Motorhome basics: An introductory guide to motorhomes
Motorhome basics
Motorhomes are an amazing way of enjoying the outdoor lifestyle, but they do come packed with a bewildering array of systems to get your head around. So how does it all work?
Words by Rachel Stothert, Deputy Editor of MMM
Page contents
- Introduction to motorhome basics
- Motorhome buying advice
- Motorhome hiring advice
- Motorhome layouts guide
- Your first trip
- Motorhome etiquette
- Winter advice
- Coleman's guide to campervan awnings
- How to finance your new motorhome
- Special edition: Buying Your First Motorhome
- Motorhome magazines
Buying Your Perfect Motorhome, the 2024 edition is available now, including everything you need to know about your first motorhome, with essential guides, top tips and buying advice available to buy here
Introduction to motorhome basics
So, you’ve taken the plunge and bought your first motorhome. The first thing to say is congratulations! You’ve joined a friendly club of fellow outdoor fans and now have the freedom to explore the countryside in complete comfort.
Before you embark on an adventure around the UK and Europe, it’s worth taking the time to understand how all the various systems on your motorhome work. Having your holiday cut short because of an easily preventable issue is frustrating, so a little pre-trip preparation is wise.
Even if you’re a seasoned motorhome veteran, a little refresher course is always helpful as there’s always more to learn. If you're still looking at what motorhome to buy, then take a look at our Buying Advice pages, Motorhome Layouts and Motorhome Hire hubs to help you make the right choice.
Buying Your Perfect Motorhome 2024
Looking for more great motorhome and campervan buying information? You need the brand-new guide to Buying Your Perfect Motorhome, it’s packed with everything you need to help you with choosing, buying, owning and enjoying your very first motorhome or campervan.
Learn more about it here.
Digital Download it now from Pocketmags for just £9.99.
Printed Or order a printed edition for just £9.99.
Motorhome basics:Buying advice
(Photo courtesy of Warners Group)
Ready to buy a motorhome or campervan? Get it right from the start with these simple tips on how and where to find your first motorhome.
Buying adviceMotorhome basics:Hiring a motorhome
(Photo courtesy of Goboony)
There are lots of reasons why hiring a motorhome or campervan is a great idea. Our hire guide will answer all your hiring questions.
Motorhome hireMotorhome basics:Motorhome layouts
(Photo courtesy of Swift Group)
Choosing the perfect layout for your motorhome is absolutely vital. Our motorhome layouts guide will help you to make the best choice for you.
Motorhome layoutsMotorhome basics:Your first trip
(Photo courtesy of Erwin Hymer Group)
Often called shakedown trips, you shouldn’t expect everything to go smoothly, but by having a quick read of our advice, hopefully the first big adventure will be as problem-free as possible.
First motorhome tripMotorhome basics:Motorhome etiquette
(Photo courtesy of Warners Group)
So what exactly is motorhome etiquette? The dos and don'ts of motorhome life. Our advice will make sure your motorhome adventure goes smoothly.
Motorhome etiquetteMotorhome basics:Winter advice
(Photo courtesy of Warners Group)
Where do you keep your motorhome for winter? You'll need to consider everything from water system upgrades, ways to reduce the risk of damp and more.
Winter adviceMotorhome basics:Coleman's guide to campervan awnings
(Photo courtesy of Coleman)
If you’re worried about having enough living space, especially in a small campervan, why not consider an awning...
Coleman's guide to awningsMotorhome basics:How to finance your new motorhome
(Photo courtesy of Alamy.com)
Creative Funding Solutions gives you the most up-to-date information on the latest finance offers for your motorhome.
Motorhome financeBuying Your Perfect Motorhome 2024
Looking for more great motorhome and campervan buying information? You need the brand-new guide to Buying Your Perfect Motorhome, it’s packed with everything you need to help you with choosing, buying, owning and enjoying your very first motorhome or campervan.
Learn more about it here.
Digital Download it now from Pocketmags for just £9.99.
Printed Or order a printed edition for just £9.99.
Expert motorhome advice to your door!
Why not subscribe to one of our fabulous magazines and get expert advice, travel ideas, technical help and all the latest news for your motorhome and your motorhome adventures!
Want to know more about MMM magazine?
Every month MMM has articles written by motorhomers who have been there and done it, from great UK and European (and further afield) tours, campsite reviews, owners' reports and DIY projects among other things.
MMM's tests, reviews and expert buying guides are not to be missed. MMM's technical advice is a must and includes everything from weekend jobs to longer-term DIY projects. And much more!
About MMM magazineWant to know more about What Motorhome magazine?
Every issue of What Motorhome magazine provides essential buying advice for anyone looking to buy a new motorhome or campervan or upgrade their existing model. With a pedigree of over 30 years of offering the best motorhome and campervan buying advice, every issue of What Motorhome includes more new motorhome and campervan reviews than you will find in any other magazine.
About What MotorhomeWant to know more about Campervan magazine?
Campervan is the exciting monthly magazine that will give you all the inspiration you need to explore the world in your campervan. Every issue is packed with real-life campervanning experiences, inspiring travel ideas in the UK and further afield, the best campsites to stay on, campervan road tests and reviews of the latest models, and much more!
About Campervan magazine
Recent Updates
Campervan festivals: all you need to know
Get the lowdown on going to a festival with your campervan. We've got everything you need to know, from choosing the right festival to deciding what ...
Off-grid campervans: what you need to know
Ditching electric hook-up and wild camping in your campervan is a great, low-cost way to enjoy the outdoors ...
Where and how to sell my motorhome: the ultimate guide
Whatever your reason for selling, there are a number of steps to take to try to get the best price for your ...
Gas tanks or refillable cylinders: our guide to motorhome gas
From cooking dinner to the central heating, gas is an essential feature of motorhoming – here, we explore ...
Engine management lights: all you need to know
What is the engine management light? What does it mean, and what do I have to do? ...
Motorhome air suspension: all you need to know
Motorhomes are heavy and the additional weight of equipment and height of the bodywork can increase the loads ...
Motorhome WiFi: how to get better motorhome internet
Staying connected on the move is more and more essential, so relying on campsite WiFi isn't an option – here ...
A class of their own - our guide to A-class motorhomes
Thinking of trading up to an A-class, or even going straight to the top of the motorhome tree? We guide you ...
Explore overseas on a motorhome dream tour
Enjoy exotic travel in a campervan or motorhome by hiring, swapping with someone else or exporting your ...
Motorhome water systems: everything you need to know
On-board water is an important part of every motorhome – here’s everything you need to know ...
Other Articles
Campervanning in Europe: what you need to know
Whether you're planning a leisurely drive through the French countryside, navigating bustling city streets in Italy or winding your way around ...
Campervan security: all you need to know
With thefts on the increase, it’s important to know how to keep your campervan secure and prevent campervan ...
Campervan furniture: everything you need to know
Our campervan experts guide you through all the essentials for your campervan, including tables, chairs, ...
Campervan finance: how to fund your purchase
Here we look at the different types of campervan finance available, to help you decide what’s the best option ...
Britain’s best used motorhomes
Want a great motorhome without paying the premium for a new one? Here's a guide to the best you can get in ...
Which motorhome? Choosing the perfect motorhome for you
Choosing a motorhome or campervan is one of the biggest buying decisions you’ll ever make, so it's important ...
Campervan washroom essentials: stay fresh on the road
Our guide will take you through the campervan washroom essentials you'll need so you're well-prepared for ...
Dogs in campervans: all you need to know
Follow our advice and your dog will enjoy campervanning as much as you do ...
Electric campervans: all you need to know
Our guide will take you through everything you need to know about electric campervans and what the future ...
Motorhome electrics: a complete guide to your motorhome electrical set-up
Motorhome electrics can dramatically enhance the convenience and comfort of your vehicle – but they can be ...