Motorhome tips for beginners

So you’ve hired a motorhome, now what? If you’re new to the world of campervanning, starting your first road trip can feel a bit overwhelming. There are routes to think about, apps to download, and some prep work to do. So where should you begin?

Right here! Let’s take a moment to go over some motorhome travel basics.

Here are some handy tips for those new to the motorhome scene. We’ll cover how to navigate, save battery power, what you should know, and more.

Let’s dive in!

Use a GPS Navigator

This one seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many beginners just wing it. When planning your trip, always preload your GPS with the area or country you’ll be driving in. Also, double-check your maps are up to date – new roads pop up and old ones close all the time.

Some GPS units let you enter your vehicle type and size. This helps avoid routes with low bridges or narrow roads. You can also set it to skip toll roads.

Make use of apps

There are tons of apps to help you navigate the campervanning world. Two great ones are MAPS.ME and Campercontact.

MAPS.ME is awesome for planning your trip and marking spots to check out along the way. It’s easy to download and works on iPhone, iPad, or Android. Plus, it works offline so you’ll always know where you’re headed—even without internet.

Campercontact is a favorite among motorhome drivers. This easy app gives loads of info on motorhome parking spots, including prices, facilities, and availability. You can also read reviews to pick the best places to stay.

For more cool apps, check out this post!

Read your motorhome manual

We know manuals can be boring, but when you rent a motorhome it’s super important to know where everything is and how it works. Take some time to read through your manual and get familiar with your vehicle’s features.

If you’re renting in a country where English isn’t the main language, make sure the manual is available in one you understand. Some rental places might have to order the English manual or point you to an online version.

Be prepared for an emergency

Always have a plan for what to do if something goes wrong. Keep all your insurance info and emergency phone numbers handy. Also, know when and how to report an accident to your rental company—there are rules about how soon you need to report an incident.

Save on battery power

The Auxiliary 12V battery powers accessories that need to work when the main vehicle power is off. Think of it as your motorhome’s second heart.

If you’re camping off-grid or away from camper stops for a few days, you probably won’t have access to electricity to charge this battery. When it starts to lose charge, it can be a problem.

Here’s how to conserve your auxiliary battery:

• Turn off the water pump when you’re not using it
• Use only minimal LED lights at night
• Use a pre-filled water bottle for the toilet rinse cycle instead of activating the pump

If you plan to do a lot of off-grid camping, a camping generator might be worth considering.

Take an inverter

Getting a 12V to 240V inverter is a smart move to keep your electronics like laptops charged. It’s especially handy if your campsite doesn’t have electricity hookups, letting you power 240V devices.

If you use the inverter with the ignition on but the engine off, just be careful not to drain your starting battery. This isn’t an issue if your starting battery has an isolator.

Know your pre-road checks

There are some motorhome tasks you need to do before hitting the road each day:

• Turn off the LPG gas
• Make sure all cupboards and drawers are closed and secure
• Put paper towels between plates and such to stop rattling
• Retract any external steps
• Check your GPS waypoints for the day are set
• Make sure roof and window vents are closed and secure
• Confirm sink and shower drain plugs fit well
• Have snacks and water ready for driver and passengers
• Bonus tip: for extra help with packing, check this post!

Know your motorhome weight and dimensions

Learn and remember your motorhome’s height, width, length, and weight. The last thing you want is to get stuck under a bridge. Also, some motorhome parks only accept vehicles under a certain length.

You’ll mostly need the weight info when paying tolls. In some countries, manual toll gates only accept vehicles under a specific weight.

Enjoy your motorhome road trip

Traveling by motorhome might feel scary at first, but it’s super rewarding. Only in a motorhome can you explore the world while camping on wheels. With the right tips, you’ll handle your campervan trip like a pro.

Now that you know some top motorhome tips for beginners, just head to our platform to book your dream campervan – if you haven’t already!