What's the payload of your motorhome? Probably not as much as you think! Start by ignoring any salesman's assurances or published figures, the only way to be sure is to work it out for yourself. The payload is the maximum weight of everything you can carry in a vehicle without …
In England the Smoke-free (Private Vehicles) Regulations 2015 make it illegal for the driver to smoke, or allow anyone to smoke, in an enclosed private vehicle carrying someone under 18, including motor caravans.
However the Regulations also provide the exemption that they do not apply to—
(a) a caravan or motor …
See our new article for the latest issues with DVLA reclassifying vehicles as motor caravans
Although the term motorhome is very widely used, it is not officially recognised in the UK as a vehicle type. The legislative term used in the UK is motor caravan.
Under the European Community Whole Vehicle …
A-Class
This is a completely purpose built motorhome, the manufacturer builds the body onto a new chassis/engine unit.
The advantages are that the interior is more spacious because the 'cab' area is usually part of the accommodation, many have a 'pull-down' double bed above the front seats, this can of course …
Often confusing for the newcomer, here is a brief resume of the types likely to be found in motorhomes.
Cassette toilet:A fixed toilet in the motorhome with a removable box (cassette) to hold the waste. Some types have a built in water tank for the flushing water, others use the …
In 2015 the Government published guidance on the carriage of passengers in campervans, the information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carriage-of-passengers-in-campervans
Our original article, last updated in 2011, is included below for additional background information.
We asked the Department for Transport for their interpretation on the law as it …
As we understand it for all EU countries, all visiting vehicles must be road legal in their country of registration, which effectively means that you must have paid UK Road Tax (if your vehicle requires it) and have a current MOT Certificate. This may also be a requirement of your insurance company.
VOSA statement on speed limits for motorhomes (2007):
"Regarding speed limits, provided the motor homes are "motor caravans" then they are subject to passenger vehicle speed limits, which are 70 mph on a motorway or dual carriageway and 60mph on other roads unless a lower speed limit applies, provided the …
We asked TV Licensing about the requirements for TV licences
The law says you need to be covered by a TV Licence to:
It's very difficult to give a straightforward answer, the problem is that many bits of legislation may apply, including the Caravan Sites & Control of Development Act, and more recent legislation covering gypsies and travellers. A motorhome or campervan can be classed in law as a 'caravan', sleeping in it …
Towing a car
Our view is that the safest method is to use a purpose designed trailer. There are devices known as A-frames which allow a car to be towed directly, the manufacturers of these devices will assure users that their use is legal. The Department for Transport have provided guidance …
Having heard from some owners of motorhomes with a GVW of over 7.5 tonnes that they had been told by VOSA that their vehicle must be fitted with a tachograph, we asked the Department for Transport for clarification of the legislation. The following summary has been agreed by the DfT …
The only way to be sure that you are using the right pressures is to get the information from the tyre manufacturer themselves. Any vehicle-specific information is only going to be a general guideline and may not take into account the type of tyres fitted and the actual loading. Some …
[Last updated August 2012]
ECWVTA (European Whole Vehicle Type Approval) is a system allowing a vehicle design to be 'type approved' for sale, registration and entry into service across all member states in the EU without the need for further testing in each country. This will result in the creation of …
Planning to visit London by motorhome? - you need to read this!
The London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) commenced on 4 February 2008 and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will come into force on 8th April 2019
This is our interpretation of how the LEZ will affect motorhomes - please refer …
The restrictions on the use of hosepipes is officially known as a Temporary Use Ban (TUB) and includes: 'Drawing water, using a hosepipe, for domestic recreational use.'
We consulted with Thames Water and they have advised us as follows:
"The definition of domestic recreation use is:
a) recreational use …
If you are completely new to motorhomes or campervans, the best advice is to look at as many different types as you can, there is no substitute for seeing a motorhome 'in the flesh' - they often look quite different to the pictures in magazines and manufacturers promotional material. The …
BUDGET 2020 - Changes to VED Rates for new motorhomes
From 12 March 2020, the government will reduce annual VED liabilities for most new motorhomes (type approved M1SA) to a flat rate of £265, which will rise to £270 for 2020-21, as motorhome manufacturers and dealers will not be required to …
[Updated Feb 2013 - change to C1 test]
A question often asked is 'Can I drive a motorhome on my car licence?'
If your motorhome is over 3.5 tonnes MAM but does not exceed 7.5 tonnes you will need to hold a driving licence that includes category C1 entitlement. …
CHANGES TO THE MOT TEST FROM 20th MAY 2018 (Last updated 3/5/18)
1. Defects will be categorised differently
Defects found during the MOT will be categorised as dangerous, major, minor, advisory
Dangerous and major defects will result in a fail, minor and advisory defects will result in a pass.
2. There will be stricter …
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