Motorhome Safety « Comfort Blog

Archive for the ‘Motorhome Safety’ Category

Safety When Working

Friday, May 4th, 2012

You might have heard the tragic story of a Merseyside man who was killed undertaking repairs to his campervan a few months back. Just yesterday an inquest found his death was an unfortunate accent that might have been preventable with a few safety precautions. Though it is a truly sad story, it does highlight some important issues concerning safety when working on repairs or modifications to a motorhome.

Chocks and Jacks

If you’re working underneath your campervan you need to check and double check that your jack and chocks are firm and secure. Your campervan shouldn’t be able to roll anywhere and if there is even a chance of it moving you need to readjust your set-up and move things around. Absolutely do not take up a position underneath your campervan to set up your work area properly – it’s too big a risk to take.

Electrical Safety

Though wiring and soldering are fairly simple skills to master, there is no room for error when it comes to working with live electrics. You need to be absolutely certain that you are in no danger before you fiddle with electrics and don’t always trust the person who wired up your campervan before you – they may have used the wrong colour wires or made a mistake. Make sure you understand the circuits and where is live, neutral and earthed.

Protective Wear

If you’re an experience engineer you’ll know that goggles and good gloves are basic essentials, but you might not be so aware that repair works can damage your body in other ways. Prolonged exposure to loud drilling or hammering is incredibly damaging to ears and many welders have suffered eye damage from overexposure to light. You only get one body so you need to look after it!

Safety is paramount when it comes to campervan repairs so don’t take any chances that you don’t need to. If you have incurred damages that are not your fault, you may be able to claim on your campervan insurance but check your policy carefully – you may well not be covered for incidents that occur when your campervan is in the workshop.

Driving in the Mountains

Friday, April 13th, 2012

We’re coming to the end of the ski season in Europe now and despite record snowfalls this year, everything has been looking quite bare over the last few weeks. That might be to the detriment of the hardcore skiers, but the Alps and the Pyrenees are still expecting a big influx of walkers, hikers and mountain bikers over the summer months, many of whom are travelling by motorhome or campervan. If you’re planning a trip to a mountainous area where there might be snow then you need to think about how you’re going to make your trip safe. Here are a few tips for driving in the mountains…

Chains or Tyres

Whether you expect snow or not, it is essential to either pack snow chains appropriate for your motorhome or to invest in a set of spiked snow tyres. Even though European authorities are usually very good at clearing roads, the weather can change quickly and you still need to carry chains or be equipped with the proper tyres. Travelling to areas with a risk of snow without the right equipment is criminal and you may find your motorhome insurance policy is invalid without them.

Low Gears

When snow melts at low temperatures, there is always a risk of it refreezing as ice. When travelling in areas where there may be ice it’s important to keep in low gear and minimise the revolutions of your tyres. In too high a gear you may find yourself spinning and losing stability, both of which are very dangerous in a motorhome with a high centre of gravity.

Falling Snow

The final risk when travelling in the mountains is the risk of falling snow or, worse, hail. Due to the altitude, the weather can change very quickly and if you find yourself in poor visibility conditions you need to be prepared. Here, topping up your screen wash and ensuring your wipers are working well is imperative but remember – don’t take any risks: if you can’t see, don’t drive.

Even if you’re expecting a few weeks walking in the sunshine, there’s always a risk of snow in the Alps or Pyrenees and many motorhome drivers have been caught out. Go prepared and make sure you travel safely!

Taking Breaks

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

The freedom of the open road is often too tempting and it’s not uncommon to hear of incidents where motorhome drivers have become overtired and distracted at the wheel. Though it’s great that you are able to drive seemingly limitlessly in a motorhome, it is really important on long trips to factor in breaks. This doesn’t have to detriment your journey time though: it’s all about being strategic.

Safe Driving

It’s not wise to drive for much more than eight hours a day and you definitely shouldn’t drive over three hours without a break for some fresh air and a rejuvenate. Though it can be tempting to push on, especially if you’re close to your destination, it really is best to be safe than sorry and you may find that incidents where you have been overtired are not covered on your motorhome insurance policy.

Caffeine Supplements

Often drivers use caffeine supplements – tablets or energy drinks – for that extra bit of energy. What’s important to remember is these often contain a lot of sugar to compliment the caffeine and this might perk you up for an hour or so, but you’re pretty sure to hit a low soon afterwards. The natural caffeine in tea or coffee is a much slower release and much better for long trips.

Sharing the Burden

It’s common nowadays for motorhome owners to share the driving. This is a great idea, but you still need to make sure both drivers are well rested and comfortable. Driving on two or three hours sleep is still unwise and you’ll almost certainly need a long day’s rest when you arrive. It’s often better to do longer stints with lots of breaks than to keep swapping drivers intermittently.

When you’re feeling tired you need to give in and pull safely into somewhere you can stop and rest. Don’t push anything further than you need to and don’t forget that the beauty of the motorhome is that it allows you to sleep anywhere!

Motorhome Tyres

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

As the summer is getting ever closer, that camping trip might look more and more appealing and more motorhome owners are starting to take the covers off. Starting up the engine for the first time after winter is always a bit daunting, but over the last few weeks there have been a number of warnings from large motoring associations about tyre pressures.

Deflating Over Winter

Tyres that are left to rest with a lot of weight on them will deflate slowly over a period of time and if you’ve had your motorhome locked away over the winter then it’s highly likely that your tyres aren’t in the condition they should be. Even new tyres let air out gradually so it’s worth having a check and getting them fully inflated again.

Correct Pressures

Usually you’ll be able to find a number on the rim of the tyre that indicates the correct pressure to inflate it to; it will probably be in a unit of pounds per square inch or ‘psi’. Once you’ve found the appropriate level you can take your motorhome to a garage which offers free air and get your tyres inflated. Though it’s tempting, don’t overinflate your tyres. This can be as dangerous as flat tyres.

The Risks of Flat Tyres

Flat tyres are inefficient and hard to control. Your general speed of response will be slower with flat tyres because they create more friction on the road: it’s only a split second reaction that can make all the difference. Worse still, tyres are liable to burst on the road if not properly inflated. These sorts of incidents aren’t always covered on your motorhome insurance so do be aware.

It only takes a few minutes to inflate your tyres properly so make sure you take the time and avoid the risk of any nasty incidents, particularly if you’ve left your motorhome in the garage all winter.

Motorhome Thefts on the Rise

Thursday, March 1st, 2012

An article published in the New Zealand Herald the other day might have caught your eye when it popped up in your news feed, as the New Zealand authorities have issued a warning to European visitors that motorhome and campervan theft is on the rise. The main tourist areas on both islands are the most severely affected areas. What can you do to protect yourself against theft?

Contents Theft

Some criminals have no interest in your vehicle and are only after what’s inside. That might include the obvious things like jewellery, wallets, phones and laptops, and it definitely doesn’t exclude things like campervan radios or electronic equipment. Locking away anything worth stealing really improves your chances of not being targeted, but if it’s something you really can’t afford to lose (like a camera SD card) then you should keep it on your person at all times.

Vehicle Theft

On the other hand, some criminals are interested in taking your vehicle, selling it on and making a very quick profit. This is much rarer but can be devastating if it affects you. Things like steering locks and central security systems are well worth investing in and many vehicle owners are now turning to the ‘black box’ which is able to track the position of your vehicle using GPS at any time.

Financial Protection

The simplest thing you can do to protect yourself is to invest motorhome insurance that keeps you covered in the event of vehicle or contents theft. Check your policy carefully and make sure you are covered appropriately. It’s worth taking out a good travel insurance policy to back you up on this one, too.

Theft is one of the most frustrating things for a motorhome or campervan owner to have to deal with, especially if it ruins your once-in-a-lifetime holiday to New Zealand. Keep your vehicle secure and don’t take any risks; make sure you find yourself a good level of cover.

Motorhome Gas Canisters

Thursday, February 16th, 2012

The camping stove is a feature of any good holiday and trying to light up those little blue canisters in the pouring rain is something few of us will forget in a hurry! But whether you have a camping stove on board or perhaps an integrated gas cooker, travelling with gas canisters can prove problematic if you’re trying to travel abroad and there are a few safety requirements to bear in mind.

Storing Gas

When you’re on the road keep your gas canister well away from your driving position and away from anything that might cause a spark. Even things like mobile phones have been known to generate static so don’t take any risks. Your best bet is probably to stow your gas canisters away in a high locker at the rear of your vehicle so they can’t be compressed or ignited and, in the event of an accident, they’re not too close to the fuel tank.

Ferries and the Tunnel

Some ferry companies will ban gas canisters onboard and the regulations on the Eurotunnel are also very stringent on what you may and may not carry. This is something that you should investigate before travelling because ignoring the regulations could invalidate your campervan insurance. The good thing is you can buy gas very easily and one of the primary suppliers of camping gas, Campingaz, are actually based in France so it’s reasonably easy to get hold of what you need.

Travelling with gas is safe as long as you think about what you’re doing. Don’t expose a gas canister to anything that might generate a flame and store it somewhere that, if it did go off, wouldn’t be too much of a disaster. Equally, follow all regulations you’re given when travelling over (or under) the sea – there are always reasons behind the rules and most of them are in place for your safety.

Security for Motorhomes

Monday, February 13th, 2012

Thefts and break-ins are common in the motorhome community and it’s more than likely that you’ve heard a horror story about a particular incident. The truth is that motorhomes are expensive and very often easy targets for thieves who are hoping to find valuables inside. Here’s a few tips for keeping your motorhome secure…

Wallets, Phones and Keys

Keep anything, yes anything, that might be of any value on your person as often as is practical. If you’re off for a swim, for example, it’s best to leave your wallets locked away inside your motorhome but make sure to hide them from view – most thieves in caravan parks are opportunists and the sight of an unguarded item might just be enough to encourage somebody to break a window.

Security Alarms

Some models will come with alarms fitted but if you haven’t got one on your motorhome it’s well worth buying an alarm system that detects unwanted entrances through doors or windows as opposed to the driver’s door. GAP systems are the industry standard, but check the details of your system and you may even find you can save some money on your motorhome insurance quote.

Drive Locks

You’ve probably seen the yellow and grey bars that fit across the steering wheel of a car preventing anyone who has broken in from driving off. Well, you can find just the same gadget for a motorhome! These drive locks will, of course, prevent someone driving off if they are able to break in, but they act best as a deterrent – they tell any thief that you are someone who has security in mind and so, quite possibly, you have an alarm system fitted.

Security is a big deal if you’re a motorhome owner and though ninety percent of the campsites you’ve stayed are extremely secure you can never be too careful. It only takes one incident to spoil a holiday. Get prepared and get secure.

Preparing for the Snow

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

The huge amounts of snow that have fallen over the UK lately have been something of a surprise for those of us who thought spring was on its way. The disruption and difficulties caused by snow at this time of year are something that you, as a motorhome owner, might experience in the UK but are also very prevalent elsewhere in Europe. Dealing with the snow is something that the winter traveller has to face.

Driving Style

Big motorhomes with long wheelbases or campervans with a high centre of gravity are prone to rolling in slippery conditions. Lateral movement from skidding on ice or snow can cause instability in the top portion of your motorhome and it’s important to adapt your driving style accordingly. Knock a few miles off your speed, leave plenty of time for braking and keep in low gears to give you more control.

Snow Chains

If you’re travelling to very snowy areas, say Scandinavia or the Alps, then snow chains are a wise idea and sometimes a legal requirement. You can pick up specialist snow chains for motorhomes and campervans from a variety of websites and your dealer may be able to order some for you, but beware – one size does not fit all! You’ll need chains that match your specification exactly so as to avoid damaging your vehicle.

Emergency Equipment

Without sounding too fatalistic, the chances of having an accident in the snow are drastically increased so make sure you are prepared. Make sure you have your motorhome insurance details on you at all times and it’s wise to carry a couple of spare blankets, a torch, some food and a spare mobile phone. The cold weather that we’re seeing in the UK at the moment can really take its toll if you’re exposed for long periods so if you’re planning to travel make sure you’re stocked up.

The snow is not to be underestimated and even light flurries like those we’ve seen over the weekend are just as dangerous as heavy snowfall. Drive very safely and, above all else, remember that if you don’t absolutely need to travel then sometimes it’s better to stay at home.

Motorhome Storage

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

Though it would be really fantastic to be able to be out on the road all the year round, the reality for most of us is a job during the week and only the opportunity for the odd getaway once in a while. For many people, the times when you’re not out using your motorhome or campervan can be a little problematic in terms of storage. Keeping your vehicle safe and secure when it’s not on the road is really important so here’s a few tips to help you out.

Driveways

Even if you have a driveway you might find that your property deeds say you’re not actually able to use it. Though most smaller campervans will usually bypass regulations, larger motorhomes and fixed caravans can be problematic and in some areas there may be legislation to stop parking on your driveway as some deem them unsightly. Be sure to check out the situation in your area with your local authority.

Private Garages

A private garage can be an ideal solution to parking up and you can make sure that your vehicle or caravan is secure year round. Make sure the security on your garage is up to spec, if you’re storing say a vintage model or something super-valuable you’ll want to think about putting multiple locks on your garage door – people can be determined if they really want what is inside.

Local storage

If you just don’t have the space at home a rented garage in the local area is a good solution. It might cost you but it’s better than leaving your pride and joy exposed to the elements. Good storage might even save you a little money on your motorhome insurance – if your insurer knows that it’s secure when not in use they might be inclined to reduce your premium.

Storage can be costly and a bit of a headache so have a good think about the solution that is right for you. Make sure wherever you decide to store your vehicle it is reasonably weatherproof and protected from the risk of theft. Don’t even give anyone the opportunity!

Keeping your Motorhome Secure

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011

A motorhome is a big investment for anyone and it is important to keep it safe and secure. Of course every motorhome driver should be covered with a comprehensive insurance policy but there are a number of other ways to keep your vehicle secure.

Locks

When you buy your motorhome it will of course come with standard locks on the main cab doors and the cabin door as well, but additional locks can stop thieves from breaking in and even just deter them by being visible.

On the door through the living area an additional number bolt lock can be an excellent deterrent as it is visible and hard to break. Plus if any thieves do get through it they still have another lock to tackle and may get spotted in the time it takes to break in.

Another visible and practical deterrent is a steering or handbrake lock. Not only will it stop thieves from driving off with your motorhome if they get in, it may put them off from the outset by simply being there.

Alarms

If you have bought a new motorhome in the last few years you will most likely have an alarm pre-installed on it, but if not getting an alarm added to your vehicle can be a great way to keep it secure. An alarm can alert you to an attempted theft, scare of burglars and be a visual deterrent as well.

Even if you already have a traditional alarm on your motorhome there are additional alarm type systems you can add. Immobilisers and sound bombs can also be a fantastic deterrent and will help keep your motorhome safe.

Trackers

However, even if you add all of this to your motorhome there is still a chance that it could be stolen, but if that happens there is still one little device that can help. A motorhome tracking device can sit unnoticed in the vehicle and in the event of theft will allow you to see where it is being taken. You can even sync these devices with your mobile phone so that you are instantly aware of what is happening and can tell the police where to find your stolen vehicle.

The possibility of theft is not nice to think about but it can happen and it is much better to be safe than sorry. All of these devices can keep your motorhome protected and what’s more can also save you money on your motorhome insurance premiums!