Campervan Tips For Beginners

Our essential campervan tips for beginners, covers everything from planning your trip and packing smart to navigating the road and staying safe. Start your campervan journey with confidence!

Things to do before the day of your trip

Starting your campervan adventure is exciting, especially if you are a beginner. To make your trip less stressful and more enjoyable, here are some campervan tips for beginners. Prepare well in advance by using these simple pointers.

The key to stress-free travelling is planning. A well-thought-out route will guide your journey, making it easier to find campsites and places of interest. Take a map with you and consider using a satnav especially for motorhomes to avoid narrow lanes and low bridges. Remember, campervan travelling isn’t just about the destination. It’s about the journey!

Spend a few days understanding your vehicle. Learn how everything works, how to check the oil and water levels, and brush up on your driving skills if it’s been a while. Make sure your campervan fits in the vehicle type allowed at your campsite. Read the manual, ask questions, or find some guide videos online before you start driving.

Try a 'dry run' camping in your driveway or a local campsite. This experience will help you understand how to set up, what to pack, how to cook, and help you identify any issues with the van or your camping equipment.

However, remember to travel light. Limited space in a campervan makes it essential to pack only what you need. Try to buy multi-purpose items to save space. Finally, ensure your vehicle insurance and breakdown cover are valid and that your driving license is up to date.

Making an essential campervan checklist

Your first trip in a campervan can be thrilling, even more, when you're prepared. Here are some campervan tips for beginners on making a checklist of essentials for your journey.

Starting with campervan accessories, prioritise things that help you utilise space effectively. Collapsible or foldable items like tables, chairs, and storage boxes fit well in limited areas.

For cooking and kitchen equipment, keep it simple and easy. Carry portable barbecues, a compact gas stove and a fridge. Also, a set of cooking utensils, a kettle, and cutlery are imperative.

Don't forget about Fido! If you're travelling with pets, take enough water, food, a leash, poop bags, and comfort items like their favourite blanket. For children, consider bringing games, a travel cot, and child-friendly tableware.

Prioritise safety with a well-stocked first aid kit. This includes bandages, gauze, ointments, pain relievers, and any required prescription medications.

Toiletries are another important category. Hence, pack refillable travel-sized shampoo, soap, toothpaste and toilet paper. Also, remember a portable or chemical toilet if you’re staying off the grid for part of your trip.

Lastly, make note of your personal essentials like clothing, mobile phone, charging cables, torch, and so forth. Ensure everything you need is at hand for a wonderful travel experience.

Understand your motorhome electrics

The electrical system in your motorhome might seem complicated. Yet, understanding the basics makes your journey easier. Here are some campervan tips for beginners to understand their motorhome electrics.

Your campervan will have two electrical systems. These include a 12v system running off the leisure battery when you're off-grid, and a 230v system for use when you're hooked up at a campsite. Ensure your leisure battery is in good condition. It powers things like your lights, the water pump, the fridge when you’re driving and any 12v sockets.

Some motorhomes have a control panel to help you track your battery level. When hooked up to electricity at a campsite, the 230v system will come into play. This powers your plug sockets and some appliances like a microwave or TV.

Understanding how your electrics work aids in diagnosing any issues that might crop up on your trip. Make sure to keep a basic toolkit on hand too for any minor fixes.

How to put up your caravan awning

Having an awning for your campervan can create extra living or storage space, and make your spot at the campsite feel more like home. Here are some simple steps to put up your caravan awning:

1. Ensure your designated campsite pitch is big enough for your campervan and awning.

2. Check the awning size that you have fits your vehicle. It should be the same length or slightly shorter than your van.

3. Start by sliding the awning cord into the awning rail of your motorhome from the back to the front.

4. Assemble the frame – this will depend on the type of awning you have. However, this usually involves putting together poles, and ensuring they are secured tightly.

5. Insert the poles into the awning and adjust to bring the awning into shape.6. Peg the awning down, starting at the corners and then filling in the sides.

6. Finally, add the guy ropes, remaining poles, and extra bracing for windy conditions. Get a hand if possible – this process can be easier with an extra pair of hands.

When is the best time to get your motorhome serviced?

Even with the best care and attention, your motorhome needs regular professional maintenance. But when is the best time to get your motorhome serviced? Ideally, your motorhome should be serviced once a year.

Getting it serviced right after winter is a great idea. This way, any issues caused by cold temperatures can be identified. Along with the general maintenance, the vehicle will be ready for summer road trips. However, if you've been travelling a lot, an extra service might be beneficial.

The goal is to keep your motorhome safe and reliable while on the road. A servicing generally includes checks and adjustments of brakes and tyres. They also check the engine and other components. It also helps to maintain the mechanical integrity of your vehicle, ensuring your adventures are worry-free.

Regular servicing can identify potential problems early, saving you time and costly repairs in the long run. This routine care ensures your motorhome remains in the best condition. It will provide peace of mind and smooth travel. By following these campervan tips, you'll be well on your way to creating memorable and enjoyable motorhome travels.

We hope you enjoyed our article 'Campervan Tips For Beginners' Get in touch to discuss your motorhome needs and let us show you how we can help!