Essential Tips & Tricks for Motorhome Beginners

There are few better feelings than taking to the open road in search of your next adventure.
That sense of freedom is priceless, and one that many motorhome enthusiasts have been enjoying for years – or maybe even decades.

Not everyone is such a seasoned campaigner, however. Many up and down the UK have only recently become aware of the vast and varied benefits of motorhome hire or ownership.

If you’re one of those, the good news is that you’ve got so much to look forward to. The scenic journeys, the stunning stop-offs and a friendly, thriving community all make the motorhome lifestyle a truly joyous experience.

But it’s not quite as simple as just hopping in your vehicle and hitting the road. Those who’ve long been holidaying in their motorhomes will likely have their pre-departure routine down to a fine art. But what about the beginners? It can feel like there’s an awful lot to think about, so here are a few handy tips and tricks to help you on your way.

Enjoy a short stay in your driveway first

It may sound ridiculous – after all, the whole point of buying a motorhome is to get out and explore the world. But believe us when we say this is a tip that is well worth your time. You may feel daft at first, especially when your actual bed is just a few yards away, but it’s the only way to familiarise yourself with your vehicle before you head off on your adventures.

Staying in your motorhome for a night or two prior to setting off affords you the chance to iron out any potential problems that might cause a greater headache once you’re away from home. Does everything work properly? Is the bed comfy enough? Do you have adequate storage in the right places? You’ll only be able to answer these questions by giving it a trial run.

Pack light

It can be tempting to put together a great long list of all the things you think you’ll need for your holiday. Over the years, as you become more experienced, you’ll likely make tweaks to your inventory – adding things you missed off the first time around and removing items that you never used. But for your first trip, try and stick to packing the essentials.

Keep in mind that your motorhome will have to bear the load of everything you take with you, so try to minimise mass wherever you can. For example, lightweight plastic kitchenware is advised, while microfibre towels are much lighter than conventional bathroom towels. They’re also a great space saver and they dry much more quickly.

Refuel whenever possible

When you’re on the road, the journey from one destination to the next can be long and pass through some remote areas. The last thing you need is to be caught short, stuttering to a halt with an empty fuel tank. Before you depart, be sure to plan your route so that it takes in enough petrol stations to get you where you need to be.

Even if you’re down to half a tank and you don’t need to fill up at that point, it could still prove prudent. You never know when a detour might take you miles out of your way, or if other unforeseen events crop up that force you into a change of plan.

Learn to shower quickly

There are many pros and cons of living in a motorhome. Unfortunately, one of the downsides is not being able to enjoy those long, hot showers you like to take in the morning before work. If you do that in your motorhome you’re likely to drain the tank of all its hot water, which could cause major problems for you and your fellow travellers.

Instead, try to be smart with your usage. Rather than leaving it running for the duration, turn the water off while you wash and then turn it back on to rinse yourself down. Conserve as much as you can to make your life easier. If your campsite provides shower facilities, you can always take advantage of those.

Lock it down

Before setting off, make sure all windows, vents, doors and drawers are securely fastened and that anything free-standing cannot fall or move in a way that could cause injury or a distraction to the driver. The last thing you need is for the fridge to fly open when you’re tackling those winding country lanes, so carry out careful checks prior to departure.

You should take your motorhome’s security seriously, too. Sadly, they can be a popular target for thieves, so it’s worth having additional measures in place to make sure yours remains safe. Examples of these include alarm systems and tracking devices, while wheel clamps and steering locks might be enough to deter potential criminals.

Get insured

Of course, before you get behind the wheel and set out on your travels, you’ll need to make sure you’re properly protected with a motorhome insurance policy. It means you can take to the road safe in the knowledge that you, your motorhome and accessories are covered. Whilst there are some exclusions, specialist motorhome insurance policies provide that added peace of mind that can prove priceless when you’re planning a relaxing holiday.

At Comfort Insurance, we’ve been providing motorhome and campervan cover for more than 30 years, so we truly understand this way of life and why it appeals to so many around the world. If you’re about to embark on your first motorhome experience, the last thing you need is to worry about being insured. We can take care of that for you – just call 0208 984 0666 or get a quote online in a matter of moments.