
How to Prepare for a Motorhome Getaway
A break in a motorhome is a classic choice for a reason. It tends to be affordable, compared with the other options. But it also offers unique benefits that are difficult to find elsewhere. There’s nothing quite like the camaraderie you’ll find on certain campsites, and if you’re after a break that’s truly out in the wilderness, the humble (or, not-so-humble) motorhome provides a great way to make it happen.
To get the best from your trip in the motorhome, it’s worth putting in some preparation before you set out. This will make life as comfortable and stress-free as possible, and in some instances, it might guard against disaster.
Let’s run through some key steps to take.
Insurance
If you’re driving on UK roads, you’ll need to ensure that the vehicle is insured. This is a legal requirement. On the other hand, if you’re driving a motorhome, then it might be worth going beyond the legal minimum. Specialised forms of insurance, explicitly targeted at motorhomes, might well be worth looking into. They’ll protect not only the vehicle and third parties, but your belongings, too.
Paperwork
On a related note, you should keep all of the paperwork for insurers and breakdown cover in your motorhome. This will give you peace of mind if you should need to arrange a rescue.
Pack light
You’ll have plenty of space inside the motorhome, and it can be tempting to fill it with stuff. But if you’re going to enjoy a stress-free life in your motorhome, then a better idea might be to travel lighter. Having that sense of space of tidiness can make all the difference to your state of mind when you’re unwinding at the end of the day.
There are, however, a few essentials you’ll always want to take with you. These include pots, pans, blankets, a fire extinguisher, foldable outdoor furniture, and a kettle. Make a list and run through it before you set out. As you gain more experience in the motorhome, you’ll get a feel for what’s really essential and what isn’t.
Plan your routes
The better you know the road ahead, the more enjoyable your trip will be. While we might want a sense of exploration and novelty, we don’t want to be leaping into the unknown every time we set out on a trip. Just in case, have a GPS system and a paper map in the driver’s compartment.
Check the motorhome
Before setting off, you should ensure all your hatches are closed, and that you’ve run through a few safety and technical checks. Ensure that all of your exterior lights are working, and that you’ve recently driven the vehicle. If it’s been sitting on the drive for months, then you’ll want to be sure that it hasn’t developed any problems. It’s often a good idea to arrange a service shortly before you set out.