above the limit. Make sure you know how to stay legal before you head off on tour.
20. Belt-up on board
Laws mandating the wearing of seat belts in the rear of motorhomes can seem confusing. Motorhomes first registered on or after 20 October 2007 must have belts for front- and rear-facing travel berths. If a belt is fitted, it must be worn.