Hire a motorhome for your perfect road trip

5.       What is the maximum financial liability in case of accident?

Read the terms and conditions carefully or ask for more details on what your maximum financial liability could be in case of an accident. You may be responsible for things that are not covered by insurance and the insurance cover is subject to an excess. Excesses can vary widely. Be aware that this is only in the instances where there is a claim and in some cases, it may be less of a financial liability if there is not a claim made. If you damage the vehicle, it is always advisable to be truthful and tell the hire company as soon as you can so discuss what the potential costs could be.

6.       Do you need to hold a particular licence type or have specific driving experience?

Most hire companies as for at least 2 years driving experience. Occasionally they can refer to the insurance company to see if they can accept less than this on a case-by-case basis. It is useful then to state if you have had any driving experience in larger vehicles.

The license you need to drive a motorhome depends on your age and the vehicle’s maximum authorised mass (MAM). This is the vehicle’s weight plus the maximum load it can carry. To drive a motorhome with a MAM of between 3.5 and 7.5 tones, you need a category C1 license. To drive a motorhome with a MAM of over 7.5 tones, you need a category C license. Check what vehicles you can drive here. If you’re driving license is for an automatic vehicle only, you either need to upgrade your license or hire an automatic vehicle.

7.       Does the vehicle have the number of travel seats required / children's seats

Often motorhomes provide more berths than there are travel seats. If this is the case, legally, the vehicle can only carry the number of people equal to the number of belted seats, not the number of berths. Always ask the hire company how may travel seats there are. Never be tempted to take passengers in the vehicle without a seatbelt. If travelling with children, ask about car seat arrangements. You can be fined up to £500 if a child under 14 isn't in the correct car seat or wearing a seat belt while you're driving. This is the responsibility of the driver and not the hire company.

8.       Bigger or smaller? Will the daytime / night-time configuration work for you?

You need to carefully consider the balance between the ease of driving, parking and fuel efficiency, versus the space needed for the number of people in the party. Whilst a bigger vehicle quite clearly can offer more space, consider comparing the facilities between a larger vehicle and a smaller - as often smaller vehicles can match the facilities. Cleverly designed campervan conversions can pack a lot of punch and often hire companies will also hire an awning as an optional extra. If you are planning a longer road trip and stopping at several places on the way, an awning will not be attractive, and a larger vehicle may become cumbersome with parking and expensive to run. Weigh up what you really need to take versus what you would like to take and be practical. Read our blog on our free subscription area for details on what to pack and how.

With regards to configuration, it is worth asking the hire company how quick it is to go from day to night. Some beds are onerous to make up from boards, cushions and poles from storage around the van. Permanent beds are easy but also take up a lot of space.
Where will you store bedding and how easy will it be to make up the bed at the end of the day?

9.       What’s included?

Ask the hire company what is included as standard as this will vary widely between companies and the price you pay. Usually, bedding is an optional extra. Whilst it may at first, seem an expensive additional option, consider the ease of using hired bed linen and that it will be already stored and ready to go. Otherwise, you will need to have the duvet or sleeping bad debate!

Again, ask about cleaning products – what is included, if any. You will need to ecological washing up liquid, something to wash and dry the dishes with and wipes, at the bare minimum. Don’t forget toilet roll. Hand towels and shower towels will be needed, if they are not optional extras.

Usually, motorhomes come fully kitted out with kitchen items like utensils and crockery, even tin openers, and bottle openers etc. It’s always worth an ask to be sure.

10.   Travel itineraries

You’ve done your homework, planned out where you want to go and what you want to do when you get there. However, with the ever-changing Great British weather, be prepared for a plan B and even a plan C. Be flexible, plans change. You may want to linger longer or move on from somewhere more quickly than anticipated.

The great thing about accessing an online travel inspiration and route website such as ours, is that you can be flexible and access on the road as things change. Our in-depth travel information will also save you hours of searching online and easy to access at the tip of your fingers.