How to drive a motorhome

Get the best Priory Motorhome driving experience by following these simple tips for driving a Motorhome.

There’s no feeling of freedom quite like that of driving a luxury motorhome from Priory Rentals. You can come and go as you please, find any suitable spot and linger for as long as you like. Added to that, your commanding view of the open road can make you feel like the Monarch of the Highway as you sit head and shoulders above most other motorists. While anyone who can drive a car will know how to drive a motorhome, there are a few extra things to bear in mind to make your Priory Motorhome Hire experience even more enjoyable and worry free.

Motorhomes need a larger turning circle

Motorhomes are large vehicles and although easy to drive, will be much longer than your car. You’ll need to take turns wider with your front wheels to make sure your back wheels make it round a corner without cutting across it. Be especially wary of corners with walls or bollards.

It’s taller than you think

In a car, height restrictions almost never apply to you, so it can be all too easy to pay no heed to these warning signs. However, in a motorhome, you’re sitting much higher than your usual driving position and the vehicle extends further still above your head. There’ll be a notice in the cab letting you know how tall your motorhome is, so be aware of this and make sure you keep an eye open for low bridge warnings on the road ahead and when planning your route. You’ll often find that your sat-nav can be programmed to avoid low bridges.

Think further ahead

With size comes weight and motorhomes are pretty big compared to a regular car. Priory Motorhomes are modern vehicles with all the latest safety equipment, but even with the best brakes, a heavier vehicle will take longer to stop than a lighter one. Fortunately, the high driving position will allow you to see much further ahead than you’re used to, so make sure you’re looking further down the road with an extended stopping distance in mind.

Overtake with elegance

Your nippy little two seater might allow you to take advantage of every small small gap in the traffic to change lanes or overtake, however, should you need to overtake in a motorhome, be aware it’s a much more regal affair and the manoeuvre should be completed with gravitas. Plan well ahead, use your indicators early and once there’s room, sweep across to the next lane with a sense of occasion. Once you’ve safely overtaken, don’t forget to move back to the left (or right on the continent) taking account the length of your motorhome.

Drive smoothly

Everything about a motorhome should be comfortable, including the experience of driving one. Accelerate smoothly, brake gradually and don’t be in a rush to get anywhere. Life on the road is all about the journey, not getting to the destination as fast as possible, or even having a destination. You’re taking a break, so relax.

Pit stops are part of the adventure

Sometimes you just need to take a rest from driving and the beauty of the motorhome experience is that these brief stops, extended stops or even overnight stops can surprise you in the new things you can discover. Don’t wait until tiredness forces you to the roadside, plan to pull over regularly, maybe stop a while, put the kettle on, enjoy the scenery or explore a village – you never know what you might find!

Over to you

Have you any other tips you’d like to share with other motorhome drivers, give us your best advice below!