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Embarking on a motorhome adventure is a dream for many – a journey filled with the promise of open roads, stunning landscapes, and the freedom to explore at one’s own pace.
But while the idea of motorhoming sounds idyllic, there are a few lesser-known realities that can catch newbies by surprise! As full-time motorhomers for the past six years, we’re sharing the unexpected challenges and quirks of life on the road.
1. Motorhoming is expensive
There is no escaping the fact that a motorhoming lifestyle costs money – quite a lot of money. Firstly, you have to fork out for the motorhome itself, and then you’ll want to perhaps add extras like solar panels or air suspension.
Just when you think you might have got away with it, the annual insurance renewal and service bill will arrive. At this point, you’ll start to realize that spending your holidays in a tin box is not a budget option. But if you’re pockets are deep, and you love life on the road, then there’s nothing better!
2. You have to look at poo
Unless you get your other half to be the exclusive toilet cassette manager, you’ll have to look at your poo and theirs too. There is no way around this when emptying a motorhome toilet cassette (unless you decide not to use it for #2s).
You even have to see the stuff if you have a composting toilet, as you’ll need to bag and bin or cover it with organic composting material. You could always shut your eyes or turn away when emptying, but this risks splashing or missing the emptying point, and bitter experience tells me the consequences of that are even worse!
3. Having a barney is a challenge
It’s impossible to have a full-on shouting, stomping-off argument. There’s nowhere private to go for a sulk, and everyone can hear you yelling at each other.
Travelling together and being cooped up, especially if the weather is bad, can be a test of even the strongest of relationships, so it’s critical that you’re able to discuss issues without falling out or alerting the neighbourhood to your domestic.
4. Getting sick is even worse…
If one of you gets sick, a motorhome can feel like an extremely small space. Years ago, we spent a seven-day family holiday in a motorhome in France, and all of us caught a D&V bug. Luckily, we were on a campsite, so we had the facilities to help us, but at one point, we had five people fighting for three err… receptacles.
Vomitgate has gone down in family lore as the worst holiday ever. At least we’ve moved to a point where we can laugh about it, just.
5. Brits don’t like us
Motorhoming in the UK is hard if you want to camp off-grid. The explosion of motorhome buyers means our small island, which can feel overcrowded, has fallen out of love with motorhomes and campervans.
Add to that the pandemic-era of motorhome holidays, and it’s easy to feel unwelcome, especially if you’re wild camping. Instead, head for Europe, a huge landmass full of empty space and welcoming locals. And croissants. And wine.
6. You won’t suddenly become cool
Unless you’re cool in the first place (and maybe then you’d be a van lifer, not a motorhomer), you’re not going to suddenly become cool.
In the same way, you’re not going to suddenly become a better person, practising yoga outside every morning before tending your beachy blonde locks. Sorry to be the bearer of this bad news.
7. Driving takes effort
Driving a motorhome takes concentration and skill. Think parking at the supermarket, navigating country lanes, staying steady on the motorway and reverse street parking. If you’re especially long, heavy or high, it just adds to the challenge.
Getting stuck somewhere (like we did in the middle of Istanbul without a route that we could safely pass) is really stressful, so if you’re a nervous driver, you may want to take a motorhome manoeuvring course first before you set off on your first motorhome trip.
8. WiFi is a pain
We’re constantly surprised by the poor quality and speed of signal in the UK, especially in rural areas. Some of Europe seems a bit better, but the reality is you might struggle to get internet in your motorhome, especially if you’re boondocking somewhere remote.
This is frustrating if you’re a remote worker and need to access your emails, or you just want to watch a bit of telly – a good time to practice your downward dog, maybe?
9. It’s hot in bed
And not in a good way. Unless you have air conditioning, motorhomes can be warm places at night in the summer. If you don’t have fly screens fitted, you have the unenviable choice of sweating all night with the windows closed or being bitten to death by mosquitos with them open.
10. Weight is limited
Space and weight are at a premium in a van. All motorhomes have a gross vehicle weight limit, which you must not exceed by law. This means that you might have to leave some things behind.
I’m going to frame this as a worthy thing that points to a simple, pared-back and un-materialistic lifestyle. Does that make it feel better? Thought not…
11. Weather is a thing
When you live in a van, the weather dictates everything. From whether (see what I did there) you go out for a day or chill in the van with a good book, where you camp (soggy grass or hardstanding), to how much solar you can pull in to power your stuff, the weather is the be all and end all.
12. You’ll become a hunter-gatherer
Much of your time living in a motorhome will be spent working out where to get things and then going to where they are. I’m talking about fresh water, power, somewhere to dispose of your waste (toilet waste, grey water from your shower and sink, and regular household waste in your bin), somewhere to camp, and a laundry facility.
These are all things you have on hand when you live in a house but don’t in a van, turning you into a prehistoric human gathering resource to survive. Perhaps it’s not quite that bad…
13. Long hot showers are out
Water suddenly bocomes a precious commodity not to be wasted. When you realise the average person uses 140 litres of water a day and your motorhome only carries 100 litres in total, you have to really start thinking about how to live life using less water.
Suddenly, washing pits and bits instead of showering every day becomes ok, and not washing your hair for a week is the norm.
14. You’ll want to keep going
Motorhoming will change you. Travelling slowly opens your horizons and allows you to become immersed in the world around you in a way that regular holidays don’t. Expect to return from each motorhome adventure wanting to jack it all in for a life on the road!
If you’re still seriously considering becoming a motorhomer, check out our resources for motorhome beginners, they will help you get going. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Looking for other motorhoming tips? Check out these posts…
Italy in Winter: 22 Magical Places to Visit from North to South
Amsterdam in Winter: Weather, Where to Go & What to Pack
Prague Christmas Market & 24 More Festive Things to Do
Christmas in London: 38 Festive Things to Do
22 Best Christmas Cities in Europe for a Festive Experience
Where is Hot in December in Europe? 32 Top Destinations
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Definitely look into second-hand motorhomes, TaraLynn83. You can save a lot of money upfront. And yeah, cooking vs eating out saves a ton.
Hey TaraLynn83, Mike here. The initial cost can be steep, but there are lots of ways to save like staying in less expensive campsites and cooking your own meals. It’s all about the lifestyle you want to live on the road. Hope that helps!
So ive been thinking about getting a motorhome for the fam this summer but the cost thing has me worried. Izzy mentioned it’s expensive, but how bad are we talking? Is it just the fuel or everything else too? Some tips on keeping costs down would be super helpful.