The motorhomes are emerging as the best vacation option for this summer. If demand last year exceeded supply, the forecast for these coming months is even higher. And it is so because the motorhome allows you to travel much more independently and isolated, avoiding crowds and having, at all times, a small home wherever you go. For this reason, many people will opt, for the first time, to rent one of these vehicles to enjoy a vacation. Yes You have never driven a motorhome, we leave you a few useful tips that will be of help to you.
1. An easy vehicle to drive ... with caution
Most motorhomes can be driven with the B license, like any car. It is the case of the vehicles that we have available for rent in Autocaravan Express. Its driving, therefore, is very similar to that of any utility vehicle, with the only difference that its dimensions are greater.
What precautions we must take when driving a motorhome? Well, basically, those related to its size. When maneuvering or parking, we have to take into account that they are vehicles that are longer, wider and taller than a car. Therefore, it is very important to be attentive to the different signs, especially those of the gauge, to ensure that there is enough height for our motorhome to pass; and those of width, to avoid getting stuck in a narrow street. Keep in mind that most of our towns and cities have an ancient origin and the structure of its streets is narrow and chaotic. Don't complicate your life and park in modern areas, where the streets are wider. Don't take risks because you can have a bad time!
When we are going to leave a place or, above all, when parking, it is also convenient that there is another person who can give us directions to avoid bumps or scratches.
And, while driving, we will be attentive to its dimensions when cornering or making turns, to avoid hitting the rear of the vehicle.
2. Leave the high speed for the circuits
Although current legislation indicates that the maximum speed allowed for the movement of motorhomes (up to 3.500 kg) is 120 km / h on motorways and highways, and 90 km/h On conventional roads, our advice is that Do not hurry when you drive one of them. At the end of the day, as we said, it is a bigger and heavier vehicle than a car, so drive with caution it is even more important.
Think that the trip is part of the experience and, therefore, it is preferable to drive at a slower speed, enjoying the scenery. You will not regret.
For the same reason, if you have designed a route to travel during the holidays, when calculating driving times, do so based on a lower speed. And if you get tired, you can always stop in a rest area and take a breather... after all, you take the house with you.
3. All passengers, seated
Despite carrying the house in tow, when traveling the passengers they must behave as in any other vehicle, that is, that they must circulate occupying their seat and with the safety belt on.
It is not allowed to travel standing, lying on any of the available beds, or using the bathroom. And of course, it is forbidden to walk around the cabin while the motorhome is running. If we have the need to get up, we must seasonal the vehicle.
4. Learn to differentiate deposits so you don't have a problem
The motorhomes have a fuel tank and a water tank for the shower, toilet and sink. In some models, the entrance of both tanks is close and can be misleading.
When you rent a vehicle in Express motorhome, our staff is in charge of giving all the pertinent explanations about the vehicle, but even so, we must be careful when loading fuel or water to do it in the correct tank and not getting upset or having to end the vacation early.
5. Before you start, do a complete review
The motorhome has windows, skylights, cabinets, stairs ... and before starting it is always convenient to do a review to check that everything is in its travel position, in order to avoid scares. What are the things that we should check?
- Skylights and closed windows: When we are stopped, especially in summer, we usually open the skylights and the windows, in order to allow air to enter the cabin. It is very important that we close them all correctly before starting, since the inertia and air resistance that occurs with the vehicle running could break them.
- Closed cabinets and compartments: all the cabinets and compartments of the motorhome have safety locks. Before starting the march we must make sure that everyone is tightly closed. Failure to do so may cause the objects stored inside to open and move with the movement, endangering those who travel inside. We will do the same with the fridge and the kitchen and sink protectors.
- Closed gas: the gas cylinders that the motorhomes carry are in charge of feeding the kitchen fires, the trivalent fridge and the hot water heater (for shower and heating). However, while traveling, it is convenient that the gas is closed to avoid accidents.
- All saved objects: in a moving vehicle there may be braking, potholes, curves ... all this causes objects that are not properly stored to move, so before leaving we must check that there are none loose above the table, the kitchen, the bathroom or the floor.
- Refrigerator in automatic mode: that the fridge is trivalent means that it can run on gas (when the circuit is open), at 12 volts (when the vehicle is running and powered by the battery) and at 220 V, when we are connected to the electricity grid, for example on a camping site or in a motorhome area. It is best to leave it in automatic mode so that it connects to the correct source at all times, but it does not hurt to check it before leaving.
6. Know how to differentiate between parking and camping
One of the things most valued by those who travel by motorhome is the freedom they provide. We can travel without planning a route and stop overnight where we feel like at any time. But, Is parking and sleeping allowed anywhere?
La Instruction 08 / V-74 of the Ministry of the Interior literally says that "motorhomes can carry out stopping and parking maneuvers in the same conditions and with the same limitations as any other vehicle, provided that it does not hinder traffic or constitutes a risk for the rest of the road users, taking special care of the vehicle's positioning and prevent it from moving in the absence of the driver" Furthermore, the General Directorate of Traffic considers that "While any vehicle is correctly parked, without exceeding the road markings for the delimitation of the parking area, nor the time limitation thereof, if any, it is not relevant that its occupants are inside it and the motorhome is not an exception, it is enough that the activity that can be carried out inside does not extend to the outside by means of the deployment of elements that go beyond the perimeter of the vehicle such as trays, awnings, leveling devices, stabilization supports, etc.".
In other words, we can park and spend the night in the motorhome in those places where parking is allowed (note that some municipal directives expressly prohibit it and, therefore, could impose a fine on us when so indicated). This means that we cannot open swing windows or remove tables, chairs, awnings and other items, since this is considered camping and can only be done in specific places (campsites and / or motorhome areas that allow camping - not all do -).
We have to lend special attention to specially protected areasas beaches and cliffs, where the Coastal Law governs and which has specific provisions on parking; in National Parks, where camping is prohibited and, in many cases, overnight; as well as in port facilities, where special regulations also apply. It is better to check with the authorities first since, in some of these spaces, it is possible to have a special permit issued by the authorities to spend the night.
7. Emptying of water
At the time of carrying out the emptying water, both gray (those coming from the shower and the sink), and black (chemical toilet), do it exclusively in the areas enabled for it, whether in campsites, motorhome areas or, even, in some gas stations and supermarkets that have of these services.
Keep in mind that gray waters carry detergents from dishwashing liquids and bath gels, while sewage carries chemicals. Pouring them into places not authorized for this supposes a significant damage to the environment, in addition to carrying sanctions.
8. Watch out for level indicators
The motorhomes have panels where we can know the levels of the water tanks, batteries, etc.. It is convenient that we keep an eye on them so as not to run out of supplies at the most inopportune moment.
Normally, in these panels we can check the level of the clean water tank, to find out how much water we have left; the gray one, to know when we have to empty it; and the battery, when we have solar panels, to see how much energy we have left to power lights and 12-volt chargers (when we are not connected to the electricity grid).
Keep in mind that deposits are limited, therefore, when using the water or the battery, we must be restrained. In the case of water, it is convenient to open the taps only when we need it and, in the case of the battery, we will avoid plugging consumer appliances, such as irons, hair dryers or capsule coffee machines, for example.
By following all these tips you can enjoy some Unforgettable vacations, touring different places in a motorhome. If you are thinking of rent one of them to live the experience, do not hesitate contact Autocaravan Express. Our staff will advise you on the models that best suit your needs and will offer you all the necessary advice so that you can have the best adventure.