Are you a brand new or first time motorhome or campervan proprietor? Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don’t worry- all of us did once we began. Listed below are the important issues it is advisable know and step-by-step steering to your first journey in your motorhome or camper.
Don’t overlook to seize your FREE motorhome departure guidelines under so you will have the whole lot you want.
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New Motorhome House owners- what to do first!
CONGRATULATIONS! You’re the proud new proprietor of a motorhome or campervan. That’s so thrilling!!
Nonetheless- it may be a bit overwhelming. What the heck do you do with this massive lump of costly plastic now?
What are the important motorhome equipment you want in your first journey? How do you plan a motorhome highway journey? And how on earth do you empty the bathroom?
DONT PANIC. I do know it appears intimidating now, however I promise it’s not that scary. EVERYONE began their motorhome life as a newbie (and all of us learnt from our errors!)
Listed below are our greatest suggestions and recommendation for brand new or first time motorhome homeowners (and step-by-step steering to your very first journey!)
Recommendation for brand new motorhome or campervan homeowners
I get emails each week from individuals who have simply ordered motorhomes. They’re so excited, but each single certainly one of them has a query about a side of motorhoming which was worrying them, however they felt embarrassed to ask.
It’s a wierd hobby- only a few of us be part of a membership or have any training- so we find yourself surrounded by like-minded individuals, but with no-one to indicate us the ropes.
We frequently discover ourselves on a campsite, on our very first motorhome vacation, feeling totally bewildered, surrounded by individuals who appear to have all of it discovered.
However there’s nothing to be embarrassed about- all of us have to start out someplace and be taught as we go.
So right here we go, only for any first-time motorhome homeowners or anybody who has a brand new (or new to you!) motorhome or campervan. You too can learn our important motorhome suggestions for learners right here
Right here’s a step-by-step information on what to do to your first journey, what you want and the way it all works. If I haven’t answered your query, ship me an electronic mail or message and I’ll add it in. I hope it helps you begin your new pastime in the absolute best means.
Seize a cup of one thing and a notepad. First VERY IMPORTANT tip- No person will know when you have a look at your notes!! Severely. So make as many notes as you want.
Important issues to do earlier than you permit in your first motorhome journey
I do know, I do know- you’re excited and simply need to GO. However belief me, if you determine this stuff first, your first journey will go rather a lot smoother.
Firstly, do NOT do what I did and plan a visit a whole bunch of miles down the highway, with no clue what you’re doing. Discover a native website and e-book an evening or two. We propose a correct campsite to your first journey, fairly than wild tenting. Right here’s learn how to discover in a single day motorhome parking locations close to you.
Attempt to take as few individuals with you as possible- only for the primary night time till you work issues out. Possibly depart the youngsters at pals or family- though I admire this can be powerful in the event that they’re excited too!
Be sure to have/ perceive:
Additionally, ensure you’ve packed your motorhome securely and have gotten sufficient motorhome safety units to guard your asset.
Lastly, when you didn’t have a motorhome habitation verify accomplished as a part of the sale, we strongly urge you to get one accomplished earlier than your first journey.
Tips on how to pack your motorhome or campervan for the primary journey
Motorhome packing with out rattles is an artwork. It’s additionally a science- the science of figuring out what to depart behind! Don’t pack as when you’re going to the Arctic for 3 months. Severely. You’ll spend all of your time sorting stuff out and looking for issues in cabinets, and never sufficient time having fun with your self.
You’ll be able to pack the van with extra issues whenever you get again. We’ve listed our important under, or you’ll be able to seize these motorhome checklists to assist.
Important packing listing:
- Motorhome Bedding and pillows
- A change of garments and pyjamas
- Toothbrush, hairbrush and bathe package
- Towel, together with hand towel
- Kettle, tea/ espresso and milk
- Some other drinks- tonight is a good time for a beer/ bottle of wine to rejoice your new buy!
- Snacks- wholesome highway journey snacks are enjoyable, however get some treats too!)
- Fast and simple highway journey meals– make forward is even higher!
- ONLY BRING THE PANS/ UTENSILS YOU NEED FOR THE MEALS YOU HAVE CHOSEN.
- Washing up bowl & liquid, scrubber, and drying towel.
- Moist wipes
- Kitchen towels
- Bathroom roll & fluid
- Plates and utensils
- Mugs and glasses- these magnetic glasses are wonderful!
- Stuff for pets. When you have a canine, listed here are our canine journey necessities. Don’t overlook poo luggage!
- A lighter, for lighting BBQ or hob. Simply in case.
- Moveable BBQ/ campfire bucket (if allowed on the campsite)
- Electrical cable (230v- make it a pleasant lengthy cable)
- Hose for consuming water and faucet connector (again- make it a pleasant lengthy hose that you simply ONLY use for consuming water)
- Bathroom cassette- Please verify it’s in there first!!
- Levelling chocks if not already along with your motorhome (these are NOT important to your first night time!)
- Hose – for filling up your van at a campsite
Should you select to spend the primary few nights within the van in your driveway to get to know the way issues work, or when you ever go and go to pals, then this adaptor is a MUST to have the ability to plug your van in from a home socket.
See EVERYTHING we suggest for:
Ideas for brand new motorhome owners- Different issues to verify earlier than you permit
Examine the waste outlet faucet and the freshwater tank faucets are closed – when you’ve got a guide system. Examine all vents, home windows, hatches are closed and the fuel bottles are turned off. Truly, first verify you HAVE fuel bottles and that they’ve fuel in them….!!
There are 2 sorts of fuel system you’ll be able to go for:
- Swap system – like Calor or JGas
- Re-fillable system – like Gaslow or Safefill
On the time of updating this submit (2025), most suppliers nonetheless don’t permit the acquisition of a Calor bottle when you don’t have one to swap. Should you don’t have a propane bottle (the purple one) I counsel you attempt to get one from one of many on-line promoting platforms.
(I as soon as found discovering LPG fuel in Europe might be powerful with out the right gear- oops!)
You’ll be able to seize your FREE motorhome departure and pre-trip guidelines right here
Driving the motorhome for the primary time
I’ve written a complete submit about learn how to drive a motorhome for beginners- you will discover it right here.
First journey in a brand new motorhome- Tips on how to discover a campsite
There are a great deal of campsites across the UK (when you’re not within the UK, I guess there are campsites close to you too!) For motorhome learners, I might suggest becoming a member of a motorhome membership and staying at certainly one of their websites. An alternative choice is Britstops.
I extremely suggest being members of 1 membership or the opposite, though it’s NOT a necessity. You’ll be able to usually use their websites even when you’re not a member, though you’ll pay extra.
I might counsel reserving the campsite prematurely, then getting the deal with and ensuring precisely the place it’s earlier than you set off. Hopefully, it’s shut sufficient that the world nicely and know the place the small/ slender/ congested roads are.
Your first journey is just not the time to strive wild parking / off grid. Determine how the whole lot works first, then set off into the wild! Should you do need to strive off-grid life, right here’s a step-by-step information to wild tenting with a motorhome within the UK.
Make sure to use a motorhome sat-nav when you’re not sure- now is just not the time to be getting caught in a small residential avenue!
When you have a number of pets, be certain they’re allowed on the site- many campsites limit canines to 2 max.
You’ll be able to often select between a grass or hardstanding pitch – hardstanding is often gravel, which is ideal within the winter ( much less muddy as a result of rain). I often want grass, however with a heavy motorhome I’ve to be actually cautious, so if unsure discover a hardstanding pitch.
You too can select electrical or non-electric pitch. I might counsel electrical, so you can also make positive the whole lot works because it ought to. You’ll be able to at all times unplug the electrical if you wish to check how issues work utilizing simply your motorhome home battery.
READ MORE: Tips on how to drive a motorhome: suggestions and tips for learners
Recommendation for brand new motorhome owners- What to do whenever you arrive on the campsite
Once you arrive, there will probably be a reception constructing. Typically, there’s additionally a transparent signal saying the place arriving Motorhomes ought to pull in, but when not, attempt to decide a spot which doesn’t block the doorway/ exit.
Go into the reception and check-in. They’ll ask for cost when you haven’t paid already. They may even ask for size and generally width of the motorhome too, and the registration, so ensure you know these.
Many campsites cost for the parking spot, after which cost for variety of individuals and animals onboard, so they may ask what number of adults/ youngsters/pets and many others you will have onboard.
They’ll then usually provide you with a map of the campsite (which regularly has the location guidelines on the again) and they’re going to both inform you which pitch to park on, or inform you to go and decide your personal pitch. Should you do that, you typically want to return and inform them the place you might be parked.
Some websites have a key for the electrical plug-in level, so that you is perhaps given these. You’ll typically even be given a code for the showers/ bathrooms and likewise for the entry/ exit barrier if crucial.
Tips on how to decide a spot for a motorhome or campervan
There isn’t a proper or mistaken reply to this. I promise. No-one will probably be judging you. It’s totally private choice the place you select to park.
I don’t use campsite bathrooms or amenities fairly often, so I are inclined to park far far far far far-off from them. I park even additional away from youngsters’s play areas, bars, eating places or different communal areas.
If there’s a small, secluded nook with out many individuals in it, that’s the place I’m heading!
After all, it’s possible you’ll need to park subsequent to the youngsters play space, or the bathe block. By which case, decide a spot close to there. On a busy weekend, you won’t get a lot of a selection in any respect!
One different factor to search for is a flat pitch. Should you can keep away from having to degree the motorhome in the present day, it can make your life a lot simpler.
Tips on how to park up along with your new motorhome
Some campsites are VERY strict with regards to how one can park on a pitch. Like, ridiculously strict. Others are far more relaxed and so long as you’re inside your boundary, you’ll be tremendous.
You’ll be able to usually inform whenever you check-in; when you’re given a 5-minute instruction on how the again left bumper of your motorhome MUST be solely 5 inches from the white submit, at a 73.6 diploma angle… you higher concentrate!
If not, then you’ll be able to loosen up a little- however look on the website guidelines… simply in case.
Then, it’s merely a case of manoeuvring that massive white lump of plastic into the right spot. Individuals WILL watch. Don’t be embarrassed. Take your time.
TOP TIP: #1 Couple highway journey tip: Attempt to not shout at one another when you’re along with your associate and even with pals/ children.
Severely- there’s nothing worse. Be affected person and type whilst you be taught and determine this entire factor out. Particularly if certainly one of you is an entire newbie.
Recommendation for brand new motorhome owners- Filling up with water
Should you don’t have water onboard, you would possibly need to choose your spot, depart an indication or electrical cable the place you need to park up, after which go get water. There’ll most likely be a number of consuming water filling spots across the campsite.
Some campsites even have faucets on every pitch, however most don’t. Not like caravans, it is advisable take your car to the fill-up level, OR you will get a collapsible water container like this and stroll forwards and backwards a number of instances. I exploit each, relying on the pitch and the way far-off the faucet is!
Should you drive to the water, simply pull in and join your water hose. You’ll typically want to supply your personal faucet connector – it’s value having a few these, since you WILL in some unspecified time in the future, depart it behind! 🙂 I at all times use my very own hose as an alternative of a website hose, as I do know the place it’s been and what it’s been used for!
When you’re full (I actually wait till the water overflows- it’s not scientific, but it surely works!), head again to your pitch- you’ll most likely have to go across the one-way system.
Don’t overlook to refill your rest room flush water too – when you’ve got the 2 half water system for the bathroom.
I often put some aquasol into our water tank with every fill-up. It’s completely odorless and tasteless and helps kill any micro organism which is perhaps within the water supply or the tank.
Levelling the motorhome
Regardless of your finest efforts, you would possibly discover you NEED to degree the motorhome. Take a deep breath- this could get tense. You usually solely have two levelling chocks on a motorhome– one for either side. Usually, you’ll use them on the entrance wheels, however it can depend upon the pitch and the slope.
Clearly, the chocks will RAISE the van- so that you need them on the facet/ finish which is decrease. You actually place them behind or in entrance of the wheels, transfer far out of the way in which, then get the driving force to SLOWLY reverse or drive onto them.
You may need to trip a number of instances to get the angle proper. One chock would possibly should be nearer to the wheel, whereas one other is slightly additional away so it doesn’t rise a lot.
Be affected person – ultimately you’ll get actually good at this, however for now it’s all new and complicated, so strive to not yell at one another.
TIP – Having a slight angle is useful for rain water working off the van and never pooling on the roof. I attempt to angle the extent towards my bathe drain, this helps with draining the bathe and never getting a pool of water within the bathe tray 🙂
Ideas for brand new campervan and motorhome owners- Plugging in Electrical
I at all times plug the tip of the cable into the motorhome first (don’t worry- there’s just one finish which may match within the van, and one which fits into the outlet on the location.) By plugging the van in, after which the location, you aren’t strolling round with a reside electrical cable.
As soon as it’s plugged in, strive to not depart the surplus cable coiled up in small coils. I unfold mine down the size of the van, and even additional if attainable. There have been incidents of electrical cables catching fireplace when they’re left tightly coiled. Go away a number of toes between corners and you ought to be tremendous.
Some campsite may have completely different bollard connection setups – some it’s only a plug in and also you’re good to go, whereas others, you will have to plug in a flip till you hear a click on.
Turning on the fuel
Assuming your bottle is in, strapped up and related appropriately, all it is advisable do is activate the bottle. All bottles have an ‘open’ and ‘closed’ arrow on the highest. I don’t open my fuel bottles fully- there’s no actual cause for this besides that I’ve lived on a ship for years and there are such a lot of tales of boats exploding that I’m at all times cautious with fuel.
Don’t panic, there are far fewer incidents with motorhomes and van- particularly trendy ones, so you’ll be able to open the fuel bottle absolutely when you like.
There’ll at all times be a quick odor of fuel whenever you mild the hob or oven, and generally whenever you flip the fuel bottle on or off. If this doesn’t fade inside a few seconds, flip the bottle off IMMEDIATELY and don’t mild something. Anticipate the odor to fade (open home windows and doorways for air flow), then slowly flip the bottle on midway. If it nonetheless smells strongly of fuel, flip it off and search skilled recommendation.
A pal of mine is tremendous cautious of fuel additionally, and she or he makes use of this machine when altering over her fuel bottle when one runs out – only for peace of thoughts that there isn’t a leak. She makes use of the hand wheel fuel pig tail (pipe) as she finds it simpler than the spanner model.
Bathroom speak
Soooo… it’s time to arrange the bathroom. There’s not a lot to it. When it’s empty, add in some rest room chemical compounds. I exploit a product known as Solbio natural rest room fluid, which is pure and doesn’t include dangerous chemical compounds.
It’s additionally protected to be disposed of in septic tanks or fosse, which means I’ve extra choices to get rid of my rest room responsibly. Simply add a squirt into the bathroom cassette (yep, the place the ‘enterprise’ goes) and also you’re good to go.
So to talk.
Alternatively, the Elsan merchandise are good and the inexperienced rest room chemical is “inexperienced” / natural and is septic tanks pleasant.
Make sure that the water flush has water in (when you’ve got a separate flush- there will probably be a separate filler on the skin of the motorhome.)
I discover cheaper rest room paper dissolves faster – making it simpler to empty. However I’ll depart that as much as you!
Phew…. Make your self a brew
In spite of everything that arduous work, make your self a cuppa – or open one thing stronger. Many of the work is finished, so now it’s time to start out enjoyable.
These are a few of the different jobs I do once I’ve parked up:
- Make up the mattress
- Get out chairs/ outside desk when you’ve got them (don’t panic when you don’t- these are NOT important to your first journey!)
- Put out the awning (see under)
- Begin dinner/ get meals
- Put the canine exterior on a longish lead- be certain he can’t get close to anybody else to trouble them. We additionally should keep watch over pleasant children who at all times need to provide him their chocolate! (Should you don’t know, chocolate is toxic to canines.)
Issues to check in your new motorhome
When you’re arrange in your first campsite along with your new motorhome, there are a number of issues I like to recommend attempting/ checking- particularly when you’re a brand new motorhome proprietor. I don’t suggest doing all of them at once- simply deal with the listing separately. Make sure that to loosen up and luxuriate in your self too- if it’s all work it gained’t be as enjoyable!
Unwind the awning
The motorhome awning confused the heck out of me the primary time I did it. When you have an awning, you’ll most likely have a winder (a protracted stick factor with a hook on one finish.) That hook goes into one finish of the awning (there ought to be a watch) and you then begin turning the bottom. (Hopefully, that makes extra sense when it’s in entrance of you!)
A technique will tighten, the opposite will launch. You need to launch. Because the awning extends, it can get decrease and decrease. Ultimately, you’ll be capable to attain it. The legs will usually be contained in the entrance fringe of the awning- pull them out after which twist them downwards to decrease and prolong to the specified peak.
That most likely sounds terribly complicated, however as soon as , all of it is smart. Possibly strive the awning out earlier than you go- simply so what to anticipate.
Additionally, don’t get the awning out if robust winds or rain is forecast. They aren’t excellent in inclement climate and when you put it away moist it can begin to rot. At all times depart the awning to dry out as a lot as attainable earlier than you set it away.
TIP – no matter climate, use storm straps or rachet straps when your awning is out, it gives you peace of thoughts and that further degree of the awning not blowing away :).
First journey in a motorhome- Some unwritten guidelines of campsites
Most of those are widespread sense, so sorry if I’m stating the plain, however simply in case you don’t know:
- Don’t depart litter around- take all of it to the bins onsite. Typically there are recycling amenities, so use these if attainable
- Don’t empty waste water (or different waste!) in your pitch- extra on that under. This contains throwing washing up water into the bushes. Until in any other case specified by the campsite (some permit this, primarily throughout summer season to assist water the vegetation).
- Don’t have loud music blaring.
- Choose up after your canine and get rid of it within the bins supplied.
- Make sure that your children/ animals aren’t bothering anybody else close by and ensure they’re quiet by the curfew.
- Don’t block entry to anybody else’s pitch or hang around over onto the highway
- Don’t run engines or motorhome mills when you can probably assist it- and positively not within the night/ at night time
- Count on individuals to talk to you- particularly when you’ve got children/ animals. I’ve by no means been as fashionable because the time I obtained Mac as a brand new pet. It was crazy- individuals have been knocking on the door as a result of they’d heard about him and wished to say hello!!
And that’s it. Clearly, it would be best to kind issues out to your liking, however hopefully you’d settled sufficient now to take pleasure in your self! And when you’ve forgotten something, you’ll be able to simply pop dwelling (or to a close-by grocery store.)
Motorhome Proprietor tips- What to do whenever you’re prepared to depart
Sadly, the time will come when it’s time to pack up and depart. You’ll most likely have a complete lengthy listing of belongings you need to purchase/ repair/ improve- that’s completely regular.
So, to pack up, simply reverse the steps above. Begin with closing up the awning, then flip off fuel, unplug electrical, drive off chocks and ensure the whole lot is put away safely.
Make sure that all home windows and hatches are closed earlier than you begin driving. You’ll most likely need to empty water and waste tanks, though you’ll be able to empty the bathroom at dwelling when you want.
Empty the gray waste tank
Almost each campsite has a gray waste water disposal level. Gray waste water is stuff from the bathe, sink and many others. NOT TOILET (that’s black waste.) You discover this level in your map, drive OVER it till the drain is roughly under your disposal faucet, after which open the waste faucet beneath the motorhome. Water will come gushing out, and also you simply wait right here till it stops.
TOP TIP- attempt to wipe off as a lot meals waste as attainable BEFORE you wash up. This can cease meals waste and grease moving into the tank, the place it’s REALLY HARD to get it out of!
Emptying the toilet- Black waste
Your rest room cassette will probably be detachable, often by way of a door on the facet of the motorhome. Take this out and stroll it to the black waste disposal / chemical waste point- which is commonly a gap within the floor or a white disposal level (clearly marked- don’t use simply any gap within the floor!)
Unscrew the tip of the cassette, and switch it the wrong way up into the outlet. Yep, it can most likely odor fairly unhealthy. You would possibly need to put on gloves for this bit. Make sure that it’s completely empty earlier than changing it into the motorhome. Mine clicks shut- make certain it’s in appropriately!
You’ll be able to, after all, select to empty the bathroom at your own home whenever you return dwelling… I attempted this as soon as and vowed by no means again- it smells horrendous!
Emptying the contemporary water
You’ll most likely have extra contemporary water. Don’t depart this in your tank for weeks- it could possibly go stagnant and nasty issues can begin rising in your tank. Should you’re not going to be utilizing the van for some time, empty the water out concurrently the gray waste- over the drain level. There will probably be two separate faucets for this beneath your car.
Earlier than you permit the location, return any keys you needed to the reception, or put them within the field by the exit.
Ultimate recommendation for brand new motorhome owners- Again at dwelling
When you’re safely dwelling, you’ll need to do some last checks and a closedown. This could embrace:
- Closing all of the blinds
- We depart a small roof hatch open for ventilation- be certain rain can’t get in! If unsure, shut all of it up and are available again to air at the very least as soon as each different week.
Be aware – when you’ve got a more moderen van, this isn’t crucial as it can have in-built air flow within the roof sky home windows. - Take away all valuables, together with your motorhome Sat Nav and many others
- Allow alarm and immobiliser and different motorhome safety units
- Lock the cab and habitation doorways (we’ve fitted an extra habitation door lock to make issues much more safe.
And that’s it! You’ve accomplished your very first journey in your new van. I hope all of it went/ will go smoothly- be happy to tag me on Fb and let me know the place you find yourself!
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