Are you going to hire a motorhome for your next holiday? Driving one can seem scary at first. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the journey.
Hiring a motorhome and going traveling around the UK is becoming increasingly popular. You can take your home with you and see the amazing sights that this country has to offer. But, there is only one problem; you may not have driven a motorhome before. This is not something that you have to worry about since you can learn. But, here are some tips that can help you build your confidence and know what you are doing on the road.
Plan Your Journeys
Of course, it is always advisable to plan your route when you are going on a road trip. After all, you want to make sure that you fit in all the sights and go everywhere you want to go in an order that makes sense. But, another reason you need to plan your journey with a motorhome is to ensure that all of the roads are accessible for you. You are now going to be driving a larger vehicle than you are used to, which might make some routes difficult. So, you want to plan in advance so that you know where you are going and feel confident driving your new vehicle. For instance, if you were to hire a motorhome with www.ariescape.co.uk, you’ll notice they are based in Edinburgh. Using Edinburgh as a starting point gives you plenty of scope to explore the rural highlands of Scotland, but, as there are so many options – which are detailed by Ariescape themselves – you have to plan accordingly.
Go on a Test Drive
If you have never driven a motorhome before, it can be quite an adjustment. You are going to be driving something that is heavier and bigger than you are used to. Indeed, it may also be slower than driving a car and this is especially true if you are hauling a lot of belongings with you. So, the last thing you want is to be going on a huge road trip and not be used to the vehicle. The best thing you can do is take the motorhome for a test drive. This way, you can get used to maneuvering it and understand where everything is. Your road trip is going to be more enjoyable this way.
Use Auxiliary Mirrors
Something that you are definitely going to notice about driving a motorhome is that there are blind spots. This can be scary when you are not familiar with a vehicle. But, the good news is that there are things you can do to make driving more comfortable. For example, you can use auxiliary mirrors, which are often referred to as blind spot mirrors. They are going to give you an extra field of vision since they clip onto the side mirrors. This can allow you to see more and allow for a safer ride. Always take the time to position them properly before driving off.
Be Careful with Parking
When you have never driven a motorhome before, this is all you are going to be focused on. But, something you have to pay attention to is parking. This is something that you are going to be doing all the time as you move from place to place. You always want to make your life easy and the last thing you want is to get stuck in awkward parking spots.
So, scope out the best parking space when you arrive somewhere new. Try to face outwards so that things are easy for you to leave. You also do not want to choose small or tight spaces that you think are difficult. Again, you are driving a new vehicle that is a lot larger and harder to turn.
Be Slow and Cautious
If you are not confident driving a motorhome at first, you may feel like you have to overcompensate and go faster. But, this is not the way to do it. Do not be afraid to go slow and take your time. Remember that things like turning a corner will mean taking a wider turn than normal. Plus, it can be harder to reverse. Going slow is going to mean that you have time to think about your maneuvers and get them right the first time. Yes, you might not be able to travel very fast and you could have other cars behind you on the road. But, you have to learn to ignore them so that you can enjoy your travelling. It takes time to get used to this size of vehicle. Know that every time you get behind the wheel, you are going to feel better about it.