Top tips for first time Campervan and Motorhome Owners
Congratulations on your recent campervan purchase! Owning a campervan or motorhome is a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors and have a comfortable home on wheels. However, before you hit the road, specialist campervan insurance providers Brentacre share some tips for first-time campervan owners to ensure you’ll have the best experience possible.
Familiarize yourself with the basics – and learn from fellow owners
Before you embark on your first campervan trip, it’s essential to understand how your campervan works. This includes learning how to use the electrical and plumbing systems, how to set up the bed and dining area, and how to use any appliances and accessories. It’s also important to know how to drive a campervan, including how to manoeuvre in tight spaces and park in designated overnight camping areas.
If you really want some tips, it’s worth visiting the Caravan Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC from 21-26 February – it’s ‘the’ event of the year, where you’ll meet plenty of other owners, and pick up lots of tips on everything from reversing to parking in tight spots. You’’ll also find good deals on camping gear and awnings – well worth a visit!
Don’t forget to Insure your van
When you buy a campervan, you’ll need to arrange campervan insurance. It’s important to remember that insurance is not just for when your vehicle is on a road trip – like any vehicle it needs to be insured all year round, especially if you are keeping it on the highway. If you’re just using your van for storage or doing your own custom conversion off road or in a private car park, then you’ll still need to be insured against damage and theft, especially if it was bought on finance.
If anything happens while your campervan is parked up, whether at home or elsewhere, insurance will usually cover any costs incurred from vandalism or theft if you hold comprehensive cover – and of course, you’ll need cover to protect you from other drivers who may accidentally damage your precious van.
Camper Van Conversions and Modifications
It’s worth noting that many insurers will only cover ‘standard’ campers and motorhomes, but in a world where customisation and conversions are trending, a lot of van owners won’t fit the ‘standard’ and you’ll need to find a specialist who recognises the importance and value of making your van truly ‘yours’.
Swansea-based Brentacre are a large insurance broker that has over 36 years of experience insuring some of the most interesting cars and vans on the UK road – and they have policies which cover van conversions. There’s usually a policy available for almost any modifications you make – in fact, most cosmetic conversions don’t cost any extra and even performance modifications can be covered, although the premiums are likely to be higher.
The advantage of choosing a specialist insurer who understands the motorhome market means you’ll have peace of mind, knowing any first-time motorhome owner mistakes will be insured.
Plan your route
When planning your trip, it’s important to consider the size and weight of your campervan, as well as any height and weight restrictions on roads and bridges. You should also consider the availability of overnight camping areas and the cost of overnight parking. Some SatNavs are built specifically for campervan owners and will be able to let you know if a road is too narrow for your van, likewise most campsite owners will let you know the best route. It’s always best to follow their advice rather than take a risk on Google maps!
Stock up on essentials
Before setting off on your trip, make sure you have all the essentials you’ll need, such as food, water, bedding, and clothing. You should also have a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, and any necessary tools for basic maintenance and repairs and of course, like any other road trip, take your driving licence and insurance details with you.
Stay organised
Campervans are small spaces, so it’s important to stay organised. This includes making a packing list, packing and storing items in designated areas, and keeping the campervan clean and tidy throughout your trip.
Practice safety
When travelling in a campervan, it’s important to practice safety at all times. This includes wearing seat belts, not driving while tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and being aware of other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.
Join a community
Owning a campervan is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Joining a campervan community, whether it be a Facebook group or a local club, can provide you with invaluable information and support.
In conclusion, owning a campervan is a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors and experience the freedom of the road. By following these tips, you can ensure that your campervan trips are safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Happy travels!
