Your first motorhome trip: 10 tips for a smooth start

A first motorhome trip often leaves two memories: the freedom of the open road, and a few lonely moments in front of a waste disposal point or a car park that is far too tight. These ten tips will help you avoid the classic beginner's mistakes.

1. Get to grips with the vehicle before the big departure

Before heading off on a long trip, do a test drive of a few dozen kilometres: country roads, roundabouts, reversing, parking. Find the blind spots and get used to the length of the vehicle, especially on tight bends.

2. Know your dimensions by heart

Height with the roof box, length with the bike rack, laden weight: write them on a piece of paper stuck to the dashboard. They decide whether you can pass under a bridge or get into a car park. Everything is explained in our guide on motorhome size.

3. Drive less than you planned

It is tempting to rack up the kilometres. In a motorhome, you drive more slowly than in a car and stop more often. Plan short stages and at least one day a week without driving.

4. Know where you are sleeping before nightfall

Hunting for a space at 9 pm in an unfamiliar town is the number one source of stress. Find your overnight stop in the morning or, better still, before you leave. Our guide where to sleep in a motorhome or campervan in France covers all the permitted options.

5. Don't confuse parking with camping

Sleeping in a properly parked vehicle is one thing; getting out the table, chairs and awning is another. Outside campsites and designated aires, keep a low profile: that is what keeps towns welcoming to motorhomes.

6. Learn to empty your tanks on day one

Do your first emptying at a quiet aire, during the day, rather than in a rush. Gloves, a hose kept just for drinking water, and the right order of steps: our guide to emptying a motorhome's waste water walks you through it.

7. Keep an eye on water, gas and battery

Three gauges to check every evening. Fill up with water at every service point you pass, set off with a spare gas bottle and alternate with a night on electric hook-up to recharge the battery.

8. Stow everything before you drive

Cupboards shut, crockery wedged, heavy items low down, roof vents closed: one bend is enough to send everything flying. Walk round the vehicle before every departure, and check the step is in.

9. Alternate aires and campsites

Aires are practical and often cheap; campsites offer showers, laundry and electricity. A night at a campsite every three or four days gets everything back to normal. The differences are explained in our guide service area, aire or campsite.

10. Leave some slack

A buffer day at the end of the trip absorbs bad weather, a breakdown or falling for a place. The best trip is rarely the one where everything was timed to the minute.

Renting your first motorhome?

Read our guide to renting a campervan or motorhome: insurance, deposit, inspection, equipment. Then let Pakvia plan the route: a day-by-day itinerary suited to your vehicle size, with an official overnight stop every evening, meals and activities, ready to open in Google Maps. It is free during the launch.