Driving a motorhome around the UK is quite different from driving a car. Read on for our 7 top tips for keeping safe when you’re driving a motorhome.
Renting a motorhome for a trip around the UK can be an incredible way to spend a holiday. But don’t let a fear of driving a bigger vehicle keep you from taking the plunge and renting a motorhome for the summer. We’ve put together 7 top tips for driving a motorhome around the UK to help you to feel more confident and take a safe but exciting journey in your motorhome that will provide you with memories to last a lifetime!
- Slow down – it’s all about the journey so enjoy it
Driving a motorhome isn’t about getting to your destination as fast as possible. As the old saying goes: it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. And that couldn’t be more true than with a motorhome. If you’re hiring out a motorhome, slow down and spend time on the road driving slowly and letting your family enjoy the sites, they’ll thank you for it later!
Additionally, there’s no pressure to get anywhere by a certain time with a motorhome, you have no hotels to check into as your hotel is riding along the path with you! So relax, take your time and enjoy the ride.
2. Know the size of your vehicle
If you’re looking to rent a motorhome, companies such as https://ariescape.co.uk/ will usually give you the dimensions of the vehicle you’ll be driving. This is critical information when you’re driving a lot. For example, when deciding if you’re going to take a low bridge or even just to help you to remember how much room to give other vehicles. Chances are, you’re not used to driving a vehicle this big, so make sure you really understand the size of the vehicle you’ll be driving to make sure you keep yourself and your family safe on the road.
Additionally, when you are approaching junctions you should be aware that you’ll need to be able to see in both directions as clearly as you possibly can. When it comes to actually making the turn, you may have to go further into a junction than you would originally think due to the size of the vehicle.
3. Make use of your mirrors
When you’re driving a motorhome, you’ll soon notice that you can’t see as much out of the back windows as you might be used to when driving a car. Make sure you angle your wingmirrors properly before you set off for optimum vision, and make good use of them. You want to be able to keep an eye on all angles of your motorhome including the spaces on either side and behind you.
4. Understand the speed limits
Be aware when you’re driving a motorhome that the speed limits vary depending on the weight of your vehicle. This is where the size information of your vehicle from earlier will come in handy, as you need to be aware that if you are driving a vehicle which weighs more than 3.05 tonnes unladen then the speed limits may vary slightly from that of a lighter vehicle.
5. Make things easy for yourself
When it comes to parking and driving a motorhome, there are several things you can do to make things easier for yourself. For example, consider getting into a habit of parking facing outwards to make setting off again that much easier for yourself. It gives you a better view of the area around you when you go to leave the parking space and helps you identify any hazards as you begin to move.
If you’re struggling to get into a space, don’t be afraid of asking one of your passengers or even a passer-by to give you a hand by guiding you into a parking space safely.
6. Take it slow
When you’re driving a motorhome, especially if you’re not accustomed to driving bigger vehicles, you should be sure to drive slower, especially on narrow roads and when turning corners. Also, remember to slow down earlier when approaching a corner than you would have to in a car.
7. Plan ahead
If you’re planning to park often, particularly in cities and towns, you should be sure to plan ahead to find suitable carparks for your motorhome. This is because carparks can often have small entrances which will not fit your motorhome, or not be suitable for a motorhome to park in. Also, be aware of restrictions on how long you are allowed to park in each place to be sure you’re keeping in line with the law wherever you go.