First-time motorhome hire UK: complete beginner guide

So you’ve decided to try a motorhome holiday for the first time? Great choice. Hiring a motorhome is an easy , inexpensive and convenient way to sightsee around the UK, and with Camplify’s range of vehicles to choose from, you’re sure to find something just right for your needs.

If you’re ready for your first motorhome trip, you’ll obviously have decided on a motorhome rather than a campervan, probably because motorhomes generally have more berths , generally sleeping up to six, and are more likely to have conveniences like a toilet, shower and TV. Due to their bigger size, motorhomes are also an excellent option if most of your journey will be on main roads or motorways.

Things to consider on a first motorhome trip include how to choose a motorhome to rent , what to take with you and your first time on a motorhome campsite. Although it may seem a little overwhelming at first considering the aspects of first-time motorhome hire, it’s easy to arrange this type of holiday even if you’ve never done it before.

Follow our step-by-step guide to renting your first motorhome for all the first-time motorhome tips you’ll need.

Hiring a motorhome for the first time

First things first – where do you want to go? You might choose to hire a motorhome somewhere like Devon or Cornwall and travel there accordingly, or you might decide to look for a motorhome close to your own home to start your holiday in your local area.

Start off at the**Camplify UK home page** for some inspiration , to browse thousands of motorhomes, look for holidays fitting a range of filters such as Just for Two or Under £100 , or to enter your adventure starting or destination point. How about checking out our luxury vehicles or looking for**pet-friendly** hires? Or you might prefer to pick your holiday by motorhome park, finding the perfect place for your holiday then choosing your van afterwards.

Once you have your destination sorted, which motorhome you choose for your first trip will depend on a range of factors such as the size of vehicle you want, how confident a driver you are, who else is going with you and whether your holiday is a lengthy road trip or a short break.

Also consider the type of trip you want : staying in a well-equipped motorhome park every night will mean easy access to bathrooms, waste disposal and water and gas water supplies, but if you intend to go off the beaten track you’ll probably want a motorhome with as many mod cons as possible.

All motorhomes should come with at least two berths – these could be bunks, foldables or double beds – as well as a basic two-ring gas stove , a toilet and a sink. Most will have other amenities such as a shower , a fridge and a grill and/or oven; many will also include a freezer , electric heating , a dishwasher and outdoor furniture.

If you’re hiring a motorhome, kitchen equipment like pots and pans will likely be provided, but check if you’re unsure. (See below for our top tips on what to pack on your motorhome road trip.)

Best first-time motorhome to hire

The best motorhome to hire for your first trip will depend on what type of trip you want to take and the n umber of people accompanying you. While many motorhomers use their vehicles for short trips or solo holidays, the generally bigger size and increased facilities of motorhomes make them ideal for family trips, larger groups and longer breaks.

It’s relatively easy to tour the UK in a motorhome (mostly because it’s a comparatively small country alongside the likes of Australia, Canada or the US), but bear in mind that large motorhomes and RVs may have difficulty navigating smaller rural roads.

The size of motorhome you can drive will also depend on your age and driving licence (see below).

For couples

As there are only two of you using it, you can get away with a small two-berth motorhome for your first trip, which you might prefer if you’re a little apprehensive about driving a motorhome for the first time (we’ve included tips on motorhome driving below).

Otherwise, your main decision will be whether you want a low-profile motorhome – a lighter model where the sleeping area is in the main body of the vehicle – or an overtop one, with a permanent bed space set up in the overcab section. There are advantages to both models, depending on whether you want a clear living space every day without having to pack away a bed (perhaps not too important a consideration if you’re both going to be in the cab area during the day), or whether you’re mobile enough to get to bed without climbing up a ladder (and down again in the night if you need the toilet).

For families

Travelling with children or with family and friends means a bigger motorhome , preferably up to six berths (remember that “sleeps four” might not equate to “sleeps four adults comfortably”, so compare models and ask to the owners if you have doubts).

An overtop motorhome is a great option if you’re travelling with kids old enough to climb up to the bed safely. Kids love “nook” beds and this leaves the main part of the motorhome free from beds and bedding after the children have gone to sleep, as well as meaning that adults can prepare breakfast and feed fractious children in the morning without having to fold away beds.

We recommend getting as spacious a motorhome as you can if you’re travelling with children , partly because this is easier for everyone and partly to feel comfortable if you get stuck on an unavoidable rainy day.

Our top tip if you do hire a larger motorhome though is to check in advance about the car park size of attractions you want to go to , as some smaller family attractions may not have enough room to allow parking for larger RVs.

And an important safety tip: before you start your holiday, check with the motorhome owner where the safest places to sit are when the vehicle is moving and where you can fit car seats. Legally motorhomes don’t have to have seatbelts unless the seats are facing forwards.

After you’ve considered these, what motorhome you choose for your family holiday is up to you! One option is to sacrifice kitchen space for more room to spread out in – children will enjoy cooking outside on stoves or campfires if the weather’s fine, and having a takeaway for dinner if not.

Finally – remember you can hire a different type of motorhome every holiday if you like, as the kids get older and the family’s needs evolve.

For adventure

There are two main options when it comes to hiring a first-time motorhome for an adventurous trip. You could hire the best kitted-out vehicle you can with the aim of not seeing a single motorhome park on your entire trip… or you could rent a small motorhome without much kit and plan to fill up on fuel and water every few days at a campsite.

Of course you’ll want a sturdy and hardwearing vehicle too, so take a look at this guide to the best adventure vans of 2020 to give you an idea of what you might need. You can then browse Camplify to look for similar models. If you’re planning a winter or wet-weather adventure, ask the owner to confirm the motorhome is fully waterproof.

If you’re hiring a motorhome for an adventurous trip, it’s likely you’ll want to wild or free camp at least part of the time. It’s still possible in Britain as long as you follow a few rules and some common-sense guidelines. (We’ve put together a guide to free camping in the UK here, which includes recommendations of wild camping sites plus information on the legalities of UK wild camping and some suggestions on where to “truly” free camp.)

We prefer smaller motorhomes for adventurous trips, as they’re easier to take off the beaten track. With a little bit of planning, it’s easy to arrange your itinerary to then swing into a campsite every few days, or stay almost-wild and use a motorhome stopover point like Park4Night , a worldwide stopover listing site with over 6,500 UK options.

Or try**Britstops**, which details hundreds of overnight stays around the country at places like farms, vineyards, pubs and beauty spots; you can opt to stay at activity centres and ski centres too. (Again bear in mind that some stops won’t be suitable for larger motorhomes.)

Motorhome packing list

Obviously what you take on your first motorhome holiday will depend on what’s already in the motorhome you hire. All Camplify motorhome listings have full details of what the motorhome contains, so you’ll easily be able to see what’s there and what else you should bring. Every motorhome differs, but expect to pack essentials like toiletries, towels, tea towels and toilet roll.

Otherwise, what you take really depends on you and what you like to have on holiday – gourmet chefs, for example, may opt to pack plenty of good cooking gear and ingredients, while families will want to include plenty of toys and games in their packing list.

Just don’t make the beginners’ mistake of packing your home electrical kit (toaster, kettle, heater etc) to use in your motorhome, as anything electrical that produces heat will use a lot of current and might trip the electrics of the campsite you go to. Think of alternatives instead, such as a whistling-style kettle that can boil water on the motorhome’s gas hob.

If you’re driving rather than using public transport to pick up your motorhome, or if the owner is driving the vehicle to you so you can start your holiday from home, you have the advantage of plenty of space to transport your kit.

It’s a good idea to invest in plastic tubs or boxes to separate different groups of items : not only is this a quick and convenient way of packing at the beginning and end of the holiday, it’s a handy method of keeping things like kids’ toys and cleaning equipment well away from each other at all times. Using this method will also ensure items don’t go flying around the motorhome if you hit a bump in the road or have to stop suddenly.

Top tip: try if possible to transport/arrange transport of your motorhome to your home the night before your holiday, as opposed to driving your car to the pickup point on the first morning. That way you can pack the vehicle directly from your house rather than packing everything into your car and unpacking it into the motorhome before your holiday’s even begun. For family holidays in particular, the extra night’s hire cost is well worth the convenience on the trip’s first day.

Our recommended motorhome packing essentials include:

• Driver’s licence, registration and insurance information

• Roadside assistance kit

• Bed linen (check your motorhome listing to see if pillows and duvets are included; bed linen sometimes is too)

• Chargers for phones, laptops, tablets etc

• Outdoor furniture – chairs, table etc. Ensure these are secured safely before you set off.

• Cleaning equipment – spray, dusters, washing-up liquid etc

• Kitchen kit not included in the motorhome, e.g. corkscrew, wok, spices, condiments, ice tray, steak knives

• Food for your first evening

• Food storage bags or boxes – for use inside the motorhome as well as picnics or packed lunches on days out

• Water bottles

• Bin bags

• Kitchen rolls

• Wet wipes or washable cloths

• Pen and paper

• Maps/satnav

• Cash/coins – for tolls and parking meters

• Towels – at least two (one for showering and one for swimming), plus a beach towel (or picnic blanket)

• Spare clothes – at least two changes, plus wet weather gear and warm socks. You might also want to include a woollen/beanie hat, Wellington boots and a swimsuit/shorts. Don’t forget sunglasses either (especially if you’re the driver).

• Flip flops – to wear in or to/from campsite showers

• Slippers

• Blanket/s

• First-aid kit including any daily medication, antihistamine tablets, suntan lotion and insect repellent

• Spare glasses/contact lenses if you wear them; contact lens solution

• Bathroom toiletries including shaving items and antiseptic handwash

• Small rucksack or day bag

• Torch and spare batteries

• Face masks

• Disposable gloves

• Laundry detergent, pegs and line

• Spanner – for disconnecting/removing the van’s gas bottle supply

• Basic vehicle kit – your motorhome will be checked and roadworthy before you hire it, and any repair needs arising during your trip should be left to the owner to deal with after your trip. However, it’s always handy to carry essential vehicle kit like engine oil, WD40 and a spare fuse or two.

You might also like to bring:

• Cards and games

• Ereader/books

• Laptop/tablet pre-loaded with films/series

• Hairdryer, electric shaver, straighteners or other grooming items

• Wifi dongle

• Beach ball and games

• Camera

• Fishing kit

• Umbrella

Add these to the essentials list if you’re travelling with children:

• Toys and games

• Tablet

• Blackout blind/blanket if travelling if summer

• Extra nappies and wipes

• Nappy bucket

• Several small containers to collect stones, shells etc

• Bassinet/travel cot

• Beach ball and games; buckets and spades

• Sticker books

• Audiobook

• Colouring books and pencils

• Headphones – at least one pair per child

And this list if you’re travelling with pets:

• Food and water bowls

• Tick remover

• Any medication

• Spare collar and lead

• Toys

• Bed/bedding

• Vet records/papers

First time travelling in a hired motorhome

You’ve packed the first-aid kit, all the kids’ toys, maps and a satnav and lots of emergency kit… but what about the practicalities of driving a motorhome for the first time? How difficult is it to drive a massive RV if you go for a huge motorhome with all the mod cons? And can you drive a motorhome on a car licence?

Here’s the official lowdown from the gov.uk site on motorhome driving licencese, but in brief, if you’re under 70 and passed your driving test before 1 January 1997, the C1 category on your driving licence permits you to drive a motorhome of up to 7,500kg.

If you’re over 70, passed your test on or after 1 January 1997 or haven’t renewed the C1 category on your licence, you can still drive a motorhome under Category B on your licence, but will be restricted to vehicles of up to 3,500kg.

Learn how to get a C1 licence for a motorhome .

For the practicalities, read on for our tips on driving Class A and Class C motorhomes. (“Class B” recreational vehicles in the UK generally refers to campervans – see our separate guide to first-time campervan hire.

Driving a class A motorhome

Class A motorhomes are the biggies – the luxury or well-fitted vehicles you might think of when picturing an American-style RV. They’re up to 25 feet in length (but can reach 40) and are steeped in luxury amenities like TV, full bathrooms, aircon and TVs. There’ll be plenty of living and entertaining space too.

All of which means a big vehicle that will be more cumbersome to drive and park, especially on Britain's small rural roads and around small rural villages. Also take the height of the van into account if you need to go under rural bridges , or enter a public underground parking. You may end up having to change your plans and, taking the wrong measures may lead to damage to the van. Don't forget to take into account the weight of your motorhome either, as limitations may be imposed on small ferries in Scotland.

But driving a class A motorhome is definitely doable; just stick to these tips :

• Take it slowly. This is one of our favourite # vanlife tips in any case – motorhome and campervan breaks aren’t the types of holidays to rush. But with a Class A motorhome, you’ll need to take extra care to drive at a more sedate speed.

• Do a test drive – take the motorhome out around familiar local roads before you set off

• Remember that bigger vehicles need more reaction time and stopping distance

• Get used to the side mirrors and rear/side-view cameras – no need to look over your shoulder to check your blind spot as you would in a car

• Schedule regular breaks, especially on your first trip – Class A motorhome driving is more demanding and therefore more tiring

• Be aware you may need a route change if your journey includes smaller roads

• Park facing outwards – much easier to get out when you’re ready to hit the road again

Driving a Class C motorhome

Class C motorhomes are the smaller versions of Class A RVs , with fewer luxury additions but still including conveniences like toilets and fridges. Their smaller size and price tag makes them ideal for first-time motorhome hirers. They’re built on a truck chassis, normally with a separate cab, and range from about 20 to about 33 feet in length.

Most of the tips about driving Class A vans relate to Size C : be aware of your mirrors, drive slowly, leave extra time for your journey and take a test drive beforehand if this is your first self-drive motorhome trip. However, you won’t have to consider smaller roads and the possible need to adjust your journey, and you can stop off in any permissible car park or service station without worrying about lack of parking space.

Motorhome speed limits in the UK

Britain’s speed limits for motorhomes are included in the government overall guidance on vehicles and speed. Motorhomes and “motor caravans” have a speed limit of up to between 30 and 70 miles per hour depending on their size and where they’re being driven:

Other issues to consider with first-time motorhome driving

Ensure you’re aware of our insurance details for hirers. Camplify comprehensively covers all hire vehicles against accidents and damage while they’re on the road, working with some of the UK’s biggest insurers to give you full peace of mind. We also have a UK-based support team and offer 24/7 breakdown cover via the RAC –full insurance details here .

Companies all over the country offer motorhome driving courses if you want that extra layer of confidence. The Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club both offer motorhome manoeuvring courses and plenty of driving schools can offer individual instruction.

Using a motorhome for the first time

Once you have your motorhome and are ready to start your first # vanlife adventure , make these final checks. Some if not most will have been sorted by the motorhome owner, but for the safest and most comfortable trip ensure all these are covered:

• Toilet – if using a cassette or Porta-Potti, has it been emptied and cleaned? (If you’ve never used a cassette toilet, ask the motorhome owner to show you how it works.)

• Waste tank – emptied and cleaned

• Tyre pressures – checked, including spare

• External lockers – locked

• Internal lockers/cupboards – secured

• External security devices – disengaged

• TV aerial – retracted

• Loose items inside the vehicle – secured, placed in a secured cupboard or in a tub with lid

• Seatbelts and car seats – working and engaged

• Oil, water and fuel levels – checked/topped up

• Mains cable – disconnected

• Rear camera – working

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – tested; also fire blanket/extinguisher easily accessible

• Fridge door – locked

• Main electric connector switch (12V) – disengaged or switched off

• Gas bottle – main turned off at cylinder; spare present and safely secured

First time on a motorhome park

Congratulations – you’ve chosen your motorhome, started your holiday and have now arrived at your first motorhome park. Here are the things you’ll need to know:

Arriving at the park

When you arrive on site, check in with the owners and pay your pitch fee if you haven’t already. Ask about accessing the electric hook-up point for your pitch as you might need a key to do so. You may also be given a code or key for the entrance/exit barrier and for the showers and toilets. If there’s a laundry room you’d like to use, check whether the washing machines take coins or tokens.

Top tip: ask at reception for local maps/bus times if you prefer to leave your motorhome on the park while you sightsee. Many parks will have leaflets and/or discounts on local attractions too.

Parking on your pitch

Many motorhome parks have fixed pitches while others allow guests to park where they like/where there’s room. If the latter, where you park will depend on your own preferences. For example, you may want to park closer to the toilets if travelling with less mobile family members, near the play area if travelling with children, or in a secluded corner if you want to get up late.

For your first time parking a motorhome on site , have one person exit the van to direct the driver, especially if reversing.

Once parked up, fill your water container (or drive to the nearest water point before you drive to the pitch), attach your electric lead and connect your gas. Then put out your awning, table and chairs if you have them… or sit down with a cup of tea or a beer.

Waste disposal – grey waste/water

The grey water tank in a motorhome used water from the shower and sinks and is emptied using a lever under the van. Drive over the grey water disposal grate at the campsite and pull out the lever to get rid of the waste water.

Waste disposal – chemical disposal/toilet

If your motorhome has a flush toilet (operated by a foot pump) or a vacuum or macerator toilet , the waste collects in the black water tank fitted to the outside of the van.

To empty the black water tank , drive to the chemical disposal unit on the campsite and park as close as possible. Attach one end of the motorhome’s sewer hose to the campsite’s disposal station (you may want to wear disposable gloves for this), then check that the valves to the black and grey water tanks are closed. Unscrew the cap of the black water tank, attach the hose adapter then open the valve to the black water tank.

A full tank should empty within a few minutes. Once it’s done, close the valves, disconnect and rinse the hoses, and add fresh water and cleaning chemicals to the holding tank.

If using a cassette toilet, dismantle it and carry the waste section to the campsite disposal point. Empty the cassette then add your blue and pink cleaning liquids.

You’ll need to empty the waste tank or a cassette toilet every couple of days. Most motorhomers prefer to use the campsite toilets when staying at a park so the van toilet doesn’t have to be emptied as often.

Gas

Always ensure you have enough bottled gas on board , especially as this will be your source of energy for heating, cooking and your fridge when on the road. Most campsites sell propane or butane bottles; your motorhome owner will let you know which one you need.

Finally, if you run into problems or aren’t sure of any procedure, ask the park owner or another motorhomer. The motorhome and caravanning community are generally a friendly crowd and should be happy to help.

Plan your trip today

No matter what your current location or budget is , at Camplify UK you can find a vast range of vans near your home or pick one up at your destination.

At Camplify we offer thousands of vans to get the most of your romantic holiday, just**take a look at our search page and specify what type of van you want or need**.

Why Camplify

We are proud to be the UK’s fastest-growing campervan, motorhome and caravan sharing community. When you hire a van from our platform, you get**lots of advantages** :

• Comprehensive hire insurance

• 24/7 RAC nationwide breakdown cover

• Dedicated customer support

• All members are verified

By hiring at Camplify, you are also helping local families who share their van on our platform and supporting many local companies across the UK in addition to ours. So we are very grateful to you.

Sign up if you want to join our beloved community of van life lovers and receive our most recent news and offers.