New Motorhome Advice

We bought a new MH in March after 30 years of caravanning and had to get rid of most of the caravan stuff and buy new as we have much less space. Out went Aquaroll, waste container, in came Duvalays and collapsible bucket (waste of time). 

Mostly got it right but my advice is to buy the absulute minimum then add to it as you go along BUT don't forget a corkscrew and wine glasses. 

Bolero Boy, I think i need to get this clarified with the dealer, the lifestyle specs i have states:

**The Mass in Running Order is the mass of the unladen vehicle including a 75kg allowance for the driver plus engine coolants, 10kg is allowed for luggage and 90% of the fuel tank, water tank and gas capacity

 10kg is allowed for luggage

Write your comments here...10kg??? You will probably want to add 20kg per person at least, more when you add in towels, tea towels winter woolies/coats etc.

Add in say 60 kg for Mrs A, bedding, kitchen equipment and you will want to run with some water in the tank to flush the toilet and cup of tea when you stop etc. plus if abroad o AIres you need to arrive full as many do not have fresh water.  Even 20l of water is 20 kg. 

You need to sort out the weight of the vehicle and if the loading margin is 473kg, it should be enough for a family of four based on my past experience. However, you have to work hard to keep down the weight. Rather than travel with water in the tank, use a small food grade container, no bigger than 10l. We use a spray made up from AquaRinse and water in the toilet when travelling - don't buy Thetford's ready made spray its expensive.

You will need two propane gas bottles [red], 2 x 6kg is usually enough;  a 25m long hook up cable; someway of putting water in your fresh water tank such as a large 10l+ container [ours is 25l but is heavy to carry] or a food grade hose [some say it doesn't have to be food grade] with appropriate hose/tap adaptors to deliver water from a tap into the water tank. Toilet rolls and any fluids necessary for the toilet. That's the basics. 

Then a kettle, enough mugs and cutlery for the occupants; we use a double skillet and pan with two steamers; plus whatever cookery tools you need for what you are going to cook. Some of our accessories are collapsible silicon such as bowl for sink. 

Bathing kit - microfibre towels are light and effective.

Duvets or sleeping bags with pillows - we leave ours in but ensure they are ventilated from time to time and we keep the damp away - duvalays are an expensive but well-regarded solution. Don't forget washing up liquids, powders, cleaners [take care what you use as some domestic cleaners are too strong], dishcloths, cleaning cloths, and tea towels. We use a few 27 year old nappies! Most people forget a tin opener or bottle opener! We carry a few cork mats for standing hot pans etc.

We ban alcohol in the van because its heavy and we're not heavy drinkers. Pubs need the business! Get into the habit of having multi use items and easy wash items [the more you wash, the less clothes you carry].

Tinned foods are useful with long sell by dates but are heavy. Try dry packet goods if you can keep them dry and they are edible.

A simple tool kit including a spanner or monkey wrench to change over gas bottles, a few screwdrivers including an electrical one, cable ties and gaffer tape. I've always carried windscreen cleaner. Sewing threads and needles plus scissors. Torch.

Clothes and anything you need to pursue your hobbies in the van. Kindles are useful. Charger for phones.

Essential documents, various debit/credit cards.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I appreciate the 10kg allownace is little and needs upped, the statement was what they claim the van MRO is and what is included.

Aspenshaw, great information thank you. Some things there i didnt even think of.

Re the 10kg allowance. We have recently been on a cruise and we each had a suitcase that weighed in at around 17kg each.(we had to weigh them because ther was a weight limit) When we go away in our motorhome we take no where near as many clothes so around the 10kg mark might be nearer to the truth than you think especially for shorter trips. 

Good luck with the motorhome and I hope it is enjoyed by the whole family, an adventure waiting to happen.

David

Re the 10kg allowance. We have recently been on a cruise and we each had a suitcase that weighed in at around 17kg each.(we had to weigh them because ther was a weight limit) When we go away in our motorhome we take no where near as many clothes so around the 10kg mark might be nearer to the truth than you think especially for shorter trips. 

Good luck with the motorhome and I hope it is enjoyed by the whole family, an adventure waiting to happen.

David

Write your comments here...I agree David however in the MH you are likely to have coats, walking boots,shorts, jumpers etc. especially if holidaying in the UK so need the full variety of clothing to suit the weather.

This is the location of a comprehensive packing list. It will be overkill for your initial outings, because it is designed for long term overseas travel, but it will make sure you don't miss anything  http://ourtour.co.uk/home/ourtour-motorhome-essentials-packing-list/

The one luxury that makes our life better, particularly in the morning, is a stove top italian espresso pot and an aerolatte. We can have great coffee even when we are away!!

Bolero Boy, I think i need to get this clarified with the dealer, the lifestyle specs i have states:

**The Mass in Running Order is the mass of the unladen vehicle including a 75kg allowance for the driver plus engine coolants, 10kg is allowed for luggage and 90% of the fuel tank, water tank and gas capacity

yes, ive found this Marquis data page in their downloaded brochure.

 **The Mass in Running Order is the mass of the unladen vehicle including a 75kg allowance for the driver plus engine coolants and 90% of the fuel tank, water tank and gas capacity. 

.the three are different, thats for sure...

the swift web page, for all their models, now includes no water...

...and ive never seen any MIRO allowance for luggage....surely this is part of the remaining payload?...

..and luggage for how many people? 10kg each or to divide up amongst all passengers?

doesnt seem quite right to me....

either way, at 3500kg it would be prudent to weigh it 'for real'.

good luck.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I appreciate the 10kg allownace is little and needs upped, the statement was what they claim the van MRO is and what is included.

Aspenshaw, great information thank you. Some things there i didnt even think of.

....outside chairs (for four), a table for eating oitside (hopefully you will be going somewhere sunny), so perhaps a BBQ of sorts...some use a wastemaster or similar for disposing of shower water if you dont want to move the van to the MHSP.

bikes?

etc.....