Essential Knowledge for Novice Motorhome Owners: A Comprehensive Guide to 12 Crucial Points
Embarking on a new adventure, you've invested in a motorhome and found yourself ready to traverse the open roads. Welcome to a realm of liberty, breathtaking landscapes, and the occasional inconvenience. Herein lies a compilation of indispensable advice for the new motorhomer, equipping you with the knowledge to experience a more relaxed journey.
- Understand Your Vehicle's Dimensions
It may seem apparent, but you'll soon discover that your motorhome isn't just a tiny vehicle. To navigate narrow roads, parks, and remember that there's an overhang at the rear, practise your parking and reversing skills in a large, open car park prior to your maiden voyage. Moreover, always verify height clearance to ensure you avoid any low bridges that could result in unwanted adjustments.
- Master the Art of Leveling
A prolonged tilt in your motorhome will become apparent; whether it's during sleep or while enjoying your evening refreshment. Procure an efficient set of motorhome levelling ramps and familiarize yourself with their usage. A small levelling aid is advisable as well, as it will aid in guaranteeing a flat resting position for your vehicle, thereby ensuring optimal sleep, drainage, and stability for your G&T.
- Acknowledge the Value of Water
Essential yet heavy, water is a valuable resource. To conserve weight and fuel, carry only the necessary amount of water and regularly monitor your waste water storage tank to prevent accidental overflow.
- Respect Campsite Etiquette
The camaraderie among motorhomers is strong, with unspoken rules that help maintain harmony. Keep noise levels low, refrain from meandering across another camper's site, and dispose of waste responsibly. Furthermore, ensure that your habitation door opens onto your designated pitch, rather than that of your neighbor.
- Develop a Checklist Habit
Forgetting to properly secure doors and windows before setting off can result in untimely damages, so be meticulous in this regard. Adopt a pre-departure checklist to ensure you don't leave anything behind or risk breaking belongings.
- Appreciate the Fridge Rules
Motorhome refrigerators have specific requirements for optimal performance. They must be level, require ample time to cool, and may struggle to run on 12V unless the engine is on. Pre-cool the fridge before departing and avoid overfilling it to maintain a pleasant temperature and better energy efficiency.
- Embrace the Art of Packing
Avoid the rookie mistake of overpacking. While it may be tempting to stuff your motorhome with various items, remember that space is precious, and weight adds up. Focus on the essentials and discover what truly enriches your journey.
- Anticipate the Unexpected
Planning is key to a successful trip, but understand that circumstances may arise that require adaptability. A sudden change in weather, an alternate route suggested by your sat nav, or showers that are out of service are all examples of unexpected challenges to embrace.
- Engage with Your Fellow Motorhomers
One of the best aspects of motorhoming is the camaraderie. Be friendly, approachable, and share stories - even the embarrassing ones, as we've all been there! Immerse yourself in the spirit of the community and reap the rewards of helpful advice and support.
- Prepare for a Change
Though you may think you've found your perfect motorhome, remember that needs and preferences evolve. Don't be afraid to upgrade, downsize, or alter your layout as time goes on.
- Observe the Motorhome Wave
A legendary tradition of motorhoming is the wave. When passing another motorhome on the road, greet fellow travelers with a nod or wave. This act of camaraderie serves as a reminder of the collective adventure we embark upon, and a single lapse could leave you the 'grumpy motorhomer.'
- Relish the Journey
Motorhome travel is about the adventure - not a race. Take your time to discover hidden gems and appreciate the beauty along the way. Utilize tools like the Garmin Camper 1095 to find suggestions for must-see destinations in the area.
In conclusion, each motorhomer develops their own unique skillset and routines, but the most important piece of advice is to enjoy the journey. The freedom, the camaraderie, and the adventure are what make motorhoming a magical experience.
To stay informed on the latest motorhome news, reviews, and features, subscribe to our monthly magazine or sign up for our weekly newsletter. If you'd like to delve deeper into the world of motorhoming, visit motorhomematt.co.uk to explore our website and podcast.
Prioritize vehicle familiarity, professional training, cautious driving, and smart trip planning to ensure a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable motorhome adventure.
- Understand the dimensions of your motorhome, practise parking and reversing, and verify height clearance to prevent accidents.
- Master the art of leveling your motorhome using levelling ramps, and consider using a levelling aid for optimal sleep and stability.
- Acknowledge the value of water and conserve both weight and fuel by only carrying necessary water and monitoring waste water tanks.
- Respect campsite etiquette by keeping noise low, not meandering across other campsites, disposing of waste responsibly, and ensuring your habitation door opens onto your designated pitch.
- Develop a checklist habit to ensure you secure doors and windows before departing and don't leave anything behind or risk breaking belongings.
- Appreciate the fridge rules, pre-cool the fridge before departure, avoid overfilling it, and ensure it's level for optimal performance.
- Embrace the art of packing by focusing on essential items and discovering what truly enriches your journey.
- Anticipate the unexpected and be adaptable to changes such as weather, alternate routes, or out-of-service showers.
- Engage with your fellow motorhomers and share stories, as camaraderie is one of the best aspects of motorhoming.
- Prepare for a change, and don't be afraid to upgrade, downsize, or alter your layout as needs and preferences evolve.
- Observe the motorhome wave when passing other motorhomes on the road as a symbol of camaraderie among motorhomers.
- Relish the journey and take your time to discover hidden gems and appreciate the beauty along the way.
- Stay informed on the latest motorhome news, reviews, and features by subscribing to a monthly magazine or weekly newsletter, or visiting motorhomematt.co.uk to explore the website and podcast.
- Prioritize vehicle familiarity, professional training, cautious driving, and smart trip planning to ensure a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable motorhome adventure.
