How to get the most out of your motorhome in 2021

Whether you’re one of the many people who invested in a motorhome for the first time during 2020 or an experienced tourer, you might be wondering how to get the most out of your vehicle in 2021.

From checking and upgrading your vehicle to great destinations to try out for the first time read our guide to find out what 2021 could have in store for you and your home on wheels.

With so much to keep our minds occupied during 2020 motorhome insurance might have dropped off your radar – but that would be a mistake. Keeping your motorhome protected against theft, breakdown and damage are as important as ever when it comes to touring. Give our team a call today to discuss your options.

Keep on top of maintenance matters

In amongst all the excitement of lockdowns lifting and life returning to a semblance of normality, it’s still vital to focus on the basics. Your vehicle may well have been off the road for a long period of time during 2020 and is in sore need of some TLC. Performing essential maintenance on it now is the most sensible way to get this new touring year off to a great start. After all, you don’t want to break down just a few short miles from home!

Prior to any motorhome trip, make sure you check the following things:

• Tyres - Check tyre pressure, tread depth and remove any trapped stones and debris. Watch for any bulges, cuts, or signs of cracking between the treads and on the sidewalls. Don’t forget to check the spare.
• Servicing – With MOTs and other opportunities for servicing up in the air for much of 2020, there could be a whole host of things to check. From brake fluid and oil filters to rubber hoses and the cambelt, now could be time to have a professional give it the once over.
• Water tanks – Hopefully you properly prepared your motorhome before winter. But even if you did, you’ll want to freshen up your water tanks and check for any leaks in the system.
• Heating systems – Follow the maintenance instructions in your handbook to make sure everything is working as it should. While we always hope for a balmy summer there’s always the possibility of a cold snap whatever the time of year.
• Batteries – Being left unused for any period of time can cause problems. Again, you should have been maintaining them during lay-up, but it’s still worth checking.
• Cooker and fridge – There will be some long faces on your first post-lockdown trip if the cooker or fridge are on the blink. Check and clean them now.
• General repairs – Banish squeaks and rattles from your motorhome – fix them now. And how will you reach that much needed state of calm and tranquillity if you keep bashing your head or trapping your fingers on broken or loose fittings?
• Spring clean – On the very next dry day, why not take everything out and declutter? Get rid of anything that’s no longer useful or doesn’t have that wow factor. Freeing up space in your motorhome and giving everything a deep clean will rejuvenate you as much as your vehicle. Now’s a great time for a clear out!
• Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors – As 2020 taught us, tragedy can strike at any time and to anyone. Replacing your smoke and CO detectors regularly is a simple way to protect yourself from disaster.

Spoil yourself with a little luxury upgrade

After such a difficult 2020 many people feel they deserve to spoil themselves. When cleaning your motorhome and ticking off those little maintenance jobs why not see if there’s an upgrade that could provide that extra sparkle to your trip.

Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:

1. Reward yourself with a great night’s sleep

Getting a restful night’s sleep will be key to an enjoyable first overnight trip for many of us. So why not swap those tired cushions for a great new mattress? And while you’re at it, if you’ve got the space could you add some super sumptuous seating to recline on in the evening? Stretch out, to chill out!

2. Smart upgrades for your kitchen and bathroom

With bread baking and home cooking being a popular pastime during 2020 wouldn’t it be great to put some of those new-found culinary skills into practice on your next trip? A flashy new kitchen area could be the perfect addition.

If you spend a long time away from home, why not treat yourself to a shower upgrade and make your bathing experience a little more like it is at home.

Remember, if you do decide to install some high-end systems speak to the professionals regarding installation. And even if your budget can’t stretch to that, some new bath towels could easily add an element of decadence to your trip.

3. Keep everyone entertained when you’re on the road

It’s likely that not everywhere will open up at the same time, and entertainment venues might be some of the last to do so. From installing a Smart TV and onboard high-speed Wi-Fi to upgrading your music system, there are lots of ways to make sure no one will be bored during your 2021 road trip.

4. Upgrade your security

As well as appreciating home comforts, 2021 has also taught us the need for vigilance when it comes to taking care of both our health and our property. Adding an extra level of security to your motorhome will not only help to prevent theft but could also attract benefits for your annual motorhome insurance.

5. Create some extra space to stretch out

It might still not be so easy to mix with others during 2021 so having some extra space you can stretch out in could be invaluable. Adding an awning to your motorhome is a cost-effective way to do this and could even add value to your vehicle.

Build on your confidence with a motorhome manoeuvring course

The thought of being able to get out on the open road and explore new places should be something we’re all looking forward to doing. Unfortunately, if you’re out of practice or not feeling super-confident in your driving skills it can put a real dampener on your plans.

While having motorhome insurance will help with some of those worries, there’s really nothing to compare with getting a spot of expert guidance from a professional.

 

Visit somewhere for the first time

Staying at home or just our immediate local area was an important part of keeping everyone safe during 2020. But while it was necessary it was also very frustrating for many people used to exploring in their motorhomes.

As travel restrictions are lifted and we all feel more confident to get back out there you could be tempted to return to your old haunts for something familiar that you know and love. That’s a perfectly reasonable idea and you’re sure to have a good time reconnecting with old friends and familiar places. However, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous when it comes to 2021, then why not try somewhere new? Is now the chance to tick a place off your bucket list? Seize the day and make 2021 the year you start making new memories and new friends!

Clearly, many of us will have European destinations in mind that we’ve always been keen to visit. But with COVID-19 still a massive challenge those far-off places might need to wait until 2022.

In the meantime, here are five top UK road trip ideas it would definitely be worth trying in 2021, if you haven’t done so already.

Spot Suffolk’s ‘little five’

While Africa may have its ‘Big Five’, budding David Attenboroughs will love spotting Suffolk’s ‘Little Five’ when visiting the whopping 36 nature reserves contained in this eastern English county. Exploring all this area has to offer couldn’t be simpler in a motorhome.

A possible 2021 itinerary would start off with a visit to the RSPB’s Minsmere Nature Reserve to spy red deer (and the amazing bird life), then search for grey and common seals near Southwold, snap the otters at Snape Marshes, gasp at the iridescent kingfishers in Lackford Lakes and end with a sighting of a dormouse at Bradfield Woods or Arger Fen.

Go stargazing in the wilds

Exmoor national park in the south west of England has a fantastic combination of landscapes to explore and due to the lack of development can be the perfect place for some stargazing. Indeed, on clear nights you could see thousands of stars and other celestial objects. The best sites are Bossington Hill near Minehead, County Gate car park, Brendon Common, Webbers Post, Anstey Gate, Dunkery Beacon, Winsford Hill and Wimbleball Lake.

Chase that adrenaline rush

Speeding downhill on a mountain bike is just one of the ways speed freaks and adrenaline junkies can make the most of a visit to Wales’ Brecon Beacons. There are a huge number of mountain bike routes lying in wait for the intrepid in this stunning area. There are trails here for both hardcore bikers as well as those who like something more sedate. So, what are you waiting for? Pack the bikes and hit those muddy trails for fun and adventure.

If you do bring some expensive biking equipment along for the ride, then make sure it’s covered by your motorhome insurance policy.

Take time to reflect with a Kent pilgrimage

Walkers on a quest haven’t got far to travel with this idea for 2021. In recent years there has been a huge growth in the numbers of people looking for a walk with a spiritual slant. To help meet this demand for reflection, the British Pilgrimage Trust has reestablished the Old Way, an ancient pilgrimage route found on from Britain’s oldest road map.

If you’re planning on using your motorhome as a base from which to walk the entire 217-mile route from Southampton to Canterbury then you’ll be looking at a couple of weeks. However, if you’re searching for something a little more manageable, then the final three-day trek from Ham Street to Canterbury Cathedral makes for a fascinating wander. Taking in ancient woodlands, holy wells, medieval castles, and the ancient Saxon shoreline, there will be ample time to reflect on the lessons of 2020.

Discover a Scottish road trip with a difference

While we adore the Route 66-inspired North Coast 500 route in the Highlands, there’s another Scottish road trip worth exploring. The North East 250 begins in the Granite City of Aberdeen before taking you on a circular 250-mile route up the rugged north-east coastline before heading inland and back. With the famous castles of Royal Deeside, the whisky distilleries of Speyside, the Cairngorms National Park and the empty coastline to explore, this could be a new all-time favourite.

Motorhome insurance with Motorhome Protect

Hopefully we’ll all be spending more time exploring and wandering in our motorhomes this year. So it certainly pays to get on with finding the right motorhome insurance for your needs and budget.

The specialist team at Motorhome Protect are dedicated to getting you back on the road and finding you the best policy suited to your individual circumstances. Policies can include the following benefits:

• Unlimited cover across all the countries that are part of the European Union.
• Cover of camping personal effects for up to £3,000.
• Up to 6 months to complete a self-restoration.
• Cover for motorhomes with a value up to £150,000.
• Unlimited mileage cover.
• Consideration of all claims and convictions.

Call Motorhome Protect today for a motorhome insurance quote.

Policy benefits and features offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.