Author: Tim Lemon

Hello to all our old customers and a warm welcome to all you new ones. I am Tim Lemon sales director here at Derby motorhomes in the centre of Derby in the UK. We specialise in selling brand new and second home Auto Sleeper motorhomes and campervans. For a personal appointment please contact me on +44 (0) 1322 360222 option one. Kind regards Tim.

Maintaining your motorhome encourages you to take pride in your holiday home on wheels, of course, but also safeguards what is likely to have been a significant investment. Most important of all, perhaps, maintaining your motorhome also makes sure that it remains safe on the roads and free of health hazards when you are spending your days and nights living in it.

Given the critical importance of motorhome maintenance, therefore, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about it that we receive here at Derby Motorhomes.

Do I have a legal responsibility for maintaining my motorhome?

The Caravan and Motorhome Club reminds us that, while the law does not set out the nature or extent of the maintenance you need to do, it does insist that your motorhome remains in a roadworthy condition.

If you are involved in an accident and your motorhome is shown to be unroadworthy, you are almost certain to be in trouble with the police and may also have invalidated your motorhome insurance policy.

Section 75 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 – which continues to be in force as of the 17th of February 2023 – defines an unroadworthy condition as that which “would involve a danger of injury to any person” – and it is also unlawful to sell or offer for sale any such unroadworthy vehicle.

Isn’t the roadworthiness requirement covered by my MOT?

Your motorhome is only required to have an MOT if it is more than three years old.

Not only that but any MOT only certifies the roadworthiness of your vehicle on the day of the test – it is obviously impossible to predict any change that may occur after that date.

To stay on the right side of the law, therefore, make sure to arrange an MOT test whenever it falls due since you might be fined up to £1,000 if you fail to do so. And if you book your motorhome in for an MOT test by us here at Derby Motorhomes, there is the added benefit of our being able to arrange whatever additional maintenance may be necessary too.

There are some maintenance duties you need to perform on a more frequent basis, just as you would your own car. A regular maintenance check list should include checking the vehicle’s lights and engine coolant level once a week, tyres and engine oil every two weeks, hydraulic fluid for the power steering every month, an annual inspection of the windscreen wipers and regular checks of the windscreen (for damage), screen wash reservoir levels, and the bodywork (for dinks, dents and scrapes).

How do I maintain the interior of my motorhome?

Keeping the interior of your motorhome well-maintained, clean and orderly is a bit like the housekeeping you do at home.

Take your duster to hard surfaces, sweep up bread crumbs and other debris and give it all a thorough vacuuming from time to time, especially when you’ve just returned from a trip away.

Once a year, seriously consider what is called a “habitation” service – this is a service to check and help to maintain the interior of your motorhome and its essential facilities, such as the water supply, gas, electricity supply, and heating.

It is also a good idea not only to drain down your drinking water system from time to time and allow the water to flow through it but also to flush it through with a proprietary antibacterial cleaner.

Whilst many of your motorhome maintenance chores may be done by yourself, why not treat your Auto-sleeper to a thorough mechanical and habitation service with us here at Derby Motorhomes at least once a year?

The basic principles of motor insurance are fairly common to all kinds of vehicles. So, if you have experience arranging your car insurance, very similar rules will apply to the insurance for your motorhome.

Nevertheless, there are some important differences and issues that you may do well to consider – and we outline some of these in what follows.

The basics

By law, of course, as for any motor vehicle you must have at least third-party liability insurance when driving your motorhome on the road.  In fact, current legislation relating to Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE), also requires you to have such insurance in place even if your vehicle is parked up off the road – unless you have completed the established statutory off-road notification (SORN) procedure with the DVLA.

Third-party cover means, essentially, that if anyone claims against you for damages or injuries arising from an accident involving your motorhome, there will be funds available to meet any court awards accordingly.

However, given the typically high value of most motorhomes, owners will usually prefer more comprehensive cover – that includes protection against such risks as the theft of the vehicle, fire damage to it or perhaps its serious damage in an accident.  That additional form of cover is often added to the basic third-party protection required by law so that more comprehensive insurance is achieved.

Motorhome specifics

While the same basic principles hold true, your motorhome is not a car. It has significant differences from a car or even a van used for carrying goods, largely in terms of its typically expensive coachwork and potentially high level of interior finish and equipment.

Many motorhome owners might also have a lot of their own personal possessions with them when they are out and about on the road.

With those considerations in mind, your motorhome might become almost like a form of accommodation in your own home. In other words, you might want to ensure that your motorhome insurance policy also extends cover to all the belongings you customarily take with you or are already installed inside the vehicle on road trips you make.

You will undoubtedly want to think carefully about the type of replacement cover you might need for those internal possessions in the event of their loss or damage. In settlement of any claim, for example, some policies might offer a replacement at market valuation only whereas others may consider offering new-for-old.

With respect to any cover for your belongings, fixtures, and fittings in the motorhome, note also that many policies impose strict conditions on the types of items that can be left in your motorhome when you are not physically present in the vehicle.

Given the high value of motorhomes, it is not unusual to see policies also demanding that comprehensive GPS tracking devices are fitted to your vehicle.

Overall, it’s important to think carefully about your cover and to take advice if you are about to arrange insurance for a motorhome for the first time.  Here at Derby Motorhomes, we will be only too pleased to discuss any of these subjects with you further.

GAP insurance

It may also be appropriate to make a special mention of the desirability of Guaranteed Asset Protection – or GAP cover as it is more commonly known.

If your motorhome is involved in an accident that results in its total loss, motor insurance policies will typically only pay out to the maximum of the vehicle’s depreciated value at that time.  Depending upon the age and type of vehicle concerned, it’s possible that you may end up receiving less from your insurance policy than you still owe in any outstanding finance agreement on the vehicle.

GAP cover is a type of policy specifically aimed at bridging between these two figures.

Other insurance

Also, there are other additional aspects of motorhome insurance that may be worth considering – cover such as motorhome warranty, travel and health insurance, and motorhome breakdown insurance.

Insurance conditions

As a final reminder, it is always important to carefully read the conditions, restrictions, and exclusions incorporated in your motorhome insurance policy documents.

Contrary to some mythology, they do not exist to give your insurance provider wriggle room. In fact, they are there to make clear to the policyholder what you are getting for your money and the conditions with which you must comply to maintain the intended cover provided by your policy.

As we’ve mentioned before if you want to learn more, why not contact us for a discussion?  We’re standing by waiting to help.

Modern motorhomes are very much all-weather leisure vehicles – they are heated and well-insulated, making them a perfect home from home even in the dead of winter.

Even so, it is important to be realistic and recognise that while your motorhome is designed for winter conditions on the roads, these are likely to prove tricky for any driver. The hazards of ice, snow, and severely reduced visibility are all the more challenging if you are driving a motorhome or auto-sleeper.

So here are a few tips and suggestions for safe winter driving in your treasured motorhome:

Be prepared

  • probably the single most important precaution to take before driving in winter is to be prepared;
  • weather conditions may change at a moment’s notice, and you don’t want to be caught off-guard by the sudden appearance of ice, snow, or sleet;
  • indeed, if snow or other severe weather warnings have been issued – as was the advice for all drivers in the Southeast of England on the 11th of December 2022 – then any outing in your motorhome is unlikely to be considered an essential journey and you need to stay at home;
  • you might also want to sign up for the online weather alerts issued by Met Office which can advise you by email of impending danger and hazards on the roads;

Winter tyres and chains

  • if you know we are in for a prolonged cold snap or heavy snowfalls are predicted – you might even be driving your motorhome to one of Europe’s winter sports destinations – you might want to consider investing in winter tyres as a very minimum;
  • in some areas of Austria, France, Germany, and Switzerland, advises the RAC, winter tyres, snow chains or snow socks – textile liners that wrap around the wheels of your motorhome – may be a legal requirement;

Keep a safe distance

  • keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you is ever-green advice – but becomes even more critical in wintertime;
  • as conditions on the roads deteriorate – and especially if there is ice or snow – you may need to triple or even quadruple your distance behind the vehicle in front;
  • that extra gap might make all the difference you need if the vehicle stops suddenly and your braking and final stopping distance is put to the test;
  • even in rain, your braking distance is likely to increase – and on icy roads, says the RAC, you will be well advised to allow up to 10 times the normal recommended distance between you and the car in front;

Demisting

  • winter driving also relies on your having an even more familiar knowledge of your motorhome’s controls – especially the demister;
  • the last thing you want to be doing when trying to concentrate on the road ahead is to be fiddling with unfamiliar controls to get the correct flow of air from the demister;

De-icing

  • clearly, any accumulated ice on the windscreen needs to be removed before setting off but never try to do so by pouring hot water over it – you are likely to crack your windscreen – so, instead, use a patent de-icing spray or liquid to help prevent the accumulation of ice in the first place, invest in a purpose-designed windscreen cover or even use cardboard or an old sheet;
  • be similarly careful when using hot water to heat keys to turn in frozen locks – modern locks are likely to incorporate plastic components which may melt if the key is too hot;

The windscreen washer

  • you’re likely to be needing the windscreen washer to maintain good visibility whilst on the move, so remember to keep the water reserve topped up with an appropriately strong de-icing fluid;

Antifreeze

  • if you have forgotten to do so, or do not know whether the vehicle’s radiator is topped up with antifreeze, have the concentration checked and add more to bring it up to the required level.

Your motorhome is designed for all-weather enjoyment, so don’t hesitate to use it for just that. But remember that extra care, preparation, and precautions may be needed for the challenge of winter driving conditions.

Britain offers a rich diversity of attractive destinations. As we hopscotch around the country, here is our selection of places to consider for a short break in your motorhome.

  1. Dorset

Dorset is one of England’s lesser-known counties and many people simply travel through it on their way to Devon and Cornwall.

That’s a pity because it has some beautiful coastal stretches and some exceptionally pretty inland towns and villages – such as Cerne Abbas.

  1. Isle of Wight

Just a little further along the coast is the Isle of Wight – across a narrow stretch of the Solent that nevertheless gives you the impression of having travelled overseas.

The island has an especially mild climate, is easily accessed by regular ferry services, and has a selection of well-equipped campsites for your motorhome.

  1. Portsmouth

The historic Royal Naval Dockyards and many other nautical attractions make this a must area to visit for those interested in a combination of ships and the military.

There are plenty of famous ships to see. In the unlikely event that you grow bored with all that the City of Portsmouth has to offer, you’ll be right on the doorstep for that ferry ride to the Isle of Wight.

  1. Canterbury

The cathedral city of Canterbury has a rich and important history that helped to shape England as we know it today – it is also one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

Located in Kent – in the south-eastern Garden of England – Canterbury’s historic status has been recognised since the 1st of October 2020 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is also just a 20-30 drive to the coast.

  1. Plymouth

In the opposite direction, on the coast of southwest England, you’ll find the City of Plymouth.

Plymouth Hoe on the waterfront seems little changed from that moment in history – the 20th of July 1588 – when Francis Drake insisted on completing his game of bowls before setting sail to defeat the threat of the Spanish Armada.

  1. Gower Peninsula

It’s almost an island – but not quite. The Gower Peninsula, near Swansea in South Wales, is a haven of peace and tranquility at any time of the year.

It offers stunning coastal paths while inland life continues at the serene pace of a traditional rural community – and many a campsite ready to welcome you and your motorhome.

  1. St Albans

Historic St Albans once went by its ancient Roman name of Verulamium.

It is an attractive smaller city and one which is surrounded by stately homes and other places of interest. No pick of the best motorhome short breaks would be complete without mentioning London – and there are regular fast train services direct from St. Albans into the capital.

  1. Warwickshire and the northern Cotswolds

One big attraction with destinations in Warwickshire and the northern Cotswolds is the simple geographical fact that they sit in the very centre of England. So, it’s easy to reach from just about anywhere – with the possible exception of Scotland!

The countryside is pleasant, with rolling green hills and there are some fantastic tourist centres such as Stratford upon Avon, Kenilworth, Warwick, Leamington Spa and Coventry.

  1. Peak District

The rugged and wild Peak District of Derbyshire has some of the most impressive scenery in central England.

It also has some really interesting towns that are well worth exploring, such as Matlock Baths and Bakewell (home of the famous tart of the same name).

You can take in some of the industrial heritage exhibitions that are close by in southern Yorkshire.

  1. Conway (Conwy) and North Wales

The Snowdonia National Park is right on the doorstep of the charming town of Conway (Conwy in its original Welsh).

There are so many sights in this area including places such as the Blaenau-Ffestiniog railway and Anglesey, that you’ll struggle to get them done in any short break.

  1. Blackpool

It’s probably the most iconic of all the British seaside resorts – the (sometimes faded) glory of Blackpool continues to claim a soft spot in the hearts of its many visitors.

It’s a hive of activity and attractions at any time of the year, so stroll down to the Pleasure Beach and see what’s on.

  1. Lake District

No tourist roadmap of the British Isles would be complete without mention of the Lake District.

The scenery around the lakes is rightly world-famous. Many of the small villages and towns are also well worth visiting, including places such as Kendal – home of the superb and much-loved mint cake.

  1. Bamburgh castle – and surrounding area

A fantastic and often overlooked part of the northeast of England, the coastline around the magnificent Bamburgh Castle is stunning – and the surrounding countryside is mercifully free of crowds for much of the year.

Don’t forget to visit Lindisfarne and Newcastle upon Tyne too while you’re in this part of the world.

  1. Scottish Borders

All too often bypassed by people coming up from the south in their rush to reach Edinburgh and on into the Highlands, the countryside throughout the Scottish Borders is stunningly beautiful and some of the towns such as Jedburgh and Kelso are quaint and unspoiled.

  1. Scottish Highlands

Now it’s true that if you’re based anywhere in England, you might struggle to do a short break into the Scottish Highlands due to the distances involved. Even so, if you are in Scotland or have a few more days to spare when setting out from England, the Highlands are a must for a visit.

You can go right up the middle towards Loch Ness or for a slightly different view of the Western Highlands, try the area around Inveraray which is incredibly beautiful.

Go on, you have to admit it to yourself. However much you cherish your faithful – somewhat ageing – old motorhome, you’ve probably been casting envious eyes at those campsite neighbours who’ve turned up in the shiny new Auto-Sleeper they’ve just driven from the franchise dealer.

Who knows what good fortune awaits you – maybe this is the year you’ll earn your share of jealous looks by upgrading your motorhome to an Auto-Sleeper of your own.

Why upgrade to an Auto-Sleeper?

For anyone with even a passing interest in motorhomes, the models built by Auto-Sleeper are in a class of their own when it comes to quality and reliability – a solid reputation that has been more than 60 years in the making since it was founded in Worcestershire in 1961

It’s not just the Mercedes power unit and chassis, but the overriding sense of space and a clever interior design that won praise and admiration from the reviewers at Caravan Gossip who concluded that the Bourton range delivers on every conceivable front.

If you are upgrading your motorhome to an Auto-Sleeper you are likely to be spoilt for choice by the range of Mercedes models alone – there are five of these to choose from, many of them award-winning and each one a customisable coachbuilt motorhome, from the quintessential luxury of the Bourton through to the ever-popular Burford Duo.

But it is not only the Mercedes fleet of top-quality motorhomes that emerge from Auto-Sleeper’s Orchard Works in Willersey. There is an equally fine range of Peugeot coachbuilts and Peugeot van conversions, with models to suit all users and pockets.

Where can I view an Auto-Sleeper?

For all the magazines and brochures you might read – or even the model you recently spotted first-hand at the campsite – there is unlikely to be anything to beat an inspection that gets you properly up close and personal.

And nowhere are you likely to find such an extensive range of all Auto-Sleeper models on permanent exhibition under one roof than at our centre here at Derby Motorhomes – a heated indoor showroom, no less.

It’s here that you can step up into whichever motorhome takes your fancy, take a seat behind the wheel or in the luxurious interior, open and close the drawers and cupboards and truly imagine yourself on holiday in your dream home away from home.

How can I upgrade to an Auto-Sleeper?

You’d like to upgrade your motorhome to an Auto-Sleeper, but how are you going to afford it, you’re probably asking yourself.

At Derby Motorhomes once again the choice is all yours.

One way we are committed to helping is by guaranteeing a fair, top-notch part-exchange price if you are looking to upgrade. Our website may help to start the ball rolling by inviting you to submit details of any motorhome or campervan you want to offer in part exchange. On the strength of that description, we can provide you with a valuation as speedily as possible.

We are also able to arrange motorhome finance at what we believe are competitive rates – even if your credit history is less than perfect. If you choose to fund your purchase that way, you may do so in the confidence that we are duly authorised and registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – which regulates the providers of such credit.

You have probably heard that all the rage in car finance these days is something called Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) – you might even be buying your car through just such a scheme. And that is yet a further method of financing the purchase of an Auto-Sleeper if you are upgrading your motorhome.

For those more comfortable and at home with established, traditional forms of finance, we can also offer hire purchase agreements.

For anyone who already owns a motorhome, is thinking of buying one, or is just itching to find out what makes them so popular, a motorhome show offers a showcase of everything you could hope to find out about these leisure vehicles.

Fortunately, the UK boasts a fairly full calendar of motorhome shows across the country and throughout the entire year. The biggest and probably most popular of these is the Caravan, Camping, and Motorhome Show held at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC), towards the end of February each year.

But there are plenty of other shows, too, so that you’re never likely to be far from one coming soon to where you live. Because of the range and variety of everything on display at these shows, it makes good sense to spend a moment or two thinking about how you can make the most of your time there:

Why are you going?

  • it might seem like too obvious a question, but if you have sorted out in your mind just why you are heading off to the show, it may help you to make the most of the day;
  • if you have a definite plan to buy a new motorhome soon, for example, you might find discounts and other deals being offered by suppliers at the exhibition – so you might want to line up any finance for your new motorhome before you go;
  • if you are going just to browse, you might want to give yourself that extra time and space by organising a weekday visit, when there are fewer crowds, and you can wander to your heart’s content;

What’s there?

  • of all the many motorhome shows around the country at various times of the year, just remember that every one of them is different;
  • most have a website where you can find details of what is going to be on display and perhaps even a site plan of exhibitors;
  • before show day, make a note of those manufacturers of motorhomes, suppliers of accessories, and any other exhibits in which you are likely to be interested;
  • this is to help make sure that you cover everything you want to cover, in a place where you are almost certain to be side-tracked and distracted by the new or unusual – your list of “must sees” may help to provide some focus;
  • the reason for going and knowing what’s there may help you to devise a plan for the best use of your day;
  • you might want to regard it as a list of intentions, though, rather than any hard and fast schedule that you must stick to at all costs – allow for sufficient flexibility in your planning;

Motorhome show or permanent exhibition?

  • although it is easy enough to find a schedule of different motorhome shows that are going to be staged at various times of the year in different parts of the country, remember, too that there are also more permanent displays and exhibitions;
  • our own exhibition centre here at Derby Motorhomes in Derby, for example, offers year-round displays of a huge selection of new and used vehicles, supplemented by a comprehensive, user-friendly and personalised website and social media experience for anyone interested in buying their next motorhome;

What type of motorhome?

  • it’s a motorhome show, so you might want to give some thought beforehand to the type of motorhome you want;
  • where are you likely to be driving one, for example – how long do you plan to be behind the wheel and how long inside your motorhome once you’ve set up your base;
  • what standard of accommodation are you looking for and how many people does it need to sleep – something as simple as adequate headroom for the tallest member of the family could make all the difference;
  • where are you going to park or store your motorhome when it’s not in use and where can you take it for repairs, servicing, and maintenance;

A family day out?

  • a motorhome show can make for a great family day out – and the kids are likely to be just as excited as you about the next holiday adventure;
  • remember, though, that their attention span may be less single-minded than your own and you might want to be prepared to offer them other distractions, too – soft drinks and munchies for starters.

Your visit to a motorhome show is likely to prove a fun-packed and absorbing experience – but a little forethought and planning might help you make the most of it.

Whether you are a newcomer to the market for buying a motorhome or a seasoned old hand, one of the exciting parts of choosing your next make and model is the research you can put into browsing the many and varied types of vehicle that are available – both new and second hand.

Through that research, you may build up a clear picture of what is available but also what types of motorhome, what makes and models, what sizes and layouts and what prices might begin to meet your particular, individual needs and requirements.

We take pride in our experience and expertise in practically every aspect of motorhome ownership, yet still we could not hope to address every question or query in a brief article such as this. Your tastes, preferences, and choices are entirely personal, so you’ll be guided by those requirements and circumstances that are unique to you.

But where do you start? What goes into researching the possibilities and choosing your next motorhome – and why does that choice so often point in the direction of a motorhome made by Auto-Sleepers?

The research

Researching motorhomes is by no means difficult. Literally thousands of websites are ready to visit at the click of a mouse or the touch of your tablet.

Make a start now and you are soon likely to drill down to your shortlist of motorhomes to buy, others to keep an eye on for the future, and all manner of tips and suggestions on owning your own vehicle.

The internet

While the internet may be immediately and easily accessible – just search for “UK motorhomes” – it’s likely to produce a scattergun result of more than half a million links for you to follow.

Fortunately, therefore, there are other rich sources you might like to tap:

Dealers

  • a visit to your motorhome dealer is the ideal way to focus your research and to make it altogether more meaningful;
  • start by identifying those motorhome dealers, franchises, retailers, and manufacturers within more or less easy reach of your home;
  • although the amount and quality of information are likely to vary quite widely from one dealer – and their website – to another, any reputable supplier probably posts well-illustrated content, which gives you the chance not only to read the descriptions (in varying degrees of detail) but also to see makes and models which might pique your interest;
  • some dealers may also let you download or order catalogues of this year’s latest models;

Reviews

  • there are also online magazines which publish reviews of motorhomes – with Practical Motorhome, as just one example, offering at least one major, detailed review each week;

Exhibitions

  • webpages and hard copy may give you many leads, but probably leave you itching to see the real thing for yourself;
  • for the chance to get up close and personal with your favourite models, check out the dates and places of some of the many motorhome and caravan shows that take place all around the country each year;
  • remember, too, that more permanent exhibition spaces are maintained by leading dealers – such as ourselves here at Derby Motorhomes, where our extensive indoor showrooms give you a hands-on experience of a huge range of models, all under one roof where you can stay out of the wind and the rain for viewings on wintry days;
  • in fact, we are especially conscious of the need to provide our customers with a seamless experience between online research and browsing and the chance to see and sit in a selection of motorhomes for themselves – so, our website, the descriptions, illustrations, and downloadable catalogues, together with the extensive facilities here at our site in Derby, are all designed to offer just that experience;

Clubs

  • as you continue your research into motorhomes, you might want to mark some of the websites you visit as favourites to visit more regularly;
  • the Caravan and Motorhome Club, which was founded more than 100 years ago, maintains regularly updated sections of its website dedicated not only to subjects such as choosing and buying a motorhome but also listings of some of the campsites you might visit;
  • the Camping and Caravanning Club devotes perhaps even more space and consideration to motorhomes – including an especially detailed menu of articles on everything from choosing your motorhome, buying guides, driving tips, and care for your motorhome.

Your type of motorhome

For all investigations and studies, it helps, of course, if you have at least a rough idea of the type of motorhome you are after and just how you – and your family – may be planning to use it.

When you’re thinking about the likely use that you and your family might make of a motorhome, it can be helpful to consider the broad categories into which these specialist vehicles are typically sub-divided:

Campervans

  • these are typically relatively small vehicles with basic sleeping facilities and possibly some additional catering and hygiene facilities too;
  • if you are unfamiliar with them, you may be able to picture one by thinking of those now-legendary VW camper vans of the late 1960s, which were immortalised by the Hippy Movement;
  • today’s campervans, though, are entirely different and almost sophisticated by comparison – yet they remain small vehicles and are likely to be best suited to couples who may not plan on taking children or others with them on their trips;

Van conversions

  • in the great majority of cases, these are larger and much more luxuriously equipped than campervans;
  • they’re typically based around the idea of a smaller standard commercial van which has been extensively customised internally to provide sleeping and other accommodation-related facilities;
  • they are extremely popular and for many, are regarded as a sort of “entry-level motorhome”;

Coach-built motorhomes

  • selected manufacturers turn out luxury, coach-built motorhomes in the UK;
  • typically, these are vehicles that contain an engine, chassis and perhaps some other fundamental structural components, so that onto the chassis a coachbuilder will then design and build the required luxury accommodation;
  • these are superb vehicles and offer high-quality accommodation such as multiple berths, fully fitted kitchens, and luxury shower and WC facilities;
  • by definition, these tend to be larger than van conversions and offer extremely viable holiday accommodation;

Recreational Vehicles (RVs)

  • the terminology is sometimes confusing;
  • in North America, “motorhomes” are commonly called “RVs” and in the UK, that term is starting to be used to describe motorhomes, too – though an added complication is that the term can also be exclusively applied to some of those exceptionally large motorhome vehicles that you may see on the roads with the size and appearance almost akin to a semi-articulated commercial vehicle;
  • when the vehicle described as an RV is an exceptionally large rig, it may well have been imported from the United States;
  • it is imperative, if you are considering purchasing such a motorhome, to be sure that it is fully road legal in the UK and European Union – you might also need a special licence to drive one;

Trailer tents and “collapsibles”

  • we include these here only for completeness and orientation because few would consider them to qualify as a motorhome;
  • these vehicles are usually something along the lines of a small van or perhaps a trailer with collapsible or flexible walls packed away inside, which can be pulled out and opened up to construct what is essentially a tent.

Why you might choose Auto-Sleepers

So, you’ve done your research and you’ve homed in on the type of motorhome most likely to meet you and your family’s needs. What is it about the Auto-Sleepers marque that is likely to make it a favourite choice?

The magazine Manufacturing Today describes Auto-Sleepers as “one of the best known and loved brands in the UK”. Indeed, there is no shortage of reasons for choosing to buy an Auto-Sleepers model.

It’s no accident – but a testament to the build quality and design of their motorhomes – that Auto-Sleepers consistently walk away with some of the major prizes in the annual Owner Satisfaction Awards organised jointly by the Camping and Caravanning Club and Practical Caravan magazine.

So, let’s take a closer look at just why Auto-Sleepers make such a good buy:

Safety first

Quality

  • it is the quality of the craftsmanship that goes into every handcrafted model from Auto-Sleepers that probably draws most buyers – and wins the envious glances of other motorhome owners;
  • from their factory at Willersey, in the Cotswolds, the company has spent the past 60 years or so perfecting the art of producing custom-made motorhomes, to designs which have time and again proven to be ahead of their times – and always in a class of their own;

Derby Motorhomes

  • talk about the design and craftsmanship of Auto-Sleepers might come easily, but you don’t have to take our word for it – get up close and personal with the full range of models and see for yourself at our extensive showrooms and exhibition centre here at Derby Motorhomes in Derby;
  • as winter approaches and the wet and windy weather sets in, you can experience first-hand encounters with as many motorhomes as you like, all in the dry and heated comfort of our indoor space – and contentedly dream of those sunny summer days touring in the luxury of your own motorhome;

Your choice

  • browse the Auto-Sleeper listings for 2023 and you will get your first glimpse of the extremely wide range of new models available – including awarding-winning panel van conversions, coach-built versions using the popular Peugeot chassis, your own bespoke form of luxury built on chassis from Mercedes, or launched in 2022 the new Ford Air Camper;
  • the possibilities do not stop there – your choice of additional features and accessories combine to offer endless variations for personalising your Auto-Sleepers to your precise specifications;
  • a customised choice of fabrics for the furniture and furnishings, for example, or the addition of accessories such as bicycle carriers, in-vehicle entertainment systems and solar panels;

Transparent pricing

  • here at Derby Motorhomes, we are especially keen to keep things perfectly clear and straightforward when it comes to perhaps your biggest concern – pricing
  • to that end, we identify every component of the total price you are likely to pay – the basic price, plus VAT, the ex-works price, the cost of delivery (if necessary), the cost of any additional features or accessories you have chosen, and the final, effective price on the road of your Auto-Sleepers.

Just as Auto-Sleepers has gained its status as the mainstay of motorhome manufacturing in the UK, so Derby Motorhomes strives to keep its place as one of the country’s leading dealerships.

We recognise that choosing a new motorhome is not something to be rushed.

Even with entry-level purchases, choosing a new motorhome is going to involve spending a significant amount of money and it’s important that you get it right – and match your purchase to your precise requirements and circumstances.

Our primary objective is to ensure you get a vehicle that you are happy with rather than simply selling you a motorhome. We’d welcome the opportunity to prove that by discussing this entire subject with you further – just visit our showrooms in Derby or give us a call on 01332 360222.

The big day has come. As the proud new owner of a motorhome, you’re ready to embark on your very first trip!

It’s worth curbing that natural enthusiasm for just a moment or two longer to carry out a few helpful “pre-flight checks” and run through your travel plans once you’re on the road. As far as the following tips and suggestions go, let’s assume that you’ll be staying within the UK for at least your first foray or two.

Eventually, and with experience, you’ll almost certainly discover that the time well spent on these pre-outing preparations becomes second nature – practically instinctive.

To give you some idea of the importance of getting the packing, stowing, and last-minute preparations right, you’re unlikely to find anything more comprehensive than the Wandering Bird’s treatment of the subject – and if you’d rather watch than read, there is even a self-explanatory video to accompany their article.

As a rule of thumb, the checklist is likely to feature all or some of the following. For example:

The vehicle

  • check that everything inside is correctly stowed and secured – get it right to avoid spending a potential fortune later if things go wrong, suggests the motorhome rental website Goboony which describes the task of packing as both difficult and easy at the same time;
  • although you’ll have more room for your baggage than if you were staying in a hotel, don’t get carried away with the temptation to pack too much;
  • walk around your motorhome and inspect it from the outside to be sure that everything appears to be where it should be;
  • make sure that all the mechanics and internal fittings are working correctly;
  • disconnect all gas supplies (disconnection is not always quite as straightforward as it seems, so you might need to follow the manufacturer’s specific advice on that one);
  • check that all the electrics – the vehicle’s external system for signalling and lights and internal illumination) – are OK;
  • remember to confirm where you stand with any need for a TV licence – broadly speaking, if your normal place of residence will be empty while you’re away or nobody will be using the TV there, your motorhome TV should continue to be covered. But if someone else back home will be using the TV (your grown-up kids might have stayed behind, for example), you may need a separate licence for the set in your motorhome;
  • pack a good toolkit – and familiarise yourself with how each piece works;
  • include some emergency lighting and dependable, fully charged torches;
  • make certain that you have a good first-aid kit available that is within its “use by” dates;
  • take some means of heating with you or confirm that anything built-in will be adequate – as any native will know only too well, that might be important even at the height of a British summer, so it’s certainly worth checking;
  • make sure the appropriate water tanks and reservoirs have been filled;

The adventure

  • a story in the Daily Mail on the 23rd of June 2022 described the surge in popularity of motorhome holidays as the means of enjoying your staycation;
  • so, remember to double-check the location of your campsite and the reservations you have made there – this is especially important if your first trip happens to coincide with a bank holiday or any school holiday periods;
  • plan your route carefully – whether you use satnav or good old-fashioned maps, this is important since you won’t want to discover low bridges or impassably small access tracks only for the first time when trying to reach your site by that scenic route;
  • plan a route that avoids as many towns and village centres as possible – old narrow streets and large motorhomes can be incompatible with public harmony and tranquillity;
  • check that your insurance is valid and up to date – although that’s almost certainly the case, it’s always good practice to check such an essential before setting off
  • have maps to hand – even with a satnav on board, having a big-picture old-fashioned map, opened in your passenger’s lap, is sometimes invaluable when the electronic device just doesn’t seem to be making sense or you need a quick decision;
  • practise driving and manoeuvring your vehicle beforehand – if you’re still a novice, or feel a little uncomfortable behind the wheel of a motorhome, setting off on your first trip is probably not the best time to learn;
  • consider taking a motorhome manoeuvring course – both the Camping and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club run them – to build your confidence.
  • at the very least, you might want to find somewhere quiet and safe, like a supermarket car park when it’s closed, and practice your basics like reversing and parking before you load up and set off;
  • brush up on the best practice rules of the road for motorhomes – manoeuvres such as attempting to overtake lorries and getting stuck in the outside lane because your motorhome can’t quite make it can quickly lead to difficulties and dangers.

Daunted by this seemingly long list of tips and suggestions? Don’t be intimidated by it. As we have said, most of it will become second nature after your first couple of excursions so enjoy what will be the first of many – it’s a great moment to celebrate.

Whether it’s during the summer season or tucked up at home in the wintertime, there’s one thing likely to pique the interest of any motorhome owner – and that’s any opportunity to accessorise the beloved vehicle.

Even though your motorhome is already likely to be equipped to a high standard – especially if you’re lucky enough to own an Auto-Sleepers model – there’s always an opportunity to add a dash of your own personality. Accessories can give that extra definition as well as add more comfort and luxury – it’s what motorhome owners call accessorising.

Here are our thoughts on some of the most popular and potentially most useful accessories you’re likely to find.

Satellite TV

Old-style camping might have left you with little to do in the evenings except to play cards, dominoes, or board games. Thanks to the march of technology, TV in your motorhome can these days play a part in your evening’s recreation.

At one time, trying to get portable satellite technology into your motorhome (and the dish locked onto the beam) virtually required a team of rocket scientists and a budget the size of NASA’s. Fortunately, those days are now long gone and it’s really easy to get some great and easily configured satellite dishes and associated TV receptors.

If you own an Auto-Sleepers motorhome, of course, you’re almost certain to find that it’s already fitted with built-in WiFi alongside an LCD TV Point – or even the optional extra of a Mercedes-Benz or Peugeot Media Pack.

A WiFi booster

When your motorhome is fitted with the latest onboard technology, the last thing you’ll want to discover is that your campsite has not kept up to date with all that’s available or is in an especially remote part of the country.

That’s when you’ll be glad of your own WiFi booster – a simple and affordable piece of kit that can help keep you in touch and use all of those internet-based facilities you would do from home.

Awnings

These are fantastic for extending the living space of your motorhome. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, solution types and of course, prices.

In passing, remember your motorhome insurance might require you to take certain common-sense steps to protect your awnings when you are away from your vehicle.

A barbecue

Even with the best-equipped motorhome galley in the world, nothing quite beats cooking over an open flame in the open air – a barbecue is an intrinsic part of the whole camping experience.

You’ll not need to invest in a barbecue capable of feeding a football crowd either – they now come in extremely small and lightweight sizes, suitable for use outside motorhomes.

In partnership with the British Beekeepers Association, Valiant make an especially trim and foldaway barbecue ideal for packing into your motorhome and breaking open when you fancy an alfresco meal.

Fold up outdoor furniture

This may sound like something of a no-brainer when it comes to accessorising your motorhome. Yet strangely, it can sometimes be overlooked, and you might suddenly find yourself with nowhere to sit outside on a beautiful day.

This also isn’t any longer a question of digging out that old rickety deck chair that belonged to your grandparents (in fact, they’re just the kind of item that might be collectable and valuable!).

Current ultra-modern designs offer a range of sitting and fantastically inventive table solutions – and they can be collapsed back into incredibly compact sizes for storage and transportation.

Portable external lamps

These can be essential for maximising your time outside once the sun has gone down. They come in various shapes and sizes and use different sorts of technologies.

Solar-powered varieties are great for providing a very low level of basic finding-your-feet safety but for greater illumination, you may need to look at battery-powered models.

Yet again, this is an area where prices have fallen hugely over recent years – as a brief glance at the relevant Amazon UK pages will show.

Summary

Many motorhome veterans will tell you that accessorising your motorhome can be great fun and that the choice available today is vast.

Why not take a few minutes to browse an online catalogue or two? You may get some really great ideas from doing so.

It’s no secret that at Derby Motorhomes we’re great fans of Auto-Sleepers motorhomes and we’ve developed a huge amount of experience with Auto-Sleepers over many years. We’d like to share that with you in the following selection of some of the most frequently asked Auto-Sleeper questions (FAQs) we receive.

Do Auto-Sleepers build motorhomes?

Like all the best answers, we can give this one both a yes and a no!

Auto-Sleepers is based in the Cotswolds and builds coachwork and undertakes van conversions. They do not build engines, transmission systems, or any of the mechanical features of a motorhome.

An Auto-Sleepers motorhome will use state-of-the-art power plants and chassis from companies such as Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Fiat, or most recently Ford, but everything related to accommodation and fittings will be sourced and installed themselves.

What is a van conversion and how does it differ from a motorhome?

This one comes up regularly in Auto-Sleepers FAQs we receive.

Essentially, a motorhome has had its entire accommodation unit designed and built bottom-up for accommodation purposes. A van conversion is based upon a standard van supplied by a major manufacturer which is then specifically customised and configured into luxury accommodation.

By and large, van conversions are typically smaller and have less space internally than coachbuilt motorhomes.

Some people always differentiate in speech or writing between motorhomes and van conversions. Others describe them all as motorhomes.

Whatever you call them, you can view our entire range of motorhomes in our heated, indoor, exhibition centre here in Derby.

How do collapsible caravans fit into the picture?

These are typically trailers that have a caravan/tent folded up inside. Once you arrive at your campsite, the pieces are unfolded and connected up to provide what is typically semi-rigid tented accommodation.

They are not usually considered to be motorhomes.

Is it better to purchase a new or used Auto-Sleepers motorhome?

There are multiple arguments for both. We won’t take a position! But that won’t stop us from making a few of the more obvious observations.

Whatever vehicle is being discussed, the logic behind purchasing pre-used as opposed to new is usually either:

•       price – pre-used vehicles are usually cheaper, of course (all other things considerations equal); and

•       model – sometimes buyers might prefer a given model that’s since been discontinued, although this is rare.

In terms of price, Auto-Sleepers motorhomes typically hold their values well. Of course, a three-year-old vehicle is likely to cost less than a brand new one, but the difference might be less than would be the case with a typical motor car – since cars attract a notoriously high rate of depreciation.

Some people prefer to own a vehicle that’s brand new in the knowledge nobody else has used it. Other buyers don’t feel strongly at all about such things. In other words, it often boils down to a simple question of personal preference.

Can I customise my Auto-Sleepers motorhome?

You have options to select one of many varying configurations and décor schemes – and can choose from a wide range of optional packs – such as our Premium Packs, Winter Packs, Media Packs, or Roof Options.

After purchase, you can customise your motorhome as you wish – although we’d urge a degree of caution about just how far you choose to go.

If you are planning to customise your vehicle, it’s important to use a fully-qualified and thoroughly experienced company to help. Secondly, remember that perhaps contrary to some expectations, customisation of a motorhome can actually reduce rather than enhance its resale value.

That’s because the value of an Auto-Sleepers motorhome is driven in part by its exemplary quality and superb engineering. If you start to dismantle things and replace them with someone else’s, then you may reach a point where some potential buyers and dealerships would no longer regard it as an Auto-Sleepers’ product – you may have undermined at least a part of its attraction and value.