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The mode of transport used for your road trip is obviously very important, if only when selecting a viable route. For example; if you're planning to use a bicycle as the main means of locomotion, then routes that do not include motorways and duel-carriages would have to be planned for. The same goes if you're going to use a horse, donkey, camel or your own two legs. Fairly obvious information everybody should know. However, recently a couple of backpackers were arrested for walking southbound on the northbound hard shoulder of the M1. Personally, the thought of walking or riding all day in all weathers and then setting up camp is a nightmare best best kept in dreamland rather than actual reality. This article aims to discuss the merits of using a Motor home as the main means of locomotion for your real or virtual road trip.
The Motorhome Virgin I didn't think it would be too hard to find out the basics of touring by Motorhome when I first started this research. However, as it turns out; there's a LOT of factors to consider before hiring, buying and preparing a Motorhome for even the shortest road trip. Fortunately, there are some excellent web sites dedicated to Motorhome information covering the basics right up to "Road Warrior" status. 
Motorhome Facts have a first class primer pack of information covering four main topics: Beginners Guide to Motorhomes & Motorhoming Introduction
This is the first of four beginners guides to motorhoming that will hopefully smooth your entry into this fascinating and enjoyable pastime.
Table of Contents
Starting Out on Motorhome Ownership For some, motorhoming is a hobby, for others it's a way of life, living in their motorhome full time, and enjoying the freedom that the lifestyle brings.
Part One - The Basics of Motorhome Ownership and Legal Requirements So I Want A Motorhome - What Types Are There?
Currently, there are over 90 manufacturers of motorhomes available in the UK.
Which Is The Best?
The smaller the vehicle, the better the fuel consumption, and the convenience in day-to-day use from the point of view of parking and access to narrow roads.
How Do I Choose?
There are a number of criteria you should use when choosing the best motorhome for you.
What's your budget?
How much can you afford to spend?
What seasonal use do you expect?
All motorhomes are good for use in fine spring to autumn weather. Some motorhomes are designed for slightly harsher environments, especially with regard to temperature.
How many people / pets?
Motorhomes are built with the ability for people to sleep in them.
Where will you use the motorhome?
Some motorhome owners are content to visit areas of the UK, where you can normally enjoy reasonable access for a large vehicle. But if you wish to travel to other countries, there are other aspects to consider.
Fuel consumption
Most modern motorhomes use efficient diesel engines, but our expectations in terms of facilities raises the weight, and hence increases fuel consumption by a small amount.
Size limitations for storage
A lot of people these days keep their cars on a drive at the front or side of the house. A motorhome can be a much bigger, and heavier, vehicle.
Driving licence restrictions?
Towing
Part 2 - Choosing Your Motorhome
Having decided which sort of motorhome you're looking for, you now need to look at some!
Should I Look For A New Motorhome Or Second Hand? It's an age-old choice. Some people love the smell of a new vehicle, and the thought that no one has used it before you. However, like cars, there is no doubt that the value of a motorhome drops as soon as you drive away from the dealer's forecourt.
Where Can I See Some Motorhomes? There are dealer's who specialise in selling motorhomes, and there are several monthly magazines available featuring adverts to enable you to find a dealer in your area.
Shall I Buy Privately? This is an age-old question. There's no doubt you can save money, and sometimes many thousands of pounds, by buying from a private seller. However, if you're new to motorhomes, you have to be aware that you have no recourse if something goes wrong with the motorhome after you drive it away. The Viewing When viewing your motorhome, try to remain dispassionate about it. Don't "fall in love" with the appearance of it from outside. Of course, check the quality of the bodywork, looking for rust and accident damage.
The Test Drive Whatever the situation, whomsoever you're buying from, always insist on taking a test drive.
Negotiations Some people are born negotiators; some have learned to negotiate; others hate negotiating. The first piece of advice is: if you're not good at negotiating, take someone along who is, if you can.
Part 3 - Picking Up Your Motorhome At this point, we have assumed you've performed your extensive research on the motorhome market, you've visited several dealers, and some motorhome shows, and you have decided on which motorhome is for you.
Before The Pickup
When we picked up our first motorhome, we took a checklist, but most of it got ignored.
The Pickup - Checking Over The Van The day eventually arrives. All the money is in place, and the van is apparently ready to pick up.
Water Systems
Most motorhomes operate with a fresh water tank and a grey water tank, mounted under the floor. The vendor should show you where the fresh water filler cap is, which is usually a locking cap to stop contamination.
Electrical systems
Get the vendor to show you the location of the habitation battery, and use a voltmeter, set on its 20 volts dc range, to show that the voltage rises when either the engine is running or the 240 volt charger is operational.
Gas systems
Most motorhomes have some sort of LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) system, which is used for a cooker (if fitted), a fridge, and possible water heating.
If you are unsure about any part of the gas system, try to arrange an inspection by a Corgi-registered gas engineer, who can check for leaks and bad installation.
Toilet
Check the flush (either manual or electric) is working, and that the trap door into the storage cassette operates easily.
Mechanical systems
Most motorhomes have opening windows, which should all operate (sometimes, they can be a little "sticky" on the rubber seals if they haven't been used for a while), and locking mechanisms to hold the windows open should work.
The First Few Days Unless you are an experienced motorhomer, take great care on your onward journey from the pickup. Don't attempt to drive too far on the first day, and don't immediately start off on a huge tour.
Part 4 Getting Acclimatised
Happy motorhoming!
The Other Side of the Coin...Well, that was a comprehensive introduction to owning a Motorhome. However, not all people have found the "Motorhome Experience" entirely without its own unique problems and set backs: Some practical ownership experience from an ex-motorhome owner. "We've just sold our motorhome. After approximately four and a half years and 45,000 miles we thought we had given the experience of motorhoming a good go. We've greatly enjoyed the experience of using the 'van (important apostrophe). We've weekended in it; toured for a month in it; lived in it when between houses; slept in it on people's driveways, Scottish beaches, service station car parks, forestry commission pull-ins and, of course, paid-for campsites. We've used the van's carrying capacity (the seating was removable to create a space approximately half the van's size), and we've towed with it. If there is a camping experience better than waking on a sunny Scottish beach, then it is doing so with full breakfast-making capability on board. A highly recommended experience. What we've enjoyed less was the experience of owning a motorhome. Not the cost so much (all vehicles depreciate and only you can judge whether you will use one enough to justify the cost), but the hard work and hassle. This article is about the downside of owning a motorhome. Many of the things we experienced were difficult to predict or understand in advance. If you are about to go motorcaravanning for the first time, these are things which we think you might want to take into account." This small snip from the auspiciousdragon.net web site certainly does give a full on report on the "Life-on-the-Road". So, as in most things we encounter daily; the choice is your's and the road is always open. May the wind be always at your back and your beer cold! |
