Hiring a Motorhome

mjward

That's not Scotland.... It's sunny!

bigjb

It happens and it was Tuesday last week.

mjward

Anything you would recommend packing/tips in general from this experience?

bigjb

Firstly you need to watch the weight depending on whether you plan to use campsites every night or some wild camping. If using sites for showers etc. then you only need to carry enough fresh water for washing or dishes whilst on your travels. We have a 100L fresh water tank and fill up at the start and it lasts 3 or 4 days as we wild camp then go to a site for a night to empty the waste water and refresh the water tank.

Our m/h is a 4250kg van so has a large payload. If the hired van is a 3500kg then the payload will be smaller and may include the fresh water weight as some manufacturers only include a small amount of water in the unloaded weight figure. It's a minefield. Obviously the number of people traveling will determine how much payload you have extra.

We always take bottled water for tea and coffee as there is no way of knowing when the water tank or pipes were last cleaned.  

As it's a hire van I'm sure they will have the dimensions on display or on the sun visor so you know how high, wide or heavy the van for any instances when you need to check quickly.

If you plan to book sites before you travel then make sure you leave plenty time for what you are planning en route so you are not under pressure to drive to the next site. This is one of the main benefits of wild camping as there is nowhere you need to be at a certain time.

Main thing is take your time and enjoy.

mjward

Thanks!

Will be staying at campsites throughout, it's just me and the 2 kids so makes things bit easier for me. On that note, the little ones should really help on the weight allowance side of things.

Will stock up on bottled water as you rightly flag its a big unknown with respect to cleanliness

kenm

We also don't drink from the motorhome's fresh water supply, but we don't weigh ourselves down with loads of bottled water either.  We just take an empty plastic container and fill it with drinking water at the campsite, which will be safe enough in these parts.

Make sure the hire company empties and cleans the toilet cassette between customers, as the last thing you want to start your holiday with is emptying somebody else's poo.  We operate a no number 2 policy, which is easy to enforce when using only campsites.

Take note as well on what has already been said about payload, a quick look at the company's web site doesn't appear to make much mention of it.

mjward

Hi kenm

Great advice on the no2 rule... One I will definitely be enforcing given we are going from campsite to campsite.

Will likely get a 6 pack of mineral water from the outset and then top that up as we go along with supply from the sites.

Couple of questions

1) I know you hook up electricity but is there a water supply hook up or do you just fill a barrel or something?

2) as a child I went on caravan holidays and remember the ball ache when arriving, unhitching, lowering the stabilizer legs etc. I assume with a motorhome it's much easier... Just park then plug n play... Would you agree?

bigjb

In regards question 1 it depends on the site. Some have water taps at the pitch whilst others should have a motorhome service point. On arrival stop at the service point and fill the tank with enough water for your stay. When leaving site stop at the service point and empty the grey waste water. Remember always keep some fresh water in the tank for washing , toilet flush etc between sites.

Question 2. I don't imagine the hire company supplying levelling ramps with the m/h so just park up and enjoy. You may be slightly lower at the front of the van but nothing that makes it uncomfortable.

mjward

Much appreciated