Planning to Rent a Motorhome? Here Are Some Tips

Motorhomes or camping cars, as they are called in Europe, are self-propelled, self-contained caravans that provide living accommodation combined with a vehicle engine. They come in different shapes and styles to suit different needs. They also have many benefits including  offering incredible comfort for family vacations as most of the modern motorhomes are self-contained, flexible as you can stop anywhere anytime you want, and you get to cook healthy meals in its kitchen instead of looking for junk food to buy. 

Moreover, renting one is much cheaper than booking a hotel and renting a car to go from point A to point B. So, it functions as a moving hotel room. If you have never rented a motorhome before and are thinking about renting one on your next adventures, we will provide you with some useful tips to help you make the most out of this amazing experience.

Book in Advance

One thing you need to know about motorhome rentals is that the demand for them is much higher than the supply. Therefore, sometimes you need to book months in advance, especially if you plan to rent one during the holidays seasons. Being prepared and booking months beforehand will allow you to choose the motorhome you want when you want it.

Choose the Right One for You

Motorhomes can differ greatly between their models. Moreover, there are different brands, styles, and sizes. Some have full kitchens and bathrooms, much like a small apartment! However, bear in mind that the bigger the vehicle is, the harder to drive it is. Motorhomes are not cheap, but they are cheaper than renting a hotel and a car. It all depends on your budget and driving skills and preferences. 

Secure Items Inside of It

When you are driving, there is no guarantee that the road will be smooth and can be filled with road bumps, ditches, and other things that would cause the vehicle to be a little shaky. Therefore, you need to bear in mind that things in a motorhome tend to shift and jump around a little. Secure items firmly in place and clear off the counters to prevent them from breaking and unintended accidents.

Gas Mileage

You have to determine the expected gas mileage of the motorhome you are going to rent. It all depends on the type and size of the vehicle. Moreover, the terrain and speed also affect the gas mileage too. Before renting a motorhome, get this information from the owner or the rental company to be able to decide if you are going to rent it or not.

Ask About Power Generators

There are two ways to power a motorhome. The first one is by plugging it into a power source, and the second one is through batteries. When the vehicle is not plugged into a power source, it will use the batteries to generate power. However, not all motorhomes come with a generator, so you need to ask before you rent one if it includes a generator. Moreover, if the one you are going to rent comes with a generator, then you need to learn how to start it and the type of fuel it uses.

Pure Sine Wave Power Inverters

If you are new to camping a pure sine wave inverter will convert DC current from your battery to AC, so you operate appliances with AC motors (portable washing machines and  refrigerators) plus electronic devoices that need a smooth pure power source. This may be included as part of the rental package. The pure is important as it mans it can be used to charge sensitive electronic gadgets without damage. SO if you are shopping for an  inverter make sure it is a 12 v pure sine wave inverter. A bit of an outlay, but it will tum out invaluable.

Safety

Before renting a motorhome, you need to make sure that it is safe to drive and in a good condition. The professionals at djmotorhomehire.co.uk recommend that you rent one from a place that maintains very high standards. Safety should be the top priority for you and the company or person or company that is renting the motorhome to you.

Pack the Essentials

Extra items might not be provided in the motorhome, so you need to pack up some things to prepare for the journey. Some of the items that you might need to bring with you are extra towels, bed linens, pillows, cooking utensils, cleaning supplies, an outdoor grill if you need one, plates and cups, flashlights, and toiletries. It is better if you ask before renting one about the items included in it, so you can narrow down your list.

Download Cool Apps

To get the most out of this experience it is better to download apps that can help you make the trip easier and more enjoyable. There is an app that compares fuel prices, so you can fuel up from the cheapest and nearest place to you, and some apps show you different campgrounds and restaurants near you, some apps help you keep track of the weather in your location, and many more cool apps.

Learn When and How to Dump Waste Tanks

Most campgrounds have on-site dump stations. However, in case they don’t, you can look up the nearest dump station and check if you will have to pay fees or not. Here is how you dump waste tanks:

• Park at the dump station and make sure that the dump valve is close to the drain.
• Get the sewer hose and wear gloves.
• Clamp the hose to the holding tank drain outlet, then insert the other end in the hole of the dump station.
• Secure everything and then pull open the black water tank.
• When you hear it trickling, close the valve and open the grey tank valve.
• When you are done, make sure to close both valves, then disconnect the hose.
• Let the hose drain over the dump station.
• Remove the sewer hose from the hole and clean it.
• Replace the cap on the holding tank drain.

Find the Campgrounds  

In addition to mobile apps, you can find many online websites that help you find the perfect campground for you. Some campgrounds have amenities like power, sewer, cable, and swimming pools, while others offer better views and privacy. Therefore, you need to think about what you prefer to find in a campground, and then decide if you want a private park or public campground. 

Motorhomes are spacious and not cheap, however, it is an amazing experience that you will never forget, and still cheaper than renting a hotel room. However, to make the most out of this adventure, you need to prepare yourself and know the costs to enjoy the trip to the maximum.