how to...BE A BETTER MOTORHOME DRIVER

Safer driving helps avoid collisions and makes your journey less stressful. Here are our top tips - including what to do if things go wrong

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We all like to think we’re good drivers, but there’s always room for improvement. And when it comes to driving and manoeuvring, there are a few simple steps we can all take to make sure every journey passes without issue.

With a bit of forward planning and an attentive attitude to your driving, motorhome travel will be enjoyable and safe, for you and your passengers.

1 Prepare for a safe journey

Safe driving starts long before you turn the key in the ignition. You should make sure your motorhome is ready to go before every trip.

Check the condition of the tyres. There should be plenty of tread left (at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread all the way around the tyre) and no cuts or bulges. Make sure the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure, too. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre.

If you have a tyre-repair kit rather than a spare, check its use-by date – the sealant doesn’t last indefinitely. Replace it if necessary.

Make sure you have ample screen washer fluid and the engine oil is at the correct level. If your motorhome potentially requires AdBlue, carry that with you too – the latter is available in much smaller containers these days, which will help save your payload.

Do this a few days before any long journey, in case you need to buy more of any of these items.

2 Load carefully

Careful loading of your motorhome will make life easier. Keep heavy items low down, directly above the axle(s). Use retaining bars to stop things moving around while you are driving – it’s easy for luggage to shift in the ’van, especially if you need to brake heavily. Only use the overhead lockers for light items.