ANOTHER 10 MISTAKES New Campers Make | New to Motorhomes? WATCH THIS!!

ANOTHER 10 MISTAKES New Campers Make | New to Motorhomes? WATCH THIS!!
In this video we discuss another 10 common mistakes people make when considering buying and/or using a Campervan or Motorhome. Contains warning about some used Motorhomes that hide a big tax bill.
👇For all the items we use in our Motorhome please see our Amazon Storefront* below👇
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Index:
00:00 Introduction
00:50 Choosing the right Campervan or Motorhome
07:41 Underestimating the hidden costs
10:16 VED Vehicle Road Tax change. Which vans to avoid
12:53 Vans can be noisy!
14:25 How to drive a Campervan or Motorhome
17:39 Keeping your van level when on a pitch
19:02 Opening overhead blinds while driving
20:09 Do not keep heavy objects in an overhead cupboard over the hob
21:00 Do not overpack your fridge
22:40 Fit exterior mirror protectors
24:06 Does EHU charge the van battery?
26:48 Outro
Vehicle Tax Rate for Motorhomes from 01/09/2019 to 11/03/2020 (Note: GOV website refers to vehicles registered from 1st April, 2017 to 11th March, 2020 however the large tax change referred to in this video was applicable from 1st September, 2019 to 11th March, 2020 inc.): www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax-rate-t...
Further information can be found here: www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/mot...
Vehicle Tax Rate for Motorhomes from 12/03/2020: www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax-rate-t...
Top 10 Mistakes (+2) video: • The Top 10 MISTAKES (+...
Campervan & Motorhome Essentials video: • Motorhome & Campervan ...
East Coast Mini Tour Playlist: • Playlist
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#Motorhomes #MotorCaravan #Campervan #Camper, #Camping, #Campervan, #RV, #RVLife, #RVliving, #Homeonwheels, #vloglife, #Travel, #LiveforTravel

[@LiveforTravel]

👇For all the items we use in our Motorhome please see our Amazon Storefront* below👇 www.amazon.co.uk/shop/livetodrive?ref=cm_sw_em_r_inf_own_livetodrive_dp_cHOrbbaZQsH51 * As an Amazon Associate we earn commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support :)

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

There is no perfect van. Every van on the market is a compromise in some way, the trick is figuring out what compromises you want to make.

[@LiveforTravel]

Agreed. We have indeed mentioned it is about what compromises you are prepared to make in another video.

[@simonworledge4704]

One to add relating to driving the vans is “Don’t turn in as sharply/early as you would in a car!” We’ve just had a £500 coming-together between a fence post and the side of our 6.4m WildAx…

[@LiveforTravel]

A very true point. Unfortunately it is only too easy to forget we are not driving a car. The problem is nothing is cheap to repair on a Motorhome.

[@kerryelizabeth1976]

Newbie here, put diesel in the water tank first time out :-)

[@LiveforTravel]

We all make mistakes and learn from those but it’s still annoying and sometimes costly.

[@tompiper9276]

Not great but could have been worse. Water in the diesel tank is difficult to resolve, and you can't go anywhere.

[@urbanfox53]

Buying an old Moho can be a nightmare, take some one with you that has a good knowledge of the poss pit falls, there are many!.

[@LiveforTravel]

The real problem is not usually with the mechanical element; assuming the owner has had the vehicle regularly serviced, but one of the habitation area. So many items that can go wrong. A lack of previous habitation checks would make me think carefully before purchasing.

[@StephSancia]

I regret not having a FIXED BED with full time living and regret paying so much for a used 2010 Bailey Pagent Series 7 two berth in New Zealand for a caravan that ORIGINATED IN THE UK and I regret the large end washroom, too much wasted space. I have taken out the central drawers between the front 2 sofas as it just blocked the whole end slap bang in the middle and the weight of the drawers right on the jockey wheel was horrendous and it's opened the whole front up and it's less claustrophobic and there is a fold up dining table under the sink BUT the weight of that is horrendous too and it all counts towards the mass weight. The problem with photos is that they make second hand vans look like palaces and when you see it first hand it's a culture shock. I regret not buying a NEW Thetford cassette toilet and it's only after 6 months you begin to see the reality of it all. If I bought a used Van again I'd go for an older one but bigger with fixed bed. I might have felt different if I wasn't full time 24/7 but hey, it's a learning curve. I AM glad though that I didn't go for the all in one RV as the cabin fever in such a small space is full on and jumping in the tow vehicle and zooming away for the day is a blessing

[@LiveforTravel]

Yes there are times when having a separate room and a fixed bed would be nice. We do love the space we have for such a smallish van. Agree with you about pictures making interior spaces look bigger; like estate agents do when advertising a hose for sale.

[@alberttickle1106]

The fridge tip is not one that I've heard before..... will try and remember that one in particular!!

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks. We found out the hard way I guess.

[@colingoode3702]

Subbed viewer here. Sod's law, just after we retired lockdown 1 hit which scuppered our plans for some long haul holidays & travel. So, like many people, we started looking at campervans & motorhomes as an alternative option for UK & overseas (when possible) holidays which is how I found your YT channel (& very informative it is too). Like you we did our "due diligence" & looked at all sorts of c/vans & m/homes. There's only two of us but we looked a 4 berth options in case we had guests or the kids came home or wanted to borrow the van. I liked the idea of a low height & compact dims of a campervan that could double up as a daily driver. However, SWIMBO wanted the shower & washroom facilities of a larger motorhome which could not be used as daily driver & (like you) would need to be stored elsewhere than on our shortish driveway. We talked ourselves around in circles for weeks & months on end & eventually out of the idea altogether on the basis that £60k+ for a camper van / motorhome would pay for a lot of car based holidays in B&B's, hotels etc. So in the end we didn't take the plunge. I have a sneaking feeling that after things settle down & some near normality returns to travelling there could be a lot of nearly new camper vans up for sale at more attractive prices than has been the case of late. Keep up the good work you do.

[@LiveforTravel]

First I have to say I had to Google “SWMBO” 😁 It really is a difficult conundrum (not the other half; the buy or not buy). For those that are truly into Vanlife, so much so that many decide to sell up home and live in them, it is a simple decision. But, as you have said, if you are going down the new (or at least newer) route, for a vehicle that may only be used occasionally (many Motorhomes do less than 5,000 miles each year) it is a huge undertaking and as you rightly mentioned, 60k pays for some pretty awesome holidays; even though none of them have a monetary value left when you stop, whereas a van should still have a value when you have finished enjoying it. There are of course additional costs. Over £1,000 to really “kit it out” and then the ownership costs, including for us (and as you confirmed, for you too) storage costs. I also agree about where prices are going to be in the future. I sincerely believe that, if it were not for the current semi-conductor supply issue affecting the whole automotive industry, prices would already be lower. Many people, although I don’t have data to confirm, have purchased a van (some on the back of watching KZbin videos) and have realised it’s not all “pink and fluffy” and have ultimately sold them. I personally know someone who did just that. However, supply issues are likely to continue throughout 2023 and I personally think it will be at least mid 2024 before prices will stabilise and 2025 before anyone is able to even mention discounts. Thank you very much; for subscribing (particularly as you currently do not have a van), for your feedback and support.

[@colingoode3702]

@@LiveforTravel Ha Ha. I thought SWMBO was a well know acronym but obviously not from your part of the world. Both my sister & my sister in-law have VW vans & I still like the idea of something that size so perhaps I might be able to sell the idea of a van to her on the basis of it being a day / weekend van + a daily driver rather than a full blown holiday vehicle which only gets used a few times a year. Either way it's still a big investment but what the hell. As they say, you can't take it with you. I'll see how it goes. I enjoy your dry Brummy wit so keep the vids coming.

[@organic527]

Thanks Colin ….really appreciated reading this realistic comment ❤

[@garyclarke5852]

Great vlog, very good advice enjoyed watching, look forward to the next thanks for sharing,

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks for your feedback and support.

[@markwilkinson2673]

Very good informative vid , good clear presentation , so have subscribed , looking forward to viewing old and new vids , thanks Maek

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks. Great to hear. Thanks for subscribing and your feedback.

[@elpresidente8730]

My first mistake was exactly as you listed. I bought a caravan and after 4 years decided I should have got a MH because I find towing a 26ft box behind a 17ft pickup is a real pain. I am in the process of shifting over now and looking forward to losing 17'6" feet

[@LiveforTravel]

I drive many different vehicles from a Smart to (years back) a long wheel base Cargo but I have never towed a trailer of any sort. Your comment regarding “losing 17’ 6in” reminds me I probably never will. Thanks for watching and your comments.

[@stevepjackson]

Another great Vlog Paul. The time and effort you put into your videos to help others is worthy of a knighthood. Keep it up matey 🙂

[@LiveforTravel]

Wow. Sincerely, thank you for your support and feedback. We do research these videos in the hope that they are seen as being useful, reliable and hopefully (occasionally) entertaining. Do make a mistake on occasion but will correct as necessary when found. Thanks again for your comments.

[@Wheres_wanda_wandering]

I agree the cost of running motorhomes can be high with tax and internal/external accessories but they are worth it for the magical moments and memories that you make. Thanks for the Vlog. Take care Gill

[@LiveforTravel]

Absolutely Gill. As I say at the end they are “in our opinion” fantastic memory makers. Take care. Fran, Paul and the Minions.

[@organic527]

Great big thumbs up ….high-five and thank you 🙏

[@paulwatson5030]

All good advice and nice delivery!

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks 👍

[@inquisitive1911]

Another newbie thing to check if you purchase a brand new motorhome or even second hand. - Does it have an alarm system? It may have an immobiliser but not an alarm. - Then Insurers won't insure you if it is brand new with no Thatcham approved alarm ... - I just found this out after paying a deposit on a brand new Swift 464 which is the new 2022 model with Fiat Multijet engine ... Enjoying your videos. Thanks. Love from Scotland, X.

[@LiveforTravel]

The reality of how much vans are desired by thieves. Unfortunately such alarm systems can be problematic for the owner. Our system helped to flatten the battery when the van was unused for a couple of months. Sincere thanks for your comments and support.

[@charliegardner6804]

Great video very informative. Thanks for sharing 👍.

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 👍

[@user-ep4gy7eu9k]

As a first timer, thanks for the list of possible errors I can make. And I couldn't agree more about the power cable better to have too long than to short.

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks. We make mistakes and we learn. There are some who prefer shorter EHU cables and join them together but apart from the facts some sites don’t permit cables to be used this way and it adds another reason for failure… it takes seconds to unwind and then wind back again. I don’t think those seconds are worth me trying to save.

[@jeffshaw4553]

Brilliant thanks for putting this up Very informative and helpful being a newbie 👍🏽👍🏽

[@LiveforTravel]

Great. Thanks again for the support. Appreciated.

[@organic527]

Thanks so much Paul and Fran for all your very helpful and practical recommendations.We really like watching your openminded,sensible and honest approach and especially all the information you share…..another great video…..all the tips you share are so helpful for future reference.….….…..you are our go to …..tour guide information video…….for good practical motor home information🙏

[@LiveforTravel]

We are happy to hear the videos are helpful. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. It is appreciated. We will always make a balance of campsite reviews, location reviews and informative content.

[@libellula3313]

Thanks as a newby I am enjoying all your videos like this one. Great information.

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks for watching and your feedback.

[@IANREA]

It would be good if sellers, manufacturers actually stated if the van was insulated for all year use, the heating type, are the tanks insulated ‘ heated, Are they inside or under slung. Yes the type of exploring, whether nice level sites with plenty of facilities or the farmers field type, that are quieter, remote, may only have water, no electricity, or waste disposal. If you explore towns, cities, is it suitable to take round them, find suitable parking

[@LiveforTravel]

Agreed. Also, are the pipes insulated. Unfortunately, like almost everything in life, the vans are manufactured to a cost. A business doesn’t really want to spend money but will want to extract the maximum price from the customer. Shiny modern vans with fancy paintwork and decals does not necessarily a good van make.

[@dibley001]

Great tip about not closing the overhead blind when driving

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks. We learn all the time… sometimes the hard way 😊👍

[@skyhill4279]

When I bought my Sprinter they charged me just over £700 for a year's road tax. My van was an ex WAV owned by Motability. Someone in the wisdom first registered it as an M1 instead of an N1. Even though the reg doc said it was a Sprinter Panel Van and other docs said it was N1 classification the DVLA would have none of it. With excellent help from Merc themselves I won my battle with DVLA but it took a year of constant writing to them which would take at least 12 weeks for a reply. They are not fit for purpose. Great video!

[@LiveforTravel]

The DVLA in my experience are great when you use there automated taxing and selling vehicles as there is no human input. Same with putting a vehicle on to SORN. Always receive a cheque within a few days. When you need to change anything else it can be very time consuming and frustrating. Glad you got it sorted in the end.

[@skyhill4279]

@@LiveforTravel many thanks for your reply. Good luck with your informative channel.

[@rogeralgar2984]

Very informative and thanks. 👍

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@vanish6116]

Great vlog really good THANKYOU

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks for watching. And your support. Sincerely appreciate it.

[@johanfransson2953]

On the subject of charging of both leisure battery and start battery: I noticed during this winter 2022-2023 that if my Sunlight Cliff 600 model 2020 was stored away under a cover, both batteries would slowly loose their charge. No problem I thought, just to start engine and charge both batteries that way. Unfortunately the Elektroblock (EBL) unit, which is the electrical switchboard for the van, had a security threshold level at 11V at which the EBL would close down. To my surprise the lockdown state could not be helped by running the engine! And this functionality was all according to the manual for the EBL. Only way to charge the leisure batteries was to hook it up to power grid, or get sunlight to your solar panels if you are lucky to have any. My solution to this was to buy a Split Charge Relay unit to connect between start and leisure batteries. With that unit installed, I will be able charge the leisure batteries by starting the engine.

[@LiveforTravel]

It can be an awkward one. Luckily we seem to have been able to keep the leisure battery happy with just the solar. Ours currently doesn’t charge the vehicle battery and I think all vans should be set up that way as some people don’t use their vehicles over winter, the worst time of the year for batteries, and, like ourselves, keep their vans in storage with no access to electric hook up. Your set up would definitely be of interest to us.

[@SqwarkParrotSpittingFeathers]

Thanks for the info.

[@LiveforTravel]

And thanks for watching.

[@tonyflanagan5682]

Great advice

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks for watching and the feedback 👍

[@motorhomebettyboopstravels]

Wish i could find Mirror Protectors for our 2004 Peugeot inca....Great Vlog

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks. They are a nice to have. Would have thought they would make them as there are plenty still on the road. Thanks for your feedback.

[@Chris-fl9op]

Very informative video and will be handy as we search for a motor home . Haven’t seen all your videos but a good idea regarding Sat Nav , my mate recently purchased a ‘ caravan friendly ‘ sat nav , it won’t send you down narrow lanes on your rout as a car sat nav will , I’d never heard of such a thing but I will be buying one when I get my motorhome .

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks. Yes I think it is a necessary item. Ignored it once and it went mental. Found I was approaching a narrow bridge. A 5 point turn later and I was now following the satnav 😂

[@BillJohnston-lo6yj]

Hi there, I’ve just watched your 2 videos on newbie mistakes and found them very helpful. Do you cover filling and draining the fresh water system as I was away for 3 days and when I arrived couldn’t get water in as it was coming out the overflow and controller was showing empty. I think I caused an airlock when draining it previously and not having the filler cap open. Thank you.

[@LiveforTravel]

I have never had any air lock so unable to say. We cover the ‘frost protection valve’ at around 15 minutes into this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHi6eqaaiJ6Lms0si=pM5urk7ozfcQqG_Q Thanks for your feedback.

[@stevezodiac491]

What you didn't mention about luxury car tax of £335 per year for 5 years paid on manufacturer made camper vans, is the fact that you can completely avoid it by buying an ordinary brand new commercial van and having it fully professionally converted, post sale. Not only do you save the £335 per year luxury car tax but you get a bespoke camper van, converted to your taste, budget and desire, for thousands of pounds less in total, than a pre manufactured unit. I have just done this and the final van is no different in quality, fit and finish than from a pre fully manufactured van. Over the moon with what I have got now, for the total price I paid. Not only that, the dvla do not accept pop top camper vans to be re classed as 'camper vans' only high tops, therefore I would argue that you have a case for escaping overnight ' camper van ' restriction parking fines on pop tops because they are still just ' vans ' by the dvla but don't hold me to that one lol.

[@LiveforTravel]

We have mentioned many times in previous videos our love of people who build there own. The knowledge you have done it yourself. Yes, DVLA will only change classification to “Motor Caravan” if it has a high fixed roof and bizarrely “camper style graphics.” Personally, I wouldn’t park anywhere with restrictions in any camper but that is a choice we all make. The tax issue will be something that catches people out if they don’t check and ask first. It would be 12th March, 2027 before the additional cost has gone. Thanks for watching and your comments.

[@nomadic_lotus_eaters]

Some of my best friends are tea towels 😀

[@LiveforTravel]

🤔😁

[@1knightinbangkok946]

Must be a one way conversation with a tea towel....😂

[@spudman869]

Thinking of buying my first motorhome and came across your videos which i find are excellent for a newbie like myself. Simple and plain English so even I can understand. One question worry i have is does the pull out step have an alarm on it if you forget to put it back in before you drive off?

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks. I don’t know. I believe there should also be a warning if you have not disconnected the EHU.

[@arthurpewtey]

To be clear - did you occasionally move Theresa May around the country, or are you saying she used to drive glass windscreens around the country in her younger days, thus explaining her rather odd physical movements on stage in that clip?

[@LiveforTravel]

Legal team has requested I answer “no comment.” 😂

[@stephenhill4886]

It's your van you can call your washroom or bathroom. As all ways you give useful info for me as this is my first purchase as a campervan owner . And with comments you and your wife have given I've put them into action . So please keep up with all info regards Steve.

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks. Really appreciate your comments and support. Pleased you find the videos useful. We are always learning and will share those as we continue. Regards, Fran, Paul and the Minions.

[@joesoy9185]

More and more Brits now refer to the loo as a bathroom, which is an import from the USA.

[@escapethematrix5069]

Great as usual, but why the often difference in resolution to other vids?

[@LiveforTravel]

No change to resolution as all our videos are recorded and exported the same. KZbin adjusts resolution, dependant on internet speed and device, automatically. Do you mean the zoom in and out? If so, that is how we do our videos. It is done to emphasise specific items or comments.

[@micswee]

I think it's worth pointing out that anyone on reaching their 70th birthday will lose their over 3500k entitlement unless they take an HGV medical.

[@LiveforTravel]

A very good suggestion.

[@darkgrey123]

Very much enjoying your videos Paul, particularly as I have a 2021 T-Line 590. I’m thinking of buying a Cello Smart TV and wondered what the correct size (largest possible) and model number is? Cheers, Mark

[@LiveforTravel]

Thanks. We purchased ours for a VW Transporter T6 camper and chose to use it in the 590. I have read comments in forums of people fitting 22” up to 24”. If I was buying for the van today I would likely try a 22” although I would still want to check the measurements first. I have measured the TV area on the video below (you can skip to it using the index). Thanks for your feedback. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWnCinaEds-Mg5I

[@darkgrey123]

@@LiveforTravel Thanks very much for the information Paul, I'll make further enquiries.

[@winkle1008]

The UK RFL changes never came in to play in the budget. We bought our 5th motorhome new in June 2020. 12 month RFL was £270, rather than the initial £2135 that is being referred.

[@LiveforTravel]

The UK RFL was higher from September 2019 until March 11th 2020 (inclusive) as stated in the video. Please check out the links below the video. For your information, our van was purchased in March 2020 BEFORE the RFL returned to the original rate. We pay the higher tax rate because of it. You state that you purchased your van in June 2020… this is, as discussed in this video, after the change was reinstated.

[@gregrobinson2394]

Want to ask about tyres. Have you found the tyres that come with the vehicle are satisfactory or do you think that people should get something more suited to driving off the tar e.g. an all terrain tyre.

[@LiveforTravel]

Personally we prefer the camper tyres fitted. They have a harder side wall built to withstand the long periods many Motorhomes are parked.

[@petersmith6794]

Hi Paul, my first time of writing on your blog. Do you recommend taking a couple of jump leads and tyre foam filler ?

[@LiveforTravel]

Jump leads yes. I personally don’t like tyre foam because it is not a permanent solution and usually a tyre repairer will not fix a tyre that has been filled with foam. Camper tyres are not cheap. Personal choice but one I wouldn’t do.

[@petersmith6794]

@@LiveforTravel I have a Mercedes car and was miles from anywhere with a puncture so I had to use the foam. £260 tyre ruined but I got back to civilization..

[@jaime8974]

Better with the cap on kojak

[@LiveforTravel]

And I don’t even like lollipops 🤦‍♂️

[@stuart3744]

Thanks , the more you talk the more you put me off getting one 😁, only joking, lots to decide, only 2 of us 60 year olds and don’t know whether to go for Volkswagon T 5/6 or fiat decato style with fixed bed, wife fancies a crafter but I don’t think they are converted by reputable companies, I heard you say you had started with a Volkswagon, do you wish you had made the jump and went bigger?

[@LiveforTravel]

Haha. The deal breaker for us was not having onboard facilities. The T6 was a great van and could be used as a daily vehicle for other things, not just to camp, and obviously an awning would solve the issue with space but even when using sites with good facilities we found that not having the option onboard was not suitable. We hope you buy a van soon and wish you many happy travels.

[@susankinloch1675]

Do you put your outer cover on your window over winter

[@LiveforTravel]

We don’t. Storage site doesn’t allow covers but we likely would only use when van is in use.

[@susankinloch1675]

@@LiveforTravel thank you

[@suecoo66]

So if I bought a secondhand 2019 MH now would I have to pay this extra tax? Slightly confused 😕

[@LiveforTravel]

As discussed in the video, the higher tax is on vehicles registered from 1st September, 2019 until 12th March 2020. You would need to check with the selling dealer or private seller to confirm date of first registration. The higher tax is applicable for the first 5 years.

[@Ejaan]

So I'm thinking to rent a motorhome caravan for 7 days, I need to pay 1,500 as a security deposit. Should l get travel insurance will it cover accidental damages within the caravan? I'm new to this sorry for so many questions. Scotland resident

[@LiveforTravel]

No need to give an apology. Unfortunately different companies and policies will offer varying protection. It would be down to the small print as to what would be covered. For items within the Motorhome you may need to ask the company whether such insurances are already applied as part of the hire. Travel insurance is typically a separate thing to consider.

[@RV-zk7zq]

Is the advice regarding the fridge the same for a compressor fridge? Cheers.

[@LiveforTravel]

I haven’t used a compressor fridge sufficiently to confirm. The website here is good for giving the comparisons and ways to use vancampinglife.com/how-to-use-a-camping-fridge-the-right-way-9-expert-tips/

[@matterhorn1975]

Motorhome fridges dont have compressor fridges. A compressor fridge is the same as you have in a house. Yes expe sive but worth every penny.

[@LiveforTravel]

“…a fully equipped kitchen with Thetford 141 litre compressor fridge.” Also checked on the Bailey website. www.leisurekingdom.co.uk/vehicle/new-bailey-alora-69-4s-2024-motorhome-00025829

[@jacquelinemorris9886]

Good points but you drag things out and waffle abit

[@LiveforTravel]

I do love a nice waffle.

[@lowrider075]

This should be called "Tips for new motorhome owners"because none of these are really mistakes.....Sorry

[@LiveforTravel]

Haha. No need to apologise. Yes it could be called “Tips” but we’re happy to leave it as “Mistakes.” Thanks for watching.