Category: Motorhome Advice

It’s very nearly that time of year once again! The days are getting longer, warmer, and the sun more reliably appears. It’s time for getting ready for summer with your motorhome.

You might not have been using it so much during the winter months, so it’s worth pausing to think about what might need doing to take to the roads once again in a motorhome that is clean, orderly and comfortable.

Servicing and maintenance

Have you given your motorhome its annual inspection and service yet?

As you’ll see from our webpage, at Derby Motorhomes we offer a wide range of mechanical and habitation services, tailored to your particular make and model, MOT tests, repairs, accessory fitting, and warranty work – just let us know what you need doing and book it in.

MOT and insurance

If your motorhome has passed its third birthday since first registration, you must hold a valid and up to date MOT certificate – that is the law and you may be fined up to £1,000 if you do not have one.

Find out how to check your MOT expiry date.

You must also make sure that your motor insurance is fully up to date, since it is illegal to drive your motorhome on the roads or in any public space without a minimum of third party insurance – and may again face stiff penalties, including the suspension of your driving licence if you fail to have the cover.

Re-familiarise yourself

If it’s been a while since you had your motorhome out on the road it may be worthwhile just spending a moment or two sitting at the wheel and familiarising yourself with all the controls once again.

It’s unlikely to take so very long – and you may be better prepared to react to the controls almost instinctively when something needs to be done.

Quick checklist

Next, follow these tips for making sure your motorhome is safe, clean and roadworthy …

  • Check your tyres: make sure the tyres are in good condition and are properly inflated to the correct pressure.
  • Change your oil: it is important to change your motorhome’s oil regularly. This helps to keep your engine running efficiently.
  • Check all lights: ensure all lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators, etc) are in working order and replace any bulbs that need to be.
  • Check for leaks: look for any water or oil leaks coming from the engine. If you find any, get them fixed as soon as possible.
  • Clean the exterior: using a mild detergent and water, wipe down the exterior of your motorhome to remove any dirt and grime.
  • Clean the interior: vacuum the interior of your motorhome and make sure all surfaces are wiped down and any mould or mildew is removed.
  • Check the battery: make sure the battery is fully charged and all connections are clean and tight.
  • Test the brakes: to ensure your brakes are working properly, take your motorhome for a test drive and check the brakes at various speeds.
  • Check the gas: make sure the gas is topped up and all connections are secure.
  • Check the coolant: check the coolant levels and top up as necessary.
  • Check the awning: make sure the awning is in good condition, with no tears or rips, and all poles and fittings are secure.
  • Check the windows: ensure all windows are clean and functioning properly.
  • Check the seals: inspect all seals around the windows, doors, and any other openings to make sure they are in good condition.
  • Check the generator: make sure the generator is in good working order and all connections are secure.
  • Check the water system: inspect the water system for any leaks or blockages.
  • Check the chassis: check the chassis for any rust or corrosion, and inspect all nuts and bolts for security.
  • Check the filters: make sure all air, oil and fuel filters are clean and in good working order.
  • Check the hitch: inspect the hitch for any damage and make sure it is securely attached to the motorhome.

Cleaning your water system

It’s not only a good spring cleaning that your motorhome is likely to need, but a thorough flushing of the water system to rid it of any lingering and potentially unhealthy bacteria – even if you had remembered to drain down the system before over-wintering.

  • first, close off all the taps – including the drain cock – pour in some proprietary antibacterial cleaner and fill up your system with fresh clean water. While it’s filling, also turn on the heating system to your hot water supply too;
  • next, run the cold taps until the water runs perfectly clear and do the same with the hot water taps. Refill the water tank and flush the entire system through once again until you have drained it down. Refill with clean water;
  • check that the gas and electricity supplies are connected and that the appliances work. Replenish gas cylinders – including any you keep as spare or in reserve;
  • check for water penetration and any areas of ingress and damp. You might want to consider further waterproofing on the exterior of your motorhome;
  • the supplementary battery is unlikely to have been used much, if at all, over the winter, so will almost certainly need re-charging. Check that the battery is still capable of holding its charge and, if not, replace it.

Finally, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary supplies for your journey, including emergency supplies, first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. With the right preparation, you can make sure your motorhome is ready to take on the British summer.

You don’t have to spend all that long on the road and touring in your motorhome to appreciate the wide range of gadgets that are available these days to make life that much easier.

Helping to sort the wheat from the chaff, here at Derby Motorhomes we suggest some of those motorhome gadgets you might consider the most useful:

Multi-tools

  • beloved of boy scouts, multi-tools are not strictly or exclusively the preserve of motorhome owners, of course;
  • but the neat way that a single tool can perform a whole range of functions can prove exceptionally handy when you’re exploring the great outdoors from the comfort of your motorhome;
  • the potential combinations are many and varied and can include tools used as knives, screwdrivers, scissors, and that indispensable gadget at the end of the day, as the sun goes down, a corkscrew for opening your favourite bottle of wine;

Solar panels

  • a portable solar energy setup is certainly something you might want to consider stowing away in your motorhome – solar panels not only provide you with a sustainable, eco-friendly source of energy, but they also provide it for free and that could help you avoid any camping site charges for an electrical hook-up;
  • if you are planning visits to more remote areas well off the beaten track, then access to your own free solar-powered energy generator will clearly be a boon;

Electronic gadgets

  • these days there is a mountain of small, electronic gadgetry – some of which few of us have learned to live without – and you can keep them all healthily charged simply by plugging into your solar panel array;
  • that includes a cellular telephone – that can not only serve as a handy navigation aid but might prove a literally life-saving device if you need to call for help;
  • thanks to the invention of e-book readers you can also pack into your motorhome a veritable library of reading material – without taking up so much space as even a single book;
  • reviews published in the Independent newspaper on the 5th of January 2023 suggest nine of the best currently available;

Universal hose pipe connectors

  • as you become a more seasoned and experienced motorhome user, you’ll realise that it’s the small things that can make the world of difference;
  • imagine the scene as you arrive at your well-equipped campsite only to find that none of the water outlets has the appropriate hose connector that you’ll need;
  • pack your own multi-purpose universal pipe connector and the problem’s solved;

Singing kettle

  • it goes by different names – a singing kettle, whistling kettle, or today’s fashionable audible kettle – but whatever you call it, you’ll get the idea;
  • they might seem a little outdated in the modern world but there’s probably nothing more annoying than settling yourself outside to enjoy those last rays of sunshine while completely forgetting you’ve left the kettle on – it boils itself dry, ruining the kettle, and wasting valuable camping gas;
  • let the kettle “sing” and you’ll know when tea’s ready;

Let there be light

  • no camping trip is ever complete without a quality torch or hanging lantern on standby;
  • thanks to the batteries in your motorhome, you might not have these trusty devices so high on your list of priorities – but they remain an essential piece of kit for anyone keen to enjoy the great outdoors;
  • a fully-charged torch and an energy-efficient lantern are likely to be considered “must-have” articles to be stowed in your motorhome;

First aid kit

  • try as you might to avoid any kind of mishap during your motorhome outings, accidents happen and minor injuries can be sustained;
  • immediate first aid can help to avoid more serious complications later so it’s worth investing in as good a travelling first aid kit as you can afford – there are plenty to choose from;

And lastly

  • once again, it’s those small things that can make all the difference – and here we’ll suggest an all-purpose, portable and compact, retractable washing line;
  • by rigging up a line – either within your van or undercover in your awning – you will have somewhere to hang all manner of kit that needs a thorough drying out after a sudden squall or downpour.

Though you might want to browse some of the suggestions we’ve made here, remember that even in the biggest motorhomes, space is usually at a premium – so focus on the essentials!

We’ve enjoyed some glorious summers these past few years. The Met Office has said that 2022 was the hottest summer in England since records began in 1884 – the sunniest too. Against that background, you can be forgiven for wanting to guard your motorhome with more than a little jealousy.

Sadly, though, there are very few of us who have the opportunity of spending every waking moment in our cherished motorhome. There are going to be too many days when it has to sit idly in storage while we are off to work to earn a living.

But the very attraction that keeps your motorhome so close to your heart is likely to captivate many other people too – those who are looking for a short break or holiday with a difference, or those who might be thinking about buying one for themselves and want a first-hand experience before doing so.

By renting out your motorhome – especially if it is one as highly sought-after as an Auto-Sleeper – you might ensure that it is not only being put to maximum good use, but you may earn a tidy amount of cash into the bargain. If nothing else, the income might help to cover the costs of maintenance, servicing and repairs. If you intend to let it out on a regular basis, the income might even allow you to invest in a higher-specification model.

Renting it out – legal considerations

As well as any income, you’ll also be taking on a degree of responsibility when renting out your motorhome – falling foul of any legal considerations could leave you with a hefty penalty.

As the owner and registered keeper of the vehicle, for example, you must continue to pay the road fund licence, maintain a valid MOT certificate if necessary, and keep valid insurance up to date. To comply with the law, the latter needs to cover a minimum of third-party risks but for your own protection, you are more likely to choose comprehensive insurance – and check with your insurer that cover remains valid during any period it is rented out to others.

Because you are still the owner of the vehicle, you will also need to ensure that the motorhome remains thoroughly safe and roadworthy – and, since renters will be sleeping in it, you might also want to arrange a comprehensive habitation service.

It is also your responsibility to ensure that anyone renting your motorhome is not only insured to drive it but also holds the appropriate driving licence.

Make sure you are also aware of any legal obligations and health and safety requirements you may have letting out your motorhome, such as gas and electricity records, carbon monoxide detectors etc.

Advertising

You might already know or have been recommended by someone who wants to rent your motorhome, but in many cases, it might mean advertising its availability.

When creating your advert, remember to give clear and precise dates on which it is available, an accurate description of its condition, size and how many people it may comfortably sleep. And, of course, the daily or weekly rental charge.

As you begin to receive expressions of interest, make sure – for your own security and peace of mind – to find out as much as possible about any potential renter. It’s your motorhome after all and you’ll want to know that it’s in a safe pair of hands.

Once you have established a degree of mutual confidence – and taken care of the legal considerations we have already outlined – you may arrange to meet and hand over your motorhome for the agreed period. It is worth having put the homework into drafting a formal hire agreement, inventory and checklist of “dos” and “don’ts”.

Run through these checklists carefully and remember to accept the renter’s money before the agreement is signed and you hand over the keys to your motorhome.

Internet help

In this day and age of the internet, there are websites and apps that offer to take over all this hard work on your behalf – effectively acting as letting agents for you and your motorhome.

Many have ready-made formats for advertising and listing your motorhome, pre-screen potential renters on your behalf, have pro-forma rental agreements, and also arrange to handle the collection and processing of rental payments.

Motorhome insurance

It is worth stressing once again the importance of reliable insurance cover before you rent out your motorhome to anyone else – it is essential for both your and your renter’s peace of mind and security. You are at risk of breaking the law if the insurance cover is inappropriate or inadequate.

Depending on your current insurance policy, renting out the vehicle could invalidate the policy so you might need to arrange specialist motorhome insurance that specifically covers your renting out the vehicle to others.

Have motorhome, will travel – with all the freedom of the open road. And, if you are motorhoming across Europe, that might be a very long way indeed.

It’s that freedom to follow wherever the road takes you that beckons many a motorhome owner. It’s likely to be inspiration enough to drive aboard a cross-Channel ferry every once in a while and make an extended trip onto the Continent.

If you are fairly new to motorhoming or have only ventured out on a few quite local weekend breaks, you might find the prospect of driving longer distances, far from home, in a country whose language you barely speak, more than a little daunting.

As the many thousands who have gone before you are almost certain to reassure you, however, it is really not so challenging as it might first appear – and the sense of first-hand adventure and satisfaction in discovering new and exciting places well off the beaten track are likely to prove their own rewards.

However, even for shorter stints of the travelling life, there are still a number of things to take care of when planning your motorhoming across Europe.

As a posting by the Wandering Bird warns, Brexit has meant that anyone venturing to Europe from the UK is now considered a visitor from a third country – so there are inevitably some major changes of which you must be aware (notably, the need to carry your passport, arrange suitable travel insurance, and check your driving licence).

Driving

If you can handle driving your motorhome in the UK, you are likely to feel just as at home on the roads and motorways of Europe.

Perhaps some of the variables that catch out many drivers are speed limits, which naturally change according to conditions in built-up areas, on country roads, and on motorways – and may depend on the size of your motorhome, specifically whether it is more or less than 3,500kg in laden weight (the Maximum Authorised Mass, or MAM, which you are likely to find printed near your vehicle’s VIN plate).

In built-up areas, the usual speed limit is 50kph but beware of variations.

If you are driving a large motorhome of more than 3,500kg, the restriction on motorways might vary from as slow as 50kph in Gibraltar to 110kph in Portugal.

In some countries, larger motorhomes are prohibited from using the “fast” outside lane of three-lane motorways, so lowering the maximum speed at which you are permitted to drive.

Onboard essentials

Most countries in Europe have certain safety equipment and warning devices that must always be carried onboard a motor vehicle such as your motorhome.

One of the most notable changes post-Brexit is that, since late September 2021, any vehicle registered in the UK and entering the EU must bear a UK sticker (and not a GB sticker) near or incorporated into the number plate on the rear of the vehicle).

The list of additional onboard essentials varies from one country to another but might include such diverse items as hazard warning triangles (two of them in some countries), a reflective jacket, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and spare bulbs.

One of the quirks of driving in France was previously the need to keep on board a breathalyser kit. While that is no longer a legal requirement, it is worth remembering that the blood-alcohol limit when driving in France is lower than in the UK – so stay on your guard and preferably avoid alcohol altogether if you are going to be driving.

The RAC has country specific checklists on its travel pages.

Make the effort to learn a few words

Although courteous, the naturally official tone of any police that might stop you along your way is of course likely to be off-putting, especially if your knowledge of the local language is sketchy or non-existence. A trusty phrasebook – or these days, a translation app on your mobile, is likely to prove a God send.

Finally, before you travel, don’t forget to check your motorhome insurance includes continental cover and that you have carried out all the necessary safety checks for safe travels.

Let’s face it, last summer was so blissfully warm and sunny you wanted to get away to the peace and quiet of the countryside or the thrill and spills of the beach at practically every opportunity. There may have been just two things holding you up – the wheels to get you there and somewhere to stay overnight.

Invest in a motorhome now and any such problems in the year ahead will be properly done and dusted – you will have a spacious and reliable means of transport and comfortable accommodation once your journey is done.

So, let’s condense some of our top tips into a brief motorhome buying guide.

Think carefully about why you are buying one

We’re in no way suggesting that you begin to question your decision to invest in a motorhome. Far from it. Instead, we’d just like you to be sure you understand what you expect to get out of your motorhome – because that will tell you how you are going to use it.

That, in turn, will inform your thinking about the type of motorhome that is likely to be suitable for your needs. If you plan to use your motorhome regularly for long-distance trips around Europe and with several passengers aboard, for example, you are likely to incline towards certain types of vehicle over others. By contrast, if you are planning to use your motorhome only occasionally in the UK and just over the summer months you are likely to adopt a different approach.

Prepare your finances

Once you have the type of vehicle in mind, whether that is brand new or pre-used, you should start to get a reasonable understanding for the ballpark figure you will probably need to pay for that type of motorhome.

It’s always advisable to be sure in advance just how you plan to finance your motorhome (we can provide help if required). Apart from providing you with peace of mind, it also means you’ll be able to focus on driving a hard deal with the seller.

Don’t emotionally commit based on photos alone

All manufacturers understandably show their products in the very best light in their publicity material. Try to avoid losing your heart to a given motorhome based on that input alone.

There is absolutely no substitute for hard research into the models you are thinking about and, at the same time, getting your hands on them for a personal inspection and test drive.

A motorhome that looks fantastic in an online photograph and presentation might feel completely different to you once you can get to know it up close and personal, perhaps by driving in for an hour or two. So, keep an open mind from the outset.

Take expert advice

Buying a motorhome is not like buying a car. It is very much a specialist subject and any motorhome buying guide should make the point clearly that, unless you have prior in-depth knowledge, you should take expert advice and guidance before deciding on a given vehicle.

Think about parking and storage when not in use

Remember that local laws and your insurance policy might prohibit you from permanently parking your motorhome on the public highway when it is not in use.

Similarly, parking on your driveway or in your back garden might be an easy route to losing friendly relations with your neighbours.

There are often easy solutions to this type of challenge – just be sure you have thought through the issues in advance.

Don’t over-compromise on quality

Economy is always going to be a big issue for any buyer but cutting back on space or facilities in order to save perhaps a modest amount of money, might be something you’ll regret later on. Compromises may, of course, be necessary but go with your instinct where things such as fittings, furnishings and little luxuries are concerned.

Check your licence

The good news is that many motorhomes can be driven on a standard driving licence.

However, the position isn’t always entirely straightforward, as the weight of a motorhome plus the date you passed your test, might both have an impact on the type of vehicle you can drive on that standard licence.

Once again, it’ll be well worth your while to check your driving eligibility on the official government website – https://www.gov.uk/driving-motorhome.

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.

As you cast your approving eyes over your faithful motorhome, it’s probably difficult to accept that when its time comes, you’ll need to sell it. To cut short the potential agony, hassle, and trauma, you’ll then want to sell it fast.

What’s involved and how can you do just that?

How can I find out how much my motorhome is worth?

Whatever its age, you know that you’ll owe it to yourself – not to mention the motorhome that has given you such loyal service over the years – to get what you feel is the best possible price for it.

Few of us are natural or born valuers of motorhomes, so you’ll almost certainly need some help in determining just what is a fair and reasonable price.

The immediate and perhaps the most appealing answer to most questions these days comes by way of the internet – and the valuation of your motorhome is no exception. A quick search will show that there are several websites offering free, fast, and secure valuations online.

You could also visit several of the online listings of motorhomes for sale. Simply search for the make and model similar to your own. Compare ages and conditions. And you will come with at least some idea of what comparable vehicles are fetching – or, at least, what the current owners hope to realise.

How easy is it to sell a motorhome?

Armed with your best shot at a good and realistic price for your motorhome, you can set about trying to interest buyers.

If you’re looking for a private sale, that means advertising your motorhome. Once again, the internet makes it relatively easy to gain access to seemingly hundreds of potential buyers – all over the country. You will need to draft an appealing and well-illustrated listing, of course, while keeping the copy as accurate and honest as possible.

While composing any online sales material, you might also want to think about placing hard copies of your ads in the local newspaper, parish magazines, “for sale” boards in the supermarket, or the shop window of your local newsagent.

If your advertisements entice a buyer, of course, then you’ll then have to make arrangements to stay at home or wherever you care to set up a viewing. Some of those who express an interest might be no more than timewasters while others might fail to show up at all.

All in all, it’s likely to prove a tiresome hassle, if you make a sale, you’ll still be left wondering whether you got the best price – and any sale you do eventually make is very unlikely to have been quick.

How can I sell my motorhome?

Although a private sale may have its attractions – no middleman needs to take a commission – there are certainly alternatives.

An auction sale, for instance, might offer one of the fastest routes to concluding a sale – provided you set a suitably low reserve price. But that means you’ve probably not achieved the most attractive price possible – and you’ll still need to pay the commission charged by the auctioneers.

Here at Derby Motorhomes, we can offer what is likely to be the least painful, most straightforward, and hassle-free way of selling your motorhome. We can take all the stress out of the entire process and still give you an assurance that our valuation of your beloved motorhome is as fair, accurate and honest as you are likely to achieve.

We give you all the options – we can buy your motorhome from you; we can take it in part exchange for a great deal on a new vehicle; or we can act as your broker by offering your motorhome on a sale or return basis. The choice is entirely yours.

Summary

You’re unlikely ever to celebrate the sale of a motorhome that has given you such sterling service over the years – but, here at Derby Motorhomes, we can at least take some of the sting out of doing so.

We’ll take on all the inconvenience and sheer hassle of advertising arranging viewings and making a sale – while all along reassuring you of what we believe os a fair, reasonable, and accurate valuation.

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.

All good things come to an end – and then it’s time for fresh beginnings. Take your much-loved motorhome, for example. Sooner or later, its day will come, and it will be time to replace it with a newer, more suitable model in which to enjoy still further adventures.

If you’ve already considered selling your old one – whether privately or through a dealer – why not think about trading it in?

Why trade-in?

When you were thinking about selling your current motorhome you no doubt remembered all the hassles, the inconvenience, and the pitfalls of previous times when you had a vehicle for sale.

Those were times that almost certainly tested your patience – from the moment you sat down to draft what you thought was an appealing advert to the time you eventually waved goodbye to the vehicle.

Drafting any advert for sale is a challenge. You know that you need to be honest and accurate in your description, but you want to sell the vehicle, after all, and you want as good a price as it can command. Pitching it right is difficult.

If only it was then just a question of sitting back and waiting for the offers to come flooding in. Far from it. You’ll be fielding telephone enquiries for quite a while. Some will translate into expressions of interest – at least as far as a viewing is concerned.

You wait in. Some of those who expressed an interest in viewing may turn up; others won’t. Some will have been no more than time wasters. It can all become thoroughly trying.

If and when you do finally clinch a sale, of course, you’re like as not left wondering whether you really did get the best price possible for your beloved motorhome.

Getting prepared to trade in your motorhome

Rather than put yourself through all that grief and heartache, therefore, why not come to us here at Derby Motorhomes and we’ll arrange a trade-in deal where you can be assured of a fair, honest, and realistic price – with none of the hassle.

We have a wide range of new and pre-loved motorhomes for you to choose and because we are proud franchise holders for Auto-Sleepers, now might be the perfect time to part-exchange to one of these market-leading models.

To help us to help you secure the most attractive possible trade-in deal, there are just a few simple steps you might want to take in preparation:

  • gather together all the relevant documentation – and that’s not just the V5 logbook but the original receipt when you bought the vehicle, the maintenance log and history of any major repairs;
  • although we will also be giving the vehicle a thorough mechanical and habitation check, of course, you can get us all off to a good start if you first make sure that everything you’re aware of is working properly; and
  • finally, give your motorhome a good clean inside and out – appearances count for us along with everyone else who’ll be looking over your former pride and joy.

Summary

When it’s time to replace the motorhome that has already given you many years of faithful service, of course, you’ll want to get the best possible price for it – and you can steel yourself for the business of arranging a private sale where you can ask whatever price you see fit.

It’s likely to prove a thoroughly tiresome and frustrating experience, however, and at the end of the day, you may still be left wondering whether you got the best possible price.

How much better, then, to let us arrange a trade-in where we can assure you of a fair and reasonable price – for a fraction of the time and effort it would otherwise take.

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.