We are at that time of year where we got lots of enquiries from first timers, so we have compiled a little list of helpful pointers below for the novice…..
First Time ‘Motor Caravanners’ Do’s and Don’ts
If you are taking a motor home out on hire for the first time check out the tips below. Motor caravanning is really exciting and enjoyable- as long as you are prepared.
Do’s
- Check your vehicle over before you race off to catch your ferry. Just like you would with a car, check your lights, water, oil and diesel levels. If you are hiring your motor home these pre-checks should have already been done. Just double check.
- If you are setting off on a long journey it’s advisable to make sure your chemical toilet is empty with a good slosh of blue chemical in there and a spare bottle for when you need to refresh it.
- If the vehicle has an interior water tank only fill to the level you think you may require for the short-term, any extra weight will cost you in fuel and some vehicles boast a 120 litre tank- that’s an awful lot of weight.
- Check the gas is off before you start driving.
- Check you have a 230 volt electricity lead and a water hose.
- Invest in a good site guide. Vicarious Books do some excellent guides for all over the UK and Europe. For a small amount of money they offer a wealth of information.
- Get a good map. If you haven’t got a Satellite Navigation system you will need a detailed map- it will save tears in the long run.
- Plan your route (to a certain extent). The whole point of touring is to have a spirit of adventure and stop when and where you desire but it’s always advisable to have a bit of a plan. A general outline of timings and details of campsites is always a good idea.
- Pack the fridge with great food so you can stop when you feel like it instead of driving for what seems like hours with screaming hungry kids looking for a suitable eating place.
- Get into the holiday spirit. There is nothing worse than having a grumpy Mum or Dad at the wheel, remember you are on holiday!!!!!
Don’ts
- Drive your motor home as you do your Ford Mondeo. It sounds very simple but people do forget the extra length and width that needs considering especially around towns and when parking.
- Don’t pull up in unsuitable places. Just because you are self-contained some areas are private and can make local residents a bit disgruntled if you are using their grass verge to camp on.
- Don’t ‘wild-camp’ its fine on the continent to stay in service area’s and even in villages but in the UK it is illegal.
- Never think it is acceptable to dispose of the chemical toilet in any other place than a designated chemical disposal point.
- Don’t disrespect other campers. It might seem like good fun to you to play your new Meatloaf album at full pelt but to other campers it might spoil their rest and relaxation.
- Don’t think motor caravanning is for boring spoil sports. I am sure there are hundreds of Meatloaf fans that own a motor home.
- Don’t forget to shut the roof lights and windows before driving away. The same goes for the electric hook up. It sounds like common sense, but it is really easy to forget.
- Don’t believe because you are in a large vehicle you are King of the road and other motorists and/or pedestrians will avoid you.
Have a Great Motorhoming Experience!!!!!!!
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