If you’re heading off on tour for the first time this summer, you could be forgiven for having some questions about your motorhome.

After all, how do you change a chemical toilet? How fast can you drive in your motorhome?

Luckily, we’ve spoken to Dirk Fehse, CEO of PaulCamper, who is sharing the answers to some of the most common questions a beginner to the world of motorhoming may have.

What can I drive?

This all depends on when you passed your test. If it was before 1 January 1997, you will be able to drive a motorhome up to 7,500kg on your B+C1 licence. However, if you passed after 1 January 1997, you will only be permitted to drive a motorhome of up to 3,500kg on your B (car) licence.

You will need to take the C1 test if you would like to drive a heavier motorhome.

What are the speed limits for a motorhome?

The following speed limits apply to a motorhome with an unladen weight of more than 3050kg:

– 30mph in built up areas

– 50mph on single roads

– 60mph on dual carriageways

– 70mph on motorways

How do I choose the right campsite?

Picking the right campsite is the key to having an enjoyable holiday. It all depends on what you want from your trip – for instance, if you’d like a break from the children, an adult only destination may be preferable. Alternatively, maybe you’d like a getaway with more of a historical approach.

If you’re looking for inspiration, our travel section is full of ideas for you.

How should I pack my motorhome?

This one may seem obvious but it could also be easy to overlook. Any lightweight items should go in overhead lockers, while your heavier items need to go on the floor, or failing that, as near to as you can. Otherwise, you run the risk of items falling over and possibly even breaking as you drive.

You should also make sure you have the items you are likely to need more often in easier to access locations too.

If you have rear storage, make sure you avoid surpassing the manufacturer’s specified weight.

How do I change a chemical toilet in a motorhome?

Only empty your toilet when you have reached a dedicated disposal stop. To begin, unlock the cassette locker and then open up the hatch. To release the cassette, use the grey grip to push together the yellow or orange handles. These handles will extend too, allowing you to wheel it.

Then, twist the nozzle and take off the cap. To save any frustrations, you should put the cap somewhere safe – one way to make the job worse would be allowing it to fall in so you then have to retrieve it…

Then pour the contents into the disposal point by pressing the orange vacuum-release button on the cassette. Give it a wash with some water and then add some diluted blue or green cassette chemical. You can now put it back into place.

You can find out more about maintaining your motorhome’s toilet here.

Images provided by PaulCamper

If you still have more questions about your motorhome, why not check out some of these…

We talk you through everything your initially need to know before you buy your first motorhome

Find out about the different types of motorhome vehicle classes available

We take a look at the essential accessories you need to take on tour with you

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