The right kind of cover will ensure you’re totally prepared when you’re on the road, safe in the knowledge that even if you have an accident or break down you won’t be stranded without any help. Most motorhome insurers will offer breakdown assistance as part of their standard package, but as always you need to do your research. Different insurers will be able to offer different things. Some will offer breakdown assistance as standard whilst others will consider it as an optional extra with prices differing accordingly, so make sure to factor it into your final decision. Of course, you might be able to get a separate breakdown policy if necessary, but it often makes sense (both from a financial standpoint as well as convenience) to see if you can include it as part of a wider insurance package.

It goes without saying – always make sure to read the small print. You could find that you have weight, length, height and location restrictions so it makes sense to double check, lest you find yourself broken down with a breakdown assistance policy that doesn’t cover your vehicle. Also pay particular attention to European travel restrictions. Most policies will specify a certain length of time that your breakdown assistance will be valid for whilst in Europe. This can vary from as little as 30 days, to 120 days or even not at all. If you’re planning on going on a full-scale European tour you should make doubly certain that you’ve got the right kind of protection.

So, always make sure that you’ve got motorhome breakdown insurance if you want complete peace of mind when you’re on the road. Getting the necessary level of protection will mean you can set off on your holiday in confidence. As long as you make sure to do your research you should soon find a policy that can give you the level of cover you’re looking for without breaking the bank in the process.

As well as 82 pitches the site will also benefit from a reception building, amenity block, a warden unit and even storage space for 80 tourers, ensuring that it offers something for everyone complete with all the amenities necessary. Concerns were raised over the increased traffic and noise pollution set to descend on the small village of Hoton, but it was deemed that the boost to tourism would far outweigh any negative impact. In fact, the Caravan Club has predicted that the site will generate as much as £600,000 per year for the local economy, being a welcome increase in the current climate.

The Club is ready to begin work on the site, and if it’s going to be anything like their other parks we can’t wait to see the result. It’s set to be open year-round, making it ideal for getaways whatever the weather. The former airfield has got quite an illustrious history too—RAF Wymeswold was first opened in 1942 as a base for Wellington bombers during the Second World War, and the transformation of the site into a caravan park will ensure that the area is still being put to good use.

It’s in an ideal location which means it could be an incredibly popular site, and who knows, a few A-list celebs could even make an appearance. Caravanning certainly has some famous fans and if rumours are to be believed it’s set to get even more glamorous, with Beyoncé and Gwyneth Paltrow apparently planning a high-end caravanning holiday for their husbands. The holiday double-date is set to involve a trip to Florida in a luxury Winnebago, going back to nature as only celebs can, with sources revealing that they’re planning the trip to give Jay-Z and Chris Martin time to unwind after hectic touring schedules. A-listers going camping? If that’s not a bizarre yet fabulous bit of caravan news, we don’t know what is!

• Research. Spending the time to research the area is vital because you’ll never be quite sure that you’ve made the right decision unless you spend the time to look, so never make rash decisions and always think rationally and logically if you want to choose wisely.
• Consider their reputation. Reputation is absolutely vital in this industry because your finances could be on the line should you choose poorly. Always make sure that your chosen insurer has a great reputation complete with plenty of happy customers in their wake. Scour the net for reviews and recommendations to help you in your choice.
• Check for their general exclusions. Most insurers will always have a general set of exclusions that will be apparent in any policy, so make sure to check the small print so you know what and what not you’re covered for.
• Make sure they’ve got a good claims process. Having a great policy is all well and good, but if it takes an age for anything to get underway then you certainly won’t be happy with the result. Ideally any insurer should offer 24-hour claims lines with a straightforward claims process, and if they’ve got UK-based call centres it’ll be an added bonus.
• They need to offer the right policy at the right price. It goes without saying really, but any company needs to offer a quality level of cover at great prices. Then again, it’s all about being logical. At the end of the day you tend to get what you pay for, so never be tempted by rock bottom rates and instead make sure you’re getting great value for money with a high-end policy at a great price.

These are just a few things you need to bear in mind when looking for motorhome insurance companies. If you can tick everything off the list you can be confident in having found a provider you can work with.

Tracking systems have been specifically designed to track down your caravan should it be stolen. So whilst it won’t necessarily prevent your vehicle from falling foul to thieves (although it could act as a great deterrent) it drastically improves the chances of your caravan being recovered. With statistics showing that only around 3% of stolen caravans ever get returned, doesn’t it make sense to buck the odds in your favour?

These systems work by monitoring the movement of a tourer, so if the caravan moves unexpectedly the owner will automatically be notified. They’ll receive a text message with all the information they need to help the police locate the vehicle. The effectiveness of such devices is clearly demonstrated as in many cases the stolen vehicle can be tracked down within the hour, ensuring your caravan isn’t lost for good.

Tracking systems are often installed as standard in luxury tourers to give owners the peace of mind they need, but if you need to install one yourself it’s vital that you choose wisely. There are plenty of different products available but you need to make sure that your device comes with a rating from Thatcham or Sold Secure, thereby ensuring it meets industry standards and is up to the task at hand. Always check the features as well. Any system should include 24-hour monitoring, European cover and a low battery warning for maximum effectiveness, and it’s worth remembering that most will come with a subscription service so make sure yours doesn’t expire.

Of course, the cost of tracking devices will always vary depending on the one you actually choose, but with prices starting from around £460 it’s a small price to pay to get the peace of mind you need. The benefits don’t stop there either. Installation of a tracking system can often result in great discounts on your caravan insurance cover, so always remember the importance of getting a tracking system and you can be safe in the knowledge that your beloved caravan is in good hands.

By investing in satellite TV you need never miss a thing no matter where your travels may take you, and it doesn’t even have to be that difficult (or costly) to get set up. A basic system can cost from as little as £100 whilst a more high-tech version can set you back anywhere up to £2,000. The equipment you’ll need simply depends on your specific needs, budget and where you’re actually planning on travelling, for example, you might need more in-depth systems if you’re planning on watching TV abroad.

As for getting access to all those lovely TV channels? Well, Sky could well be first on your list. If you’ve got a subscription at home you’ll be able to take your receiver along with you for uninterrupted access. It is important however to bear in mind that you could be invalidating your contract if you take your domestic Sky card overseas, although this of course isn’t the only option.

Freesat is a great choice if you don’t need or want the hassle of a subscription service. Once you’ve got your freesat box and satellite dish sorted you’ll be good to go with a one-off payment giving you access to up to 200 channels from the comfort of your own motorhome. Free-to-air channels can be a great alternative, and again all you’ll need is a suitable digital receiver and a satellite dish.

At the end of the day, the system that’s right for you will all depend on your individual needs and budget, but there’s one thing you always need to factor in—your motorhomes insurance cover. You could well be investing in expensive pieces of kit so you’ll need to make sure that your policy can provide the necessary level of protection. Once you’ve got things sorted and the satellite system installed you can get on the road whilst being safe in the knowledge that you’ll never miss a thing. What could be better than that?

The first thing you need to remember is safe towing guidelines. You need to make sure that everything is thoroughly secured whilst keeping an eye on weight limits in the caravan itself as well as the maximum towing weight of the car. Always ensure your vehicle is properly balanced so there won’t be any tipping issues when you’re on the road. As for driving, slowly and carefully is the order of the day, and always make sure you leave enough space for cornering and efficient manoeuvring.

Then you need to think about on-board safety, and a first aid kit should be a top priority. Whether you’re on the road or hitched up at a caravan site it could be difficult to get to a chemist or doctors at short notice, so having emergency medical supplies on board is vital to ensure you can respond as quickly as possible. Make sure to have the basics such as plasters, antiseptic cream, bandages and medical tape close at hand, and ideally have a well-stocked medicine cabinet with painkillers, anti-histamines and insect repellents too.

After that you should look to smoke alarms and CO2 monitors, because they’re just as important in your caravan as they are anywhere else. Many new models will come with such alarms fitted as standard but it’s always worth double-checking, and if you think it’s time for an upgrade always go for a decent model that provides the necessary level of protection. Things like fire fighting equipment will be just as vital, with fire blankets and extinguishers always needing to be installed.

It’s all about staying safe when you’re in your caravan, because as much as we try to avoid them, accidents can and do happen. Whether you’re on the road or hitched up it’s vital that you take the necessary precautions, and with the right kind of equipment (combined with a bit of common sense) you can be confident that you’re as safe as possible and free to you enjoy your holiday.

Well, as with so many things, research is key. You need to do your homework if you want to be confident in finding the best deal, because as well as seeing the type of models available it also pays to learn a bit about pricing. Having a basic knowledge of market value can steer you well when it comes time to making your decision. It’s always worth carefully considering your budget and sticking to a limit so you don’t break the bank.

When searching, the type of base vehicle should be high on the list of priorities. Turbo-diesel engines dominate the market, offering better performance than standard diesels, and whilst petrol models are generally out of favour they can sometimes offer the best prices so shouldn’t be automatically overlooked. It’s also a good idea to look for motorhomes that have been built on less common base vehicles, with these tending to be the biggest bargains of them all.

The condition of the vehicle itself will of course be of huge importance. You need to make sure that it’s structurally sound and that the internal fixtures and fittings have been properly looked after. Whilst you’ll always need to undertake a thorough motorhome maintenance routine of your own, it’s vital that you’ve got a good starting point. Make sure to check every aspect of your potential motorhome from the electrics to the water system, and of course, take it for a test drive too.

Everything else tends to be down to personal opinion. Layout will always come into it as will interior specification, fixtures and fittings and the overall design of the vehicle itself. The age of the vehicle should also be a high priority too. You don’t want anything too old as, whilst often cheaper, you won’t get such a good return for your money and the maintenance issues could be far too complex to consider. It’s also worth bearing in mind the motorhome insurance implications too.

The most important thing you can do is take your time. Don’t make rash decisions even if you’ve found a vehicle that looks great—you’ll be using it for years to come so you need to make sure that it suits your precise needs. By spending the time to do your research and considering all the options, you’ll have a much better chance of choosing the second-hand motorhome that’s right for you.

• Breakaway cable. This is the thin steel cable that links the caravan’s handbrake with the tow ball, ensuring that if the caravan and tow vehicle became separated the brake would be engaged. It’s a type of secondary coupling (a safety device that kicks in should the car and caravan separate) and is a legal requirement.
• Corner steady. A jack that’s built into the corner of the caravan to provide additional stability when in use.
  Leaf spring stabiliser. A device involving a large spring joining the caravan’s A frame with the friction damper under the tow bar, offering an extra layer of protection and often coming fitted as standard.
• Jockey wheel. The wheel at the front of the caravan that helps ensure easy manoeuvring when unhitched.
  Delamination. A word you need to watch out for—delamination is when the bonded layers of flooring start separating, usually as a result of water ingress or general wear and tear, and luckily it’s a problem that’s fixable.
• Cassette toilet. A kind of chemical toilet with a separate waste holding tank that can be accessed from outside the caravan for ease of emptying. Not to be confused with a regular chemical toilet, where waste is kept in a sealed on-board tank and is usually emptied less often.
• Hitch head stabiliser. A stabiliser that’s built into the caravan’s hitch—it stops the caravan moving by using friction against the tow ball.
• Nose weight. The weight of the caravan’s front end that’s supported by the tow ball. In order to ensure things remain stable you should pack your caravan with most of the weight over the axle rather than at either end, and never exceed the nose weight limit (you can buy nose weight gauges to help).

So there you have it—a few of the most common caravan terms you need to know. Get a few of these terms under your belt and you won’t need to be baffled by jargon, and with that and the right tourer insurance no-one need know you’re a novice…

First up is the make and model. RVs are often built in the US and that means you’ll need to make sure that your particular model is suitable for use on UK roads. You may also have to check with the relevant authorities about rules, regulations and possible conversions before you make your purchase. Of course, once that’s dealt with, the make and model will be an entirely personal decision—you’ll have to choose one that suits your needs and your lifestyle, and always compare a few options to see which layout, finish etc. would be right for you.

The price will also be a major consideration, and whether you go for a new or second-hand model. This will normally come down to a combination of your budget and personal preference, but it’s important to keep a few practical considerations in mind as well. Brand new models will always be more expensive although if you’ll be using it regularly it could be a great option, but remember that depreciation will quickly set in. Even a model that’s a just few months old will already be drastically cheaper, so if you’re planning on upgrading every couple of years (or if you’re not sure how often you’ll use it) it makes much more financial sense to go for second-hand.

If you’re buying from a dealership make sure you’ve got a decent warranty, and if you’re buying privately make sure that everything is in proper working order before you drive away. Check for structural issues and inspect every fixture, fitting, component and piece of furniture to ensure that everything is in good condition. Check for water leaks to make sure there isn’t a risk of damp spreading, and also inspect the locks and window/door seals to make sure they are all up to standard and that water/gas/electric systems are safe and fully functioning.

It’s important to consider things like running costs as well. Fuel, servicing and insurance premiums can all add up, particularly if you’ll be buying the larger style of USA motorhomes, so make sure to factor that into your budget before you make your final decision. Above all you need to make sure that you’re getting a quality vehicle that you’ll be happy living in for a fair amount of time over the next few years. Choose wisely you can be confident in having many happy holidays to come.

• Insurance. Investing in the right kind of tourer insurance should always be the first thing on your list of priorities, because if you don’t have the necessary protection you could easily come unstuck when you’re on the road.
• Contents cover. Adequate contents cover should always be a central part of your insurance provision, and even if your insurer doesn’t offer it as standard it makes sense to invest. You could well be taking a lot of pricey kit with you so making sure it’s properly protected is vital. Naturally make sure common sense comes into proceedings as well—don’t take too many valuables and always keep them out of sight when you’re not in the vehicle.
• EU cover. If a trip to Europe is on the cards then making sure your insurance includes EU cover is essential. Luckily mot policies include a certain amount as standard, but if you’re going on a proper tour you might need to check that you’ve got enough cover.
• Structural and maintenance checks. Your caravan needs to be in tip top condition if it’s going to withstand life on the road, so always make sure to thoroughly check your vehicle for signs of damage before you head off. You might like to incorporate a full caravan maintenance routine into things as well, and if you haven’t got your annual service done yet then now’s the time to do so.
• Safety devices/equipment. Staying safe is vital, so always make sure you’ve got the necessary security and safety devices installed for example, burglar alarms, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and  a fully-stocked first aid kit on board too.
• Creature comforts and accessories. It goes without saying really, but if you really want to make the most of your summer on the road then having the necessary creature comforts and accessories can make all the difference.

These are just a few things you need to bear in mind if you want your summer on the road to be your best ever, so start getting organised and you’ll be ready for that break before you know it!