14 Most Important Things to know About Motorhomes

This depends on which kind of road you are driving on and in the case of larger motorhomes may de different than for cars. Generally, for a regular-sized motorhome, you are regulated no differently than a car for the purpose of speed limits and motorway regulations – that means 70mph on a motorway or dual carriageway and sixty elsewhere, but, of course, sign-posted lower limits apply. Motorhomes of over three tonnes, unladen, are, however, restricted to 60mph on dual carriageways other than motorways and 50mph on single carriageway roads.

7. How many passengers are legal? Do they have to be in travelling seats?
Passengerwise, you are at liberty to carry as many as you wish, however liability for their safety is yours if they are not belted in. The manufacturer will have specified the number of travelling seats your motorhome is equipped with, into which passengers may be securely belted for travel. If there is a seatbelt available, it must be used. Suitable child seats must be used for smaller children.

8. How often should I change my tyres?
Use a good brand of tyre and ensure the tyres you get are appropriate for your vehicle. Do not be tempted by cheap tyres, because motorhome tyres have a hard life. Remember that there are more signs that your tyres need changing than shallow tread: wall damage, cracking and degradation due to sunlight exposure all contribute to tyre wear. A motorhome tyre may need to be replaced long before its tread wears out, due to its comparatively low mileage. Any tyre, including the spare, over seven years old should be replaced, and industry advice even cuts two years off that figure.

9. Are there restrictions as to where I can house my motorhome?
Obviously you can park your motorhome anywhere on your own property; but be considerate of your neighbours in doing so – for example, you may create a nuisance to them if your van is preventing light reaching part of their house. Parking on the road outside the house is fine, provided you don’t violate any parking restrictions, but remember that anyone can and may take up the space while you are out and about in your motorhome. When roadside parked after dark, you must leave your vehicle facing the direction of traffic and you must use parking lights if you park on a road or in a lay-by with a speed limit of over 30mph.

10. How should I plan my motorhome journey?
Key to avoiding trouble is to know how big your motorhome is: this is information you should readily find in your owner’s manual and always keep this at hand. The site you are heading for will have a recommended approach route to follow; they will already have worked out the best route for motorhomes and caravans. Do not rely solely on your sat-nav; although some now have software that will allow you to input your van’s dimensions and can thereby help you avoid any narrow or low spots. Common sense applies; and if in doubt, keep to main roads and stay alert for road signs giving height or weight limits.

11. How do I check my van’s payload?
Your motorhome’s manual is the best place to go to see what makes up your van’s payload calculation.