Top Tips for First Time Caravan and Motorhome Buyers
If you’re a first time buyer, we’ve got a few tips to share with you when it comes to your Caravan or Motorhome…
How to Load a Caravan
When loading a Caravan, it always comes back to two things, how much extra weight the Caravan can carry and where you put that weight. It’s always important to ensure the Caravan is packed correctly, so here are a few tips on how to do this.
Knowing how to calculate the weight-carrying capacity is simple and easy to do. Using the handbook or data sticker on the side of the Caravan, you can find both figures for calculating the payload. The calculation is the Mass in Running Order or MRO (lower figure) from the Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass or MTPLM (higher figure).
MRO (Mass in Running Order)
The empty, or unladen, weight of the Caravan or Motorhome plus allowance for Caravans, one full gas bottle and one mains electric cable (14kg). Fluids in ALDE heating system (10kg for a single axle and 12kg for twin axle).
MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass)
The legal maximum for a Caravan or Motorhome can weigh once you’ve added all your luggage and equipment.
When packing your Caravanning essentials, it’s important to make sure they are stored in the correct place as it makes it easier and safer to tow. It can sometimes be beneficial to load the car’s boot first and allow any reminding items into the Caravan, but don’t forget the car has a limit load too!
- Heavy items (Awning etc.) should be loaded low down and over the axle.
- Medium-weight items (bags etc.) should be loaded low down and possibly under seats but remember to keep heavier items close to the axle.
- Light items (clothing etc.) can be loaded higher up in the roof lockers or wardrobes. Make sure to be aware that the higher the weight, the more it affects the Caravan’s centre of gravity.
How to Level Your Motorhome
Levelling your Motorhome is important as it ensures a comfortable night’s sleep and that all appliances work correctly.
To ensure the Motorhome is level you will need a spirit level and a pair of levelling ramps. Place the spirit level on a flat surface e.g. a worktop or the floor so it points widthways across the Motorhome. Then turn the spirit level 90 degrees so that it points lengthways along the Motorhome. This determines which side or end needs to be raised.
If the front of your Motorhome needs raising, it is useful to know the following information. Place the ramps in front of the front wheels – one per wheel – so the wheels can climb up each ramp when driven forward. Push them firmly into place with your foot, so they don’t slip as the Motorhome drives up the ramps.
If you are levelling the Motorhome, climbing onto each level of the ramp (applying the handbrake as you do so) allows you to check your progress with a spirit level. Once the Motorhome is level, apply the handbrake.
Discover more How To Guides on the Bailey of Bristol website. Also, if you need any support, please don’t hesitate to contact Campbells Caravans.