 |
Essential First time motoring
Driving Licence Holders of a UK Category B driving licences obtained prior to 1 January 1997 may drive a Motorhome hire up to 7500 kgs gross mass, Category B licences obtained after that date restrict holders to Motorhome hires of less than 3500 kgs unless a LGV licence has been obtained. Our Motorhome is less than 3500 kgs.
For standard insurance purposes the driver must be between 25 and 70 years old and have held a full licence for at least three years.
For drivers between 70 years of age and 75 we can arrange insurance but the Motorhome must be returned before the drivers 75th birthday and will incur a charge of £10 extra a day due to insurance stipulations.
Our Motorhome is based on the right hand drive Fiat Ducato chassis. It has power steering and a 5 speed manual gearbox. The gear lever is a stubby stick conveniently positioned on the dash. The first thing you notice though is the high driving position which gives you every opportunity to be able to anticipate road conditions ahead; to judge bends and braking more easily. There is plenty of height and recline adjustment to the seat and you generally adopt a more upright and relaxed driving position.
You are bigger than a car and need to move out a little to the middle of the road to avoid overhanging trees on the nearside and move over a bit more to avoid the odd cyclist and car when overtaking. Take a bigger swing when manoeuvring but you will be surprised at the turning circle, which beats some 4x4's. Reversing is always best done with a passenger on the ground or for you to get out and make your own check before starting.
Keep your speed steady until you gain confidence and remember relax you are on holiday. Car transporters create dirty air when they overtake on the motorway and they are the worst but just keep a steady line and let them pass by.
Your mirrors become your best friend they are big and you should check they are correctly positioned to allow you to scan them easily to spot fast approaching traffic. Our Motorhome has slightly limited rear vision.
Motorhome hires are easy to drive but different to a car, Take things at a steadier pace and try to anticipate braking and cornering to make the journey more comfortable and reduce the number of complaints from the navigators. Finally remember all handbrakes are on the right hand side.
Traffic Rules
The speed limits for our motorhome is the same as cars. 70 mph is the maximum on motorways but on dual carriageways the maximum is restricted to 60 mph and to 50 mph on single carriageways, unless there signs which display specific speed restrictions. Beware there has been an increase in the number of speed camera used on major roads and motorways.
Roads
Small coastal and country roads get congested during the holiday periods and you have to be more aware of narrow bridges and roadside hedges as the motorhome is wider than a normal car. Use on non metalled roads is not permitted. Also beware low bridges or anything where access is restricted to 10 feet high or 6 feet 6 inches wide. You are too big.
Fuel
Our Motorhome has a diesel engine, and with good careful driving you should return over 30mpg.
Care must be taken to insure that Diesel is pumped into the correct filling port as there have been cases of people filling up with diesel in the water tank. Both filling points are clearly marked.
Parking
Parking the Motorhome in the centre of most big towns is difficult and best avoided. Motorhomes cannot be parked in multi-storey car parks. Parking in central London is very difficult if not impossible, as you have to find available street parking.
There is also a congestion charge for vehicles entering central London. We suggest that you do not even attempt to travel round London but park on the outskirts and use public transport.
The most convenient place to park are large supermarkets and railway stations as they are well signposted, generally they have easy access and are within walking distance of town centres. Be aware some have height restrictions and you cannot get the Motorhome vehicle into anything less than 10 feet.
Choosing pitches
It is generally recommended to use hard standing when available. The motorhomes are front wheel drive and easily loose grip on wet grass and if the ground is soft you might find you will sink in a little. We have strips and levelling blocks, which are in the motorhome, instructions are provided.
Collection & Return
Most customers arrive by car and leave the car with us on our private drive. It is at your own risk but generally someone is on site twenty-four hours. The Motorhome will be normally available for collection from 6.00pm – 8.00pm. Other arrangements must be made at the time of booking.
We spend as long as it takes to ensure you are familiar with the operation of all equipment. We complete the paperwork and provide you with the Motorhome Hire Agreement, which is your insurance document. This completes the handover. If you are working to a schedule please allow about 60 minutes for this.
The Motorhome must be returned at a time pre-arranged by both parties on the due date. There are penalties for late return, you are not insured and will be committing a Road Traffic offence. Please contact us if you have a problem.
Inventory
A full inventory will be supplied with the Motorhome Booking Agreement. Basically all cooking and eating equipment and outdoor folding tables and chairs are provided. All you have to bring is bedding; usually bottom sheets, duvets or sleeping bags, pillows and towels.
Safety
Our Motorhome is fitted with seat belts for passengers including the driver. Additional passengers are not allowed to travel in the vehicle without a seat belt
A fire extinguisher and fire blanket is fitted in our Motorhome as well as a CO2 alarm. You must turn off the gas at the bottle before travelling.
Planning
It is worth booking the first night camp site in advance and choosing somewhere close to us if you have already had a long journey. We can advise on sites near Ipswich, close to town or in surrounding villages.
A complimentary overnight stay at Willow Farm, Near Woodbridge can be arranged for your first night if required.
“Wild camping” is not strictly legal as technically you should always seek the landowners permission to stay overnight.
Water
Our Motorhome has an on-board fresh water tank, approximately 120 litres .The tank will have approx. 20 litres of water on board upon collection, enough for your journey. You will need to fill up before parking. Gauges on board will indicate when you are running low and you can fill up at sites , A hose is provided. A grey water waste tank is also
On-board. Both tanks have a similar capacity.
The toilet has a separate cartridge tank, which must be emptied into an appropriate chemical disposal point or WC. “Blue” fluid must be added to the cassette when it has been emptied. The fluid is a de-odoriser and does not adversely affect sewage systems. A bottle of fluid is supplied.
Fridge
The fridge operates on Gas, 240 volt or 12 volt when the engine is running and current is supplied directly from the alternator.
Once on site if you are hooked up to mains switch to 240 volt supply if you are on a site with no mains hook up or parked during your journey switch to gas.
 | 
