A Beginner’s Guide to Using A Motorhome

Setting off in a motorhome for the first time can be a daunting prospect, especially if you’ve never had any experience of using one before. Our complete guide to using a motorhome covers everything you need to know to get started.

From advice on driving and how to park up, to the best ways to look after your water, electrics, and security, we’ll ensure you’re confident for your first motorhome trip to go smoothly.

Where You Can Stay

CAMPSITES

The easiest option, especially for beginners. Campsite facilities can vary, with some offering on-site shops, bars, cafes and play areas. You may prefer to get back to nature on rural campsites with limited facilities. Even the most basic of sites will provide drinking water and chemical waste disposal. Make sure you book a pitch with electrical hookup.

You should check individual campsite rules to ensure they meet your needs and preferences. Do you need somewhere dog friendly? Would you prefer an adults-only quiet site? Do you want a place that allows campfires?

WILD CAMPING

Wild camping is setting up camp anywhere that isn’t a designated campsite. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, wild camping isn’t usually legal unless you have the landowner’s permission. Even in Scotland where there is the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, only ‘lightweight camping’ is permitted, which generally means on foot. If you do find a spot for wild camping, you should camp considerately and stick to the principles of Leave No Trace.

PUBS

Some pubs allow motorhome stopovers in their car park – and this can even be free! The expectation is that you will then eat and drink at the pub. While more of these pubs are starting to offer facilities like fresh water and electric hookups for a small charge, don’t expect to find these everywhere. It’s always best to call ahead and check what facilities they have and whether you need to book for a pub stopover.

OTHER STOPOVERS

If you’re planning a lengthy trip through an area with limited or no campsite options, then you may be able to park up elsewhere. There are a growing number of other motorhome stopovers, sometimes called ‘aires’. These vary from farms and rural cafes to local attractions and sports clubs.

Laybys are also one option, but aren’t the most secure choice and if you’re renting a motorhome you will need to check your rental agreement – some require you to use formal campsites. You will also need to see if the local council rules or any signage forbids overnight parking.

Driving and Parking

KNOW YOUR HIGHWAY CODE

You may be familiar with the rules of the road for driving a car, but you might not be aware of the varying rules if you’ve never driven a motorhome before.

It’s important to know the weight of your motorhome as the type of driving licence you have – and when you got it – will impact what type of vehicle you can drive. The motorhome’s weight also determines the legal speed limit, particularly on roads with the national speed limit.

Up to 3,050kg – 60mph on a single carriageway and 70mph on a dual carriageway.

Over 3,050kg – 50mph on a single carriageway and 60mph on a dual carriageway.

On motorways, all motorhomes are permitted to drive up to 70mph.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SIZE

A motorhome is taller and wider than a car and you may not be used to driving such a large vehicle. Take particular care on narrow roads and, if you are not sure you can get through without damage to the vehicle, consider alternatives: you can ask someone to help guide you through or look for another route. If you are using a sat-nav, check ahead to see whether you are likely to be directed through narrow roads.

Watch out for height hazards, such as low bridges or trees, and don’t try to park in car parks where there is a height restriction, like multi-storey car parks. Some car parks may also have a weight restriction, so check for this too. Overhanging trees, hedges and bushes can puncture or scratch the surface of the motorhome, so try to avoid them.

Being in a larger and heavier vehicle also means your braking will be different. Drive slower, especially in bad weather, and make sure you keep a longer stopping distance between vehicles in front of you.

TURNING & REVERSING

Remember that manoeuvring a motorhome is more difficult than manoeuvring a car. For one, your turning radius will be larger so you’ll need to take corners wider. It can be useful to practise this in a quiet open area like a car park.

Before reversing, get out of the vehicle and inspect the area behind you for obstructions that you may be unable to see in the wing mirrors. Always ask a passenger to assist you if possible. If space is tight, ask someone to stand behind the vehicle and guide you.

OTHER DRIVERS

Other road users may not understand the challenges of reversing or parking a motorhome, so ensure you park considerately and leave other vehicles plenty of room. Especially if you have to park on the street, you may find other drivers seem impatient. However, try to stay calm and don’t rush, else you risk making mistakes. If other drivers have had to wait for you or shown patience by letting you through, it’s polite to show your thanks.

LOOKING AFTER YOUR PASSENGERS

A motorhome is similar to other vehicles, which means you should be seated while travelling. This means that, unfortunately, no – passengers can’t get up and make a cup of tea or use the bathroom. If you really are desperate for that cuppa, find a safe place to pull over.

If your motorhome was manufactured from 1988 onwards it will have seatbelts for all passengers and they must be worn whilst in transit. Older motorhomes manufactured before 1988 may not have rear seatbelts and passengers are not legally required to wear them.

The same rules apply for child seats as they would in a car. If you’re renting a motorhome, check whether child seats are provided and ensure they are fitted correctly – as the driver and/or hirer, this is your responsibility.

Parking Up for the Night

Once you arrive at your destination for the night, you will need to level the motorhome using the levelling blocks.

If you’re plugging in your electric cable, inspect the cable and connector first to ensure it has not been damaged. If you’re renting a motorhome, all electrical equipment should have been tested regularly, but you should still inspect cords and plugs before use.

Turn the gas on at the bottle, and turn on the hot water and heating as required. Switch the fridge to the right energy source – gas or electric.

Electrics

Motorhomes have two batteries: one for the engine and a ‘leisure’ one that powers appliances in the living area. A common mistake among first-time motorhome users is bringing your domestic electrical items. They use a high current that can easily drain your leisure battery and risk tripping out a campsite’s hookup. You’re best leaving them at home or investing in low-power gadgets.

You’ll have to watch how much electricity you use if you’re on the road or staying somewhere without a mains hookup. The electricity in the leisure battery will only get charged up once you plug into a mains hookup. To avoid draining the battery, try not to use too many appliances at once when you’re off the mains hookup.

Make sure you know where the fuse box is and keep some spare fuses nearby.

Gas and Cooking

Most motorhomes use gas for cooking – either propane or butane, which you can buy from garages, campshops and garden centres. You will need to be aware of how much gas you’re using and know how to change the bottle safely. When you’re using any gas, always keep a window open for safe ventilation and to reduce condensation.

Water

Motorhomes usually have at least two water tanks: fresh and waste. A fresh water tank holds the clean water you use for cooking, washing and cleaning, while the waste one holds the water you’ve used. There will also be a separate toilet cassette. The sizes can vary from about 75 to nearly 400 litres.

Full water tanks add a lot of weight to the motorhome, affecting the fuel efficiency and the vehicle’s manoeuvrability. You will need to keep this in mind before setting off. If you’re using regular campsites, one option is to travel with empty tanks. You can top up your fresh water tank when you reach the site and empty the waste tank before you leave.

To fill the fresh water tank, you will normally need a hose to connect to a water source. Have at least 2 feet of hose in the filling spout – this will help to stop any overfill.

To empty the waste water tank, you will connect a hose to its outlet valve. Once this is opened, the waste water will flow out. Always make sure you know where the waste water dump key is. This should be somewhere safe and easily accessible, such as the glove box. If you’re renting a motorhome, this will normally be in your rental guide.

Toilets

You will need to empty the motorhome’s toilet cassette at least every 2 to 3 days. Although they can handle solids, this can increase the chance of nasty smells and you will also have to empty it more often. Try to stick to liquids only, if possible, and use the campsite facilities. Keep toilet paper waste to a minimum to help prevent blockages and never flush any wipes or sanitary items.

To empty the cassette, first ensure the toilet trap is fully closed. You will normally have to lift a latch to slide it out, then carry or wheel it to an empty point – most campsites will provide clear directions to these. You will unscrew a cap or nozzle, then press a button to release the air pressure and drain out the liquid. Rinse the cassette with fresh water a few times before adding toilet chemicals and 1 litre of water, then put it back in the motorhome.

As with the waste water tank, it’s a good idea to empty the toilet cassette on site before you leave.

Showers

Aim for short showers. A lengthy hot shower isn’t a good idea in most motorhomes as you will quickly drain all the tank’s hot water. Hold onto your supply even more by turning the water off while you lather up.

Safety and Security

FIRE PREVENTION

A fire in a motorhome can be highly dangerous, especially in the confined environment of a motorhome. Take extra care when using a gas hob and never leave it unattended. Do not use a BBQ under an awning.

You should check whether your motorhome comes with a fire extinguisher (and that you know how to use it). It’s also good practice to test smoke detectors before you go to bed.

CARBON MONOXIDE

You can help prevent carbon monoxide build up by ensuring spare gas bottles are not stored in the motorhome overnight. You should also never use gas appliances overnight e.g. for heating. If needed, always use an electrical heating option.

Some motorhomes may come with carbon monoxide detectors installed, especially rented motorhomes. If the unit sounds, remove it and vent by lightly wafting outside the vehicle. When the alarm stops, put it back in place and continue to use the appliances. If it sounds again, switch off all gas appliances and vacate the motorhome.

FIRST AID KITS

A well-stocked first aid kit is invaluable and should be a standard part of your travel kit. It’s especially important if you’re travelling somewhere more remote. You can buy a complete first aid kit or put one together yourself. A good basic first aid kit should include: gloves (non-latex), waterproof plasters, large sterile dressings, triangular bandage, tweezers, eyewash, cleansing wipes, instant ice pack, scissors, and burn gel.

SECURING YOUR MOTORHOME

People tend to relax more when they are away and can become laid back about security, especially on a campsite that feels safe and enclosed. However, opportunists can take advantage of this, so it’s better to take proper precautions to ensure your motorhome remains secure.

Keep motorhome keys safely with you at all times. If you lose the keys to a rented motorhome, you should contact the company immediately.

Double check windows and doors are secure if you go out for the day, and make sure you haven’t left any valuables on display. Check your motorhome is locked at night and, if windows are open, ensure they are locked to prevent entry. There are various motorhome and campervan alarms available, so this is an extra level of security you can consider.

Leaving the Site

Make a checklist of everything you will need to do before heading off. This will include:

• Stow away awnings, levelling ramps, electric cables and steps.
• Turn off the gas, heating and water.
• Secure any loose items inside the motorhome.
• Secure all windows, roof lights, interior and exterior doors, drawers and cupboards, and the fridge freezer. If you’re using the bike rack, double check it is secure.
• Walk around the motorhome just before you leave for a final check of everything and to ensure nothing is left behind.

General Advice

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR RESOURCES

Refill or replenish fuel, electric, gas and water as much as you can. Plan ahead, especially if you are taking a trip to more remote areas, such as Scotland’s North Coast 500 route.

GET READY FOR ANY WEATHER

The UK’s weather is notoriously changeable, with some parts of the country more susceptible than others. If you’re travelling to Europe, and especially if you plan on moving around, the weather could be similarly variable. If your July break looks set to be overcast, it’s probably still worth packing hats and sunscreen. A spare brolly is always a good idea, as is a pack of cards to help stave off any boredom during an unexpected rain shower.

BE PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES

Whether it’s a breakdown or a minor accident, it’s good to know where everything is when you’re far away from home. Make sure everyone in your party knows where safety equipment like a fire extinguisher and first aid kit are kept. Ensure important motorhome paperwork and other information (e.g. insurance, breakdown cover, motorhome rental emergency number) is close at hand.