Driving a Campervan – Embrace the Adventure
Everyone starts somewhere. Whether it’s cooking, driving, or even walking, each skill you possess today was once new to you. If you’re hiring a campervan for the first time, the thought of driving it might feel intimidating. But, just like anything else, you’ll quickly get the hang of it. In no time, you’ll enjoy both the experience of being behind the wheel and the freedom it offers.
For a little extra peace of mind, we’ve put together some helpful tips to consider before you take the wheel for the first time.
Why Driving a Campervan is Easier Than You Think
No special skills or training are required to drive most campervans in our fleet. Sure, they’re larger than your car, but if you’re comfortable driving a car, you’re fully capable of handling a campervan.
- The controls are familiar – You don’t need a special license to drive a campervan. The controls are much like your car, and with a bit of practice, you’ll feel right at home.
- The mirrors are larger – While your rear view is more limited, campervans have large wing mirrors, giving you great visibility on either side.
- The driving position is superior – Campervans are built with high driving positions, offering excellent views of the road and your surroundings.
- The cab is more comfortable – Long-distance drivers need comfort, so motorhomes come equipped with high-quality van seats, luxurious upholstery, and extra driver conveniences.
- The weight isn’t as noticeable as you’d think – Although campervans are bigger and heavier than cars, they’re based on commercial vans designed to carry heavy loads, making the steering and controls easier than you’d expect.
Making the Most of Your Campervan Drive
Driving a campervan can be a relaxing and even meditative experience if you let it. Adjust your driving style, take it slow, and enjoy the ride.
- Don’t rush – Enjoy the journey – Unlike your daily drives, you’re not racing against the clock with a campervan. You’re free to go at your own pace, so relax and take it easy. Slow, steady, and calm.
- Make each maneuver count – Campervans don’t zip in and out of traffic; they move with purpose. Plan your maneuvers well, use your indicators early, and glide smoothly between lanes.
- Ask for parking help – If you’re traveling with others, don’t hesitate to ask your passengers to assist with parking. It’ll make the process easier and less stressful when you work together.
Top Tips for Driving a Campervan
Though driving a campervan is similar to driving a car, it’s important to keep in mind its larger size, weight, and length.
- Reverse into parking spaces – It’s usually easier to park in reverse, and it makes pulling out much smoother. Plus, it’s safer since pedestrians may not realize you can’t see them when you’re reversing.
- Take corners wide – While it’s easy to navigate the front wheels around corners, be mindful of the back wheels. Make sure to drive a little past a corner to ensure the entire campervan makes it around.
- Accelerate and brake gently – Campervans aren’t built for speed, so accelerate gradually. Because of their size, they also take longer to brake, so plan ahead and start slowing down sooner.
- Be cautious on exposed routes – Campervans are tall and relatively light for their size, which means you might feel crosswinds more than in your car. Slow down if the wind picks up.
- Mind your headroom – Always check the height of your campervan in the manual or on the cab, and watch for low bridges or max headroom signs. Many sat-navs allow you to set alerts for low bridges.
- Pull over on single-track roads – If you’re on a narrow road and someone wants to pass, make it easy for them. If you’ve ever been stuck behind a slow-moving caravan, you’ll know how appreciated this gesture can be!
Don’t Hesitate to Try Driving a Campervan
Ultimately, there’s nothing stopping you from getting behind the wheel of a luxurious campervan. Driving one is easier than you might think, and once you’ve done it, we’re sure you’ll be eager to hit the road again. So, go ahead—check out our campervans for hire and make your reservation for an unforgettable adventure!