Category: Motorhome Advice

Although a brand new motorhome is expensive to buy, you will be pleased to discover that it holds its price well and you’re likely to get a good price for it when it’s time to sell. It is estimated that the average vehicle will have retained around 70% of its value after three years. Contrast this with the 50% or so valuation of your new car after three years, according to WeBuyAnyCar.com.

If you invested in a high-end motorhome, such as an Auto-Sleeper, it is even more likely to have held its value.

With such a combination of positive factors, your motorhome can become a prime subject for part-exchange whenever you decide it’s time to renew. So, here are some frequently asked questions on just that subject.

How can I be sure of getting a fair price?

A motorhome part exchange is intended to represent a fair deal for you, for the dealer who accepts it in part exchange, and for any customer looking eventually to buy it.

Although motorhomes typically hold their price well and depreciate at a slower rate than many other vehicles, they do depreciate over time. This needs to be taken into account when managing your expectations for the price you are offered by the dealer.

The more information – and the more accurate information – you can provide the dealer, the fairer the valuation is likely to be. And the fairer the valuation, of course, the better the price you might expect to be offered.

What determines the valuation?

In addition to your contact details – and in advance of the dealer’s inspection of the vehicle – there are several details on which any valuation is likely to be based, including:

  • the make and model of your motorhome – and as previously mentioned, the more reputable the marque, such as Auto-Sleeper, the more impressed any dealer is likely to be;
  • the registration number, age, and mileage of the vehicle;
  • whether it is diesel or petrol, the engine capacity, and the type of transmission (manual or automatic);
  • whether you have a full mechanical and habitation service history;
  • the overall condition of the motorhome – some indication of whether it is clean, average, or below average;
  • whether smoking has been allowed in the vehicle; and
  • whether your pets have travelled or slept in your motorhome.

Are the extras fitted into my motorhome also taken into account in any part-exchange valuation?

Extras, such as onboard entertainment systems or fitted appliances, may enhance the part exchange value of your motorhome.

To help ensure that you are receiving top price in part exchange, therefore, give as full a picture as possible of all the extras fitted, when they were fitted, by whom, and the individual service histories if these are available.

Once again, the more detail you offer, the greater the financial consideration is likely to be.

What if I’m dissatisfied with the part exchange price I’m offered?

With the best will in the world – on the part of both parties – there is always the chance that you consider the price you are offered for your motorhome to be underrated.

In those circumstances, there is nothing to stop you from arranging a private sale – and taking on the potential hassle and inconvenience of arranging viewings, allowing test drives, and negotiating a price.

If you manage to find a buyer, it is entirely possible that that person, too, is also interested in making a part exchange. If you put them in touch with the dealer from whom you are planning to buy your new motorhome, you might find that you have made two new friends – your buyer and the dealer from whom you are planning to buy.

Your motorhome gives you the freedom of the open road. And the less you need to spend along the way, the further you make your money stretch, the further you can travel, and the more you get to enjoy the adventures as you go.

So, here are a few tips and suggestions for making your money go further – so you can spend it on those things that make a holiday so truly memorable.

Go off-peak

If you are able to travel outside of the holiday periods, you’ll typically find that the roads will be quieter, but pitches, ferries and the Eurotunnel may also be cheaper:

  • if you’re after peace and quiet at your campsite, off-peak bookings are likely to involve fewer families with children;
  • the weather remains reasonably warm and dry during the so-called “shoulder months” of May and September;
  • you’ll probably pay less for your pitch – and have a greater choice and availability; and
  • many campsites remain open the whole year-round.

Motorhome breakdown cover

Spend a little to save a lot – that’s the secret to being prepared for emergencies and setbacks such as a vehicle breakdown. Spend a little on the appropriate breakdown cover and you could be saving yourself considerable expense if anything goes wrong.

If you’re touring, it’s a nightmare, of course, if you suffer a breakdown. If you’re touring in a motorhome the nightmare can only get worse because it’s not just your transport but also your overnight accommodation, cooking, and storage facilities.

So, don’t rely on whatever roadside DIY mechanical skills you think you might have picked up or the expense of unexpected recovery and vehicle repairs but invest in a policy that gives you peace of mind that you’ll keep on moving!

Planning

Motorhome breakdown insurance can certainly help you avoid major expenses if the vehicle breaks down – but a little forethought and planning can go still further than that.

By paying attention to the range and choice of campsites available you can choose those campsites that deliver everything you need – without it costing you an arm and a leg into the bargain.

The distinct advantage of your motorhome, of course, is that it is entirely self-contained. You do not have to rely on those more expensive sites offering 5-star amenities because all that you need is on your own four wheels.

The website Pitchup, for instance, markets its listings for motorhome sites in 2022 with prices that start as cheap as under a tenner anight.

Find cheap fuel

By signing up to an app such as PetrolPrices.com you will be able to find the cheapest petrol in your area – and, according to the website save up to nearly £500 a year on your super unleaded petrol.

For further fuel-saving economies and driving habits, you might want to take a look at the Money Saving Expert’s views of the 4th of March 2022 on the subject.

Bikes aboard

Your motorhome is perfectly equipped for each overnight stay and getting from A to B is as simple as sitting behind the wheel. But why not get further enjoyment from the great outdoors by leaving the motorhome on its pitch for a day or two while you take to the roads, lanes, and trails on your bikes – saving the wear and tear on your vehicle and, of course, the cost of fuel.

If there is room inside your motorhome to store the bikes, all well and good, but practically any motorhome these days will easily take a safer and more secure exterior cycle-rack.

Getting to know your galley

Eating out for the duration of your holiday is likely to prove expensive, yet your motorhome comes equipped with a galley – and using it need not be a huge chore:

  • casseroles, grills, oatmeal, and cereals take little time to prepare and are unlikely to tax the skills of anyone at the galley for a great length of time;
  • if you are feeling a little more ambitious, the Camping and Caravanning Club has even come up with a few recipes that are especially suited to cooking on the galley of your motorhome;
  • even just hitting the local supermarket for cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks, and the like means you can save money you would have spent out at a café;
  • don’t splurge at Starbucks – make your own coffee in your RV and you’ll potentially save a small fortune.

Saving money while travelling in your motorhome doesn’t mean scrimping and going without, it only takes just a little forethought, preparation, and planning.

Your motorhome is likely to prove great for enjoying the great outdoors, but don’t assume that it’s suitable only for trips into the wild and remote countryside.

On the contrary, many people love the versatility of a motorhome for exploring some of the fascinating and beautiful cities here in the UK – and in Europe, too.

Here are a few ideas from the team here at Derby Motorhomes about motorhome city breaks in the UK you might wish to think about.

Edinburgh

The historic capital of Scotland commonly features in any top-three listing of the most attractive cities in the UK.

The city is simply packed with things to do and see as well as having the additional benefit of being surrounded by some beautiful countryside to the south and north. Some of the coastal towns around the Firth of Forth are also well worth exploring if – however unlikely that’s going to be – you grow bored with Edinburgh’s attractions.

You might indeed struggle to find a campsite for your motorhome in the city centre itself, but there are plenty in surrounding areas that are serviced by good public transport links.

Do note that like many cities, Edinburgh now has major traffic restriction measures in place – so, you’ll want to make best use of the several park and ride schemes available.

York

With its Roman, Viking, Anglo-Saxon, and medieval past still very much in evidence, York is clearly an ancient city of northern England.

The cathedral is the focal point of the town but there are simply stacks of other attractions – notably, the medieval Shambles, the Jorvik Viking Centre, and the historic, largely intact, city walls themselves.

You can also take in the North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire coastline for some stunning scenery during day trips out from the city.

Stratford upon Avon

In the peak holiday season of July and August, this charming, but small, town can become a little packed with tourists. However, at other times of the year, it is much more manageable with space and room to wander around and about the wealth of historic buildings – many associated with one of the fathers of English literature, Shakespeare himself.

In the surrounding countryside, you’ll also find other Midland towns that are more than worth a visit including Warwick, Leamington Spa, and Kenilworth.

Manchester

Now, it’s perfectly true that Manchester doesn’t often score highly in terms of the picturesque quality of its city centre but that shouldn’t detract from its many attractions. The website Trip Savvy ranks Manchester in third place among the top twenty of UK cities for international visitors.

Here in the northwest’s powerhouse, there are some major galleries and museums – not to mention a vibrant and very trendy commercial life on display in the centre of the city.

The city is also well positioned to explore some of the industrial museums and heritage of towns in Lancashire to the north and Cheshire to the south.

Canterbury

The ancient city of Canterbury boasts some of the country’s finest medieval architecture, including one of its oldest cathedrals, and its place in literary history thanks to the Canterbury Tales written by Geoffrey Chaucer at the close of the 14th century.

The city makes a natural base for exploring the county of Kent – aptly called the Garden of England, with some stunning countryside and a breath-taking coastline just a short drive away.

Top tips for exploring city centres

Don’t forget that, particularly during the holiday season, good campsites close to city centres can be snapped up very quickly by eager motorhome owners. So, make sure that you book in advance to secure the pitch you’re after for that city break in your motorhome.

If you can, take some personal transport with you like bicycles. It’ll make it much easier for you to get around and you’ll be less likely to run into some of the traffic congestion that, however much you try to avoid it, can be a fact of life with areas surrounding major conurbations.

It might also be highly advisable to seek sites that are located within very easy reach of good public transport services into the city. Not all cities are necessarily equally well equipped in terms of the transport infrastructure, so a little internet research will be essential.

Wherever you choose for your city break, it’s probably always a good idea to avoid, driving your motorhome into the city centre. You might get lucky, but you won’t want to lose a lot of your precious exploring time simply driving around one-way systems while trying to find a car park suitable for motorhomes.

Above all, though, remember to have fun!

After saving some hard-earned cash and with countless destinations reopened after several years of Covid restrictions, your long-awaited motorhome has finally arrived. You took great care and not a little time choosing the vehicle of your dreams – and now it’s sitting in your driveway.

Taking your motorhome on the road for the first time, however, is bound to bring on a flush of the nerves and there are a few things to do to prepare yourself for that first outing – or, indeed, refresh your memory, if you’ve not driven the vehicle for a while.

1. Take stock

Before you go anywhere, just sit in the driving seat and familiarise yourself with the controls. You’ll want to know where everything is, especially in an emergency, but it shouldn’t be too long before your reactions become second nature – just as they should be.

2. Passengers

Your family members are just as likely to want to clamber on board to take that first journey in your new motorhome. But it will probably be less taxing on your nerves if you persuade potential passengers to wait at least until you’ve driven the vehicle around the block a few times.

When you are ready for passengers, you and your co-pilot, of course, will be in the seats facing forward in the cockpit. Eager children, however, may be fighting for seats behind you in the rear of the vehicle – and that’s where a degree of caution and common-sense may need to be exercised.

Guidance published by the Camping and Caravanning Club emphasises this general need for common-sense. It points out that any motorhome first registered on or after the 20th of October 2007 must have seatbelts fitted to “designated travel seats”.

The guidance goes on to explain that only forward and rear-facing seats are suitable as travelling seats – and will, therefore, have the necessary seatbelts appropriately anchored in place. Typically, of course, that rules out side-facing seats as safe travelling seats. Even if these are fitted to such side-facing seats, it is not advisable to use them at all when travelling, because of the danger of injury in a collision.

3. Preparing the vehicle

If you’ve taken delivery of a new motorhome, your supplier is almost certain to have performed all the necessary checks to ensure that the vehicle is in perfect working order.

It is your responsibility, however, to ensure that it stays that way and that everything is packed and stowed away safely and securely.

That means making sure that you know the maximum authorised laden weight of your motorhome and that you do not exceed it. An overloaded vehicle is unsafe since it is more difficult to control, and you are putting excess pressure on the load-bearing tyres. What is more, you face a stiff fine and penalty points on your driving licence if your vehicle is overloaded and you are stopped by the police.

Be careful in the positioning of the items you pack, putting the heaviest on the floor in the middle of the motorhome, other heavier items evenly spread across the remaining floor area and only lightweight items in overhead lockers and cupboards.

Secure everything to make sure none of it shifts while you are on the road.

4. Tyres

Tyre pressures are even more important on your motorhome than on many other vehicles.

The Camping and Caravanning Club suggests that you might consider using TyrePal which constantly monitors the pressure in the tyres and warns you of any pending problems. The Club also recommends the use of a rear-facing camera – especially when you are a novice at manoeuvring a larger vehicle in reverse.

We hope these four quick tips will help you feel confident when you first hit the road in your motorhome. Enjoy your trip!

Who doesn’t love to be beside the seaside? If it’s a motorhome holiday you’re interested in, that’s likely to be even more the case – and, thankfully, there are coastal motorhome parks aplenty to choose from.

It’s worth keeping in mind that being close to the coast doesn’t always necessarily mean close to the beach, of course. Some coastal locations can offer stunning views but little opportunity to get down and access the immediate shoreline and sea.

So, you might want to think carefully about what you are looking for in a break near the coast – and that’s likely to influence your choice of the coastal motorhome park that’ll suit you down to the ground.

Here is a selection of different coastal sites around the UK that you might find interesting – and certainly worth exploring:

North Somerset beaches

  • these quite rightly include well-known destinations such as Minehead and Ilfracombe;
  • there are some great locations around here where you can explore the coast on genuinely sandy beaches;
  • as an added bonus, a little drive inland and you will get to some of Somerset’s equally legendary inland attractions such as Glastonbury;

Scottish beaches

  • all around the east and west coasts, Scotland is blessed with some uniquely beautiful, fine, sandy beaches;
  • around Culzean, for example, in the west and Broughty Ferry in the east, there are some fantastic sandy beaches – and the same is true if you go down the Kintyre peninsula towards Campbeltown;
  • true, those scorching hot days on Scottish beaches are a comparative rarity but, in the summertime, the weather is often much better than you may expect;

Suffolk

  • the beaches around Lowestoft are hugely underrated and little-known other than to people who visit from the immediate vicinity – Suffolk is an incredibly beautiful county and has a magnificent coastline, though it is strangely often overlooked;
  • the upside of that, though, is that some of these locations may be much quieter than better-known beaches elsewhere;

North Yorkshire Coast

  • large stretches of this coast are perhaps more suited to coastal path walking and climbing, with care, on rocks near the sea but there are also some spectacularly beautiful little inlets and fishing villages such as Robin Hood’s Bay;

South Wales

  • here there are some beautiful sandy beaches and some stunning scenery;
  • yet again, for some reason, this area is often far less well known than North Wales and the Snowdonia National Park but for fun and sandy beaches, many would argue that the south wins hands down;

The Norfolk Coast

  • in Norfolk, you’ll find vast stretches of coastline that are just as nature intended – mainly wide-open beaches or marshes running down to the sea;
  • there are some great seaside fun type beaches such as Cromer and Great Yarmouth, but you can also find many areas that are relatively seldomly visited and, therefore, open to some great coastal exploration if you enjoy the discovery of beachcombing;

Northumbria

  • many would argue that Northumbria has some of the best beaches In the United Kingdom – again, there are huge areas that are little populated and which, therefore, offer the chance to explore the sea and coastline without stepping over sunbathing bodies;
  • just like Scotland, don’t necessarily assume that the weather here is always wet and windy because it simply isn’t, although this sort of beach holiday would probably be more typically suited to the explorer rather than those who want to soak up some serious rays on the sand.

There will be some excellent coastal motorhomes parks available in all of the above geographic regions. The UK is fortunate to have such an extensive and diverse coastline – so get out there and enjoy!

Now that the pandemic is retreating across most of Europe, it is time to dust off your old maps and fire up the GPS to take your motorhome further afield for any up and coming holidays.

Once you’re touring within Europe, of course, there are literally tens of thousands of destinations that would be well worth seeing – and the only downside is that you’re likely to be thoroughly spoiled for choice.

Our following top ten of places to visit is made in no particular order or ranking – since the last thing we’d want to engage in is the dangerous game of suggesting that one destination is any better than another!

So, let’s instead offer some very general ideas and suggestions.

  1. France – for an unrivalled all-round experience

France is far from ever becoming “old hat” and it’s often unbeatable in terms of broad-spectrum appeal. Here are just a few reasons why:

  • roads that are typically traffic-free;
  • a wide range of geography and climates;
  • thousands of great historical towns and cities to visit;
  • fantastic cuisine; and
  • it’s close to the UK.

It’s little wonder, says cross-Channel ferry company Condor, that France is the most visited country in the world.

  1. Northern Spain and the Basque country

If you like beautiful cities, Spanish food and some great historic sites, this area has it all – aplenty.

The advantage of this relatively undiscovered part of Spain is that the Basque country lacks the crowds and “internationalisation” commonly associated with large parts of the Mediterranean coast. However, be aware that even at the height of summer the weather here is not guaranteed to be sunny and hot.

  1. Belgium

This small country is sometimes overlooked. That’s a pity because Belgium has some truly beautiful cities and towns – many steeped in history – which are well worth visiting.

Noteworthy destinations in your motorhome are likely to include Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and, of course, Brussels.

  1. The Republic of Ireland

Dublin is one of Europe’s most attractive towns in terms of its architecture and culture.

True, the Emerald Isle is not a destination guaranteed to be great for the suntan, but the countryside is stunning and well worth seeing.

  1. Northern Italy

The region around Milan, Turin and to the north and west of those great cities is beautiful. Northern Italy has the Alps and lakes then further south, there are beaches and coastline. Italian cuisine also needs no introduction!

Virtually all of the towns in the area are awash with history.

  1. Bavaria and Southern Germany

Of course, people tend to know this region for its mountainous scenery and some great historical cities such as Munich.

These are all worth visiting but this is also an area with beautiful fairytale castles, great cultural traditions including some very good food and – dare we say it – some of the best beer in the world.

  1. Denmark and Southern Sweden

Copenhagen is a marvellous city and should be seen. There are also many charming towns in the southern part of Sweden too.

Scandinavia isn’t necessarily the cheapest part of Europe to visit but it’s a unique culture and you’ll be guaranteed a warm welcome – a definite plus is that English is widely spoken.

  1. Poland – Warsaw

It’ll be a rather longer drive, of course, but the capital of Poland, Warsaw, will be well worth the visit. It’s one of Europe’s main cultural centres now, having been almost totally rebuilt after the destruction of WWII.

  1. Northern Portugal

Avoid the crowds that flock south to the Algarve and, instead, try the area around Oporto. You’ll find Northern Portugal altogether greener, quieter and with some brilliant beaches – not to mention that special combination that comes with lots of history.

Again, the weather isn’t absolutely 100% guaranteed due to the Atlantic but it’s worth the risk.

  1. Holland

Don’t expect Alpine scenery! Holland is largely flat, but it does have some great recreational countryside and coastline. It’s all ideal for bikes, of course.

The country’s big attractions are its great historic towns like Den Haag (The Hague), Amsterdam and Leiden.

Wherever you’re heading off to, we all wish you the very best for the coming holiday season.

It can make for a rowdy and raucous time when children at play are doing what only comes naturally. They’re typically buzzing with energy and full of exuberance while running around, chasing, and making lots of noise. It’s all a wonderful part of a healthy approach to growing up.

But there’s also a time and place for such exuberance though and times when you crave a little peace and quiet.

Thankfully, that yearning for the quieter and more peaceful things in life is recognised by many campsite owners who offer adult-only camping and caravan sites.

These can be found in various parts of the United Kingdom and some of them are located in some particularly beautiful surroundings. Here are some options:

Berwick Upon Tweed – The Chainbridge Touring Caravan Site

  • as the name suggests, this is located right on the border between England and Scotland – and in some beautiful countryside;
  • you have all the attractions of the River Tweed and its surrounding country pursuits;
  • there are also several historical sites well within reach – such as Bamburgh Castle, Berwick Upon Tweed itself, Lindisfarne and the Scottish border towns including places such as Jedburgh, Roxburgh, Hawick, and Peebles;

Somerset – Wells Touring Park

  • set in the rolling hills of the West Country, Wells is a beautiful city – the smallest in England – with an amazing cathedral;
  • it’s also close to a host of other attractions such as Glastonbury and its Tor, Avebury, Stonehenge and some of the great Devon and Dorset beaches;

Conwy (Conway), Wales – Tyddyn Du Touring Park

  • this is a beautiful campsite with some stunning views over the rugged North Wales countryside and the sea heading out towards the Isle of Anglesey;
  • if you looking to enjoy nature at its best, this is the place to come for a full range of rugged activities such as cycling, canoeing, hiking, etc;
  • there are many towns nearby that are all worth exploring including Conwy itself with its magnificent castle;

Oakham, Rutland – Greendale Farm Caravan & Camping Park

  • located in the heart of England’s smallest county, Oakham is an extremely attractive town and is surrounded by many others like it such as Melton Mowbray and Stamford;
  • the countryside and towns around here are very pretty and they’re often missed by tourists heading for the better-known attractions of Yorkshire in the other direction;
  • there are some nice facilities on this site, recently voted the best campsite for couples (without their children!) and great rural pursuits for those that love exercise;

Pickering, North Yorkshire – Overbrook Caravan Park

  • North Yorkshire is justifiably world-famous for its scenery and historic attractions;
  • the North York Moors are a must for a visit, as are some of the great ruined Abbeys – there are numerous castles and charming smaller towns, while the coastline should be considered a “must-see” in terms of its rugged beauty;
  • pitch up at Overbrook, a member of the coveted Tranquil Touring Parks group;

St Ives, Cambridgeshire – Stroud Hill Caravan Park

  • it is a complete myth that Cambridgeshire is entirely flat – there are some lovely parts in this county that are pleasantly rolling and that is partly why it was a much-visited and well-loved area for the artist John Constable;
  • Stroud Hill is another attractive campsite and while you are in the area, if you haven’t done so before, you must make the effort to visit Cambridge itself.

These are just a few general ideas and suggestions for adult-only campsites you might want to visit. Although the idea was probably overlooked for many years, the concept of quieter, more peaceful adults-only campsites has recently gained a lot of ground and with a little research, you should find that you have plenty to choose from.

Because of the vagaries of the British climate, there are seasons in the year when you might be in two minds about rolling out the motorhome for a weekend break or longer holiday.

The weather can be changeable at any time of the year, of course, but in wintertime, you’ll also have the risks of heavy rain and storms to contend with – and that’s even banking on the campsites you want still being open.

To help dispel those doubts and encourage you to clamber aboard your motorhome no matter what time of the year, here is a list of our top ten all-weather, all-season places to visit in the UK.

  1. Salcombe, Devon

The West Country’s mild climate makes a trip to Devon welcome at any time of the year, and Salcombe on Devon’s south coast is something of a paradise with its sub-tropical gardens – stay at the small, but inviting adults only Parkland Caravan and Camping site, just 8 miles out of town.

  1. Penzance, Cornwall

Drive still further into the southwest of England, and you will reach the Cornish peninsula of Penzance, and its stunning sea views and cliff walks for some bracing spring air – Cardinney Caravan and Camping Park’s 90 pitches offer a year-round welcome on a site reserved exclusively for adults.

  1. St Austell, Cornwall

You’ve made it as far as Cornwall, so why not enjoy a day or two longer and get even more exercise by walking the coastal paths around St Austell and the tucked-away fishing village of Gorran Haven.

In the nearby village of Threthurgy, there is a small caravan site (for a total of just 5 motorhomes or caravans) at the Camping and Cara Club’s Certified Site at Gray Farm.

  1. Alton Towers, Staffordshire

Who hasn’t heard of Alton Towers! It’s many a family’s idea of the perfect day out – why not cap it off by making a weekend of it by staying at Beech Croft Farm Caravan and Camping Park, near Buxton, so you can also enjoy the splendours of the Peak District National Park.

  1. Brockenhurst, Hampshire

Put a different spin on your next trip to the picturesque New Forest by visiting the Setley Ridge Vineyard, in the heart of the National Park, near Brockenhurst in Hampshire.

You can view grapes on the vine, the bottling process and buy a bottle or two, before retiring to one of the sites for motorhomes right on the doorstep at the Camping and Caravanning Club’s site at Hollands Wood.

  1. Wisbech, Cambridgeshire

Who could resist a motorhome campsite that has its own Hobbit Hill?

The Secret Garden Touring Park, near Wisbech, names its play area after the Hobbit, has a recently planted maze, a herd of pigs and its own duck pond, whilst the surrounding flat Fenland is ideal for bicycle trips.

  1. Edmonton, London

Yes, you can take your motorhome and stay within easy striking distance of the capital by camping at Lee Valley Camping and Caravanning Park in Edmonton. Just jump on a bus and explore all the sights, sounds and nightlife that London has to offer or take a trip along the river.

  1. Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire

Visit Robin Hood country by exploring Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire and on the 40-acre Sherwood Forest Holiday Park, which is close to the visitor centre and the National Nature Reserve.

  1. Talybont, North Wales

Even North Wales has its share of sunnier, early spring days when you can marvel at the stunning scenery surrounding a campsite like Islawrffordd Luxury Holiday Park, which has been owned and run by the same family since 1957.

  1. Kilchoan, Scottish Highlands

If you are truly adventurous and want to get away from it all before the season’s crowds begin to encroach, head off for the rugged west coast of Scotland, the beautiful coastal town of Oban, Fort William, and the brooding peaks of Glencoe.

Creagan Station Tourers caravan touring park will be the ideal place to pitch up at any time of the year to discover these delights of western Scotland.

At Derby Motorhomes, the last thing we want to do is to patronise our clients! However, we’d like to offer a few tips here about things you may wish to think about when taking your first significant trip in your motorhome.

Be conservative in your planning

It’s imperative that you are comfortable with your vehicle before taking it out on the road. This inevitably takes time and a little practice – plus also perhaps some training. (The Caravan Club runs motorhome manoeuvring courses which may help with the basics and build your confidence).

Driving a modern motorhome is intrinsically straightforward but it’s a larger vehicle than you may be used to and that can take a little getting accustomed to when cornering, reversing and parking etc.

Your first trip is therefore likely to be a case of you getting to know both your own driving tendencies and more importantly, the characteristics of your vehicle.

Motorhome basics are relatively straightforward and simple but there’s no substitute for putting them into practice. From that, you are likely to learn a few additional lessons and add to your experience base.

What this means is that we would recommend your first trip is perhaps relatively unambitious in terms of the distance you plan to travel, the countries you plan to visit and some of the driving conditions you intend taking on.

A quick, long-weekend somewhere local might be ideal as a shakedown first voyage for you and your new motorhome. By contrast, a cross-continental marathon epic as your first expedition might be, well, being a little “brave”!

Think about what you need to take with you

There is a range of basic equipment that an experienced motorhome owner wouldn’t dream of leaving behind.

That would typically include things such as first aid kits, a selection of tools, emergency lighting and external collapsible furniture etc. It’s worth reading up as to what those things should be (opinions might differ slightly) because once you are on site, if you realise you’ve left something behind, it may be too late to do anything about it.

So, make a motorhome basics list and put a tick against each thing as you load it into your vehicle.

Familiarise yourself with the motorhome

This is less about driving and more about what makes your motorhome work, any maintenance needed and knowing where things are.

Thinking about motorhome basics should include things such as understanding where the fuses are, where the gas connectors are, how to remove any waste water cassettes and so on.

It should also be things like turning the fridge on a few hours before you leave etc.

These are not the sorts of things you’ll want to try and find or work out for the first time only once you are on your pitch and getting ready to enjoy your break.

A little pre-study in this area will work wonders and put your mind at rest before you leave.

Book ahead

This is particularly important during the summer months and the school holidays (and especially now, during the pandemic when sites may be closed or have limited availability).

Some very popular sites can be booked up considerably in advance and that can lead to disappointment if you simply arrive on spec only to be greeted by the “site full” signs.

It really is worth making a ‘phone call to confirm availability prior to you setting off.

Summary

We hope this brief blog gives you some ideas of what you need to consider before your first trip – enjoy!

In what follows, we’ll provide the answers to some motorhomes FAQs.

Can I drive a motorhome on an ordinary licence?

In many cases, the answer is a reassuring “yes” – but not always!

A lot depends here upon the weight of the motorhome and when you passed your test.

As there are so many options here, it’s probably more sensible to research your individual position against the government’s official website.

Are motorhomes easy to drive?

Yes. In complexity terms, there is nothing that should surprise someone who is already a competent car driver.

However, some motorhomes are large vehicles which rely on wing mirrors for rear views to an extent that is not the case with the typical car. That can mean additional skills are required when reversing, parking, taking sharp corners and so on.

Some dealers may be able to arrange short skills development sessions for you to practice prior to driving away for the first time.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club run motorhome manoeuvring courses and if you look further online, there are several other companies that do so, too.

Can I park my motorhome wherever I wish overnight?

No.

Many local authorities differentiate between people parking a vehicle for a short time and sleeping in vehicles overnight. Many may prohibit overnight parking for any vehicle, including motorhomes, in standard car parks or lay-bys etc. The same might typically apply to streets and roadsides.

Whether any such rules would be enforced is another and probably unknowable question.

Fortunately, there is an abundance of good officially approved parking sites all over the UK.

Do note that your insurance policy might also have requirements about where you can and cannot park-up overnight.

Do motorhomes have real toilets?

The answer is “yes” and very sophisticated ones – assuming you select a duly equipped motorhome of course. Do discuss your question in more detail with us if required.

How much control do I have over interior fittings?

That depends upon the models you’re looking at but typically, a lot.

Many come in a wide range of configurations covering, just as one example, how much space is allocated to berths versus your shower room or berths versus living space etc. You can select the configuration that meets your requirements.

In terms of fittings, you might be able to select the type and colour of your upholstery, your specific kitchen equipment and so on.

This is best discussed with us and by looking at some brochures etc.

Can I take my motorhome abroad?

Yes, providing you have appropriate insurance cover that permits you to do so and subject to current legislation. As rules may change in terms of travel, visas and insurance requirement implications, you may want to check on the Gov.uk site for the latest information.

Also, please note that if you’ve imported a motorhome from outside the EU (typically from North America), some of those might not be road legal in the UK without modifications and that might mean they are not road legal in some other EU countries.

You would need vehicle-specific advice in such cases.

Is it possible to borrow money to buy a motorhome?

Yes, finance deals are available just as would be the case with motorcars etc.

Of course, that is inevitably “subject to status”. You can find out more on our Motorhome finance page, or please feel free to contact us. We’d be very happy to help.