This article contains everything you need to know about motorhomes, both in the UK and abroad.
1 I would like to rent or test a motorhome before buying one.
Yes. Our Try before You Buy service allows members and customers to buy my motorhome in order to see if the lifestyle suits them. There are many other options for hiring vehicles, with different ages and types to fit all budgets.
2 Is it difficult to drive a motorhome. Do you have any tips for novices who want to learn how to drive a motorhome?
A motorhome is no more difficult than a car to drive. The smaller campervans and other campervan are very similar. You will need to adjust to larger motorhomes and their rearward visibility. This is why you should use the door mirrors more. We recommend that you book a session on the motorhome maneuvering course to quickly build your confidence. These courses are great for beginners. This course is a 1-day long and includes one-on-one sessions on the road, instructor feedback, defensive driving, and other manoeuvring activities.
3 What type of motorhome do I need?
There are many types of motorhomes on the market. It’s important to do your research before buying to determine the best motorhome to.
You can adapt small or large panel vans to make compact campervans and larger van conversions. These campervans are versatile, can be stored or parked easily and are great for active hobbies and for festivals and holidays. The coachbuilt motorhomes are a caravan-like structure that is attached to a chassis cab. These motorhomes have more space and are better insulated for year-round use. A-class motorhomes are the most expensive and have a fully coachbuilt body. These motorhomes are ideal for long trips and when you want to travel in style.
Although it can be difficult to decide what is best for you, We recommend visiting a showroom or larger dealership and seriously considering hiring before you buy.
4: Do I need a special driving license?
The answer is generally no. Most drivers cannot drive any size motorhome with a standard car driving license. Motorhomes up to 7500kg are included.
Drivers over 70 years old or licensed since January 1997 are subject to a 3500kg limit, unless they pass a medical or additional test. Most motorhomes weigh less than 3500kg. However, it is a good idea to double-check if you are looking at larger models.
5 Can I use my motorhome “off grid”?
Many motorhomes can be connected to the mains for charging their batteries, operating the fridge, lights, and heating. It is possible to spend some time at a farm or festival without mains power. Most vehicles can run for several days on a mixture of 12V battery or gas cylinder. A solar panel can be used to top up the battery (or charge it as you drive around). If gas cylinders are used to heat or cool the vehicle, they will drain faster. However, make sure you check how much is left before going on a trip.
6 What is the best way to keep your motorhome’s tyres in great condition?
There is no age limit on when you should replace your motorhome tyres. The vehicle has a high annual mileage (i.e. If the vehicle does a lot of annual mileage (i.e. It’s a seasonal vehicle, meaning it is stored for long periods of time, then advice on caravan tyres can be helpful. Replace any tire that is more than five years old but not more than seven. They will be significantly worn by that time, regardless of tread depth or usage.
7 Are there any requirements for choosing a pitch?
Motorhomes are better suited to hardstanding pitches. However, if you’re using grass, make sure you check the ground by digging into your heel before driving on it. Some of our campsites may place restrictions on motorhomes. It is important to confirm when you make your booking that your vehicle will be allowed on the site. Although we do not have any restrictions on the vehicle’s length or weight, it is practical to note that not all pitches will be suitable for all vehicles in all weather conditions.
Hardstanding pitches are better for motorhomes. However, if you’re using grass, make sure to check the ground by digging in your heel before driving on it. Although we don’t have any general guidelines regarding the length and weight of motorhomes, it is a practical fact that not all pitches at all sites are suitable for all vehicles in all weathers. It’s best to confirm that the site can handle your large or heavy vehicle before you make your booking.
8 Can I tow my small car behind my motorhome.
The law in the UK does not explicitly allow this. However, it is possible to use an a-frame that allows the car’s wheels to be pulled on its own. It is generally accepted that the towing car must meet the requirements for a trailer. effective brakes, handbrake, triangular rear reflectors etc. Although A-frames that meet these requirements can be found, they won’t always be the most affordable. However, in Europe, most countries prohibit the towing of a car in this way. You could also be stopped. We recommend towing the car on a braked trailer, which lifts all four wheels off the ground.
9 What’s the difference between propane and butane?
Propane and butane have slightly different properties. The most important property for a motorhomer is the boiling point at atmosphericpressure. This is the temperature at which it transforms from a liquid into a gas. Butane can only be made into a gas at temperatures above 0degC so it is suitable for spring and autumn motor caravanners. Propane can be used all year, but it will change to a gas at -40degC. Propane is usually sold in cylinders in the UK in either red or green, while butane is in blue.
10 What are my precautions against fire?
Install a smoke detector that conforms to British Standard (BS5446 pt 1). You should also carry a portable fire extinguisher. Aqueous Film Forming Foam, also known as AFFF, is recommended for use in a motorhome. You should take extra precautions when smoking or cooking in the vehicle.
11 Why do I need a battery for my leisure and a battery for my motorhome?
An automotive battery supplies a brief amount of high-current power to the engine. It is charged by the vehicle alternator or at rest for the remainder of the time. It’s not designed to provide a few amps for several hours. This is what the motorhome’s habitation area requires. It is not intended to be repeatedly discharging to a flat surface and then recharged.
Leisure batteries can supply currents of up to a few amps and be used for long periods. They can also be charged and discharged multiple times and are therefore preferred in a motorhome. If there is an available mains connection, a charger can be useful to extend the battery’s life.
Both types of batteries are found in most motorhomes, excluding the smallest.
12 How do I use my refrigerator while on ferry trips?
You can’t. The contents of the fridge should be kept cool for short crossings, if the fridge was sufficiently cooled beforehand. It is best to buy fresh produce upon arrival at your destination for longer journeys. The fridge can be kept cool with ice packs, which are similar to cool boxes. Also, don’t open it during power outages.
13 What do The Club recommend for winter storage
For winter storage, it is best to store in an indoor location. Over long periods of inactivity, turbo diesels can develop gate corrosion. To keep the tyres flexible, it is a good idea to run the engine as often as possible. If the motor caravan isn’t used for a prolonged period, brake disc corrosion can also be a problem. To prevent moisture from getting into the brake discs, you can purchase covers from car manufacturers.
14: Do motorhomes need seat belts for the rear seats?
Motorhomes require that the front seats be secured with seat belts. Many motorhome manufacturers also install restraints for forward-facing seats, known as travelling seats, in the rear. These seats should be secured with seat belts if they are fitted. Not meeting the required standards are seat belts that have been fitted to passenger seats not properly marked (eg sideways facing). It should be noted that although these seats are not illegal, they are not recommended for use.
The following regulations govern the use of car seats for children when they travel with them:
- Rear-facing baby chairs must not be used in frontal airbag-protected seats unless the airbag has been activated manually or automatically.
- All child restraints that are used for children must conform to the UN ECE 44.03 standard (or any subsequent version) as of May 2008.
- Children younger than three years old must use the child restraint, i.e. Child seat or booster that is appropriate for their weight in all vehicles (including vans)
- Children three years old and under (approx. 4ft 5in) must use the appropriate child restraint in vehicles with seat belts.
- Some exceptions allow children to travel in their rears and use an adult belt such as:
- If the appropriate child restraint cannot be provided, this can be used for a brief journey. This type of journey is for unplanned circumstances only. It does not apply to regular or planned trips such as the school run.
- Two occupied rear child seats may prevent the fitting of a third seat.
15 How can I protect my motorhome against theft?
Motorhomes are most often stolen from unsecure storage areas, closely followed closely by the home address. Although it can be difficult to find secure storage, it is worth the effort. The best combination of quality electronic security products (alarm, tracking device, wheel clamp) and mechanical security products (steering wheel lock, wheel clamp etc.) is the most effective. We recommend that you choose products that have been tested and approved by an independent testing agency such as SCM or Sold Secure. Sold Secure, SCM, or Thatcham.
16 Will my TV work abroad?
Much of Europe’s TV has gone digital, just like the UK. Because the UK’s transmission technology has the most advanced in Europe, digital TVs that are intended for use only in the UK may not be able receive terrestrial signals from other countries. While a multi-standard TV will work, in some countries, a satellite system might be more advantageous, particularly if you want to receive English-language broadcasts.
17 What type of aerial is best for my motorhome?
A directional aerial is better than an omnidirectional. However, it will need to be pointed correctly at each site. Many campsites are located in rural areas, so there may be only weak TV signals.
18: Do I need a type-approved trailer bracket to tow my motorhome?
Your motorhome must be type-approved if it is to be used in a motorhome. It must be approved by the type committee. It doesn’t need to be approved, but any towing bracket that is fitted must be designed specifically to fit the vehicle. Motorhomes were granted type approval between 2009 and 2012.
19 How can I find out which appliances I can use with a mains connection?
An easy way to calculate amps is to divide watts by volts. If you have a 1000W kettle and a supply of 230V, then you should allow for 4.3A when the kettle is being used.
For more information about the types of appliances that are suitable for mains hookup, take a look at our Advice on Hooking Up to the Mains
20. Does it really matter which type of chemical fluid you use in your portable toilet?
Our policy is to ensure that all chemical fluids are biodegradable in order to aid the biological treatment of sewage. Toilet fluid used to often contain formaldehyde, but it is rare these days. However, fluids can vary in their composition and effectiveness in breaking down sewage waste held in tanks. Some have more active ingredients while others mask odours. All forms of formaldehyde-free fluids are acceptable for Club use.
