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Choose a courseTop tips for getting started in the new touring season
Although more and more people are touring all year round, many are still making plans for that first trip away in February and March. Before you set off on your next adventure, take note of our top tips for getting started in the new touring season to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.
Before you go
1) Have a good spring clean. Look critically at anything in your outfit that you didn’t use last season – do you really need to carry it with you? It's also a good idea to try and fit in a weekend away before any longer trips to make sure everything is running as expected, especially if you’ve got a new outfit
2) Always thoroughly sterilise the fresh water system, including water containers and filling hose, after winter lay-up or any other lengthier period of storage. Check out our fresh water touring tips to make sure you've got everything covered
3) Leave enough time to prepare – don’t risk a minor fault or forgotten ‘essential’ spoiling your first trip away
Things to check
1) Book early if you need an annual service as workshops will be busy. Approved Workshops offer fixed workshop and mobile options
2) Even after an annual service, check the basics yourself before going away including:
- tyres (pressure and condition)
- wheel fixings (tightened to correct torque)
- roadlights function
- oil, coolant and washer fluid levels for towcar or motorhome
- smoke/CO alarm batteries
- fire extinguisher still in date
3) Check that MOT/tax isn’t going to expire on your towcar or motorhome whilst you're away. Motorhome insurance renewals are often at the start of the year too – make sure you don’t miss the date!
On the road
1) Plan your journey – travel times and distance, stopping points, places to visit on the way, roadworks and weather are all important things to consider
2) Take extra care, particularly if loading a new outfit for the first time, and check you don’t exceed payload allowances
3) Take your new Sites Directory & Handbook and new membership cards with you!
Finally, don’t forget you can save money through Member offers – it’s not difficult to save more than your membership fee. Make sure you have the ones which suit you to hand – would a fuel card help with the cost of filling up? Do you need an Emovis tag for motorway tolls in France, Spain or Portugal?
Check for offers on attractions in our Great Savings Guide near your destination or on the way – either order the booklet online or download the vouchers and keep them to hand in your vehicle.
