New to motorhome
Just bought a motorhome which I am looking forward to getting out on the road. Preparing with manual in hand ........ any valuable tips???
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Before your first trip, read the technical information at the back of the Club's Site Directory and Handbook. For your first trip don't be to ambitious. Take a short trip for a few nights to find your feet before venturing further. Come back on here with any further questions.
peedee
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Hello and welcome to motorhoming and CT. Agree with previous post about reading and a local stay to familiarise yourself with your van. Best advice is take your time, don't buy anything until you know you actually need it - we all have stuff we thought would be good/useful that lives in the garage!!!
So much we could say but probably best if you work your way through and ask any questions as you think of them.
But top for money savings rather than buy expensive toilet fluids use biological gel washing pods and similar with toilet tissue buy supermarket value ones.
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Hi SueF6,
Motorhomes are great fun. I agree with the previous letter, Stat local and test everything, including having a shower, stay overnight. If on grass, reverse onto levelling pads, it may help when you restart to get you back onto the road. Have fun.
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Just go for it. Take all the manuals with you.
Watch other motorhomers/lorry drivers/bus drivers, read at least one of the motorhome mags for a few months, view various motorhome forums, view YouTube videos and ask if you don't understand - we all started somewhere. You can go on a motorhome course to increase confidence. Refresh your memory of the Highway Code.
Much will depend on the size of your van and its wheelbase. Watch the overhang at the rear so you don't swipe anything as you turn, don't be surprised how much space you need to manoeuvre, keep a close eye on road restrictions such as height barriers/low bridges, narrow roads, weight restrictions. Use your wing mirrors.
You'll be surprised how far your common sense and concentration will take you. Just don't let anyone make you rush. Always take the time you need.
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We received two tips from a van driver who helped us to get out of a tight spot in a car park on one of our first outings.:
- If your wing mirrors can get through, the rest of the van will too.
- Use your wing mirrors even when you're driving forward.
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BUY :- Go Motorhoming and Campervanning from Vicarious Books read enjoy and digest it as a priority.
MANUALS
You will probably have been given manuals for many component parts of your van e.g. cooker/hop, fridge, electrics, toilet/cassette etc etc. These tend to be generic and in about 20 languages so out of 200 pages only about 10 are relevant. I copy the relevant bits to keep in my own manual in the van and some bits are on laminated cards for ease of reference.
DONT BUY Any accessories or extras until you have experienced the van and know what you need.
However you will need and may well already have :-
Hook up cable, Hose and connector and levelling blocks.
In addition nice to have a Windscreen insulating screen. Lots of info and debate on this forum inside or outside. My choice is outside Silver-Screen. In same way as people call vacuum cleaners "Hoovers" Silver Screen is a brand but tends to be used generically so don't be confused.
If you are camping on other than well provided sites a grey water container (make sure it fits under your draining pipe) or even a folding bucket together with a water container and funnel cope with non fully provided sites.
The main thing is to enjoy your van and don't let coping with the technology either in the cab or habitation area impede that. Confidence in both driving and using will come quite quickly for most people.
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I do that when driving even the smallest car. How else can you be aware of your position and that of other traffic on the road? I thought everyone drove making full use of their wing mirrors.
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Yes I think perhaps something has been lost in translation about using wing mirrors even when driving forward.
I had training for my first motorhome from an instructor who also trained bus drivers and his attitude was not to use the centre mirror at all i.e. only use the side mirrors. Some commercial vehicles (from which your M/H is derived) do not have a view to the rear and some M/H have a solid rear panel with no window but may still have a centre mirror. Either way your side mirrors are a big friend and the correct setting and keeping clean of your side mirrors including the wide angle lower part which normally has independent setting is a big help to confident driving.
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Congratulation and have many happy journeys.
All the information from Members who have replied is of benefit to you and should be adhered to.
But one major thing you need to fulfil your Motorhome experience is the art of 'Waving'.
This vital extra ingredient will enhance your Motorhome experience and to become a truly integrated Motorhomer I would suggest you keep up the traditional waving techniques employed by many of us.
'Royal' waves are well and good in certain circumstances but a politely raised finger or a swift waft of the hand will suffice from the driver, passenger or both.
Vigorous arm waving is discouraged by 'Elf and Safety and shows a rather indiscreet value of your own worth.
Other than waving; the open road is now your oyster and we wish you well.
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