Staying safe while on the road this summer

Now that summer has arrived, it’s likely you’ll be out a lot more in your motorhome, holidaying and searching for sunshine! If during the colder months your motorhome has been sat in a garage or outside, exposed to the elements, it’s important to ensure your motorhome is safe and ready to head out on the road for your holidays!

To make sure your journeys are safe and smooth, we’ve compiled a list of things to check before setting off and some extra tips for when you’re out on the road.

Before you set off

• Check your headlights, indicators and tyre pressure. If your tyres are looking worn, or if you are at all concerned, visit your nearest garage where they can advise you on whether they need replacing. For complete peace of mind, you can book your leisure vehicle into our workshop where we can carry out a full habitation service. Find out more about our service centre by clicking here.
• Check the weather forecast before you travel. Wind will have a far bigger impact on your motorhome when driving than on a regular car due to the motorhome’s vast surface area. If the wind starts to affect your driving, consider moving into the slow lane or pulling over until it calms down.
• Remember to check your insurance policy before you travel to confirm you have adequate cover. If you’ve changed or added anything to your motorhome, it’s important to contact your insurance provider to ensure you’re still covered.
• Test the batteries in the smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm before setting off and be sure to know the location of your fire extinguisher in case of an emergency.
• Remember to take note of the height and width of your motorhome and if possible plan your route accordingly avoiding any low bridges or obstructions. You can invest in a motorhome specific GPS system that allows you to enter the dimensions of your motorhome to ensure you avoid any potential sizing issues whilst enroute to your destination.
• Check to see whether you can fill up your water tank at your destination and travel with your water tanks empty to help improve fuel efficiency. A full fresh water tank adds a large amount of weight to a motorhome, which therefore increases fuel consumption considerably.
• Know the weight of your loaded motorhome in case there are any weight restrictions on your route. When loading your motorhome, distribute the weight sensibly and evenly and pay extra attention to ensure everything is secured for transit.
• For longer journeys we recommend you have enough food and drink in your motorhome for 1-2 nights for each passenger onboard incase of any unexpected mechanical issues on the road that could cause you significant delays.
• If we’re lucky enough to have a hot summer, or you’re heading somewhere that’s sure to be baking, ensure you have enough fresh bottles of water onboard to stay hydrated on your journey.
• If you’re staying at campgrounds, look to see if they have 24 hour check in. Keep their phone number to hand in case you are running late or need directions. If you’re travelling later at night considering researching alternate accommodation.
• Ensure that all doors and cupboards are shut and windows are closed correctly. You don’t want the annoyance of setting off, only to have to pull over again to try and locate where the annoying rattling noise is coming from!

Make your own emergency pack

Use the list below to make your own emergency kit to keep in your motorhome at all times. These essential items can be found at most high street stores and kept in your motorhome tucked away in a little box

• Beam benders
• First aid kit
• Road triangle
• High visibility vests (one per berth)
• Breathaliser
• Bulb and fuse kit
• A couple of bottles of water and several cans of tinned food

While you’re on the road

• If it’s been a while since you’ve been behind the wheel of your motorhome, give yourself time to re-familiarise yourself with the vehicle. Ensure you drive at a comfortable speed, and remember that a motorhome has a far larger braking distance than a car so keep your distance when on the road.
• If you’re new to motorhome driving be mindful of other road users and the effect your motorhome may have on traffic. If you’re driving slightly slower, remember to let people pass where possible and of course, don’t try to squeeze through any tight gaps!

Wishing you all many safe and sunny journeys on the road this summer!