Well prepared for your motorhome trip: smart tips and checklist

A relaxing motorhome trip starts with good preparation. By checking your motorhome carefully and packing smartly, you can avoid surprises along the way. In this article you can read what is really important, without unnecessary ballast.

Check your motorhome before departure

To avoid problems on the road, a good check of your motorhome is essential. Before you drive off, pay attention to these points:

Maintenance and safety

• Fluids: Check the oil level and top up windscreen washer fluid. Do this yourself so you know where everything is.
• Tyres: Make sure you have the right tyre pressure (usually above 4.5 bar). High-pressure motorhomes need metal valves. Have old tyres (older than six years) checked and replace them after 10 years at the latest.
• Limit weight: Fill the fresh water tank only with what you need on the road and empty the grey water tank as soon as you can. A half-full fuel tank also helps save weight.

Smart loading

• Distribute the weight well: heavy items at the bottom, lighter items at the top.
• Stow loose items securely to avoid damage in an emergency stop.
• Test beforehand whether you really need an awning, TV satellite or extra accessories. Sometimes a simple parasol or e-reader will do.

Do you often take too much stuff on a trip? Then follow this tip from our community:

"When packing, put down everything you think you will need (clothes, toiletries, food, etc.) and then remove at least 50%. Then look again and remove another 3 things. It really is surprising how much unnecessary stuff we all take with us..." - Charlie

Handy preparations on the go

A few smart preparations will save a lot of stress along the way.

Documents and insurance

• Put important contacts in your phone, for example under 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency).
• Make digital copies of your travel documents and insurance papers.
• Check your motorhome insurance: in addition to third-party, you can choose limited or full-casualty, and pay attention to your contents cover.
• Consider continuous travel insurance, often cheaper than short-term. Pay attention to the conditions, such as the minimum number of overnight stays.

Health and safety

• Check if vaccinations are required for your travel destination.
• See your dentist or GP before departure if you are going away for a long time.
• Make sure you have a first-aid kit, an emergency hammer and a fire extinguisher.

What do you bring? A smart and compact checklist

Packing doesn't have to be complicated. Take what you really need and avoid unnecessary ballast. Making a packing list is a frequently heard tip from our community.

"My checklist, which is constantly updated, helps me to be spontaneously ready for the next trip. It includes not only things I urgently need on the road, but also work that needs to be done before departure. This allows me to drive off with less stress. " - Maria

We are happy to help you get started with our packing list. Feel free to supplement it with personal favourites when travelling.

Kitchen & food

• Leichtes Kochgeschirr, Teller und Besteck
• Kaffeesystem Ihrer Wahl (Perkolator, Filter oder Maschine)
• Thermoskannen und Frischhalteboxen

Personal items

• Comfortable clothes and shoes for different weather conditions
• Toiletries, medicines and sunglasses
• E-reader or tablet (saves space and weight)
  

Car & safety

• Hazard triangle, safety vests and parking disk
• Navigation system or map
• Spare wheel or repair kit
  

Useful extras

• Fly swatter and dustpan and brush
• Clothes line and pegs
• Loading blocks and power cable
• Garden hose with fittings

By thinking carefully about what you really need, you will travel lighter and more relaxed. Download our complete packing list here. Make sure you don't forget anything!