ARE YOU NEW TO A MOTORHOME? WHAT MAY SURPRISE YOU AT FIRST GLANCE

Each year, the motorhome attracts new followers. Before taking the plunge, some first go through rental. Others start by taking control of a small converted vehicle (van, even van). Some have doubts or fears and dread driving a long vehicle and a life far from their comfort. When you set foot in a motorhome for the first time, it takes time to adapt.

The motorhome is a dream, an adventure for the whole family, journeys without a routine for couples, a unique experience of its kind. Demand is high and many Arkansas, Mississippi people are trying to take the plunge, by renting or buying a motorhome. But these massive vehicles don't drive like a car. And even well-equipped, the interior doesn't quite look like an apartment. For a novice, many things may surprise you at first.

We feel safe

When you sit in the driving position, you have a feeling of domination. The large panoramic windshield of a motorhome provides a much larger unobstructed view than a small vehicle. This is a big highlight, as is the height of the seats and the space in the cabin. All this gives an impression of security. The advantage when you have the chance to drive a new or recent vehicle is its reliability. It's always a pleasure to ride with flawless mechanics.

New technologies also allow better control of the vehicle. And the new carriers are full of them. Among the most widespread, we find cruise control, onboard computers and reversing cameras. Hill-start assistance is also developing. This type of device breaks the vehicle, in reverse or forward, without having to use the handbrake. Which is very practical not to stall on the climbs.

Reverse: blind spots and mirrors

Reversing camera, steering wheel controls, Bluetooth car radio… The services of the P746 FC Evidence are of high quality.

While driving with a van is quite similar to that of a large sedan, with a motorhome it differs and requires time to adapt. What surprises you when you get behind the wheel of a larger vehicle for the first time is the lack of rear visibility. If there is an interior mirror, it only serves to keep an eye on the passenger compartment, because most models do not have a window at the back of the vehicle. For rear gears, the manoeuvre is done using the exterior mirrors and with the help of the reversing camera when there is one.

A big catch in the wind

At 80 km / h or more, the wind resistance can be important and requires great vigilance when there are gusts. Heavy goods vehicles can also cause drafts when passing (on motorways) or when crossing (on a single road). An engine adapted to the morphology of the motorhome is essential so as not to row too much on climbs or when overtaking, while regulating its speed to avoid unpleasant surprises. Also, watch out for blind spots. Always keep the length of the vehicle in mind.

On small roads or in town, a motorhome does not go everywhere. It is better to avoid too narrow axes and town centres, especially those of historic villages with often winding and rugged alleys. To avoid surprises, the driver should always keep an eye on road signs. If it is sometimes just in width, it is also necessary to be vigilant with the height of the vehicle, in particular before passing under a bridge or a porch.

A house on wheels

Beyond being a means of transport, the motorhome is also a house on wheels. The layout of the passenger compartment is a very important aspect. Good roominess allows you not to feel too cramped. In times of confinement, it is essential. A spacious and bright interior is essential. Hence the importance of openings: sky views, skylights and other windows. What many motorhomes have, but often optional.

The living room: the central space of the motorhome

The show is often what matters most to buyers. Outside of the bedroom, this is the place where motorhome drivers spend the most time, eating, chatting, playing, watching television or even reading. The quality of the cushions and the table is therefore essential. But space is sometimes limited and the materials are different from what you find at home. They were chosen to make the vehicle as light as possible.

Face-to-face lounges are the most common for more conviviality but have the disadvantage of having to handle them when travelling with others. It is not always easy and practical to transform the benches into a place facing the road. But we don't have to worry about that when travelling in pairs.

A kitchenette for simple meals

In a motorhome, the kitchenette does not always allow cooking. Few of them have an oven and a sufficiently large worktop. The gas hobs are used to prepare simple dishes. To store fresh produce, a large refrigerator is essential for large families. The larger ones can hold up to 170 l, the smaller ones up to 70 l.

Often narrow toilets

On the bathroom side, the dimensions are sometimes limited. The possibility of combining two spaces in one is very appreciable. The bathroom, even if it is swivel, most of the time, remains cramped. The claustrophobic or people of a strong build will prefer to leave the bathroom door open, so as not to feel oppressed. A fairly spacious shower is also a plus. But beware, it is not a question of spending hours there. With a clean water tank of 120 l, you can last up to three days to three, being economical.

Good bedding to sleep well

As for the sleeping area, the central bed is often preferred by the Mississippi, even if the space around it is limited. What counts, above all, is the quality of the bedding, not to be neglected when spending a lot of nights in the motorhome. Having a spacious bed is also important when sleeping for two. For more generous dimensions, a transverse bed or twin beds may be preferred.

Sometimes unsuspected sleeping areas allow you to move around with your family. The drop-down bed, glued to the ceiling, is very practical and saves a lot of space. The downside is it's sometimes difficult to access via a small ladder, which will be more suitable for children.

Storage

The last important thing in a motorhome, and not the least, is storage. For those who carry a lot of personal belongings, it is important to have as many closets as possible. However, it is advisable not to move with your whole house, so as not to exceed the permissible gross weight (PTAC). Most motorhomes also have a hold. Below 1.10 m, luggage is stored there. Beyond that, it can also accommodate two-wheelers. This allows them to be sheltered from bad weather and secure them.

A motorhome is a very specific vehicle that requires time to adapt, like any novelty. But from one model to another and from one brand to another, the chassis, layout, roominess and equipment may vary. Before becoming an owner, it will be necessary to learn about the specificities of each one and to aim at the fairest, according to your budget, your needs and your desires.