Renting a campervan or motorhome is a fantastic method to experience the benefits of a Scottish vacation however, you could be contemplating what to expect once you finally hit the road. Here are our top tips to enjoy a relaxing motorhome.
Motorhome Size
The first thing to note is that the motorhome you’ve rented is likely to be much larger than what the vehicle you’re familiar with in the past, unless you’re regularly driving the HGV or van. It’s worthwhile to find out the height, width and long it is as you don’t want stuck in low bridges or the canopies of petrol stations. Learn how heavy it is in addition, since it can impact the speed you travel at (see below for more details).
Modern motorhomes are built to be simple to drive with all the power. However, there’s plenty of vehicles behind the driver’s seat which means you need to be able to pull wide when making abrupt turns, such as when you’re at a traffic light for instance to avoid the risk of to harm the vehicle or any pedestrians that are walking by.
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The brakes are highly efficient , however campervans weigh a lot. Therefore, be aware to slowing down the right time to avoid junctions, bends and other road traffic.
The size can also limit the roads you are able to use in a certain degree. Don’t rely on sat-navs to get the right direction. Instead, get an accurate map and learn how to understand it. There are a myriad of stories of people who rely on sat-navs and getting stuck or driving directly into the loch!
The Scottish Highlands and West Coast specifically has some fantastic twisting single track roads in the event that you encounter any traffic, be sure to make use of the frequently used stopping points
Your Motorhome on the road
Before you leave take the time to ensure that the driver’s seat is at the correct height for you to reach all of the pedals with ease and that the mirrors on the sides are placed so that you are able to be able to see what’s happening in front of you. It could take a while before you’re comfortable making use of them instead of an omni-directional rear-view mirror but eventually you’ll get habit of it.
Find out the blind spots in your car and be aware that, although the vans come with rear-view cameras that are color it’s helpful to have someone on the vehicle the first instances you reverse it until you’re certain you’re secure. It’s a good idea practice in a parking lot at the supermarket!
Take it slow when you first take to taking your vehicle for a drive. You’re on vacation: it’s okay to relax. Travelling should be part of the enjoyment rather than a chaotic and scary race between A and B.
The speed limit that is legal for campervans that weigh up at 3.5 tons is exactly the same that for cars (60 60 mph for single carriageways and 70 mph on motorways and dual carriageways) however there’s no obligation to speed up even if you don’t wish to. If your vehicle weighs more than 3.5 tonnes, you’re limited to 50 mph on single carriageways, 60 on dual carriageways, and 70 when driving on motorways.
On some of the narrow and winding Scottish roads, the speed limit might be unsafely fast So be ready to reduce your speed. There are remaining single-track routes in a few locations. They’re not ideal for vehicles with large dimensions, however should you happen to be on one, make use of the crossing points to pass and not to park high to enjoy the views!
If traffic begins to form in front of you, locate an appropriate spot to pull into and let them pass as it’s legal and can keep you from an accident caused by drivers trying to merge into the wrong spot.
Motorhomes and campsites
Motorhomes that are used for wild camping is technically prohibited throughout Britain. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which allows for limited wild camping, does not cover vehicles with wheels. It is legal to park at a distance of 15ft from a road, however lots of places that appear to be excellent overnight camping spots will be marked with the words “No overnight camping”.
In the event that you are late arriving and depart early, you’ll likely enjoy free camping However, be sure not to upset the locals or damage the beauty that you’ve come to see. Get rid of all your trash to take with you. Also, be cautious of what you drive over Some ecosystems, like the machair in The Outer Hebrides, is surprisingly fragile and is now threatened.
Registered campsites come with a number of benefits in addition to being legal. Electric hook-ups, toilet flushing facilities, along with piped water supply are just three of them. If you make use of the facilities on the site, you don’t need the burden of emptying your RV’s waste water tanks as often.
Official sites typically feature hard-standing pitches too which means you won’t be caught up (with Scotland’s weather occasionally being slightly damp and boggy patches aren’t uncommon elsewhere, particularly near the edges of the asphalt).
No matter if you’re staying in the campsite or close to the roadside for an hour or so It’s an amazing sensation take your bag and move on with your journey
Daily Living in the Motorhome
Whatever size it may be motorhomes are restricted space. Carrying heavy suitcases isn’t advised. Bags that are squishy and can be put away far more useful. In reality, it’s better to store everything away. Anything left in the car when you go off will skid across the floor and cause injury if you need to brake quickly.
It is suggested to pack light. Don’t wear the fancy clothing and heels at home. We suggest buying fresh foods from local stores while you travel. You’ll experience the real taste of the wonderful food Scotland offers as well as help rural businesses in the process.
Since there aren’t any separate bedrooms in a motorhome, and the beds are used as seats, getting children to sleep early could be a challenge. If you’re living in Scotland in the middle of summer the long daylight hours can be a problem for children who have to get up early! A suggestion, based upon the years of experience suggests that children be up earlier and stay up later. The majority of campsites offer “quiet period” between 10 and 10pm. This effectively means that you can stop sleeping outdoors at night and provides an ideal time to go to bed.
In a small space, it is easier when everyone gets up awake, rises, and eats roughly at all at the same moment. Making beds at night, and then cleaning them up at the end of the day can make the life of a motorhome easier as well. This may sound unflexible, but it will make it easier for families to come back from vacation with a conversation going on!
What should you do if the Scottish Weather isn’t as good?
We’re hoping it doesn’t occur However, the weather in Scotland, unfortunately, isn’t entirely reliable. The summer months aren’t always warm and sunny. It’s important to plan ahead for rainy days and taking the appropriate precautions. Include waterproofs, sweaters and wellies, and plenty of games, DVDs , and books to keep everyone entertained.
If the weather is truly awful it’s possible to snuggle in a comfy chair and watch a movie or play cards or some board games or just read a good book. But if spending the entire day spent in a small space will cause you to be unhappy with your companions the best option is to be brave for long enough to go somewhere that is covered and in which you can take advantage of your time. A museum, for instance, therefore, make sure you have a great guide book to the location.
If the weather’s not too bad, don your waterproofs and take an outing even if it’s just to the nearest bar and to the back. It’s one thing to feel healthy and have fresh air and exercise. This is the perfect excuse for an alcoholic drink; and for another reason, it provides an opportunity to change your surroundings and something to discuss. Additionally, Scotland can be stunning even in the rain.
In reality, Scotland is beautiful whatever the weather, and the most effective method to experience it is through a motorhome that allows you to enjoy the freedom to travel while staying in the comforts of your the comfort of your home. These tips for renting a motorhome inspire you to give it a go and we’re looking at meeting you and your family in Scotland in the near future.