Let's be pragmatic
Despite all the theory, you should know that there is no foolproof preparation. Even when you travel without a motorhome, you have to deal with the unexpected. Prepare as much as you can, in your own way.
Set a budget because, even if you don't stay in a hotel, you'll have non-negotiable expenses: fuel (how many kilometers to drive?), gas (how many bottles will be used?), service areas and camping (what is the nightly rate?) Even if you decide to target only free parking areas or stay in the wild, consider paying each night so you don't get caught short), food, sightseeing (what are the must-sees on your route with an entrance fee? What extra budget will you spend on them?).
If this is your first time driving a motorhome, practice around your home to get the hang of it, adapt to its size and maneuvers.
Before starting, have the vehicle checked for oil level, gearbox, brake fluid, axle, power steering, windshield washer and wiper blades, brake pads, handbrake, lights and indicators, locks. It is advisable to take a toolbox with a minimum of tools to deal with any small incidents. Check the water system. Lock the clamps and fasteners. Pour a cleaning and disinfecting product into the clean water and waste water tanks. Add water, drive a few miles before draining. To avoid bad smells, use commercial products or vinegar rather than bleach, which could alter certain elements of the installation. During periods of freezing, during a long immobilization, make sure that the grey water tank is completely empty.
Check the charge of the batteries and the cleanliness of the terminals. Operate all the vehicle's electrical stations. Keep records of bulbs, tubes and fuses so you can replace them in case of problems. Clean the windshield. Adjust the mirrors. Run the carrier engine at idle speed. Check lights for proper operation.
If possible, take a spare tire with you, because if one of your tires blows out, finding one can waste a lot of time.
The important papers!
Remember to take these documents with you: national identity card or passport, driver's license and vehicle papers, blood group card, Vitale card, payment card, checkbook, cash (coins if you plan to use service areas and laundromats), maintenance manuals for the carrier and the cell, emergency numbers, road maps and guide.
The chek-list: ticking off nothing to forget
Here is an example of a checklist before leaving on a motorhome. However, only you know your needs and those of the people accompanying you. Create your own checklist, on paper, computer or telephone. You can then check off the items you want to take with you and be sure you won't forget anything.
What goes in the hold: garden tables and chairs, shovel, warning triangle, leveling wedges, extension cord, tool box, water hose, funnels, jerry cans.
What goes in the cell:
In the kitchen: pots and pans, salad bowl, dishes, colander, glasses, plates, cutlery, dish towels, napkins, bowls, bottle opener, can opener, detergent, basin, broom, trash bags, cleaning supplies, mop.
In the cupboards and refrigerator: salt, pepper, oil, vinegar, mustard, tea, coffee, chocolate, bread, canned goods, sugar, pasta, rice, cereals, water, yogurt..
In the bathroom/toilet: towels, soap, shampoo, hairbrush, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper for chemical toilets, products for toilets, deodorant spray..
In the first-aid kit: disinfectant, bandages, alcohol, mosquito repellent, aspirin, anti-burn cream, absorbent cotton..
In the easy-to-reach storage: umbrella, sunglasses, pens, notepad, cell phone, rope, flashlight and... fluorescent vests!
Whatever your checklist, don't forget to bring a box of spare bulbs and a few accessories, including a European electric plug for the campsite.
Precautions before departure, from home and between each stage
Before leaving, you will have to perform several operations, to be followed like a recipe for a cake composed of several layers.
In the motorhome, the golden rule is to store what is heavy at the bottom (bottles, dishes...), what is light at the top (linen, clothes...). Put away in the cupboards or in the hold any object that is lying around. Do not leave anything on the floor or table without a fastening or cushioning system. Check doors, skylights and windows for leaks. If leaks appear during cleaning, use a siliconized sealant cartridge to repair. Close windows and skylights. Cushion the contents of the refrigerator to prevent shocks. Close the refrigerator door. Turn off the gas (or 220 V electrical) supply to the refrigerator and set it to 12 V; indeed, when you drive, the 12 V takes over and allows you to keep the temperature of the refrigerator, without bringing more cold.
Check the operation of all gas appliances and replace the hoses regularly. Use a compressor to clean the exhaust and fresh air ducts as well as the burners. Pour in a dose of toilet cleaner and a liter of clean water. Turn off the water taps. Close the bathroom, closet and closet doors. Retract the step and lock the cell door.
Make sure the fire extinguisher's validation date has not passed.
Outside the motorhome, disconnect the 220 V power cable. Close the gas cylinders and check their contents by weighing them by hand. Please note that gas hoses must be changed regularly. Before putting a new cylinder in place, lay it down, then let out a jet of gas (to remove kerosene and impurities).
Check that the blind is retracted and the crank is put away. Put away the shims. Check that the bikes are securely attached to the bike rack. Fill up with water if you are going on your own; if you are going to a campsite or service area, wait until you get there to travel lighter. Turn off the wastewater valve. Make sure all doors and hatches are locked.
Some useful applications to install on your smartphone
At the time of all connected, let's not skimp on applications to accompany you during your trip in motorhome.
To prepare your suitcase Packr is a very practical application. You indicate your destination, and it creates an adapted checklist. Most of your budget will be spent on fuel. Gasoil now, Essence & co or Fuel Flash will show you the nearest gas stations and compare their prices. This way, you will be able to get the best price for your fuel. To find your way around, Maps.me allows you to download maps of the areas you are travelling through. GPS often forget the height of the vehicle, CoPilot GPS adapts to the vehicle you are driving. This way you can avoid any bridge, narrow street or tunnel that is not passable. The only drawback is that this application is not free (30 €/year). Waze and Coyote, without taking into account the type of vehicle, allow you respectively to avoid traffic jams and speed cameras. To park, we have already mentioned them in another file, Park4night, Caramaps, or Camping-Car Park are valuable resources.
By entering "bubble level" in your app catalog, you can choose from several to help you determine if your motorhome is straight when you park.
A word about travelling with animals
What if you took your furry friend with you? Dogs, and even cats, will love to travel in a motor home, as long as they are in an environment they are familiar with. Before leaving, make sure their vaccinations are up to date (rabies in particular and feline leukosis for cats). You should bring their health booklet as well as a first aid kit (tick tweezers, dewormer, betadine and physiological serum, surgical gloves...). In case of veterinary emergency, the SOS Pet application indicates the veterinarians near you. In addition to the mandatory chip, have your pets wear a collar with your contact information.
Our pets need a routine. Give them food at the same time as at home, take their toys and carpets with you, and don't forget to give them their own space. On the road, don't let them sit where they want to; if you stop suddenly, their bodies will become projectiles. Tie them up with a harness, or in a carrier (especially for cats). Dogs can stay at your feet if they are used to it. When stopped, they should be taught not to go out without permission, and tied up with ballast, even cats. Make sure that pets are allowed where you park. If your dog has a tendency to bark, move away from other motor homes so as not to disturb them. Never leave your faithful companions inside if it is hot, the risk of sunstroke is the same as in a car.
If you rent a motorhome, ask if you can take your dog or cat with you. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of the rental contract and declare your pet to your insurance company to cover any damage it may cause.
Before the trip: itinerary and facilities
Shouldn't choosing to travel by motorhome offer freedom of movement and parking? Decide where to go, let yourself go, stop when you feel like it? We agree on that. However, you will quickly realize that without a minimal preparation of your trip, without a selection of places to stop, your mind will be too much occupied by the road, the day to day planning. What should relax you will stress you more. Leaving with a global vision of your journey and the places you will visit will stimulate you. Depending on the length of your vacation, the distance from your home (think about the return trip), the number of kilometers you are willing to cover, the itinerary will be more or less flexible. Here are a few tips for planning your trip, designed according to your own unique definition of freedom, as well as for everything related to interior design and equipment.
Organize your trip
Many vehicles are now equipped with GPS, which makes it easy to follow a route. But while GPS will get you from point A to point B, it's best to know in advance what stops you'll make along the way. Maximizing your leisure time and minimizing your time behind the wheel is the whole point of preparing for your trip. GPS does not preclude carrying maps. They give you a global vision of the itinerary. You can also note down your visits, as well as your refreshment or accommodation solutions. The Internet is now a must: campsites, tourist offices, service areas, discussion forums, you can find everything! However, be careful to check the date when the information was written. For example, the service areas can change from one year to the next. Clubs and associations of motorhome owners generally have good advice to give. Specialized magazines offer travel itineraries and are not short of ideas for discovery.
If you go abroad, the search for information will be longer. You must find out about the administrative formalities required to enter the country. Do you need a passport? Do you need a visa? If you are taking a ferry, especially to Corsica or Morocco, check prices and book in advance, especially during the high season. In some foreign countries, especially in the EU, the social security organization covers any medical and hospitalization expenses. To do this, don't forget your "carte Vitale" and your European health insurance card, which you can obtain on request from your CPAM or on your Ameli account(www.ameli.fr). Please note: the European card is valid for two years and must be renewed if the deadline is exceeded. If you have a medical treatment, remember to bring your prescription justifying that you must take these medicines. Several weeks or even months before departure, think about the mandatory or recommended vaccinations. Check with the tourist offices of the different countries. A well-adapted first-aid kit can treat minor ailments or injuries. Ask your doctor and pharmacist for information.
How do you plan your route?
Even if you have planned an itinerary, there is no doubt that you will often change your mind on the road, because you don't like the place as much as you imagined, because you feel cramped or satisfied enough, because you want to enjoy it more, even if it means driving longer a few days later, because the weather is better somewhere else... Each camper van driver creates his or her own customized trip, and that's why we like this way of traveling! Some people respect their itinerary to the letter, wanting to check the boxes of everything they have planned, others take their time, simply select an area and let themselves be carried away. A good compromise is to plan two or three ideas for routes with stops, then decide on the spot. If you're exploring your own area, you can wander around from the start. If, on the other hand, you are limited by your vacation week or weekend and choose to travel more than 500 kilometers from your home, the first day will be more about driving. What do you want to do on your trip? You will find that driving is more tiring than driving, so take it easy. To include all the people who are going with you, plan your itinerary together. But don't forget that on the way, if you don't take the highway, you will always find a nice place to discover. The hardest part is to leave, and the adventure is yours!
How to fit out your motorhome
Since you are transporting a house on wheels, a minimum of equipment is appreciated. You don't need to be 100% home-equipped, of course, but a few pans, pots and pans with removable handles, bowls, cups, salad bowls, and why not a pressure cooker, seem to make up a minimal base. Provide good ventilation in addition to an extractor fan. Look for a sufficiently large work surface. Cupboards with dish holders, built-in storage, low cabinets that can hold pots and pans are a must. Make sure that your stove can hold as many pots and pans as there are burners, i.e. that you can cook with enough space. Avoid overfilling low cupboards that require you to squat to access them, and install a locking system on your drawers if they don't have one, which is very useful when you are on the road.
Hot water is provided by a boiler or combination water heater, which works alone or with the heater. Allow enough space for the shower. The size of the bathroom must allow the use of the toilet without suffering from lack of space. Installing siphons on the drains will help prevent bad odors. To increase comfort, think of installing a towel rack away from the shower, a cupboard, a mirror, an opening bay or a low ventilation. Make sure the shower is high enough to shampoo without contorting. To be avoided: a shower attached to the sink, not practical. Also to be avoided: insufficient lighting, toilets that are too high and, above all, a poorly sealed room.
The bedding is important, even capital! Never forget that you spend a third of your time sleeping and that vacations can easily be ruined by restless nights. Not to mention the risks incurred on the road by a driver with heavy eyelids... Be careful about the thickness of the mattress and the quality of the bed base (with slats or not). Don't forget to focus your attention on the headroom and the accessibility of the high bed. The way in which the useless cushions are stored during the day also counts. Your height will be a determining factor for the bed: ideal length = your height +10/15 cm. The comfort is superior with a slatted base and a Bultex mattress of 8 centimeters thick (5 centimeters minimum for children).
You must be able to put your bedding in place easily. You don't want the cushions to fit like a puzzle, or for them to slide around. Beware of poor quality mattress foam and cushions that form a bed of different thicknesses. Invest in good bedding, your sleep and the associated mood will thank you. On the other hand, it's nice to have a pocket next to the beds, as well as a spotlight per person. Remember to ventilate the sleeping area well and provide a warm air inlet at the bed base for more comfort.
Accessories that make a difference
When you use your motorhome, you will want to equip it to increase its comfort. If some accessories may seem trivial, others are indispensable, especially for refueling and safety. Among the essentials (we may be repeating ourselves, but everything will be grouped together here), you need a toolbox, a hose to fill up with water, an electrical connection, and crutches to stabilize the vehicle during the stage. Don't leave without an outdoor table and chairs (which can be stored in the cargo hold). Install an awning, useful as a sunshade but also in case of rain, if only to create a dry area in front of the motorhome. Beware of the wind, because gusts of wind can blow away an awning. It is not a bad idea to equip your vehicle with doorstops and to think about taking cleaning products.
As for safety, a gas alarm and a smoke detector will reassure you. Take a first aid kit and a first aid kit on board. Special mirrors are available if you consider that the original ones mounted on the motorhome need to be improved. For cold or hot weather, you will find many heaters and air conditioners. Even air coolers. Opaque isothermal panels are very useful when the sun is beating down and you want to keep a certain coolness inside the vehicle... without air conditioner. A small transformer is a great help on board. The problem is that it takes up a lot of space.
Solar panels connect to the auxiliary battery, a fuel cell will increase your electricity autonomy. As far as audio and video are concerned, the current equipment ensures a comfort identical to that of your home (flat screens, TNT decoders, satellite antennas, car radio, Wifi key for your laptop...). The only constraint is the power consumption of these devices.
Think of chains if you like to go away in winter and a barbecue if, for you, stroll rhymes with barbecue. In terms of decoration, you can change the taps, add curtains, fix a towel rack, put an outside step. Installing an additional bay window is an interesting alternative because it allows a view and the entry of light. A lantern will extend your evenings outside and a mosquito net will keep insects away. The reversing video is a must for those who do not want to scratch their rear bumper. If the cargo area is full, opt for the bike rack. A removable ladder is a must, even more so if you have attached an extra box to the roof rack.
It should be noted that in recent years, the manufacturers of carriers have been working towards a better comfort on board. When it comes to accessories, you can see that the possibilities for improving your motorhome are almost infinite. The list that we present to you is far from being exhaustive. Consult the accessory websites to find THE system that your motorhome is missing.
Transporting bikes, motorcycles and cars
A legitimate concern when traveling in a motorhome can indeed be mobility once parked. If you want to explore the surroundings, depending on your itinerary, it is not always easy to find public transportation. That's why some people choose to take their bikes (the most common and practical), a motorcycle, a small car and even... a boat! Bicycle carrier, load carrier or trailer, these equipments will be essential. Be careful with the payload. You will have to deduct the weight of the vehicles on board. You are getting ready for an XL trip and the driver will have to master the imposing length of the vehicle or the blind spots. If some motorhomes are equipped with a fixed or height-adjustable garage for bicycles, the bicycle rack, motorcycle rack or trailer are necessary equipment.
Transporting your bikes
Bike racks are becoming more and more sophisticated. The range is varied, between the bike carrier that attaches to the hitch wheel, the one on the bar of the bike carrier already installed, or the one that attaches to the chassis. In this last case, it will be necessary to check the adaptability with your motor home. The vans and fitted vans can also be equipped without problem. To keep the bikes clean, cover them with a special tarp. A sign with red and white reflective stripes added on top will make you visible to other road users at night. Remember to install an anti-theft device that connects the bikes to the motor homes (for example on the bar of the bike rack), so that you don't have to wonder if your bikes will still be there when you wake up or when you return from shopping..
A bike rack costs between 50 and 700 euros! Motorhomes with a garage hold can install a bike rack to stabilize them during the trip. Prices also go up quite quickly.
Transporting one or more motorcycles
Contrary to what one might think, it is more practical to transport a motorcycle with a van. Indeed, it is easier to arrange a removable space in the back for the motorcycle(s). The van becomes a modular garage. The motorcycle enters the van from the back, by a ramp and is fixed on a rack on the ground. Depending on the capacity of the van, this arrangement will remain or will be removed once stopped, leaving room for the living space. The major drawback will be the smell of gasoline a little too present...
In a camper, van or van, the transport of your motorcycles can be done by installing a load carrier. In this case, you will also have to make sure that the load carrier is adapted to the chassis of your vehicle. A professional in the industry will be able to advise you. Some of these devices can be installed with or without tools. Only one motorcycle can be carried. A good load carrier costs between 500 and 3000 euros. You will find Linnepe, Sawiko, Alden, Franssen Edicar, Al-Ko Backpack as the main trusted brands.
If you want to take two motorcycles with you, look for a trailer. They are available in length or width for better handling and easier reversing. Enclosed trailers protect the bike. The entry price is around 500 euros.
As this equipment is external and subject to damage, ask your insurance if you are covered, or if you need to take out specific insurance.
Transporting a car: the indispensable trailer
It's a higher level than transporting a small car in the back of your motorhome. Of course, we're talking about transporting a small city car here, preferably focusing on the most common version. The power of your motorhome is decisive. A trailer, and even a load carrier, means extra weight. Therefore, your motorhome must have a good engine, at least 140 horsepower. The towing capacity of your motorhome can be found on the registration document (F3 - PTRA). To find out the GVW of the trailer (payload + empty weight), subtract the sum indicated from the GVW of the motorhome.
To tow a trailer, you must equip your motorhome, if it is not already equipped and if your chassis allows it, with a hitch. Removable, fixed or pivoting, the choice will be established according to the use of the trailer. It is important that the hitch be properly installed, as your safety depends on it, so contact a professional.
Three points in the choice of your trailer are to be taken into account: the material, aluminum, steel or polyester (aluminum being lighter and polyester to be preferred for a van); the aerodynamics for the road holding, the suspension where one will prefer to go for an axle with independent wheels.
Among the trailers, you will have the choice between a platform or rails. As for the purchase of a motor home, browse through websites, specialized magazines and professionals in the sector.
Be aware that it is forbidden to tow a car behind a motorhome without a trailer.
Which licence for which weight and which insurance?
Your B license will suffice as long as the motorhome's GVW is less than or equal to 3.5 tons and the trailer's GVW less than or equal to 750 kg. If the trailer exceeds 750 kg, you will be able to tow it as long as the sum of the GVW of the motorhome and the trailer is less than or equal to 3.5 tons. This is a lot of calculations but the information is on your vehicle registration document and do not hesitate to ask the professionals to decipher it.
If the GVW of the trailer exceeds 750 kg, or if the sum of the GVW of the motorhome and the trailer exceeds 4,250 kg, you will need a BE license.
For a trailer with a GVW of more than 3,500 kg, a C1E license is required. Finally, the C1 license (heavy vehicle) will concern the drivers whose motorhome's GVW exceeds 3.5 tons, the trailer's GVW less than or equal to 750 kg.
Don't forget to equip your trailer with a license plate: for a GVW of less than 500 kg, it is the same as the motorhome (or van); beyond that, the trailer will be registered with its own vehicle registration. As far as insurance is concerned, the trailer will have an individual insurance when its weight exceeds 500 kg. Be sure to inform your insurance company of this new equipment. Be careful, the insurance only works when the trailer is coupled!
Some tips for driving
With a large load and length, drive with the utmost caution. Anticipate your braking, keep a distance of at least 50 meters (the more the better) with the vehicles in front of you, use the engine brake. We remind you that motor homes cannot drive on the left lane (when the road is composed of more than two lanes) if they are longer than 7 meters, or if they are heavy vehicles (article R 412-25).
The most important advice is that you should not take the road without first practicing maneuvering with the trailer, in order to understand its center of gravity. When parking, your control will certainly impress.