Automotive Addicts

New Motorhome

Make an appointment with your chosen dealer in advance. Few dealers will be able to make a specific test vehicle available at short notice. It is best to allow plenty of time to cover every detail, so ask the sales person about planning a route and make any other specific requests, such as loading and additional passengers. If you’re test driving a demonstrator model, check whether it has the same engine and specification

Used Motorhome

If it’s an older motorhome you want to try, ask if you can start it yourself. If the engine is warm when you arrive, it may have been pre-warmed to disguise any starting difficulties. If the clutch bites at the top of the pedal’s travel, it’s probably worn, so ask about a replacement. If the steering pulls to one side, the tracking needs to be adjusted. If there’s a lot of play in the steering wheel, the steering gear may be wo Continue reading ‘Test Driving a Motorhome’ »

Aire – The most commonly used term for official motorhome parking or service points in France, may also be referred to as Aire de Service. Be aware that motorway service areas and rest stops are also called Aires, or Aire de Repos.

Air-rides – Proprietary name for spring assisters fitted to the rear axle, said to improve motorhome handling characteristics. Continue reading ‘Motorhome Terminology – need some help?’ »

The important thing to bear in mind is that the quality and selection of tools you take along is significantly more important than the quantity. Chosen carefully, you can reduce the weight and size of your tool kit without compromising its effectiveness. Another point to bear in mind is the means of carrying your tools.

Although a macho-looking red metal tool box with ball-bearing runners and chrome hinges will look impressive, it will be very noisy as all those tools clatter around while you are on the move – and very heavy, too. A better alternative is an old holdall – it can be squashed into the corner of a locker, will deaden the sound of the tools, and weigh next to nothing compared to a box. Continue reading ‘Essential Motorhome Tools to Go’ »

What do I need to think about when looking for motorhome insurance?

Consider exactly what your circumstances are likely to be over the coming year. Details like how much you will be using your vehicle and how many miles you will do will need to be thought about. Companies will often give you an additional discount based on limited mileage agreements.

Decide where you are likely to go. You can get a Green Card included in your policy – some for the year, some for 90 days in any one trip Continue reading ‘Getting the Best Motorhome Insurance’ »

Gas Supply

Heating the motorhome and cooking requires gas. This gas, also known as LPG is stored in replaceable steel bottles or cylinders on-board and should be stored in an upright position. Depending on the type of motorhome there may be permanent gas storage on-board which can be refilled at stations, just like LPG cars.

Two common types of gas used in motorhomes are propane and butane. Butane contains more energy per bottle than propane but will not operate at lower temperatures. As fittings require changing from the use of propane to butane, those who use their motorhome all year will probably prefer to use propane. Continue reading ‘Motorhome Living – The Basics’ »

Look around
There are a multitude of lay outs of motorhomes, so make sure you choose the right one. If you love cooking you’ll want a big kitchen and if you like entertaining then choose one with a big lounge.

Motorhome Shows
There are two big NEC shows in February and October where you can try out different motorhomes and campervans before you make your decision. Continue reading ‘Tips for First-time Motorhome Enthusiasts’ »