AI Summary
So you’ve hired a motorhome, now what? If you’re new to the world of campervanning, then going on your first road trip can be a bit overwhelming. There are routes to think about, apps to download, and some basic prep to do. So, where do you start?
Right here! We’re going to take a little time now to cover some of the basics of travelling by motorhome.
What follows are some tips and tricks for those new to the motorhome life. We’ll guide you on how to navigate, save your battery, what you should know, and more.
Let’s dive in!
Use a GPS Navigator
This might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many newbies just wing their motorhome adventure. When planning your trip, always preload your GPS with the area or country you plan to drive in. Make sure your maps are up to date – new roads pop up and old ones close all the time.
Some GPS devices even let you enter your vehicle type and its size. This helps avoid routes with low bridges or narrow roads. You can also set it to skip toll roads.
Make use of apps
There are loads of apps out there to help you navigate the campervanning world better. Two of the best are MAPS.ME and Campercontact.
MAPS.ME is awesome for planning your trip and marking points of interest along the way. It’s easy to download and works on iPhones, iPads, and Android devices. What’s great is it works offline, so you know where you’re going even without internet.
Campercontact is a favorite among motorhome drivers. This easy app gives you detailed info on motorhome parking spots, including costs, facilities, and availability so you can plan ahead. It also has user reviews so you can decide where you want to stop.
For more handy apps, check this post!
Read your motorhome manual
Reading the manual is usually a boring task but when you hire a motorhome it’s crucial to know where everything is and how it works. Take the time to read through your manual and get familiar with all the features your motorhome has.
If you’re renting in a country where English isn’t the main language, check in advance if the manual is available in a language you understand. Some rental companies may need to order an English manual or might direct you to an online version.
Be prepared for an emergency
Always have a plan for what to do if things go wrong. Keep all your insurance info handy and emergency contacts close by. Also, know when and how to report an accident to your rental company – there are rules about how soon you have to report it.
Save on battery power
The Auxiliary 12V battery powers accessories when the main vehicle power isn’t available. Think of it as your motorhome’s backup power source.
If you plan to camp wild or skip powered camper stops for a few days, chances are you won’t have electricity to charge this battery. It can run out of juice and cause problems.
Here are ways to save your auxiliary battery:
- Turn off the water pump when not in use
- Use minimal LED lights at night
- Use a pre-filled water bottle for flushing the toilet instead of the toilet pump
If you plan plenty of off-grid camping, you might wanna consider getting a camping generator.
Take an inverter
Getting a 12V to 240V inverter is a good move to keep your devices like laptops charged. It’s especially useful at campsites without electricity hookups since you can charge 240V gadgets.
If you use the inverter with the ignition on but engine off, just be careful not to drain your starter battery. This isn’t a problem if you have an isolator on it.
Know your pre-road checks
Before you hit the road each day, you’ve got some motorhome tasks to tick off. These include:
- Switch off the LPG gas
- Make sure all cupboards and drawers are closed tight
- Put paper towels between plates and crockery to stop rattling
- Retract any external steps
- Enter your day’s GPS waypoints into your devices
- Check the roof and window vents are shut and secure
- Confirm sink and shower drain plugs are properly fitted
- Have snacks and water ready for driver and passengers
- Bonus tip: for extra packing help, check this post!
Know your motorhome weight and dimensions
Learn and memorise your motorhome’s height, width, length, and weight. The last thing you want is to get stuck under a bridge. Plus, some motorhome parks only take vehicles under a certain length.
Knowing your vehicle’s weight is handy for tolls too. Some countries restrict manual toll gate access if your vehicle is over a certain weight.
Enjoy your motorhome road trip
Travelling by motorhome can be intimidating at first but it’s very rewarding. Only with a motorhome can you explore the world while camping on wheels. With these tips and tricks, you’ll tackle your campervan trip like a pro.
Now that you know some of the best motorhome tips for beginners, all that’s left is to head to our platform to book your dream campervan – if you haven’t already!
