With reports indicating that 2009 is going to be a record year for sales of motorhomes, first time buyers will need to consider the basic services of living in a motorhome. This article serves as a brief guide to get started and make the motor-caravanning life a little more comfortable.
Heating a motorhome and cooking requires gas. The gas, also known as LPG is stored in replaceable steel bottles or cylinders on-board and should be stored in an upright position. Depending on the type of motorhome there may be permanent gas storage on-board which can be refilled at stations, just like LPG cars. It is also illegal to use gas whilst on the move in the UK and in many European countries. There are two common types of gas used in motorhomes; propane and butane. Butane contains more energy per bottle than propane but will not operate at lower temperatures. As fittings require changing from the use of propane to butane, those who use their motorhome all year round prefer to use propane.
One of the most obvious requirements is a source of clean and drinkable water. The majority of modern motorhomes are fitted with on-board water tanks capable of holding 15 – 40 gallons or more. On average, these tanks will need to be refilled every 2-3 days, based on the typical usage of 2 people. Ensure to refill the tanks from mains based water and not tank based. Less regular use of the water supply can cause stale tasting water; in this case using bottled drinking water is recommended.
Another consideration is waste generated and its disposal. Disposal of waste will vary pending its type; household, grey waste and black waste. Household waste is the easiest to dispose of by using waste bins. However used water, also known as ‘grey waste’ can cause more problems as grey waste can only be dumped in certain areas. In many instances these areas are only accessible via foot so those with a dump valve on their motorhome will need to find a portable container to carry the waste to the dump point. Fortunately some sites will provide facilities where it is easy to drive to the emptying point, situated on firm ground with an emptying gulley. Note that empting grey waste into public drains is technically illegal in most places. Black waste or toilet waste is stored within a toilet cassette. Cassette emptying can be carried out at the ‘CDP’ or Chemical-toilet Disposal Point which can vary from a covered hole in the ground to a ceramic toilet device.
Electricity is another commodity and comes in two flavours; 12 volt or 230 volt, i.e. vehicle and mains supplies. The vehicle electrics are available all the time but low powered, mains electricity is only available on sites once the vehicle has been ‘hooked up’. Typically the vehicle electrics will be able to supply the lights and water pump, but not heating. Air conditioning can also be run on the vehicle electrics, but is generally more efficient on the mains. Most modern motorhomes will have all the fittings necessary so that once the oudoor cables have been attached the sites mains supply mains electrics will be available.
Finally, consider using other amenities likes microwaves or a small portable oven for cooking, as most motorhomes only come fitted with a gas hob. For heating, portable electric fan heaters can be used through the mains supply, however avoid using gas heaters because of the suffocation risk.
If you are a motorhome owner and you’re looking for a fantastic motorhome insurance quote, give Sureterm Direct a call on 0800 999 2030. Sureterm Direct are motorhome insurance specialists and will build the right policy to suite your needs
This article serves as a brief guide to get started and make the motor-caravanning life a little more comfortable.
Heating a motorhome and cooking requires gas. The gas, also known as LPG is stored in replaceable steel bottles or cylinders on-board and should be stored in an upright position. Depending on the type of motorhome there may be permanent gas storage on-board which can be refilled at stations, just like LPG cars. It is also illegal to use gas whilst on the move in the UK and in many European countries. There are two common types of gas used in motorhomes; propane and butane. Butane contains more energy per bottle than propane but will not operate at lower temperatures. As fittings require changing from the use of propane to butane, those who use their motorhome all year round prefer to use propane.
One of the most obvious requirements is a source of clean and drinkable water. The majority of modern motorhomes are fitted with on-board water tanks capable of holding 15 – 40 gallons. On average, these tanks will need to be refilled every 2-3 days, based on the typical usage of 2 people. Ensure to refill the tanks from mains based water and not tank based and less regular use of the water supply can cause stale tasting water; in this instance it is advisable to use bottled drinking water instead.
Another consideration is waste generated and its disposal. Disposal of waste will vary pending its type; household, grey waste and black waste. Household waste is the easiest to dispose of by using waste bins. However used water, also known as ‘grey waste’ can cause more problems as grey waste can only be dumped in certain areas. In many instances these areas are only accessible via foot so those with a dump valve on their motorhome will need to find a portable container to carry the waste to the dump point. Fortunately some sites will provide facilities where it is easy to drive to the emptying point, situated on firm ground with an emptying gulley. Note that empting grey waste into public drains is technically illegal in most places. Black waste or toilet waste is stored within a toilet cassette. Cassette emptying can be carried out at the ‘CDP’ or Chemical-toilet Disposal Point which can vary from a covered hole in the ground to a ceramic toilet device.
Electricity is another commodity and comes in two flavours; 12 volt or 230 volt, i.e. vehicle and mains supplies. The vehicle electrics are available all the time but low powered, mains electricity is only available on sites once the vehicle has been ‘hooked up’. Typically the vehicle electrics will be able to supply the lights and water pump, but not heating. Air conditioning can also be run on the vehicle electrics, but is generally more efficient on the mains. Most modern motorhomes will have all the fittings necessary so that once the oudoor cables have been attached the sites mains supply mains electrics will be available.
Finally, consider using other amenities likes microwaves or a small portable oven for cooking, as most motorhomes only come fitted with a gas hob. For heating, portable electric fan heaters can be used through the mains supply, however avoid using gas heaters because of a suffocation risk.
If you are a motorhome owner and you’re looking for a fantastic motorhome insurance quote, give Sureterm Direct a call on 0800 999 2030. Alternatively, get an immediate motorhome insurance quote online today.
