First-Time Owners: Tips and Considerations
With years of experience working at a motorhome dealership, I had the pleasure of guiding many first-time owners as they embarked on their journey into the world of motorhoming. I've learned what questions and challenges new owners often face through countless conversations. Below are some crucial advice and insights to help you get started. Whether you're choosing your first motorhome or planning your first adventure, this page covers key topics to remember. At the bottom of the page, you'll also find a handy 'pre-flight checklist' – a quick guide to help ensure you're fully prepared before setting off on your journey, leaving the campsite, or departing from home. Happy travels!
Who is the motorhome for?
When purchasing your first motorhome, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and gravitate toward larger models with extra beds, space, and storage. But before you decide, take a moment to ask yourself: Who is the motorhome really for? If it's just for you or you and a partner, do you need a sizeable 6-berth motorhome? Medium-sized motorhomes with two berths often offer plenty of storage without the extra bulk. For example, if you don't plan on using an over-cab bed, consider a model with over-cab storage instead – it's far more practical.
Extra Seatbelts:
Do you need them? Some buyers focus on having extra seatbelts in the rear, anticipating trips with family or friends. While this can be handy, it's worth considering how often others will join you. Extra seatbelts occupy valuable space and can significantly affect the motorhome's interior layout. Many first-time buyers later realise they rarely use the additional seats and wish they had chosen a smaller, more practical motorhome.
For Families:
Safety and comfort should be top priorities if you're buying a motorhome for your family. Ensure every passenger has an adequately installed seatbelt, which is a legal requirement. Also, think carefully about sleeping arrangements – if you're a family of five or six, choose a motorhome that can comfortably sleep everyone. It might seem obvious, but many families squeeze into 4-berth motorhomes, leading to uncomfortable nights with sleeping bags on the floor. Comfort is essential for a delightful holiday!
Storage Needs:
A motorhome with a large garage can be invaluable for families or couples who travel with lots of gear. Whether it's bikes, outdoor equipment, or extra luggage, ample storage can make your travels much smoother. By carefully considering your needs – and those of your travel companions – you'll find a motorhome ideally suited to your lifestyle, ensuring many enjoyable and stress-free adventures ahead!
Where to Store Your Motorhome:
Deciding where to store your motorhome is an integral part of ownership. If you have the space, the easiest and most convenient option is to keep it on your driveway. This lets you quickly transfer gear between your home and the motorhome, check on its condition regularly, and keep it secure. If driveway space isn't available, parking it on the pavement outside your home might be an option. However, this comes with risks, such as damage from passing vehicles or pedestrians. For those without space at home, secure storage facilities are an alternative. Many local storage sites offer tight security, giving you peace of mind. The downside is the added effort of transporting items to and from your motorhome and factoring in extra time at the start and end of your trips.
Ensuring Sufficient Power on the Road:
Powering your motorhome depends mainly on where you stay: Fully Serviced Sites: Your 230v electrical systems will run without issue at caravan parks with mains electricity. Off-Grid Adventures: If you prefer remote stays without electric hook-ups, your 12v leisure battery is essential. However, the battery will deplete over time without being recharged. To extend your off-grid power: Consider installing a solar panel to recharge the battery using daylight. Add a second leisure battery for double the capacity. Invest in a generator for additional power, though be mindful of its weight and cost. Planning your power needs ensures you'll stay comfortable, no matter where your travels take you.
Understanding Your Gas System:
Gas powers many essential appliances in a motorhome, including the hob, grill, oven, fridge, heating, and hot water. Depending on the type of gas system, your motorhome will use either: Exchangeable Bottles: These require manual replacement when empty. They're straightforward to swap but slightly more expensive. Refillable Systems: These allow you to refill a fixed or underslung gas bottle at an LPG station. Refilling is cheaper, but LPG stations are becoming harder to find in some areas, so check for local options before committing to this system. Underslung refillable bottles are common for van conversions to save valuable storage space. Larger motorhomes, such as coach-built and A-Class models, can often be retrofitted with refillable systems to replace exchangeable bottles.
Gas Usage Considerations:
How quickly you use gas depends on how often you rely on your appliances. Newer motorhomes usually combine gas and electric systems for heating and hot water, which can extend the longevity of your gas supply. If you're travelling abroad, note that LPG refills are still widely available in most European countries, but always plan ahead to ensure you can refill when needed.
Onboard Water Systems in Your Motorhome:
Fresh Water Supply: The water system in your motorhome varies depending on its type: Camper Van Conversions: Typically, they have a smaller onboard water tank refilled from inside the vehicle. This tank usually supplies cold water to the sink tap. Larger Van Conversions, Coach-Built, and A-Class Motorhomes: These are equipped with larger freshwater tanks filled from the outside using clean water. These tanks can be installed inside the motorhome or underneath the vehicle. If one is fitted, the water is used for sink taps, showers, toilet flushes, and the hot water system. Is the water safe to drink? This largely depends on your preferences and how well the tank is maintained. While a new motorhome's tank may be free of contaminants, secondhand vehicles might require extra care. Use water tank cleaning products to ensure the inside of the tank is clean. Many motorhome owners prefer to use onboard water for cleaning and toilet use while carrying bottled water for drinking.
Where your used water goes depends on your motorhome: Smaller Camper Vans: Often, they rely on a bottle or bucket to collect wastewater from the sink drain, which somebody can empty safely. Larger Motorhomes: Typically, a grey water tank is fitted beneath the vehicle. This tank collects wastewater from the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and shower. To empty the grey water tank, use the external tap, usually located on the side or underside of the motorhome. Campsites provide designated areas for greywater disposal, but if you're off-grid, you'll need to find a safe and suitable place to drain it. A portable water barrel can also be handy for collecting and transporting grey water to a disposal site.
Toilet Water System:
The motorhome's toilet system flushes using water from the freshwater tank. In some models, a separate flush water tank must be filled independently. Toilet waste collects in a small, removable cassette or cartridge, which needs regular emptying. Campsites usually have a dedicated disposal area for toilet waste. When travelling off-grid or in remote areas, ensure you find a practical and environmentally safe location to empty the cassette.
Popular Exterior Extras for Your Motorhome:
Modern motorhomes and campervans come well-equipped, but you can add plenty of extras to enhance your experience. Below, we'll explore some of the most popular additions that owners choose to install, starting with the exterior: Bike Carriers: For cycling enthusiasts, a bike carrier is a must. These can usually be mounted to the rear wall of the motorhome and securely hold between one and four bikes. If your vehicle's rear wall isn't suitable for a carrier, consider having a tow-ball fitted to the back chassis. Please keep in mind: If the bike rack obstructs your vehicle's number plate, you'll need to add a plate to the carrier. If the rack blocks the rear lights, you'll need a trailer board with lights and a tow-ball fitted with an electric socket. Awnings: An awning is one of the most popular external additions. Mounted to the side of your motorhome, it extends outward to provide a sheltered area—perfect for setting up tables and chairs or simply relaxing in the shade. Awning Tips: Always retract the awning in strong winds to prevent damage to the canopy and your vehicle. Never leave the awning extended when you're away from the motorhome. For even more space, you can add an awning tent to create an extra room. This is useful as a sleeping area or as additional storage while parked. Solar Panels: If you love off-grid adventures, solar panels are a fantastic option. Installed on the roof (space permitting), they charge your batteries throughout the day. Key points to consider: Some systems charge only the leisure battery, while others can charge both the leisure and vehicle batteries. A battery power inverter can further enhance the usability of solar power. Reversing Camera and Sensors: Installing a reversing camera and sensors can make parking and manoeuvring much easier for added safety and convenience. While large wing mirrors provide good visibility, a camera helps eliminate blind spots, especially when your rearview mirror isn't functional. TV Aerials and Satellite Dishes: If you enjoy watching TV while travelling, consider adding a TV aerial. Many motorhomes have external aerial sockets for campsite connections, or you can use a free-standing aerial. For more channels and international viewing: A satellite dish can provide a broader range of TV options, including access to your favourite channels while abroad. While excellent, these systems can be expensive and require periodic maintenance. Wi-Fi Systems: Stay connected on the road with a Wi-Fi system using a 4G or 5G antenna mounted to the roof. These systems allow you to use a SIM card for internet access, especially for European travel. Be sure to choose a SIM card with coverage abroad if you travel internationally. External BBQ Points: An external BBQ point is a fantastic addition for summer evenings or outdoor cooking enthusiasts. It's great for preparing meals outside while keeping your motorhome free of lingering food smells.
Popular Interior Extras for Your Motorhome:
Your motorhome's interior can be enhanced with various extras to make your travels more enjoyable and convenient. Here are some of the most popular interior upgrades that owners often choose to install: Television: A TV is one of the most sought-after extras for motorhome interiors. While many motorhomes come equipped with a TV aerial and socket, you may need to install a TV bracket to keep the screen secure during transit. Tips for setting up your TV: Opt for a double or triple arm bracket to allow easy swivelling, ensuring optimal viewing angles from different seating areas. Some European motorhomes include a dedicated cupboard for the TV, which slides out on rails for easy access when in use. If you plan to watch live channels, consider installing a TV aerial or satellite dish. However, you may not need additional equipment if you prefer watching DVDs or pre-downloaded box sets. Air-Conditioning Unit: Although air-conditioning units aren't commonly found in UK motorhomes, some owners opt for this feature, especially if they frequently travel to hotter regions like Europe. Things to consider before installing air conditioning: Installing an air-conditioning unit often requires sacrificing a roof light, reducing natural light in the motorhome. These units typically run on 230v mains power, although they can be used off-grid with the right inverter and power setup. Keep in mind that they consume a significant amount of energy. Air-conditioning units can be expensive, so it's worth weighing the cost against how often you'll need it, especially if you primarily travel in cooler climates like the UK. Extra Electric Sockets: Electric sockets can be handy for charging multiple devices when travelling with family. If your motorhome only has one or two sockets, don't let it deter you—this is an easy upgrade. Socket options include Extra 230v mains sockets, 12v sockets for running low-power devices, and USB ports for charging phones, tablets, and other gadgets. A trained technician can install these sockets safely and discreetly to suit your needs. Water Filter: A water filter is valuable if you plan to drink water directly from your freshwater tank. These filters can be installed discreetly beneath your kitchen sink and provide clean, safe-for-drinking water.
Pre-Flight Checklist for Your Motorhome Journey
Before hitting the road, ensure your motorhome is ready for a safe and stress-free journey with this handy checklist:
Exterior Checks
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Unplug and store the main hook-up cable securely.
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Please turn off the gas bottle and ensure it is securely fastened inside the gas locker.
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Retract and secure the awning properly.
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Check the bike rack to confirm bikes are safely fastened.
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Close and lock all exterior locker doors securely.
Appliance & Interior Prep
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Switch the fridge to 12v power to keep it running while driving (if applicable).
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Store all loose items to prevent movement during transit.
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Ensure cupboard doors are latched and secure.
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Ensure doors are closed and latched.
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Turn off or configure the control panel for driving mode.
Furniture & Electronics
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Secure the dining table or store it in a safe location.
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Check your TV bracket: Secure the TV or remove it and store it if advised by the bracket manufacturer.
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Lower the TV aerial and ensure it’s facing the direction of travel.
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Close and secure the satellite dish in its travel position.
Windows & Roof Lights
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Close and lock all windows to prevent drafts or leaks.
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Ensure all roof lights are closed and secure for travel.
By following this checklist, you’ll have peace of mind that your motorhome is road-ready and everything inside is safe and secure.
Enjoy your journey!