Congratulations! You’ve taken the plunge, and, after buying a motorhome, find yourself ready to hit the open road. Welcome to the club, a brilliant world of freedom, stunning views, and – I’ll be honest – the occasional faff. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are some pearls of wisdom that every new motorhomer should know before you pop the kettle on and settle into van life.
1 Your motorhome is bigger than you think
It sounds obvious, but you’ll quickly realise that your motorhome isn’t a Fiat 500. Manoeuvring into tight spaces, navigating country lanes and remembering that there’s an overhang at the back are all skills you’ll soon develop.
Practise reversing and parking in a big, empty car park before you head out. And always check height clearances – nobody wants to remove their skylight thanks to a low bridge!
Don’t miss the motorhome driving tips from Practical Motorhome’s contributor, Gentleman Jack, if you’re after some guidance for a more relaxed experience on the road.
2 Levelling up is a challenge
You’ll soon notice if your motorhome is on a tilt – especially when your head’s lower than your feet in bed. Invest in a pair of the best motorhome levelling ramps and practise using them. A good night’s sleep is worth it! Pro tip: keep a small spirit level in the ’van. Yes, your phone has an app for that, but it’s not much use on a wobbly surface.
Levelling a motorhome also means that you will sleep better, your sinks and shower will drain better, and you won’t lose your G&T across the table.
3 Water is precious – and heavy
Fresh water is essential, but remember, it’s heavy. Driving with a full tank adds weight and can increase motorhome fuel consumption, so only carry what you need.
On the flip side, keep an eye on your waste tank levels. Realising it’s full when there’s no disposal point nearby is never fun!
4 Campsite etiquette matters
Motorhomers are a very friendly bunch, but there’s an unspoken code of conduct. Keep noise to a minimum, don’t walk across someone else’s pitch, and always empty your waste responsibly.
Your habitation door should open onto your pitch, not the one next to you. Nobody wants to be ‘that person’ on site.
5 The checklist is going to be your new best friend
Forgetting to close one of the windows or secure a cupboard before you set off will only happen once – unless you enjoy the sound of smashing crockery or driving with your step out.
A pre-departure checklist is the absolute game-changer – stick it on the dashboard and don’t drive anywhere without it.
6 The fridge has special rules
Motorhome fridges work differently from household ones. They must be level, can take hours to cool down, and often won’t run on 12V unless the engine’s on.
Pre-cool the fridge before setting off, and don’t overfill it. And never leave unwrapped cheese too close to the cooling fins unless you enjoy chiselling it off later.
If you find yourself needing extra chilling space when you’re on tour, the best cool box for a campervan can provide some valuable extra room too.
7 Packing is an art form
Overpacking is the curse of new motorhomers. You really don’t need to take 10 pairs of shoes, or that breadmaker you’ve never used.
Space is precious in your ’van, and weight matters. Stick to the essentials – you’ll soon discover what’s worth its weight in gold and what are the must-haves for any motorhome trip (like a good corkscrew) compared to those items that can stay at home.
8 Expect the unexpected
No matter how much you plan, things will go wrong. The weather will turn, the sat nav can lead you down a track suitable only for cycles, or the site showers will be out of order. Embrace the chaos, laugh about it later, and always have a back-up plan. A motorhomer with a sense of humour is unstoppable.
9 Know your neighbours
One of the best things about motorhoming is the community. Your fellow travellers are a treasure trove of tips, advice – and sometimes even a spare toilet roll. Be friendly, ask questions, and share your own stories – particularly the embarrassing ones. Everyone’s been there!
10 There’s no such thing as a ‘forever’ motorhome
You might think you have bought your dream motorhome – one that you will keep forever. But many motorhomers change layouts, upgrade or downsize as their needs evolve.
You’ll spot features you wish you had, or find that certain set-ups don’t work as well as you thought they would. It’s normal!
The good news is ‘vans hold their value well, so if you’re thinking of selling a motorhome and getting a new one, changing isn’t the end of the world.
11 The motorhome wave – don’t be left hanging!
One of the great traditions of motorhoming is The Wave. When you pass another motorhome on the road, expect a nod, a lift of the fingers, or a full-on enthusiastic wave.
You must reciprocate! It’s all part of the camaraderie, a reminder that you’re part of this brilliant world. Ignore it at your peril – nobody wants to be the grumpy motorhomer who leaves a fellow traveller hanging.
12 It’s not about the destination
Motorhoming isn’t a race – it’s about the journey, the detours and the unexpected gems you discover along the way. Take your time, stop often, and enjoy simply soaking it all in.
Whether it’s a stunning view, a cosy pub or just a quiet layby for a cuppa, those moments make motorhoming really special. Some sat navs, such as the Garmin Camper 1095, are able to offer suggestions for the must-visit destinations in the area too.
Final thoughts
Every motorhomer has their own personal tips and tricks, and you’ll soon develop your routine. But the most important thing to remember about our wonderful pastime is this: enjoy it. The freedom, the adventure and the camaraderie are what make motorhoming magical.
And if it all goes pear-shaped? Well, that’s another story to tell around the campfire with your newfound friends. Happy travels!
You can find out more about me and listen to my podcast at motorhomematt.co.uk
Make sure you’re aware of the various motorhome weights too – they can be a source of confusion but are crucial to understand to ensure you stay safe and legal on the road.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Motorhome magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things motorhome related
