Guide for first time motorhomers

Touring Caravan

If you’re new to motorhoming or campervanning, here you’ll find our handy guides, videos and expert tips to help you stay safe and secure and have lots of fun on your motorhome travels.

Buying Essentials Driving Pitching Up Maintenance Gear guides Useful guides


Buying a motorhome or campervan

Here we look at the key things to consider when buying your first motorhome or campervan. From buying a new or used motorhome, to where you’re going to store it.

Buying new

Buying a new motorhome

Our guide to buying a brand new motorhome

Buying used

Buying a second hand motorhome or campervan

Our checklist when buying a second-hand motorhome

Motorhome glossary

Motorhome Glossary of terms

Get to know the lingo with our glossary of common motorhome terms

Motorhome types

Motorhome types

Here are the different motorhome body types

Motorhome layouts

Motorhome layouts

Choosing the best motorhome layout for you

Motorhome handover

Handing over a motorhome

Our top motorhome handover tips to make sure you get the most from your buying experience

Secure storage sites

Secure motorhome storage sites

What to look for in a motorhome storage site

Storing at home

Storing your motorhome at home

Ways to upgrade your motorhome storage security at home

Great value motorhome insurance: No experience necessary
Want to protect your new motorhome against accidental damage, theft, storm and flooding with extensive insurance cover? It needn’t cost the earth as a new owner with our many discounts which include a potential introductory no claim discount. See our insurance page for more details or get a quote now.

Buying the motorhome essentials

Don’t leave it too late to buy the accessories you’ll need when starting to use your motorhome or campervan. The last thing you want is to get off to a bad start on your first trip.

Motorhome essentials

Motorhome battery essentials

Check out our list of essential motorhoming kit

Motorhome security

Motorhome clutch claw

A look at locks and devices to prevent motorhome theft

Motorhome tracking devices

Motorhome tracking devices and apps

Be reassured that your motorhome can be recovered if it falls into the wrong hands with a tracking system

Motorhome alarms

Motorhome alarm key fob

Our top tips on what to look for when selecting a motorhome alarm

Solar panels

Motorhome solar panels

Get power from the sun with our guide to solar panels

Motorhome levelling ramps

Motorhome levelling ramps placed under wheels

Live motorhome and campervan life on the level with our guide to levelling ramps

Sat-navs, Apps and maps

Satellite navigation for your motorhome or campervans

We look at the various accessories to help you get to your holiday destination

Motorhome reversing gadgets

Motorhome reversing aids, cameras and gadgets

Products that will help you when reversing your motorhome

Drive-away awnings

Drive-away awnings for your motorhome or campervan

Some top tips on choosing a drive-away awning for your motorhome or campervan

Motorhome and campervan bedding

Bedding

Duvets or sleeping bags? We take a look at the pros and cons of each

Getting ready for your first motorhome trip

Go motorhoming with confidence! As you embark on your first motorhome or campervan trip see our handy guides for a safe and enjoyable journey. From checking your motorhome or campervan is ready for travel, to loading and expert reversing tips.

Tips to avoid a motorhome bump at home

Motorhome damage to panel

Here are our 10 handy hacks and tips for avoiding a motorhome bump or scrape when parking up or reversing

Loading your motorhome

Filling motorhome onboard garage

How to correctly load your motorhome

Know your weights

Motorhome engine bay

How to calculate the effect of adding weight to your motorhome on the front and rear axle

Tyre checks

checking your motorhome tyres

Our essential guide to checking your motorhome tyres

Pre-departure checks

motorhoome oil check

Our step-by-step guide to check you’re ready for your motorhome travels

First motorhome trip

Motorhome driving away from site

Our top tips for your first trip away in your pride and joy

Pre-departure checklist

check motothome gas bottles and valves

Download our checklist before you hit the road

Pitching up on site

Want to be the envy of your campsite neighbours? Here are our guides to getting the perfect setup and to make you look like a pro from the start and throughout your stay.

Reversing your motorhome

reversing a motorhome

Learn how to reverse your motorhome like a pro

Chemical toilets

changing motorhome toilet cassette

How to use and look after your motorhome toilet

Gas

types of motorhome gas bottles

Everything you need to know about gas in your motorhome

Off grid camping

off grid camping and vw campervan

Here are some top tips for taking your motorhome or campervan off grid or “wild camping”

Tackling muddy ground

motorhome stuck in the mud

Our top tips to avoid getting your motorhome or campervan stuck in the mud!

Motorhome maintenance

Want to make sure your motorhome is in tip top shape for every trip? Check out these top tips.

Cleaning your motorhome

cleaning a motorhome

Here’s our 10-step motorhome cleaning video to keep your leisure vehicle in tip-top shape

Cleaning your motorhome roof

cleaning a motorhome roof

Our guide to cleaning your motorhome roof and the equipment you’ll need

Water system

cleaning toilet cassette

How to sterilise the water system

Motorhome servicing

motorhome service

The importance of a yearly motorhome service and habitation check

Winterising

draining down a motorhome

Our step-by-step guide to getting your motorhome ready for winter, including draining it down

Leisure battery care

Motorhome leisure battery

Here’s our guide to looking after your motorhome’s leisure battery

Winterproofing your motorhome

Motorhome in the snow on driveway

Twenty things to consider before you lay up your motorhome in the colder months

Controlling damp

Damp around motorhome ventilation

Some pointers for controlling damp and water ingress in your motorhome

Gear guides: More great motorhome kit

There’s lots of kit to make your motorhoming life easier and more secure. Here we take a look at devices which are popular with the modern motorhomer and campervanner.

Electric bikes

Cyclists on Electric bikes passing a caravan

Here we guide you through the basics of buying an electric bike to give you some more pedal power on your motorhome holidays

Motorhome awnings

Motorhome awnings and people sat in field

Our top tips for buying an awning for your motorhome

Awning alternatives

Alternative awning types

Here we look at alternatives to extend your living space

Steering wheel locks

disklock steering wheel lock in motorhome

Optimise your motorhome or campervan security with a steering wheel lock

Gas barbecues for motorhomes and campervans

cadac portagble gas bbq

Looking for the best gas barbecues for motorhoming? Read our guide with a look at nine star players first!

Vacuum cleaners

vaccum in motorhome

Keep your motorhome clean as we take a look at four compact cleaners

Space savers

Tips for saving motorhome space infographic

Here are some gear and tips to help enhance your campervan or motorhome’s storage capabilities

Collapsible kit

collapsable motorhome kit

Save space and weight with our guide to collapsible camping gear

Wi-Fi

portable motorhome wifi

Here’s our guide to Wi-Fi on the go

Motorhome kettles

kettles for motorhomes

There’s lots of choice when it comes to brewing up in your motorhome or campervan. Here’s our guide to camping kettles

Other useful guides

We realise not everyone uses their motorhome or campervan in the same way. Here are a few other guides you might find useful.

European travel

Motorhome being driven on european roads

If you’re planning a motorhome or campervan holiday to Europe, check what you need to know before you travel

Guide to towing

Motorhome towing another vehicle

Add a tow bar to your motorhome and you might give your life other dimensions. Here’s our towing guide

Modernise your motorhome

Moderning a motorhome with solar panels

Our 10 top tips on modernising your motorhome

Motorhome storage ideas

Roofbox on a campervan

Make the most of the storage in your motorhome with these ideas and tips

Reduce rattles

Plates in a motorhome cupboard

Here we offer some tips and products to help cut down on some of the almost inevitable equipment and fixtures rattles in your motorhome or campervan

Ways to increase your berths

Motorhome awning extensions

Some top tips for adding some extra beds into your motorhome or campervan

Tips for motorhoming with pets

Dog inside motorhome

We bring you some tips for taking your pets on holiday

Winter motorhoming

Motorhome tyre with snow chains

Our guide to taking your motorhome or campervan on tour in the winter months

Removing window scratches

Fixing motorhome window scratch

Here we go through how to get rid of scratches on your motorhome’s acrylic windows

Motorhome accidents

Motorhome on low loader

What to do if you find yourself in a motorhome accident


Up to 10% for customers over 30 years old ×

We reward mature caravan owners with up to 10% discount.

No claim discount ×

No claim discount for insured and claim free years:

  • 1 year = 10%
  • 2 years = 15%
  • 3 years = 20%
  • 4 years = 22%
  • 5 years = 24%
  • 6+ years = 25%

It is possible to protect a 3 year no claim discount.

Don't miss out! An introductory discount may be available if you have previous experience of towing or driving a larger vehicle (even if it wasn't insured in your name).

Discount for caravan tracking devices ×

Such devices can help locate your stolen caravan by guiding police to its position using GPS, GSM or VHF technology. Not all tracking devices qualify for our discount. Please see our list of approved touring caravan tracking devices.

Learn more about caravan tracking devices
Axle wheel lock discount ×

An axle wheel lock attaches to the caravan chassis. Once the wheel is jacked up and lined up with the chassis receiver, a locking plate is fitted through the wheel to lock it in place. Examples of axle wheel locks include the AL-KO Secure or BPW/SAS/Winterhoff Diamond Wheel Lock. We accept these devices in place of a traditional wheel clamp and you will also qualify for an additional discount.

If you are unsure whether your device qualifies please click here

Discount for a caravan alarm ×

If your caravan already has an alarm or you plan to fit an alarm you can claim another insurance discount. There are many alarm systems available for caravans. The best types of alarm monitor movement inside the caravan using Passive Infra-Red (PIR) sensors and/or will trigger via tilt sensors if a thief attempts to tow your caravan away.

Learn more about caravan alarm systems
Secure storage discounts ×

When you store your caravan at a CaSSOA Platinum, Gold or Silver approved storage site your premium will be lower than it would be on a storage site in the same postcode area. Platinum and Gold approved CaSSOA sites get the largest savings. Silver approved CaSSOA sites get a smaller insurance discount. To check if your storage site has CaSSOA approval visit www.cassoa.co.uk. Note discounts are subject to minimum premiums.

Learn more about caravan storage
Discount for CaSSOA Platinum/Gold/Silver Award storage ×

We reward owners that keep their caravans in a CaSSOA Platinum, Gold or Silver approved secure storage site.

CaSSOA awards storage sites a Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze security rating dependent on the number of security features they have in place. These could include perimeter fencing, access control, alarm systems or CCTV. To check if your storage site has a Gold or Silver Award, you can visit their website at www.cassoa.co.uk

Electronic anti-snaking devices ×

Electronic trailer control systems such as 'Al-Ko ATC' or 'BPW iDC' work in a similar way to ESP in cars by braking the caravan's wheels if it senses loss of control. This helps to prevent snaking and keep the caravan under control during extreme driving conditions, such as hard braking or swerving to avoid an accident.

Some new caravans have a system fitted as standard. It can also be retro fitted to some caravan chassis.

Discount for VIN Chip Plus marking ×

We offer a discount for VIN Chip Plus where it is fitted in addition to the basic Vin Chip kit found as standard on all UK caravans from 2016 onwards.

VIN Chip Plus provides an additional electronic RFID chip, microdot solution, UV marker and additional tamper resistant labels all coded with a caravan's unique VIN number. The kit makes it even harder for thieves to hide a caravan's true identity or helps police make contact with its legal owner following theft.

Please Note: This discount is not available in combination with the discount for other security marking products.

Other security marking

Most UK caravans have a CRiS or VIN number displayed in their windows. However, additional marking kits can be bought for extra protection. Marking is often applied using a liquid containing microdots or 'chemical DNA' invisible to the naked eye but revealed using a UV torch. These carry a unique code linking a caravan back to its legal owner therefore improving its chances of being recovered if stolen. We give a discount for the following security marking products:

  • CRiS Extra/Plus*
  • Data Tag
  • DNA+
  • Micro-Tag
  • SelectaDNA
  • Smart Water
  • Stop Theft
  • Thiefbeaters

*CRiS Extra/Plus must be in addition to any standard 17 digit CRiS window and chassis markings found on UK caravans since 1992 and standard CRiS tag / chip found on UK caravans since 1998.

Window stickers are usually provided by the product manufacturers to warn thieves that the caravan is fitted with additional security marking. Please note this discount is not available in combination with the discount for VIN Chip Plus.

Please Note: This discount is not available in combination with the discount for VIN Chip Plus.

Tyre safety devices ×
Tyron bands

Tyron wheel safety bands greatly reduce the risk of accident through loss of control after tyre deflation by helping to keep the tyre in place following punctures, blow-outs and under inflation.

Discount for Tyre pressure monitoring

Incorrectly inflated tyres can affect the way a caravan tows and may lead to a serious accident. That's why we offer a discount for tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) fitted to caravan tyres. TPMS systems work by placing sensors either on the tyre valves or inside the wheels. These sensors continuously measure the pressure and temperature of the tyres and transmit information wirelessly to a monitor inside the tow car and sound an alarm if there's any abnormality. Popular makes include TyrePal or Snooper's Tyre Pilot. We don't give discounts for TPMS systems fitted to the tyres of tow vehicles.

Discount for tyre sealant

We offer a discount for pre-puncture tyre sealant or slime, which is a proactive defence against tyre punctures and can help prevent an accident. It's injected through the tyre valves and coats the inside of the tyres. In the event of a puncture, and when the penetrating object is removed, a small amount of tyre sealant is squeezed through the puncture hole to seal the tyre. We offer this discount for the likes of Phantom Tyre Protector and Ultra Seal. Please note the discount does not apply for post-puncture tyre sealant kits which are only used to temporarily repair tyres following a puncture.

Discount for reversing cameras ×

We offer discounts for caravans fitted with rear view cameras or reversing sensors, as they can help to prevent manoeuvring accidents.

Mounted on the back of the caravan, reversing cameras are designed to give drivers a complete view of what is behind their caravan. The camera transmits images to a monitor secured to the towcar's dashboard or windscreen

Please Note: We do not offer discounts for reversing aid(s) fitted only to the pulling vehicle.

Discount for reversing sensors

We offer discounts for caravans fitted with rear view cameras or reversing sensors, as they can help to prevent manoeuvring accidents.

Reversing sensors (often slightly cheaper than cameras) are usually inserted or stuck onto a caravan's rear panel. They use ultrasonic technology to emit a series of audible beeps inside the towcar, which sound closer together as the caravan moves towards to an object.

Please Note: We do not offer discounts for reversing aid(s) fitted only to the towing vehicle.

Discount for VIN Chip Plus marking ×

We offer a discount for VIN Chip Plus where it is fitted in addition to the basic Vin Chip kit found as standard on all UK caravans from 2016 onwards.

VIN Chip Plus provides an additional electronic RFID chip, microdot solution, UV marker and additional tamper resistant labels all coded with a caravan's unique VIN number. The kit makes it even harder for thieves to hide a caravan's true identity or helps police make contact with its legal owner following theft.

Please Note: This discount is not available in combination with the discount for other security marking products.

Other security marking ×

Most UK caravans have a CRiS or VIN number displayed in their windows. However, additional marking kits can be bought for extra protection. Marking is often applied using a liquid containing microdots or 'chemical DNA' invisible to the naked eye but revealed using a UV torch. These carry a unique code linking a caravan back to its legal owner therefore improving its chances of being recovered if stolen. We give a discount for the following security marking products:

  • CRiS Extra/Plus*
  • Data Tag
  • DNA+
  • Micro-Tag
  • SelectaDNA
  • Smart Water
  • Stop Theft
  • Thiefbeaters

*CRiS Extra/Plus must be in addition to any standard 17 digit CRiS window and chassis markings found on UK caravans since 1992 and standard CRiS tag / chip found on UK caravans since 1998.

Window stickers are usually provided by the product manufacturers to warn thieves that the caravan is fitted with additional security marking. Please note this discount is not available in combination with the discount for VIN Chip Plus.

Please Note: This discount is not available in combination with the discount for VIN Chip Plus.

Tyron bands ×

Tyron wheel safety bands greatly reduce the risk of accident through loss of control after tyre deflation by helping to keep the tyre in place following punctures, blow-outs and under inflation.

Discount for tyre sealant ×

We offer a discount for pre-puncture tyre sealant or slime, which is a proactive defence against tyre punctures and can help prevent an accident when towing. It's injected through the caravan tyre valves and coats the inside of the tyres. In the event of a puncture, and when the penetrating object is removed, a small amount of tyre sealant is squeezed through the puncture hole to seal the tyre. We offer this discount for the likes of Phantom Tyre Protector and Ultra Seal. Please note the discount does not apply for post-puncture tyre sealant kits which are only used to temporarily repair tyres following a puncture.

Discount for Tyre pressure monitoring ×

Incorrectly inflated tyres can affect the way a caravan tows and may lead to a serious accident. That's why we offer a discount for tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) fitted to tyres. TPMS systems work by placing sensors either on the tyre valves or inside the wheels. These sensors continuously measure the pressure and temperature of the tyres and transmit information wirelessly to a monitor inside the tow car and sound an alarm if there's any abnormality. Popular makes include TyrePal or Snooper's Tyre Pilot. We don't give discounts for TPMS systems fitted to the tyres of tow vehicles.

Discount for reversing cameras ×

We offer a discount for caravans fitted with rear view cameras or reversing sensors, as they can help to prevent manoeuvring accidents.

Mounted on the back of the caravan, reversing cameras are designed to give drivers a complete view of what is behind their caravan. The camera transmits images to a monitor secured to the towcar's dashboard or windscreen

Please Note: We do not offer discounts for reversing aid(s) fitted only to the towing vehicle.

Discount for reversing sensors ×

We offer a discount for caravans fitted with rear view cameras or reversing sensors, as they can help to prevent manoeuvring accidents.

Reversing sensors (often slightly cheaper than cameras) are usually inserted or stuck onto a caravan's rear panel. They use ultrasonic technology to emit a series of audible beeps inside the towcar, which sound closer together as the caravan moves towards to an object.

Please Note: We do not offer discounts for reversing aid(s) fitted only to the towing vehicle.

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