What First-Time Motorhome Renters Need to Know

Thinking of hiring a motorhome for your next UK holiday? You’re not alone. With more people than ever opting for the freedom and flexibility of life on the road, motorhome holidays are a brilliant way to explore the UK’s coastlines, national parks, and hidden gems—all at your own pace.

But if it’s your first time renting a motorhome, it’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. From driving tips to campsite etiquette, this guide covers everything you need to know to get started.

1. Do I Need a Special Licence to Drive a Motorhome?

In most cases, no special licence is required. If you hold a full UK Category B driving licence, you can legally drive a motorhome up to 3,500kg in weight. Many rental vehicles, including those from South West Motorhomes, are under this limit.

✅ Tip: Check the weight class of the motorhome and ensure you’re within your licence entitlement. All our motorhomes are usually under 3,500kg.

2. What’s Included in My Motorhome Hire?

Every motorhome hire is a little different, but with South West Motorhomes, your rental typically includes:

• Fully equipped kitchen (hob, fridge, utensils)

• Toilet and shower facilities

• Insurance for named drivers

• Breakdown cover

• LPG Gas, electric hook-up cable, leveling blocks, and water hose

• Smart TV – Digital, Netflix etc

• Bike Rack

• Water containers (for fesitvals and off-grid) and Outdoor Tables and Chairs can be added as extras to your booking

🧼 Pro Tip: Check what’s included before you pack—you may need extras like bedding or a BBQ.

3. Driving a Motorhome for the First Time

Motorhomes are bigger than your average car, but they’re not difficult to drive once you get used to them.

Key driving tips:

• Take corners wide and brake earlier than usual

• Be mindful of overhanging trees and narrow lanes (especially in Cornwall and Devon or other remote locations)

• Use mirrors frequently—many motorhomes don’t have a rear-view mirror

• Watch your height clearance when entering car parks or under bridges

📏 Height and width are usually on our vehicle keyrings—memorise them before you set off.

4. Where Can I Stay Overnight?

In the UK, you can’t park just anywhere overnight. Wild camping is generally not allowed unless you have explicit permission from the landowner. There are destinations where you can stopover – for a comprehensive list please see UK Motorhomes stop overs list.

The best options include:

• Campsites with motorhome pitches (electric hook-up, fresh water, waste disposal)

• Certified sites for members of organisations like the Caravan and Motorhome Club or Camping and Caravanning Club

• Stop Overs (pubs, farms, businesses and locations that allow free overnight parking)

🗺️ Plan your route and book campsites in advance during peak season.

5. How to Use the Facilities

Using a motorhome means learning a few simple but essential tasks:

• Toilet cassette: Must be emptied regularly at proper disposal points

• Water tanks: Fill the fresh water tank and empty the grey waste before/after trips

• Electric hook-up: Plug in to mains power at campsites for lights, sockets, and appliances

🧽 Always leave facilities clean, and follow campsite rules for waste disposal.

6. Pack Smart, Pack Light

Weight matters in a motorhome, and space is limited. Focus on essentials:

• Comfortable clothing, waterproofs, walking shoes

• Food and drink (you can top up as you go)

• Games/books

• Phone chargers, power bank, and portable Wi-Fi (if needed)

🧺 Use soft bags instead of hard suitcases—they store more easily.

7. Be a Considerate Camper

Whether you’re in a countryside retreat or a coastal pitch, following motorhome etiquette goes a long way:

• Keep noise to a minimum, especially in the evenings

• Don’t encroach on neighbouring pitches

• Keep pets under control and clean up after them

• Dispose of rubbish and waste responsibly

🐾 If you’re travelling with a dog, check that your rental and campsite are pet-friendly.

8. Insurance and Deposits

All hires from South West Motorhomes include comprehensive insurance and breakdown cover. However, you’ll usually need to leave a refundable security deposit (e.g. £1,300) to cover any potential damage or excess.

📄 Make sure to read the Terms and Conditions so you understand your responsibilities.

9. Stay Connected and Informed

Mobile signal can be patchy in rural areas, so it’s a good idea to:

• Download offline maps (e.g. Google Maps or OS Maps)

• Bring a physical road atlas just in case

• Join a campsite club or app to find sites and reviews on the go

📱 Apps like Park4Night and Searchforsites are great for finding legal overnight spots.

10. Returning the Motorhome

Before returning your vehicle:

• Refuel to full (Both Deisel and LPG Gas)

• Empty waste tanks and the toilet cassette

• Remove any rubbish

• Check for lost items in cupboards or under seats

🕓 Return on time to avoid late fees—and allow yourself extra time for any final cleaning or refuelling stops.

Ready for Your First Motorhome Adventure?

Hiring a motorhome for the first time is exciting—and with a little prep, it’s easy too! At South West Motorhomes, we offer a friendly handover to walk you through everything before you hit the road.

🚐 Modern, fully equipped motorhomes
🧼 Cleaned and safety checked before each hire
📍 Conveniently located for trips across Cornwall, Devon, and beyond

👉 Browse our Motorhomes or Contact Us to start your journey.