Recreation Super Site

It’s the easiest thing in the world, life on the open road with your motorhome – but what about when you’re not using it? Most motorhomes are cumbersome things, and when you’re not enjoying the freedom of the open road, you’ll need a place to store your ‘van.

If you don’t have space at home, then you need to find somewhere else. Even if you are lucky enough to have a garden or driveway big enough to accommodate your motorhome, there may be reasons to look for alternative storage. These could include local regulations preventing you from parking your ‘van in the vicinity of your house. 

Sureterm Direct is the UK’s leading specialist motorhome and RV insurers, having insured thousands of motorhomes in its 10 years of trading, so here are some useful ideas for storing your motorhome.

Farm Storage

Many farmers have picked up on the income to be made from allowing a few motorhomes to park on their property.  Often the owner is an acquaintance, and farmers are always looking for diverse sources of income. A couple of motorhomes and a caravan are often stored in disused barns.

There are no standardised arrangements when it comes to storing your ‘vans on farms, so your experience is likely to vary from one to another. Additionally, you will most likely be expected to tackle the problem of security on your own. Farmers are often up early and late to bed and they will certainly investigate any disturbances, but beyond that they will not be able to provide much in the way of security.

Campsites

The Camping and Caravanning Club and The Caravanning Club often operate storage facilities at some of their campsites.

CaSSOA approved sites

There are dedicated storage facilities throughout the country that specialise in taking care of caravans and motorhomes, and many of these are approved by the authority in the field of storage, the Caravan Storage Site Owner’s Association (CaSSOA).

CaSSOA have a three-tier award system – Gold, Silver and Bronze – for rating the security of sites.

Gold – These sites are of course the most secure, and have very high standards of security. All other risks to the stored caravans have been addressed, and wherever possible eliminated.  Features often include the site being well hidden and not publicised with loads of signage, entry barriers and individual key cards, advanced fencing systems and CCTV cameras.

Silver - These sites offer a high level of security including fencing, part-site CCTV and entry / exit lighting.

Bronze - These sites offer a good level of security. This is termed as the entry level for membership and new members are encouraged to upgrade, as and when finance is available.

All CaSSOA approved sites are required to have fire protection and vermin control measures in place, and there should be no risk of damage from floods, storms or falling trees.

If you chose to pick an approved storage facility, you will need to bear in mind that this will mean more forward planning, particularly when it comes to making sure you return your motorhome before it gets dark. Another consideration is cost – as high levels of security will dictate higher pitch charges.

More Sureterm Storage Advice

·        You must inform your insurance company on your chosen storage site.

·        Visit a storage site before you commit to storing your motorhome there. Find out how easy it is to get in without a pass and check to see if someone has to let you in.

·        Some insurers, such as Sureterm Direct, will offer significant discounts particularly on CaSSOA sites with security levels such as perimeter fencing and 24 hour access controls.

·        Keep valuables out of your ‘vans when they’re in storage.

·        It is advisable to install an alarm or a tracking device on your motorhome, particularly as insurance companies like Sureterm Direct will offer discounts based on the alarm system or tracking system you use.

·        Check that your personal effects are covered on your insurance policy – companies like Sureterm offer £5,000 personal effects cover.

·        Are you a member of a club?  You could get further insurance discounts.

Motorhomes grant the freedom of the open road without having to tow a caravan behind you. Meaning your holidays are that more enjoyable and efficient as you have a means of travel and a place to rest your head. Whether you are choosing to purchase motorhomes or are planning to hire one for a holiday, it is advisable to read on.

Generally motorhomes can be divided into three distinctive categories. Those in the industry refer to these as Classes A, B and C. Class A as their name may suggest are the largest and most opulent of the motorhomes on the market today. Correspondingly Classes B and C relate to size and the amenities contained within the home. While C class are the smallest of the motorhomes available, generally they are the cheapest.

Class A motorhomes are often the homes capable of full time living, whether hiring or buying it must be remembered that these types of motorhomes will enable you to live in them for extended periods comfortably. If you have a large family it is strongly advised that a Class A motor home should be utilised for your holidays. While you may be slightly apprehensive of driving one of these leviathans of the road it is surprising how easy modern motorhomes are to drive. In addition to this ease of driving, Class A’s are extremely comfortable, strangely, at times you will feel like you are driving a sofa rather than a large RV.

When you are looking at motorhomes for purchase it is advisable to make the decision only after careful deliberation. In many cases it may even be worth finding a company that rents motorhomes and hiring a similar model to gain an understanding of what it is like to live in the space and drive around for a period of time. By doing this you can receive a better idea of how to use your home from home and also how it will serve the holiday needs of you and your family.

With the high prices of hotels, motorhomes are becoming an evermore appealing option for those who travel regularly. By keeping your bills down while travelling, having a home on wheels can give you more time and money to sped visiting attractions and simply enjoying yourself. With a wealth of campsites all over the world a motor home will grant you freedom of movement and normally an outstanding setting for your stay. Also, by removing the stresses of finding accommodation while travelling, you can make your trips that much more relaxing and enjoyable, meaning you can make the most of your holiday time.

With a fully kitted out kitchen, making sure you have provisions is essential. While many may not want to cook for themselves while on holiday it is enjoyable to have a space that at least gives you the option of cooking for yourself; once again, this will save you money as you will not have to eat out all of the time, making your holidays more cost effective. If you are a fan of al fresco cooking, all you need to do is take a barbeque with you and you have the option of pulling up at the side of the road, firing up the coals and cooking in a wondrous setting whilst enjoying a bottle of wine.

The freedom granted by motorhomes is clearly the most powerful lure for many. Travelling under your own steam and in your own vehicle allows you to get off the usual tourist routes and to construct a holiday that is as unique as it is enjoyable. While the initial outlay may be great, the value of motorhomes is hard to quantify. Naturally you will save money on eating out and accommodation but you will also have better, more fun and free holidays.

Holidaying gives you joy and happiness only when you enjoy it undisturbed. If you face hassles during the time of vacationing, the pleasure you want to derive from it may be spoiled. As you need to travel a lot while holidaying, dependence on public or travel agency transport may hamper your happiness. So, you need transporting means that may not be owned by you, yet it is almost like your own vehicle.

To enjoy such freedom, there can be nothing better than motorhomes. With motorhomes hire, you can schedule your own routine. You go out in your time, enjoy a particular location as long as you want, and rest in the desired place as per your wish. No other mode of conveyance can provide you with all such facilities. You can hire a motorhome for visiting any spot in the UK. There are so many travel agencies that offer this service.

The most exciting thing about the motorhomes is their privacy. They are like your own home. It is as if you just switch from a big home to a small one. Almost everything you need in your daily life is available there in the motorhome. Motorhome hire will provide you with a kitchen to cook your own food. The kitchen will have sufficient crockery items in it. There will be freezer, micro oven, television, beds and everything a common household requires.

You can go for motorhome hire if you are travelling with your whole family or with your spouse. Travelling in motorhomes hire with the spouse accompanying you has a special pleasure. You will have unlimited freedom and supreme privacy. While on the move, you will have none to trespass your private territory. While taking rest in the motorhomes, you will be fully disturbance-proof. There will be no hotel attendant to disturb you in your private moments.

When it comes to travelling, motorhome hire services provide you a journey in the lap of luxury. Nothing beats the comfort level that is provided by motorhomes. It is a good option, especially for those of us who do not want to compromise on the luxury part, yet want to travel around.

Motorhome hire hire is not a new concept. However, the designs and the furnishing of these luxury vehicles have really got much better than the earlier prototypes. Now, motorhomes are fitted with all the latest equipments and furnishings, so that the travellers do not feel out of home or any kind of discomfort.

Nowadays, there are different companies that provide motorhome hire services and each supplier has a line of luxury goods or ergonomic fittings that enhance comfort, improve functionality, create more space, and give more room to move about freely. The new age motorhomes are sure to delight anyone who loves travelling and comfortable journey.

Some of the common features that you would find in any kind of motorhome hire services are:

A well equipped bathroom – The bathrooms in the current line of motorhomes are spacious and well-furnished. Some have showers separated from the bathroom, so that the bathroom do not get tied up when there are two or more people travelling in the motorhomes.

Comfortable furniture – The motorhomes of today come with all the latest line of furniture. These furniture are both comfortable and at the same time do not consume much space. Swivel chairs and 3/4/5 comfortable berths make the interior better.

Motorhome hire services are easily found over the Internet. If you want to book a campervan hire, you can do it with the help of just a click. Simply sitting at home, you can get the luxurious vehicle and along with it you can get excellent customer care.

Motorhome hire has gained immense popularity in short time span. All over UK and the isles around the country we find numerous vehicles plying on the beautiful stretches of land. Motorhome hire services are alive and well in major cities and counties of UK. And they are fast spreading to other parts of the country as well. We see a growing number of motorhome hire service providers in small towns and counties. Here is why this service is so popular, and why should you try out motorhome hire ones, if you have not yet done so.

Motorhomes are no less than a complete apartment on wheels. And if you look at some of the more expensive ones, you would find the interiors fit for a king. The plush interiors promise a good life and a highly comfortable journey. You will never miss home once you are out in the streets, travelling in your motorhome. The classy motorhomes come fitted with all the modern amenities that you use at home and that ensures you stay comfortable in all kinds of weather.

Adequate space is allocated to different requirements, in a standard motorhome. For instance, there would be a spacious bathroom that has a regular supply of water. Sufficient water is kept so that you never run out of water; however if you are going on a longer journey, you would need servicing of your motorhome in between when you can get the reservoir re-filled. A standard motorhome would also have a well defined water filtration system and plumbing vents that will make your stay stress free.

A regular motorhome would also have a well defined place for sleeping and relaxing. This can be called the bedroom in the motorhomes hire. The bedrooms are well fitted with air conditioners and other comforting things. Comfort is taken care of in every section of the motorhomes, even in the driver’s cabin.

Motorhome hire has made its way right into the heart of both the young, the old and everyone in between. Everyone has a reason or finds one to travel in a motorhome. The luxury vehicles have beckoned one and all, and that explains the reason for such high popularity of motorhome hire services. The young travel to make their fun trips more exciting, while the old travel to make life after retirement more enjoyable and every motorhome ride is surely memorable for everyone.

Motorhomes can beat any other mode of transport when it comes to luxury. With plush interiors, soft and comfortable furniture, modern and highly advanced amenities, and with the kind of facilities that you get in any standard motorhome hire, it is easy to resist or to choose any other kind of transport system over these vehicles. If you think they are another name for caravans, then you better go and have a look at one of the motorhomes. You will be delighted to see the huge difference and how motorhomes score high above any kind of caravan.

Not just the living space, even the driving area, the cockpit of a standard motorhome are made in a way that provides maximum driving comfort. The seats are high so that you can see the roads very clearly and conveniently. You have a huge glass in front of you, so that you can see the maximum and be prepared for anything that comes your way.

The best time of the year for motorhome hire is winters. This is the time when you would get plenty of deals and discounts on motorhome hire. You can book your motorhome well in advanced so that you don’t have to go through the rush hours as winter is the peak season when almost everyone in UK are making plans to travel.

Well, the butterflies in your stomach are quite natural. And if you stick to some golden rules while choosing and booking your motorhome hire, you would not find yourself in a spot during the journey. Here are some of the things that you should take care of before going for motorhome hire.

Number of travellers:

The first thing that you ought to decide is the number of people who would be travelling in the same motorhome. Accordingly, you decide the kind of motorhome with a particular number of beds. There are motorhomes that have 2 to 3 beds and there are motorhomes that have 4 to 5 beds also. Some may have even 6 beds. So, this way you take care of the first thing while availing a motorhome.

Facilities:

The next thing you need to decide concerns the facilities that you might need in your journey. You have a kitchen, a bathroom and sleeping space in any standard motorhome hire. But what would you need to do inside them to sustain yourself in the trip. You might need a gas heating inside your kitchen to cook; or you might want a shower inside the bathroom. You have to think very carefully about the journey and then decide on the facilities you would need inside the vehicle.

Time:

Another very important thing to consider is how long would you be journeying. For journeys of longer duration, it would be better to go for a bigger motorhome, for it would not require servicing as frequently as smaller vehicles. A big motorhome would be ideal for week-long journeys.

These are some of the things that you should think about while booking motorhome hire. You should also keep your budget in mind. A well thought out decision would help you enjoy your journey in more ways than you can think of.

Motorhome hire agencies are a dime a dozen in the market these days. A motorhome is tremendously popular. There are several factors for its demand. They are fashionable because they give the customer a certain freedom that more established modes of transport don’t quite accord. With a motorhome, one can stop at any place he likes. He is essentially in control of the vehicle; the motorhome becomes his for the duration of the journey. Also, what separates a motorhome form a typical vehicle on wheels is its contents. Motorhomes have all the facilities that you get in a home – television, kitchen et al.

Motorhomes are generally air-conditioned. This is a wonderful facility to have in a travel vehicle. If you are travelling in the winter months, you can simply turn on the blower; in summer months, you can regulate the cooler air. In fact, the facilities that you get to see with motorhomes are optional. You can pick and choose which ones to avail and which ones to leave out. In essence, they are cheaper than some hotels.

So, these are the amenities that come with a motorhome. Hire one and experience the thrill of being in the woods with friends and old tales for company. You can take a motorhome anywhere. It the ideal getaway in that the restrictions are minimal and the idea of availing one, as of now, is still quite novel. Motorhomes are an amalgam of style and comfort. The insides in some exclusive motorhomes may have wooden lockers, designer fabric and stylish kitchen. The washroom may come replete with fitted shower, toilet and hand basin.

Motorhomes hire agencies are cashing in on the fact that the fast-paced modern world leaves people breathless. The contemporary professional is looking to take a break from the incessant grind that his work demands. He looks for options, and wants something different from the tried and tested. Motorhome, thus, comes into the picture; and it looks like it is here to stay.

Buying an used motorhome can be sometimes very hectic and isn’t simple. It can become very difficult when you are planning to live in the motorhome for any amount of time.

For this reason, it is always essential to have some important checklists to go over to see any problems you might be facing after buying a used RV Motorhome. Sellers usually don’t tell you the problems they know of, as the saying goes “Buyers Beware”. The dealer will make his commission no matter how long the RV was in use, so it is up to you to make sure you get the best deal.

Not to waste any more time, some key points have been presented to look over when planning to buy a used motorhome.

Checking the Engine and Oil

Engine and Oil is the lifeblood for any vehicle. Checking the oil would be a great start to ensure the condition of the engine. If the oil smells burnt, you may have a problem on your hands.

Rust Condition

Rust is the natural breakdown of iron and metal. RVs travelling in those parts of the country having snow and salt will be more prone to rust. Purchasing used motor homes from the south can help this rust problem, but they will cost a bit more. If there is structural rust on the frames, it is better to avoid those motorhomes as they are at their end of life.

Service Records

Service records will show the proper maintenance of the motorhome maintained by the previous user. It will also show you the number of previous user of that RV. And if they fail to provide any paperwork, its advisable not to settle for that used motorhome.

Motorhome Financing

Finance companies offer better options for certain RV builders, on certain models especially those that have low depreciation. The purchase of an used motorhome should be done without a thorough inspection of the finance options attached to that RV.

According to me, learning enough about used motorhomes to make an educated buying decision is just another good common sense. What you learn before you get the used motorhome will certainly carry over into what you will need to know to keep your motorhome in proper shape.

Why choose a motorhome?

Having your own vehicle on holiday gives you the freedom to do what you want, when you want to. Motorhomes offer great value for money with accommodation and transport in one. Whether you are travelling with a partner, friends or as a family, we have a range of vehicles of all sizes to suit your needs. If you are travelling for a long period of time, having a motorhome means you can have all the comforts of home whilst on the road. You have the option of dining in or out. Motorhomes also give road trips a fun and exciting twist, not to mention bragging rights.

Do I need a special licence to drive a motorhome?

No, a full valid Australian driver’s license is fine.

What is the minimum age to rent a motorhome in Australia?

21.

How are rental days calculated?

Rental days are charged per calendar day as opposed to 24 hour periods which is how car rental is charged. So, if you pick up a motorhome at 9am on 16 July and drop off at 9am on 30 July, this is considered to be 15 days. With a car rental, however, it would be 14 days.

Is there a minimum rental period?

Yes, generally between 5-10 days depending on the supplier. Sometimes the rental period will be longer during school holidays, special events etc.

What is included in the rental rate?

This varies depending on the supplier, but generally standard rates include vehicle insurance, GST, unlimited kilometres, 24 hour roadside assistance, some living/kitchen/sleeping equipment and travel packs with maps. Inclusive rates are also available.

What is not included in the rates?

Again this varies depending on the supplier but generally speaking one way fees and insurance excess are extra. Due to its remote location, there is often a fee for picking up or dropping off in Broome. There are also optional extras available like excess reduction, picnic tables and chairs, GPS units, satellite phones and first aid kits. Prices and options vary depending on the supplier.

What are Flex rates?

Flex rates are based on a simple system of supply and demand. If there are a lot of vehicles available to rent on a particular day, at a particular location, the rate is lower and vice versa. Booking early is recommended to get a good deal.

Will I need a credit card to collect my motorhome?

Credit cards are commonly used for the security deposit but some rental companies (like Kea and Auto Rent Hertz) do accept cash deposits. Check at the time of booking.

How much is the security deposit?

The amount depends on the Insurance Cover chosen but varies between AUD250-7500. Where a security deposit is required the full amount of the bond will be deducted from your credit card and credited back at the end of the rental period, subject to any deductions. To avoid disappointment ensure that your credit card has a limit sufficient to cover this amount.

Where can I pick up my motorhome?

DriveAway Holidays have motorhomes available to pick up from Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Broome, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. (Please note not every supplier may be represented in these cities).

Where can I camp with my motorhome?

You can stay in Holiday Parks or Camping Grounds for a small cost. These often have kitchen and bathroom facilities and sometimes play areas, gaming areas and access to power. Check out the Australia Caravan and Camping Directory for further details. You could also stay at a National Park or Reserve . There is also the option of free camping. Each state has different rules about where this is permitted so check with the appropriate Tourist authority before you leave.

Are there restrictions on where I can drive the motorhome?

Yes, motorhomes must only be driven on sealed roads. Further travel restrictions may apply and vary depending on the motorhome company booked.

Can Booster and Baby Seats be fitted?

Booster and baby seats are available to hire for an extra fee. Some vehicles can fit a booster and baby seat, some of the smaller vehicles, however, cannot. If you request a quote with DriveAway, you can put your requirements in the comments box and our Motorhome Specialists will be able to advise.

What happens if I breakdown?

All companies offer a roadside assistance program. Details will be given at time of collection.

Are there cancellation fees if I cancel the motorhome?

Yes, all motorhome companies have a cancellation fee policy. Click here for details. DriveAway Holidays will request a deposit and/or full payment in order to request the booking with the motorhome company in those instances where the booking falls within the cancellation period.



Please note this information is to be used as a guide only. Details are correct at the time of print and subject to change without notice. Contact DriveAway Holidays for details or bookings.