Category: Motorhome Advice

Spring is already upon us – or just around the corner at least. Camping and caravanning sites all over the UK are opening again for business. It’s high time, therefore, that you get your motorhome ready for the season ahead!

Here are a few tips from Derby Motorhomes about things you can be doing right now – or in the near future – to prepare your motorhome in anticipation of the good weather to come.

Internal safety

Perhaps the most important thing is to check all of your gas appliances and installations for any indications of deterioration over the winter. Depending upon the nature and sophistication of your equipment, it might be highly advisable to get professionally qualified assistance in doing so.

You should also carefully check all of your ventilation and venting systems. They can sometimes get blocked by pests and some other forms of infestation. A guidance note published by the Caravan and Motorhome Club stresses the importance of adequate ventilation in your motorhome.

While you are inside, make sure that all the seat belts are working smoothly and correctly.

Check and test any smoke and CO/CO2 detectors, together with the vehicle’s anti-intruder alarm.

Finally, you should also thoroughly inspect all your electrical installations – once again calling on the services of a specialist if necessary.

Mechanics

Have a measured and attentive walk around your vehicle, looking for any obvious signs of problems.

Some of the giveaway symptoms may be familiar – and haven’t changed that much in years. If you see any indication of oil patches on the floor, mysterious oil where it shouldn’t be underneath the engine or around the wheels, it’s time to get it to the garage. Damp and rust patches should also be quickly investigated.

Check the vehicle’s lights and signalling equipment to make sure everything that was working well at the end of last season is still doing so today.

Ultimately, the only way to thoroughly test your vehicle is to take it out on the road. Your first drive after an extended period parked-up should be done at a quiet time, with Sunday afternoons being a fair bet.

Under controlled and entirely safe conditions – an empty car park, for example – test your breaking, reversing, horn, and instrumentation. Thoroughly inspect the tyres and check them not only for the legal depth of tread but also for bulges, discolouration, or indications of uneven wear.

You must check the tyre pressures, too, before you take your vehicle out on the road for its first test drive before the start of the season.

Comfort and services

Water systems are amongst those things that can, sometimes for little obvious reason, cause trouble after the off-road season. You might find it helpful to review the discussion on motorhome water systems that was published by Out and About Live on the 27th of July 2020.

So, make sure you check taps, drains, WCs, showers, and water tanks, close by the comfort and convenience of your own home. If anything isn’t working, then it’s better to find out in that environment rather than when you’re away using your vehicle on your first trip of the season.

You can also check things such as your internal lighting, heating, and any recreational equipment you have had fitted.

Summary

Assuming that your vehicle was parked up at the end of last season in good overall condition, there is absolutely no obvious reason why it shouldn’t be in good working order for the start of the new season. Although that assumes, of course, that you took the appropriate closed-season storage steps.

Even so, spending an hour or two in some of the above basic checks and tests may ensure your safety and help to avoid the frustration of discovering glitches when you’re out on your first significant journey of the year!

Owning a motorhome is likely to open up a whole new world of travel – one that allows you the freedom of the open road and the ability to travel under your own steam, whilst all the time having your own home from home in the very vehicle you are driving.

To take full advantage of that exciting new world and to make the most of what is likely to be a quite significant investment, it is clearly important to know just what you are getting yourself into.

The Gap Decaders website has listed 20 good reasons for owning a motorhome and enjoying the freedom, adventure, outdoor life and friendships that ownership can bring. To be fair, they also found 10 downsides to that argument – and not least was the cost in buying your first motorhome and the relative lack of space even within more luxurious models.

The pros and advantages in owning a motorhome most definitely win out – though to be doubly sure, you might want to hire, or borrow a friend’s vehicle, for a week or two before committing to your own make and model.

Here are some considerations before you take the plunge. Of course, if you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact us – we’d be delighted to help.

Choosing your motorhome

Whether you have arranged first-hand experience or are simply browsing the online catalogues and specifications, you will soon learn that motorhomes come in all shapes and sizes – with prices to match.

Choosing the one best suited to your particular needs and requirements is obviously important, but, given the sheer range of different makes and models, is likely to be bewildering at first and need a good deal of research.

Some of that might be gleaned from friends or colleagues who already own a motorhome or your researches on the internet. But for an up-close and personal, first-hand experience, think about visiting a major dealer and distributor at their own exhibition space – or, from the comfort of your own home, browse our website to see the latest motorhome options.

New or second hand?

When you have narrowed down your search for the suitable size, sleeping accommodation, make and model, you need to consider whether you want to buy new or second hand.

Once again, many specialist dealers offer the advantage of having both types on display – and are constantly on hand to offer advice on the relative merits of new versus older models of any motorhome you have in mind.

Buying from a motorhome dealer

The distinct advantage in buying – new or preloved – from a reputable dealer is the security and peace of mind you will have in getting a motorhome that has not only been thoroughly inspected, tested and serviced, but also comes with the dealer’s warranty and the specialists to whom you might turn if anything goes amiss post-sale.

Buying privately second-hand

If you are looking at a private sale of a used motorhome, you need to beware, of course, of simply taking a shot in the dark and trusting to nothing more than hope that you are buying a reliable and well-maintained vehicle.

Examine the detailed service history of any used motorhome you are thinking of buying, together with its MOT certificates and, of course, the registration document (which must demonstrate the DVLA’s approval of any conversions).

One of the problems with used or older motorhomes may be condensation – and the accumulation of moisture, damp, and mould – so, make sure to check the interior with a moisture meter.

More detailed checks, suggested in a guide published by the Caravan and Motorhome Club, suggest that you:

  • check that all the gas equipment works – even if that means taking along a spare cylinder to any viewing;
  • if a mains electricity hook-up is installed, ask to inspect the latest electrical safety certificate – these should have been issued regularly;
  • are the tyres the correct size and specification for the vehicle? Do they need replacing because of their age – they might look fine, but need to be replaced at least every five years;
  • lift up mattresses and cushions to look for any evidence of damp underneath them;
  • inspect under the sink and look at any joints around pumps and fittings for evidence of any leaks; and
  • make sure that the wooden tops supporting the beds continue to take their weight and that fold-down equipment, such as tables, stand firm and stable.

Your driving licence

The government website makes clear that any motorhome you drive in this country must comply with UK size limits and you must have the relevant driving licence.

Your eligibility for a licence to drive a motorhome depends on your age and the Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of the vehicle – namely, the weight of the motorhome and its maximum permitted load.

Your regular car driving licence (Category B) is likely to qualify you for driving the majority of motorhomes – especially if you have held your driving licence since before the 1st of January 1997, because  you are then also qualified to drive what are now Category C1 vehicles (those with a Maximum Authorised Mass, or MAM, of between 3.5 and 7.5 tons – practically any type of motorhome except for the largest of American Winnebagos).

The Camping and Caravan Club draws attention to an important consideration for drivers approaching the age of 70, the risk of losing automatic entitlement to drive a Category C1 vehicle, when you come to renew your driving licence,  and the need to ask your GP to complete the relevant medical declaration on your behalf.

Care for your motorhome

Whether you bought it new or second-hand, your motorhome is likely to cost you a significant amount of money. You will want to look after that investment, therefore, by taking good care of your motorhome.

As with any motor vehicle, safety comes first – and this means ensuring that your motorhome remains completely roadworthy, in accordance with the law. If you are circulating the vehicle in anything like an unroadworthy condition, be sure that it will soon attract the unwelcome attention of the police – and you stand to face stiff penalties.

To keep on the right side of the law, therefore, you must ensure that your motorhome receives regular mechanical servicing and maintenance.

But your motorhome is more than just a vehicle, it is also your second home, so servicing and maintenance also needs to take care of the many appliances, fixtures and fittings invariably included in today’s motorhomes. A habitation service is just as important as the mechanical service.

An article in Practical Caravan explains that an annual habitation service can involve as many as 50 separate checks and jobs, which are typically divided into five main categories:

  • the electrics;
  • gas systems;
  • water systems;
  • bodywork; and
  • Ventilation

Ventilation might seem to be an odd heading under which to conduct service checks. But some of the particular vulnerabilities of a motorhome are likely to feature the twin problems of mildew and mould.

Not only are these unsightly and damaging to the inside of your caravan, they are also dangerous to your health – yet once they have taken hold, they are notoriously difficult to treat or to banish – prevention, therefore, is many times better than cure.

Your new motorhome

Beginning a life of new adventures with a motorhome is exciting. The challenges facing any newcomer, however, are fairly easy to overcome – especially if you are open to advice from the experts and specialists in the business and the wider community of motorhome owners.

Looking for and buying a new motorhome is exciting. It can be great fun and just looking at the models on offer can really whet your appetite.

You’ll be spending a significant amount of money. Understandably, you’ll want to avoid making any errors in deciding eventually what motorhome to purchase. Of course, it is entirely up to you what motorhome you eventually choose to buy – it isn’t up to us or anybody else to tell you what is the most suitable motorhome for you.

But we do believe that it’s our primary duty is to offer you objective advice and guidance as you go through the process of selecting a motorhome. So, here are a few motorhome buying tips to help you get started. They’re based on the assumption that you’re new to motorhomes rather than a seasoned veteran of many such purchases and also that we’re discussing new rather than pre-used vehicles.

Preparatory work

Signing the bottom line for the purchase of a new motorhome is not difficult.

What’s important is the preparatory work before getting your pen out. Here we examine some of the key points, including one or two that are sometimes overlooked in the excitement of such a large purchase.

Research

Sometimes reviews of makes and models of motorhome can be difficult to interpret if you’re unfamiliar with the appropriate terminology. The same can even apply to some of the more technical motorhome buying tips.

Take some time, therefore, to thoroughly research and read-up on motorhomes, their main components and the sometimes specific language used to describe them.

No manufacturer or dealership is likely to publish negative reviews on their website about their services or a vehicle they’ve sold. Thankfully, there are plenty of unbiased and objective review sites online. Use them to check out what real buyers have thought of the vehicle you’re considering and, if possible, the post-sales service standards of the dealership.

Once you’re up to speed, look at those reviews of given models to check things such as:

  • reliability;
  • comfort;
  • driving ease;
  • running costs;
  • power/performance (this isn’t about speed, it’s about how easily the model will cope with hazards such as steep hills when fully loaded);
  • the flexibility of configuration (your requirements may change between one trip and another).

Take advice

There are specialist and generalist motorhome dealers.

The difference is usually visible in terms of whether they have the odd motorhome for sale amongst lots of other vehicle types or are clearly dedicated to motorhomes as a business. Typically, the specialists will be able to offer more focused and broader-based advice than a generalist might be able to.

Think carefully about your needs and requirements

Think about your recreation plans in general. It goes without saying that they are almost certain to be based around mobile holiday concepts and the great outdoors. However, you’ll need to think about:

  • whether this just you and your partner primarily or whether you intend to invite others (e.g. children, grandchildren, relatives, friends) to join you? That makes a big potential difference in terms of the size and configuration of the motorhome you might select;
  • your destinations. Even if you won’t ever have others with you, if you plan to use your vehicle regularly and over very long distances say around Europe, having a larger and more spacious vehicle might make more sense than opting for a smaller one; and
  • do you prefer preparing food yourself or do you see that as a chore to be avoided in favour of restaurants when on holiday? If the former, you might choose a motorhome with a top-of-the-line specification kitchen.

Here are some of the additional questions you might want to ask yourself before firming up any decisions:

  • just how often and over what sort of distances and durations, you think you might want to use your motorhome;
  • how your requirements sit with regards to the distribution of space between the driving cab and lounge areas;
  • how many berths you will require on a typical use basis;
  • your views about the running costs of the various models;
  • whether or not you are comfortable driving larger as opposed to intermediate or smaller motorhomes;
  • the level of equipment you need. Some motorhome owners like to have the ultimate in comfort and equipment whereas others prefer a slightly more camping-type experience with more modest equipment levels;
  • how much you would normally like to take with you, in terms of clothes and other possessions, when you are setting off on a trip. If that might seem a strange question, it is, of course, related to balancing things such as additional berths versus larger storage units in the motorhome; and
  • your preference for the driving experience. The engines in motorhomes and the driving seat/instrument configurations can vary significantly from one chassis to another. Some may suit you well, others perhaps less so.

The above list is far from comprehensive but it’s illustrative of how we like to get to know our potential customers so we can play a productive part in helping them to make the right choice.

Clarify your finances in advance

One of the major additional considerations is your budget.

A significant number of motorhomes are purchased outright using cash. You might have been fortunate enough to pick up a lump sum through something such as an inheritance, a pension lump sum, an unexpected windfall and so on.

However, you may wish to think carefully before spending your disposable cash in this fashion. Once converted into a motorhome, remember that your money will start to depreciate, and you also may not be able to access it quickly or cost-effectively if you need it for an emergency.

So, invest some time in planning your motorhome finance before starting to look at those vehicles and their purchase deals.

It’s often advisable to think more roundly about your finances and to look at a number of options including motorhome finance provided by a specialist. Having, for example, a hire purchase agreement in principle in your pocket might strengthen your negotiating position with dealerships.

If you plan to buy your motorhome with the help of finance (which we can help you with), how much you will be able to comfortably afford each month by way of repayments. That will also highlight the importance of your credit rating.

Typically, questions about financing your purchase fall into two broad categories:

  • understand what you can afford in terms of purchasing cost and if you’re opting for motorhome finance, how much you can comfortably repay each month; and
  • do your sums on the annual running costs of any particular vehicle you may be interested in buying. Make sure your budget includes the cost of trips in your motorhome – you’ll want to get the maximum use out of your new vehicle.

Check the depreciation

Different models may have significantly different depreciation curves. That is essentially showing how much their value from new will reduce over the years ahead.

The good news is that, typically, new motorhomes tend to hold their values well when compared to most standard motor cars. Even so, there may be variations in that depending upon the make and model you select, so this is something that is useful to know in advance.

Don’t underestimate extra comfort

It’s often worth spending what might be relatively modest extra sums to provide you with a few optional extras or even a model upgrade if it helps make the motorhome feel more like a true home-from-home.

Don’t over or underestimate your required space

There is an entire science behind estimating just how much space you will be comfortable within your motor home. The answer, of course, it varies from one buyer to another.

There are many guides that are worth consulting to try and make sure you don’t end up with a vehicle that is too small for your comfort or so large that you don’t feel easy about driving it.

Inspect, view and test drive the model of motorhome you’re interested in

It can be risky to base such a large purchasing decision on an inspection of a model a dealership tells you is “fairly close” to the one you have in mind. After your own house, of course, a motorhome is likely to be the second most expensive purchase you will ever make.

You wouldn’t normally decide to purchase a property unseen based on a viewing of one that was vaguely similar many miles away, so don’t be tempted to do the same where a motorhome is concerned.

Consider a basic familiarisation course

If you’re unused to driving a motorhome, it can be slightly intimidating initially. For example, even with modern all angle cameras in the cab, reversing can be an acquired art.

Many dealerships will be able to recommend a quick overview, familiarisation and manoeuvring course – such as those offered by both the Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club. It might be an idea to take one in advance of deciding on a specific purchase, as it might even influence your final choice of vehicle.

Summary

The most important of all motorhome buying tips is – take your time and avoid rushing. Getting a good fit for your situation, needs and requirements is imperative.

At Derby Motorhomes we can help you with your decision so that you find the right motorhome for you. Call us today on 01332 360222 to see how we can help!

Although winter might bring some days of unexpected sunshine, this is probably the time of year when you are thinking about putting your motorhome into some form of storage. The days are getting noticeably shorter and the clocks will be going back anytime soon, so you might be using your motorhome less often as the weather closes in.

So that your motorhome stays in peak condition, protected from the elements and other wear and tear, here are some tips and suggestions as you prepare the vehicle for winter – so that it is ready to use come springtime.

As you prepare to winterise your motorhome, bear in mind that your motorhome insurance policy may spell out certain obligations as to what you need to do when storing your motorhome. Some may also offer discounts if you store your motorhome at a recognised storage site – speak to your insurer for clarification.

Insurance considerations, for the moment, to one side, let’s consider the main areas of focus before you store your motorhome away for winter:

Storage

One of the great things about a motorhome, of course, is its versatility and the way it is more or less always ready to get out on the road for excursions even during the winter months. Depending on your lifestyle and the type of motorhome you own, however, you might prefer to think in terms of more secure, off-road storage.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club has 3,000 such pitches at various secure storage sites around the country and many of these are also accredited by the Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (CaSSOA) – where the level of security and safe-keeping might even earn you a discount on your motorhome insurance premiums.

Preparation

Whether you decide to winterise your motorhome by putting it into storage or keep it on your driveway ready for sunnier winter interludes, now is the time of year to give it some pre-winter care and maintenance:

  • wash and clean off the summer’s dust and debris before giving the whole vehicle a good wax – to provide that extra layer of protection that helps preserve the bodywork’s sheen;
  • remember that your motorhome needs to “breathe” when it’s not in use – air vents need to be kept open to prevent damp and mould – so avoid covering the vehicle with any type of tarpaulin;
  • lubricate mechanical parts on the exterior of your motorhome, including the door hinges – this will also help repel moisture and reduce corrosion;
  • check the tyre pressures and inflate them to the recommended working pressure, but remember that the rubber is going to deteriorate faster if the weight of the vehicle is kept on the same tread for too long – better to raise the vehicle on axle-stands to take the weight off the tyres;
  • carefully check the state of all seals around doors and windows, making sure that the rubber has not perished or become damaged – this is one of the most common sources of ingress of water, which may quickly cause very costly, longer-term damage; and
  • if there is evidence of any water ingress, make sure to trace and remedy the problem.

Mechanical

Although a full mechanical service may wait until nearer the time you next use it, prepare the motorhome for its period of storage by changing the oil and consider adding a fuel storage stabiliser (to combat corrosion and prevent the build-up of gum and varnish deposits).

Here at Derby Motorhomes, we advise against the temptation to turn over the engine by starting it too often, since this is likely to circulate the acids and sludge that accumulate in the system. If you do start it, however, make sure to run it for at least half an hour.

An altogether better solution is simply to disconnect and remove the battery, charging it regularly – perhaps with a solar trickle-charger, as advertised by suppliers Maplin.

Interior

Give the interior a thorough cleaning, too – not simply for appearances’ sake, but also to help prevent a build-up of damp or to deter pests. Food and crumbs that have accumulated during summer outings present an irresistible treat to mice and other pests during the winter months. So, remove all food from the fridge, clean the inside thoroughly and leave the door ajar.

A quick checklist of further good housekeeping points for the interior of your motorhome includes:

  • draining down all water systems and blowing compressed air through the pipes to ensure that every last drop has been expelled;
  • this is an essential precaution, since any water that freezes in cold weather may burst not only the pipes and storage tanks but also the fittings;
  • disconnect and remove the auxiliary battery or batteries for storage in a dry place where they will not freeze and remember to keep them charged since cold weather shortens their effective working life;
  • disconnect and remove any gas (butane or propane) cylinders and store in a safe and dry place;
  • take out all the bedding and soft furnishings, wash or dry clean it and store it indoors at home.

Ventilation

One of the trickier issues is maintaining ventilation – to discourage the spread of damp and mould – whilst at the same time weather-proofing those openings to prevent insects and other pests from getting in.

Larger ventilation portals, for example, might be covered up with plastic or polythene which is simply taped into place.

Awnings

Ensure that any awnings have been thoroughly dried so that they can be rolled up and put away until they are needed in the spring or summer.

Checks

Whether it is sitting on the driveway at home, or in more permanent storage, visit your motorhome from time to time and, if possible, take it out for a drive, to help even out wear on the tyres that have been bearing the weight of the vehicle for all this time.

Regularly check tyre pressures, oil, brake, and clutch fluids.

Ready for the next season

A little care now, as you winterise your motorhome, may help to ensure it is ready for another season of faithful service come the springtime.

Choosing the right motorhome is likely to involve several different angles of approach – not least your own research on the designs and layouts available, plus the advice you might get from your friendly motorhome dealer to ways of funding the purchase, including the possibility of part-exchange.

Choosing the right motorhome

In the world of motorhomes, it is often not just a case of how much space is on offer but what’s done with it that counts.

Simply changing the positioning of some of the essential elements inside the motorhome or by applying especially ingenious solutions of design, the usable area and interior appearance may be altered considerably. And that’s what makes the motorhome layout such a critical factor in choosing one make and model over another – to suit the particular needs of you and your family.

The designer’s challenge

For any motorhome designer, the challenge is fitting quite so much into the relative confines of your second home on wheels. There are the driver’s and passenger seats up front in the cockpit, of course, but behind that there need to be spaces in which to relax, to cook, take a shower, a place for the toilet, and to sleep.

Much of that layout is likely to be occupied by the beds – the most extensive single feature that needs to be fitted inside your motorhome –, and that’s where the designer’s ingenuity and imagination are most called for and reflected in the following standard configurations:

Rear lounge layout

  • this is a layout you might have noticed when following a motorhome along the motorway – a lounge area situated at the back of the vehicle, typically to make the most of the panoramic view you are likely to get from a big window at the rear;

Front lounge layout

  • but the lounge area might also be immediately behind the driver and passenger seats in the cab – and is probably nowadays the most popular layout;
  • it means that your galley or kitchen area, washroom and – in the case of larger motorhomes – the bedroom, too, are all situated towards the rear of the vehicle;

Fixed double bed

  • the bed you sleep in at home is likely to have enough space around it to climb in from either side, and this is also possible with a motorhome’s fixed double bed as an “island” with access from both side, and fixed, so you don’t need to fold it down and make it up from scratch every night;

Fixed single bed

  • on the same principle – but for those who prefer to sleep alone – fixed single beds are also available;
  • as an article in AutoTrader Motorhomes points out, a fixed bed is one which you don’t have to convert from the seating area in the lounge – for that reason, fixed beds are normally situated at the back of a motorhome, ready and waiting, already made up for when you want to turn in for the night;

French bed layout

  • the so-called French bed is a layout designed to make the most of the space in a smaller motorhome since it is usually fitted against the wall and the corners at the foot of the bed may be cut off and rounded, so it is easier to get around them;
  • for some of the arguments in favour of and against this type of arrangement, take a look at the article on the website Out and About Live;

Bunk beds

  • not so many motorhomes feature bunk beds, but they tend to be a favourite with children, so if you have a young family travelling with you on holidays, you might want to give a thought to this space-saving arrangement.

Motorhome layouts are many and varied – typically masterpieces in design and ingenuity. You can even get drop-down beds, so you can really maximise the space!

The layout that suits you is likely to be determined by your family’s own particular needs and the way you intend to use your motorhome. Whatever those needs may be, you are almost certain to find a layout that suits you.

Questions to ask your motorhome dealer

Once you’ve researched the possibilities of layout and design, it’s probably time to get down to the serious business of questioning your dealer. Top of the possible questions is likely to be the make and model of motorhome most likely to suit you

Here at Derby Motorhomes, we make no bones about it – Auto-Sleepers are challenging to beat!

We are champions and committed supporters of what we believe, without doubt, to be the leading manufacturer of first-rate motorhomes in the UK. On the strength of that endorsement, of course, we look forward to all of your questions about any aspect of the especially wide range of Auto-Sleepers – including this year’s latest models and award-winning vehicles to buy second-hand or in part-exchange.

Which is the right Auto-Sleeper for my family and me?

There are so many possible answers to this question that you might be glad of our expertise, experience, and guidance. The Auto-Sleeper for you and your family, of course, depends on the way you plan to use it, the size of motorhome you want to buy, and whether you are buying new or second hand.

Since we have such a wide range of new and pre-loved Auto-Sleepers on display, you may try out our suggestions for yourself first-hand, even taking those in which you have a particular interest for a test drive.

For innovative design, layout and spaciousness and through the use of proven chassis and powertrains, it’s no accident that Auto-Sleepers is our flagship range:

Van conversion or coachbuilt?

  • just ask us about some of the differences between van conversions and coachbuilt motorhomes;
  • as the terms suggest, a van conversion takes a standard chassis type and powertrain – in the case of Auto-Sleepers, a Peugeot or Fiat Ducato engine and transmission – with the superstructure skilfully converted to create a spacious and well-appointed interior;
  • a coachbuilt motorhome is specially crafted, lovingly built from the chassis up and, in the case of an Auto-Sleeper, powered by a 160bhp Peugeot engine or a 163bhp Mercedes;
  • as you might imagine, therefore, coachbuilt motorhomes tend to be in a luxury class of their own – and come with a price ticket to match;

What after-sales service and warranties are offered?

  • if you have to wait at all for delivery of your Auto-Sleeper from Derby Motorhomes, that’s because we put every aspect of the vehicle through rigorous and stringent pre-delivery tests, before giving your model a finishing valet service;
  • on the rare occasion that anything should go wrong after that, of course, you expect the reassurance that it will be put right;
  • that’s where our long history in dealing with Auto-Sleepers, and our fully-trained and experienced team of technicians who are familiar with every model in the range, comes into its own – we have the expertise and well-stocked parts stores to ensure any replacements are fitted speedily and professionally;

Can you arrange finance?

  • buying an Auto-Sleeper is likely to represent a significant investment and one for which you may need finance;
  • we are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to offer three principal motorhome finance options – personal loans, hire purchase and even Personal Contract Purchase – giving you the widest choice of finance options (depending on your credit history, of course).

Part-exchange with Derby Motorhomes

Once bitten by the motorhome bug, the majority of owners progress from one vehicle to another, replacing an old favourite with a new model, based on their changing needs and preferences.

And that means that Derby Motorhomes can offer what we consider is a roaring trade in part-exchange motorhomes.

Here we’d like to run through how we operate our part-exchange system and some of the basic principles behind it.

The basic approach

To give you an initial part-exchange estimate, we will need to have certain key information relating to the vehicle you are considering putting forward. Those details typically include:

  • a precise description of what it is, including things such as its make, model, and year;
  • an accurate indication of its current mileage;
  • how many previous owners it has had;
  • a fairly objective review of its condition – any major problems or damage should be highlighted at this stage to avoid wasting time later on;
  • a statement of any enhancements you might have made to it, such as anything that might affect its registration details and insurance; and
  • a statement relating to whether or not there is any outstanding finance on it.

Once we have those details, we will contact our trusted associates in whatever the vehicle field concerned is, to seek the best possible trade-in price we can on your behalf.

Assuming the figure we indicate is acceptable, we will then proceed with you to the next stage.

Confirmation and engagement

Almost inevitably, the amount you are offered in part-exchange will require the person offering the figure (or their intermediaries) being able to see the vehicle in person before agreeing a definitive and final sum.

There is absolutely no suggestion here that the part-exchange specialist believes you might have misrepresented the vehicle. It is simply a question of them trying to make sure that there is nothing associated with it that you might have failed to spot.

Sometimes those things can be very technical and not immediately apparent to anyone other than a skilled mechanic and one who is an expert in the type of vehicle concerned.

However, in many cases, this is simply routine, and the final figures are confirmed. In some cases, it may be necessary for you to take steps to settle any outstanding finance on the vehicle before offering it as part of the deal or it can be settled as part of the overall transaction.

Do please keep in mind that if you are purchasing a vehicle under hire purchase terms, it is an offence to offer it for sale or part-exchange unless your HP funds provider has agreed to it in advance, with any outstanding sums being settled as part of the final transaction.

As we have said on our website, part-exchange  may typically be an excellent way to offset some of the costs associated with purchasing a new motorhome (depending on your own, unique, financial circumstances).

Our partners and we can be extremely helpful in finding ways to make your part-exchange happen and in a cost-effective way for you. This can all be explained in much more detail and far more quickly if you contact us for an initial discussion. That will be entirely non-committal on your part, but it will give you an excellent idea of how the process works and some of the financial advantages that it might offer you.

Summary

If you are thinking of buying a motorhome – or better yet, have already decided to by one from the Auto-Sleepers range – you’ll not only want your own private viewing and maybe a test drive, but also have lots of questions to ask your dealer.

You might even have a vehicle you intend to offer in part-exchange.

Here at Derby Motorhomes, we’re delighted if you ask away – and our dedicated team of salespeople will do their absolute best to provide the answers.

Owning a motorhome gives you the freedom of the open road. And if that open road begins with the short hop across the Channel to France, the open road has practically no end.

France is our closest neighbour. That’s why so many Britons visit the country – principally for holidays. They totalled more than 10.3 million in 2019, according to the latest figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Though it might be just a short cross-Channel journey away, however, remember that France is a foreign country, with rules of the road, laws and customs that may differ substantially to those you are used to at home.

So, if you are planning on exploring France in your motorhome, there is the little matter of getting across the stretch of water known as the English Channel.

So, how do you get to France, what are the routes, and how long does it take?

With all that in mind, the following advice is offered about taking your motorhome to France.

Ways to get to France in your motorhome

Le Shuttle

By far the quickest and probably the most convenient way to get your motorhome across the Channel is through the Euro Tunnel on the train service known as Le Shuttle.

That means first driving to Folkestone on England’s south coast – the route is well signposted from the M20, where you simply drive your motorhome onto the train. The journey lasts just 35 minutes until you disembark in Calais.

When using the tunnel, you may keep onboard any LPG tanks you use for your cooker, refrigerator or for heating provided the cylinders have a capacity of no more than 47kg and that they are less than 80% full.

The Camping and Caravanning Club currently offers its members a 10% discount when tickets for Le Shuttle are bought directly through the club.

Overground

Part of your adventure, though, might be the chance to wave a temporary goodbye to the white cliffs of Dover from the deck of a ship. In that case, you have a number of options – largely determined by where your destination in France will be:

Dover to Calais

  • the shortest – 22 miles or so – and most familiar, is likely to be the Dover to Calais ferry, operated by two companies, DFDS Seaways and P&O Ferries;
  • sea crossings with either company – who together offer a combined total of 39 sailings a day – take around an hour and a half between Dover and Calais;
  • prices are calculated according to the exact dimensions of your motorhome – which you must provide at the time of booking – and larger vehicles are typically loaded first;

Dover to Dunkirk

  • if you want to arrive a little further along the north coast of France, Dover to Dunkirk may be your choice – Dunkirk is a much less busy port than Calais, the tickets tend to be cheaper, and the journey time is still only around 2 hours;

Newhaven to Dieppe

  • DFDS Seaways also operates the ferry service between Newhaven and Dieppe;
  • this might prove an even more relaxing crossing since both Newhaven and Dieppe are quieter ports than either Dover or Calais and the four-hour crossing gives you time to enjoy the cruise and enjoy a meal onboard;

Portsmouth to Normandy and Brittany

  • if your destination is Normandy, Brittany or other points west in France, Brittany Ferries offers several routes, all starting from the port of Portsmouth;
  • the route to Le Havre is billed as a “no frills” economy passage and takes around four and a half hours;
  • sailings to the historic port of Caen in Normandy prove to be some of Brittany Ferries’ most popular crossings – though you might also want to book a cabin for the seven-hour crossing;
  • Portsmouth to Cherbourg takes just three hours on Brittany Ferries’ Normandie Express;
  • since the crossing takes 10 hours, sailings from Portsmouth to St Malo are overnight – a good time to enjoy a relaxing onboard meal as you watch the sea slip quietly by.

Whether you opt for the speed and convenience of the Channel Tunnel or choose a mini cruise across to France, therefore, our closest neighbour has never been easier to reach for your next motorhome tour.

But, so much for getting there – what are you likely to make of the driving in France and what should you know about taking your motorhome?

The driving

One of the main dangers may be the lure of the open road itself. Especially if you are chasing the sun, you might be tempted to drive much further in your motorhome in France than you are used to at home.

As a detailed study by the European E-Survey of Road Users’ Attitudes (ESRA) warned, it is essential to avoid driving fatigue, so plan your route well, and take regular breaks.

Documents

You need to remember your UK driving licence, but at the time of writing (September 2020), you do not need an international driving permit for France. Do note that this could change due to Brexit, so check with the Government website for clarification.

You must also have evidence of insurance for your motorhome since a minimum of third party cover is obligatory in France – as it is throughout the rest of Europe.

Check that your insurance covers driving in Europe and ask your insurer for a “green card” that confirms you are adequately insured for driving in France. The need for a green card is almost certain to increase once the UK has completed its departure from the EU as from the 1st of January 2021.

Also carry your registration and MOT documents too.

Kit

When driving in France, you must have onboard a warning triangle and a reflective jacket to wear in case of roadside emergencies together with a first-aid kit.

While it is no longer a legal requirement, it has been in the past and is, therefore, a good idea to continue to carry a breathalyser device.

Speed limits

Speed limits may vary, especially in rural areas, are likely to catch out the unwary and are frequently policed – with on the spot fines which vary according to the degree to which you have exceeded the limit.

That means up to €68 for a minor infraction (less than 12mph) but up to €3750 and three months in prison if you are caught for the second time speeding by more than 31mph.

Emissions

The RAC warns that in some French cities you also need to display a “clean air sticker” – a Crit’Air.

This costs £3.60 and you may face an on the spot fine of nearly £120 if you fail to do so.

Please note that this information is correct at the time of writing – September 2020 – so it is advisable to check routes, the documentation needed etc. from official sources when planning your trip, as they may change.

So, it’s that time of year again – you know the one, the one where we sit down together as a family, group of friends or couple, glass of chilled sangria in hand, holiday brochures or i-pad at the ready and try to decide where we fly off to for our annual holidays this year.

Only, this year things are going to be a little different and I don’t know about you, but for me, I certainly won’t be boarding a bargain, budget or charter flight with 200 hundred other excited souls, potentially coughing and wheezing in all sections of the cabin whilst sharing the same recycled air and occupying the very same seat that, less than an hour previously, was vacated by goodness knows who!

Finally, after an hour and a half of what I like to call “sight-seeing” (which is in fact sitting on a cramped, baking hot coach with fifty other assorted families and couples, tired, frustrated, bursting for the toilet and praying that your name isn’t called out for this particularly grim looking destination you’ve just stopped at), you arrive at your hotel only to find the room isn’t ready yet and when it is, it looks out over the next-door building site or municipal dump!

As a side issue, these photographers must have amazing skills as the accommodation is never quite like the pictures in the brochure or on-line, which reminds me, I must try to track down one of those photographers some-day – my passport photo is terrible!

The water is undrinkable, the beer, cocktails and house spirits worse, the bed uncomfortable, the air conditioning doesn’t work, the neighbouring room houses a family of banshee’s who never seem to sleep; the hotel food is usually lukewarm and finally, when you take a closer look, the bedding doesn’t really seem that clean after all, the mattress doesn’t bear thinking about and the room – well, it doesn’t look to have had a thorough clean in decades!

The lifts are crammed full of holiday makers from all over Europe, all happily touching every button and surface produced by mankind while breathing and coughing across everyone within close proximity and then, while desperately trying not look anyone directly in the eyes, you’re left wondering what hygiene standards the chefs, waiters, reception, pool and bar staff apply and finally, to top it all off, social distancing is itself a very distant memory once the beer and sangria kick-in.  Happy holidays everyone!

In fact, whilst on this subject, the very last place I could reasonably consider for a well – earned vacation right now would be aboard a cruise ship for that matter – luxurious as I’m sure they are, I couldn’t possibly imagine spending all of that time in such close proximity to a couple of thousand other poor souls also with no escape and all of their associated germs to dodge for a week or more whilst most of the above likely still applies!

And then there’s the excursions to worry about; a coach here, a taxi there, tours around the local must-see’s and snacks and drinks in lovely little tavernas and bars who’s owners and staff possibly think more about tips and profits than anything else – after all, you’re going to be a distant memory in an hour’s time!

I’m sorry if this paints a pretty awful picture and forgive me for using a few clichés, but tell me this hasn’t happened to most us at some time or another and tell me you aren’t having exactly the same misgivings – or am I just being cynical?

Anyway, enough of my hand-wringing doom and gloom, but I’m just saying, there must be an awful lot of other folks out there, also of a certain age and disposition thinking exactly the same as me – come on, I can’t be the only miserable git out there who’s really concerned about catching something incredibly nasty and shuffling off this mortal coil way too early (my opinion, not necessarily that of the current lady of the house).

So, with all of this to the fore of my reasoning, one – word springs to mind – staycation!

However, even that has some drawbacks; where to stay-cate for example, with whom and for how long are just a few of my thoughts.

But it doesn’t have to be that difficult, not when you could buy a motorhome and have as many holidays as you and your spouse could possibly ever desire.

If you think about it, it’s almost the perfect solution – your very own personal space, (or isolation pod as I like to think of them), closed to everyone but you and those lucky enough to be invited in, after thorough vetting that is!

Total freedom and flexibility, the freedom to go exactly where you want and do exactly what you want to do and the flexibility to do this whenever you wish and for as long as you want to, too.

If you really think about this, a campsite could also be the perfect place to enjoy freedom and isolation.

You don’t have to use the site’s facilities – toilets, showers, shops, bars etc. because your very own motorhome usually comes complete with its own toilet and shower, kitchen with cooker and fridge (sometimes a freezer too), tv if you fancy that and they can even be fitted with wind-out awnings for additional sun shelter. Some can even have gas BBQ points fitted for alfresco cooking.

You supply your own food and drinks so, nothing you don’t really want passes your lips and the shopping, if you don’t take it with you, can be delivered directly to your door if the need or desire’s still there to socially distance.

Your neighbours are usually several meters away from your pitch with their door on the opposite side too, so social distancing, again, isn’t going to be an issue and camp sites are usually to be found close to beautiful countryside or coastal areas – some even have fishing lakes attached and most non-motor homers would very surprised at just how good the vast majority of modern sites really are.

So, a motorhome doesn’t have to be huge, it can be and can also have every extra know to mankind too; but then there’s it’s size to consider, it can affect where you travel – too big and English country lanes could prove a challenge; too small and either you won’t have sufficient storage space for clothes and things or, more accurately, the love of your life will but you won’t or, joking apart, too small could potentially restrict the length of time spent away from home.

Well, a motorhome could be considered as “roughing it” by some I suppose but when you actually bother to take a closer look at some of them, well, nothing could be further from the truth.

Take Auto-Sleepers for example – they are the oldest UK motorhome manufacturer; every-one is hand built and quality oozes from every angle. Luxurious Belgian fabrics, quality furniture, kitchens a top chef would be proud of and space abound – even in the smallest of models.

Then there’s their fabulous standard features such as large wind-out awnings, mobile wi-fi, solar panels, re-fillable gas tanks, built-in satellite navigation systems, air conditioning – cab and habitation areas too in their Mercedes range; there’s even the option of remote, self-seeking satellite TV systems if you really don’t want to miss anything.

What could be finer than sitting under your very-own sun awning drinking wine (or gin, beer, cider or any other favourite tipple for that matter) and simply “chilling out” whilst listening to your favourite music or reading the latest novel on your kindle?

If that’s not your “thing” then how about a day exploring the local countryside or walking and cycling to places of interest; maybe visit the local beach (social distancing permitting of course) or town centre for that all-important retail therapy hit, (if the shops are open and you have a face-mask).

Then there’s galleries and museums to consider or the local country estate, farm shop or National Trust venue – really, the list of potential activities is endless as are the wonderful places one could pitch-up in the UK alone.

You never know too, the urge to go abroad could still prove too great to resist, in which case there’s always the “tunnel” for quick, easy access to France and beyond or endless ferry routes for a more relaxed trip across the water.

Imagine, a lovely warm evening, sun slowly setting, the sound of the ocean in the distance, dining al-fresco with a really great burgundy, fresh-baked French bread, a lovely cheese and a simple salad, all right on your own doorstep and for as long as you feel like it……

And don’t forget, motorhomes are welcomed throughout Europe and Europe’s an awfully big continent to explore and finding beautiful, isolated spots to call your own for a few days before moving on isn’t difficult and the driving? Well that’s all part of the holiday.

Remember too, once you have a motorhome, you also have the potential for hundreds of holidays, long or short, here, there, anywhere in fact – a long weekend or simple overnighter somewhere local or just a day out in the countryside for that matter, the choice is yours and endless!

So, I hope I’ve planted a seed of optimism for a brighter future this summer and holiday season; and one final fact, a motorhome is nothing like a car in terms of depreciation or residual value and if I’m honest, whilst they aren’t that cheap to buy initially, they should be considered more as an investment and once owned, they will retain a huge proportion of their original value and for a darned sight longer than your average family run-around or caravan and definitely longer than your two weeks package to the sun!

You’ll definitely have so very many more memories from a motorhome too so, when you sit down to consider the summer holidays, take a closer look at the motor home option and in particular Auto-Sleepers’ motor home range at Derby Motorhomes, you’re going to be very pleasantly surprised.

Staycation – happy holidays everyone.

Selling any motor vehicle is often a chore and something of a hassle.

Selling your motorhome may prove still more of a headache. Buyers may be few and far between. There is likely to be more money at stake, and viewers are likely to take much longer poring over every inch of the vehicle (and that’s not even counting the time-wasters who say they are coming and then fail to turn up).

When you part exchange your motorhome, on the other hand, you get two essential benefits for the price of one – you avoid the time, hassle and general inconvenience of having to sell your current motorhome. And you are also likely to gain more than enough of a deposit on your new one.

So, let’s take a closer look at part exchanging your motorhome.

At the time of writing, all the news is good news in terms of that “PX” deal! Why?

Second-hand motorhome values

Motorhomes depreciate far less than the typical car. That means they hold their value well, assuming all other things are equal.

Add to that the fact that there’s currently something of a shortage of good quality second-hand motorhomes and you have all the ingredients for great deals if you’re part-exchanging your motorhome.

Part exchange with Derby Motorhomes

If you are selling your motorhome to buy another, we aim to give you a top part exchange price – without your having to go through any of the hassles of advertising, etc.

All we ask is you give us a full and accurate description of your motorhome as possible, including whether it has been involved in any accidents and if there is any outstanding finance on the vehicle.

Even if you prefer to go down the route of selling your motorhome privately, we may still be able to help. Your buyer may be looking for a part exchange deal, for example, or even looking for the finance to purchase your motorhome – both are issues over which we may be able to help.

Choosing a dealer

When you are looking to part exchange, a lot may hinge on your choice of dealer.

Naturally, you want the best possible price for any motorhome you trade-in, based on a fair and realistic valuation of its current market value.

Specialist, reputable dealers are likely to be in the best position to make just such an offer. They know about motorhomes, they know who is in the market to buy a used one, and they are at the cutting edge of the business.

Most dealers specialise in a particular make of motorhome and, if you are lucky enough to already own one of the top-rated brands such as an Auto-Sleeper, you may be likely to be offered an especially attractive deal in part exchange.

Indeed, some dealers are so interested in buying such desirable brands as Auto-Sleeper, that, if you have yet to make up your mind about purchasing a new motorhome, you may be offered an immediate cash price on the one you want to sell.

Some dealers may even agree to take your motorhome on a sale or return basis.

Preparing your motorhome for part-exchange

You might be tempted into thinking that a vehicle you offer in part exchange does not need much in the way of special presentation – if it is dirty or needs minor exterior or interior blemishes ironing out, then the dealer is well able to provide the necessary service.

But dealers are people, too, and just like any other buyer, first impressions count.

In other words, if you are looking to part exchange, it is worth spending some of your own time cleaning the outside of the vehicle, attending to any scrapes and dings, and giving the interior a thorough spring clean. It is all likely to put any dealer in the right frame of mind for offering you a more attractive deal on a motorhome which has clearly been looked after by a responsible and careful owner.

Try to make sure your vehicle is as clean and well-presented as possible. True, a professional dealer will be able to “see-through” certain surface-level presentation problems, but psychologically even the most seasoned professional can be affected by things such as interior dirt, grime, and foul smells etc.

These things can suggest you’ve not really cared for your motorhome and that might imply to the dealer that far worse problems are lurking unseen under the surface so to speak. So – a good spring clean beforehand is a good idea.

Avoid last-second cosmetic improvements like cushions, wall decorations and so on. These will cost you money for no benefit – most dealers will remove them before any sale to restore your motorhome or campervan to its original specification and appearance (as far as possible).

Some motorhome owners, for example, add large numbers of accessories and make other customisations and enhancements to their vehicles.

It’s sometimes disappointing for them to note that many of these will be considered to have zero value by the dealer or indeed a future buyer. That’s because many buyers prefer second-hand motorhomes that are close to the original manufacturer’s specification. They may have little or no use for your gadgetry or accessories.

So, you might have a dish on the roof capable of bouncing a signal off Mars – but a new buyer might value that at zero if they have no interest in doing so! Be pragmatic and assume you may get little or nothing for most of them.

As people are inclined to be fussy about where they sleep and use the bathroom, try to keep these areas particularly spic, span and in good working order. A shower/WC that’s a bit of a mess or poorly maintained will be a big turn off to dealers.

Pricing

Research a very rough price for your vehicle and also the one you have in mind for acquisition. Do some rough sums in your head for the sort of total deal you’re looking for and be flexible and ready to negotiate.

Try to be realistic in your pricing, though. Remember, the dealer has to make a profit on both sides of the transaction, and that can’t be pennies. Give them some breathing room.

You will be very unlikely to get as much as a trade-in, as you would if you sold privately. If it appears you would remember to look at the whole deal, including what the dealer is asking you to pay as the balance for the new vehicle. However, keep in mind that selling privately comes with its particular potential pitfalls. Think carefully before you make your final decision on that one.

It is also important to gather together, ready to hand over to the dealer, the documents and owner’s manual you received when you bought your motorhome, along with its maintenance records and service history.

Selling privately

If you are going down the road of selling your motorhome privately, rather than looking to part exchange, there are a few precautions you need to take to prevent scams, theft or even worse:

  • never give out details such as the vehicle registration number (technically known as its Vehicle Registration Mark, or VRM), the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), logbook details or your own personal information – which may be used criminally for identity theft;
  • always offer viewings at your home address, rather than somewhere unfamiliar that is suggested by someone claiming to be an interested buyer, but where you may be vulnerable to an assault or theft;
  • if a viewer asks to hear the engine running, make sure you are in the driving seat and do not leave the keys in the ignition, suggests the listings magazine Exchange and Mart;
  • if a potential buyer asks to test drive your motorhome, only hand over the keys once you are sat behind the wheel and after you have checked that their insurance certificate allows them to drive;
  • it is reasonable to allow any potential buyer to inspect the vehicle’s documents, but do not let them make copies of them – and beware any attempt they make to take photos of the documents using their smartphone;
  • if you manage to agree on a sale, have prepared a simple document to that effect which both you and the buyer sign;
  • wait until you have been paid the agreed price – and any bank transfer or cheque has actually been cleared – before handing over your motorhome to the buyer.

With the prospect of so many do’s, don’ts and precautions involved in any private sale, you might already have decided that the easier and safer solution may be to offer us your motorhome in part exchange.

If you are thinking of buying an Auto-Sleeper motorhome, you are unlikely to find anything better when it comes to your choice of large or small, luxuriously spacious or nimbly manoeuvrable. Nor, for want of options when it comes to the layout of your ultimate leisure vehicle.

Indeed, you are likely to be so spoiled for choice that making a final decision seems overwhelming. So, why choose an Auto-Sleeper, and what do you need to consider when buying one?

Why choose an Auto-Sleeper?

This might be summed up in just three words – quality, design, and variety:

Quality

  • the whole point of a motorhome is to provide comfortable accommodation while you are out and about exploring the world at large;
  • as a result, you will typically want the accommodation component of your motorhome to offer the height of comfort, and be well equipped and spacious;
  • while no motorhome is likely to offer the same space and luxury as a penthouse suite in a top-class hotel, even so, Auto-Sleepers come close to achieving this in the vehicles they have constructed or customised;
  • this is partly about the quality of the materials used internally, partly about the design approach and most importantly, about the overall build quality;
  • it’s perfectly possible to have a great design using superb materials, but if they are poorly put together, the end result will be sub-optimal – that is not a mistake made by Auto-Sleepers, who consistently turn out widely praised interiors;

Design

  • there are certainly cases where it is evident the design of a motorhome has perhaps not been entirely well thought-through;
  • although the materials and build quality may be fine, that doesn’t count for much if you have to climb over a table to reach the WC or can’t easily open a cupboard door when sitting in the lounge because it jams against a piece of furniture;
  • Auto-Sleepers have clearly been impeccably designed with an emphasis on practical functionality – and the importance of that often becomes crystal clear during the first 24 hours of using your new motorhome;

Variety

  • not only do they vary based on chassis and engine but also in terms of their internal configuration – you could, for example, have near identical chassis and engines but with the accommodation configured for two, three or four-berth use;
  • the company also doesn’t restrict its activities to larger flagship motorhomes;
  • the manufacturer’s van conversions are innovative and display genius in terms of the utilisation of available space;
  • this means that recreational vehicle users of all types and budgets can usually find an Auto-Sleeper to meet their needs.

Meeting your needs and requirements

These three excellent reasons for choosing an Auto-Sleeper come to nothing, of course, unless the motorhome can meet your particular needs and requirements. However brilliant the motorhomes are, you will still want to exercise personal tastes and preferences to your own specification.

Whether you will be happy with a van conversion or a full-sized motorhome is very much a matter of personal choice. The same is true in terms of things such as the size of the shower room and the total number of berths. For example, some people may prefer to trade a berth if it means they have a larger shower and WC area.

These things need to be considered, and a general requirements list produced before you start searching the Auto-Sleepers range. It will help focus your attention on what’s important to you.

So, let’s take a closer look at what might appear on your list of sought-after qualities and features.

Size

Who is likely to be travelling with you on your adventures in an Auto-Sleeper motorhome? Is it just you and your partner or do you have children or maybe an extended family to think of?

The answer governs the number of beds you need in your motorhome and, of course, this determines, in turn, the overall size of the vehicle that may comfortably accommodate your travelling companions.

Weight

Closely related to the question of size is the overall weight and laden weight of your motorhome.

This may become more critical as you consider the largest of the motorhomes you might have an eye on. For the great majority of motorhomes, your standard driving licence allows you to drive vehicles of up to 3,500kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), explains the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). For motorhomes above this weigh, however, you may need to pass and hold a supplementary Category C1 licence.

To complicate things a little further, your precise driving licence qualifications also depend on whether you took your test before or after the 1st of January 1997.

Where are you going?

Your choice of the size and weight of your motorhome might also be influenced by where it is you are likely to be going and how you intend to use the vehicle:

  • if you are planning to use it mainly for touring, with just overnight stops along the way, a smaller vehicle is likely to be more manoeuvrable along narrow winding lanes or congested city streets;
  • if you have a particular destination in mind and plan to use your Auto-Sleeper as a – somewhat luxurious – home away from home, then the extra spaciousness and higher standard of fittings and furniture of a larger, heavier vehicle may be more appropriate.

Seeing is believing

As you begin to lock onto the motorhome of your choice, there is nothing to beat the experience of ditching the brochures and magazines and getting up close and personal to the real thing.

Why not stop by our Auto-Sleeper exhibition centre and view the whole range on offer? Settle down in one of the comfortable seats in the cockpit or lounge area, bounce up and down on a bed or two, and get hands-on with the galley.

Your budget

As with so many things, your final decision may come down to the hard realities of your bank balance.

Once again, though, Auto-Sleeper build motorhomes to suit many a pocket – and reputable dealers such as ourselves here at Derby Motorhomes offer access to finance specialists who may advise on the ways to finance your purchase – including the Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) similar to the deal with which you might have bought your last motor car.

In these dark days of coronavirus lockdown, you might be wondering when you’ll get the chance to have your motorhome back on the road once again. Make no doubt about it, though, there will be light at the end of even the longest tunnel. When that time comes, you’ll want to be sure that your motorhome is ready and waiting to go.

Here, then, are our tips and suggestions for getting ready for summer:

Check it over

  • given the current restrictions on travel, your motorhome is likely to have been laid up unused for rather longer than usual this year;
  • by giving it a thorough checking over now, you may be better prepared to take to the road once circumstances allow;

Give it an airing

  • since it has been shut up for a number of weeks or months, the inside is bound to smell a little musty or damp – and now is the time to make sure that a good airing is required rather than anything more serious;
  • check the carpets and upholstery for any signs of damp or staining – giveaway clues to a leak or condensation that is likely to bring mould in its train;

Water system

  • hopefully, you remembered to flush out and drain down the fresh and wastewater systems at the end of last season – but they are still likely to need a further rinsing through before you put them to use once again;
  • so, fill up the tanks and add a little sterilising solution before opening all the taps – hot and cold – to wash the system through into the waste storage tank;
  • repeat as often as necessary until the water runs bright and clear;

Gas system

  • before putting a match to any gas appliance, thoroughly check all the pipes and hoses to ensure that none is split or perished;
  • when you are happy with the integrity of the supply system, light the gas and check that it burns with the familiar blue flame – if it’s orange, the chances are that air is getting into the supply somewhere along the line;
  • with any gas system, safety is paramount, so if you are in any doubt or want the added reassurance of professional help ask a registered Gas Safe engineer to check it over or book in your motorhome for a full habitation service;
  • check that the gas cylinders are as full as they need be for your next trip before you set off;

Servicing

  • as important as any habitation service, of course, is a mechanical service too;
  • this needs to follow the engine manufacturer’s specifications – and it is worth keeping a careful record of that service history;
  • included in any mechanical service, there also needs to be a thorough check of the tyres – they must be free from bulges and cuts but also have a tread of at least 2mm across their entire width;
  • remember that the tyres are likely to have suffered more than their usual share of wear and tear simply by standing and taking the whole weight of the vehicle throughout the winter months.

Keep an eye on the current situation, therefore, and look out for that light at the end of the tunnel. Now is the time to start getting your motorhome ready for summer.