The option of hiring a motorhome or campervan is a fantastic option to take advantage of an unforgettable Scottish vacation However, you might be contemplating what to expect once you finally hit the road. Here are some of our suggestions to enjoy a relaxing motorhome.
Motorhome Size
The first thing to note is that your motorhome hire Glasgow is likely much larger than what you’re used to in the past, unless you’re regularly driving an HGV or van. It’s worthwhile to find out how wide, high and long the vehicle is – you don’t want stuck in low bridges or the canopies of petrol stations. Learn how heavy it is in addition, since it can influence the speed you travel at (see below for more details).
Modern motorhomes are built for easy driving with all the power. However, there’s a large vehicles behind the driver’s seat and you must be able to pull wide when making abrupt turns, like when you’re at a traffic light for instance to avoid the risk of to cause damage to the vehicle or pedestrians who are passing.
The brakes are extremely efficient , however campervans weigh a lot. Therefore, take your time to slowing down the right time to avoid junctions, bends and other road traffic.
The size of the vehicle will limit the routes you can travel on in a certain degree. Don’t rely on your sat-nav system to guide the right direction. Get an accurate map and learn how to understand it. There are many reports of people relying on satellite navigation and ending up stuck or driving directly into Lochs!
The Scottish Highlands and West Coast particularly has some amazing single track roads that wind through the hills – in the event that you encounter any traffic, make sure to make use of the frequently used crossing points
You’re driving your Motorhome on the road
Before leaving take the time to ensure that your seat at the correct height for you to reach all of the pedals easily and that the side mirrors are installed to observe what’s going on in front of you. It could require a few miles before you’re comfortable having them as a substitute for an omni-directional rear-view mirror but eventually you’ll get knack of it.
Find out the blind spots in your car and be aware that, although the vans come with rear-view cameras in color It’s a good idea to have someone on the van for the first instances you reverse it until you’re confident that you’re in good hands. It’s an excellent idea to try it out in an empty parking space at the supermarket!
Take it slow when you first take to taking your vehicle for a drive. You’re on vacation: it’s okay to slow down. Travelling should be part of the enjoyment and not a frantic rush between A and B.
The speed limit that is legal for campervans that weigh up at 3.5 tonnes is similar to the limit cars (60 speed on one carriageway, and 70 mph for motorways and dual carriageways) However, there’s no need to speed up even if you don’t wish to. If your vehicle is more than 3.5 tonnes, it’s restricted to 50 mph for single carriageways, 60 on dual carriageways, and 70 when driving on motorways.
On certain narrow, winding Scottish roads, the speed limit could be unsafely fast Be ready to reduce your speed. There are remaining single-track routes in certain locations. They’re not ideal for big vehicles, but when you do happen to be on one, you should use the crossing points to pass and not to park high to enjoy the views!
If traffic begins to form behind you, you need to find an appropriate spot to pull into and let them pass as it’s legal and can keep you from an accident caused by people trying to pass in the wrong spot.
Motorhomes and campsites
Motorhomes that are used for wild camping is technically prohibited across Britain. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which permits limited wild camping doesn’t apply to wheeled vehicles. You are allowed to park legally in the 15-foot range of roadway, but some places that appear to be excellent overnight camping spots will be marked with the words “No overnight camping”.
When you’re late to arrive and depart early, you’ll likely enjoy free camping However, ensure that you don’t disturb the locals, and don’t harm the beauty that you’ve come to see. Remove all the trash to take with you. Also, be cautious of what you drive over Some ecosystems, like the machair in The Outer Hebrides, is surprisingly delicate and in danger of being destroyed.
Registered campsites come with a number of benefits apart from being legally permitted: electric hook-ups, toilet flushing facilities, along with piped water supply are just three of them. If you make use of the facilities on the site, you don’t need the burden of emptying your RV’s water waste tanks every so often.
Official sites typically include hard-standing pitches as well to ensure that you don’t get stuck (with Scotland’s weather sometimes being slightly damp and boggy patches are not unusual elsewhere, particularly near the edges of the asphalt).
No matter if you’re staying in an RV park, or are parking on the roadside to take an hour or so it’s a great feeling to take your bag and move on with your journey
Daily Living in the Motorhome
Whatever size it may be the motorhome is still a restricted space. It is not advised: bags that can be stored away are far more useful. In reality, it’s better to store everything away. Anything left in the car when you go off will skid across the floor and be hazardous if you need to brake quickly.
It is suggested to pack light. You can leave the stylish clothing and heels at home. We suggest that you purchase local, fresh food when you travel. This way you’ll be able to taste the delicious food Scotland offers and also help small-scale business owners at the same time.
Since there aren’t separate bedrooms in a motorhome, and the beds can double as seats, getting children to sleep early could be a challenge. If you’re located in Scotland during the summer months and the long hours of daylight do not help in reducing the time to bed! A tip, based on the years of experience that is to allow children to be up earlier and stay up later. The majority of campsites offer “quiet times” between 10 and 10pm. This effectively means that you can stop camping at night and provides an ideal time to go to bed.
In a small space, it is much more enjoyable if everyone gets up wakes up and eats around every hour. Making beds at night, and then cleaning them up at the end of the day helps make life in a motorhome less stressful and also less stressful. This may sound unflexible, but it will allow families to return from their vacations and still talking to one another!
What should you do if the Scottish Weather is bad
We’re hoping it doesn’t occur however, Scotland’s weather unfortunately, isn’t entirely reliable. It’s not always and hot, but it is sunny and hot. It’s important to plan for the worst days of summer and taking the appropriate precautions. Include waterproofs, sweaters and wellies, and plenty of books, games, and DVDs to keep everyone entertained.
If the weather is really bad it’s possible to snuggle with a blanket and watch a film or play cards or some board games or just read a good book. If, however, spending a full day spent in a small space will make you unhappy with your companions the best option is to endure the weather for long enough to go somewhere with a shaded area in which you can take advantage of the moment – like a museum, for instance, therefore, make sure you have a great guide book to the location.
If the weather is just a little bad, don your waterproofs and take an outing even if it’s to the nearest bar and return. It’s one thing to feel good and enjoy fresh air and exercise. It’s also the perfect excuse for drinking a glass of wine. In addition benefit, it offers an opportunity to change your surroundings and something to discuss. Also, Scotland can be stunning when it rains.
In actual fact, Scotland is beautiful whatever the weather. The best method to experience it is through a motorhome that allows you to enjoy the freedom of driving while staying in the comforts of your the comfort of your home. These tips for renting a motorhome inspire you to take a trip and we are looking for the pleasure of seeing you in Scotland in the near future.
