Tips And Tricks For Traveling With The Motorhome

Most considerable possible freedom and maximum adventure – you will never feel as free as when traveling with a motorhome! Even if you are more of a planner and have preferred to plan your trips exactly months in advance, you will love this type of travel. Because this freedom when camping is priceless and you will discover completely new sides in yourself!

The good news however, is that, you can easily build your own customized version of DIY camper trailer. See this https://www.itsoverflowing.com/diy-camper-trailer/ to convert a Van into a DIY Camper for Life on the road under low budget.

Why traveling with a motorhome is the right thing for adventurers!

Suddenly you no longer stick to your plans but decide spontaneously when you stop where and how long you stay where. You can completely get involved with what is coming. And best of all: your thirst for adventure will be awakened!

As a result, you experience everything much more intensely, because there is only you, your motorhome and nature. No unpleasant hotel rooms or trips with crowded, public transport – you decide when to go where. But you should always use the best RV cover for the money for your motorhome or RV to keep it safe. 

When owning a motorhome, you sleep and wake up in the middle of nature: directly on the rushing sea, or on a cliff with a fantastic view. There is hardly a better way to fall asleep and wake up!

Wild camping in the middle of nature

In some places in the world, you can stop and spend the night where you want. In the past, this was allowed in almost all of Europe, but today you often have to make way for the campsite. In distant countries such as Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa and Iceland, you can camp freely or “wild” in many places, or there are designated parking spaces.

Of course, you should adhere to a few rules accordingly, not destroy nature and keep your garbage with you. Open fires are also often not allowed, so it’s best to find out where you can stand and what the rules are. There is usually also a small toilet house at such sleeping parking lots – but nothing more.

In New Zealand, you can park your camper in many national parks at designated locations, provided that you have a mobile home in which you can take care of yourself, i.e., with toilet, shower and kitchen. For all other places, dormitories and types of mobile homes, nature is your friend, the bush your bathroom, and the lake your bathtub.

Budget or luxury?

Of course, it always depends on your budget, but you don’t even have to do without camping unless that’s precisely your goal. Most campervans have a bed that can easily hold two people and at least has a cool box that you have to fill with new ice cubes every few days and a small gas stove. So you can cook some simple dishes and have a warm meal!

The somewhat more extensive and more expensive models, on the other hand, already have a refrigerator and a real hotplate, as well as a slightly more comfortable bed or several sleeping options. Also, many even have their toilet and shower, and a beautiful sitting area. So you hardly have to do without anything here and you have your own home with you!

However, with these models, you have to go to a campsite every few days to recharge the motorhome. Otherwise, the refrigerator will go out at some point. You should also empty the wastewater and fill the tank with freshwater. However, the former only works in designated areas, and if you do it elsewhere, you will be punished!

Campgrounds

Most campsites have sanitary facilities, from old to very modern. Besides, many places have a communal kitchen and tables where you can eat. In Australia, you will also find a BBQ area on most campsites, but you always have to wash and clean yourself! Many larger campsites also have washrooms with washing machines and dryers. So you can get clean laundry in between!

However, not every campsite is suitable for larger campers. Some have only tent sites or space for smaller vans. Besides, campgrounds can also be full or even fully booked during the high season. It is best to find out beforehand whether there is still space for your motorhome.

Whether with a small campervan or a well-equipped motorhome, whether on the campsite or in the middle of nature without a human soul far and wide, camping is pure adventure and freedom!

Camping tips and questions you should answer

Can I drive a camper at all?

If you have a valid EU driving license of class III or B and are over 21 years old, you can drive a campervan as well as smaller motorhome models. However, this permit is limited to a total weight of up to 3.5 tons. If you want to drive a larger model, you have to acquire the license class B96 and most of the time; you are already 25 years old. Sometimes even a year of driving experience is required!

How excellent are my driving skills?

Don’t underestimate this topic! A motor home drives very differently than a car. You see less; a motorhome is broader and longer than a car, the curve radius larger and the braking distance longer.
It is best to practice a bit in an open area where nothing can happen before you jump into the traffic. You should also test the driving dynamics of the motorhome when fully charged because it makes a big difference whether the car is loaded ready for travel or is empty.

What costs do I have to plan?

Traveling with the camper always sounds like an inexpensive solution, and a trip with the camper can also be expensive! Because in addition to the fair rental price for the motorhome, you also have to consider the following costs:

– Fuel price: It is good to make yourself aware of the current price per liter and the consumption of the camper beforehand. So you can roughly calculate how high the fuel costs for your planned route are.

– Campsites: Depending on the location, facilities and season, campsites can be expensive! It is best to calculate beforehand how much you can expect on average. Incidentally, there are places with and without electricity that often cost differently.

– Food costs: If you are traveling with the motorhome, you will mostly take care of yourself. It’s best to check prices for the most typical groceries beforehand. Now and then, you should treat yourself to a restaurant visit, so plan a little more for groceries.

– Of course, you need gas to cook. Ask the mobile home provider whether a gas bottle is already available and whether it is sufficient for your trip.

– Filling the fresh water tank or emptying the wastewater tank costs something in some countries, also inform yourself here in advance.

– Is the final cleaning of the camper already included in the rental price, or do you have to hand in the camper cleaned and polished? This can also be expensive if you have to go to the car wash.

– Plan a buffer: always calculate a little more so that you can afford to spend a night or two in the hotel if something should not work with the motorhome or you want a real bed.

What is essential in the luggage?

Again, it depends on the motorhome, the provider, and the package that you have booked. Nevertheless, you should think about the following things:

– Crockery and cutlery: earthenware made of hard plastic is perfect, so it doesn’t clatter annoyingly from the cupboards.

– Bed linen, bedding and towels: best the cheapest you can find.

– Tea towels, sponge, detergent and detergent: your dishes and your clothes also want to be cleaned.

– CEE power cable and an adapter CEE Shako plug plus a cable drum for electricity on camping sites.

– Camping chairs and a folding table are gold if you want to eat in a beautiful place or watch the sunset with a glass of wine. Sitting on a blanket can be romantic, but sooner or later, it will be very uncomfortable.

Do I know everything about my camper?

The first time you take off with a motorhome, you should feel completely safe and familiar. It is best to clarify open questions on-site and without hesitation than to stand there stupidly later. Your landlord is an expert and can answer all your questions, including everything related to campsites. You should also have complete control of the technology and know-how to deal with a flat tire, smoke from the hood, or an accident.

Another important aspect is the supply of water and gas. 

How do you heat or cook, what must be switched on and off when not in use? How are the wastewater and wastewater disposed of? Where can I find the freshwater tank? You should have answered all of these questions before you move into your “home on wheels.” Most motorhomes also have a small manual – ask where you can find them in an emergency.

Tip: Write down the dimensions of your camper and put them within reach in the driver’s area. You will be grateful if you cross a tunnel or driveway and do not have to tremble!

How do I properly load the motorhome?

You’ve probably seen it before, a caravan or camper that breaks out and winds along the highway. Such a situation is hazardous and can happen faster than you think due to excessive speed or incorrect loading.

That is why it is essential to get tips from your landlord on how to load the motorhome properly and this does mean not only various tanks but also your luggage and groceries.

Heavy loads such as water cans, canned goods, drinks, gas bottles, etc. must be stored below, close to the axis. You can easily store light luggage under the roof.

Where and how far in advance is it best to rent the motorhome?

If you are planning to travel to the high season, even in a real camping destination, you should rent your motorhome in good time. It is an excellent idea to do this 2-3 month in advance because popular models are quickly booked up.

There are many different providers, depending on the country and model. At Campania, for example, you can find campers and campervans all over the world. Besides, there are always last-minute bargains in all camper categories! So you can save if you want to leave spontaneously.

Conclusion

For adventurers, there is nothing better than traveling with a motorhome: you are infinitely free in your planning, can (almost) sleep wherever you want, and wake up in the middle of nature. From simple to super luxurious, there is something for everyone. Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or South Africa are cool countries for a road trip with a camper!

Have you ever made a road trip with a camper and useful tips? Then bring it as a comment!