Keeping your motorhome safe at festivals

Glastonbury festival begins this week, which is why last Friday we wrote a blog filled with tips and advice for motorhome owners planning on heading to Pilton for the long weekend. However, even though Glastonbury is one of the most well-known festivals in the UK, we are a nation of music and camping enthusiasts which means that each and every year there are literally hundreds of different festivals hosted across the country. No matter which one you pick though one of the most important things you need to do is keep your motorhome safe, so before you pack your wellies make sure you are prepared…

Check your Motorhome

Before you even think about packing, getting your tickets ready or choosing what bands you want to see during you weekend away, the first thing you need to do is make sure your motorhome is as up for the adventure as you are. This is why it is so important that you give your vehicle a thorough check before heading off in order to make sure that everything is as it should be. Most motorhome owners are meticulous when it comes to making sure oil and water levels are topped up, but there are little things that often get overlooked. For example, when was the last time you checked the tread on your tires? Not only is it dangerous to have worn down tyres on your motorhome but if they are extremely low it is also illegal, meaning you could find yourself with issues before you even get to the campsite!

Pack Sensibly

The terms ‘festival’ and ‘sensible’ don’t often go together, and when packing you are bound to be bringing a whole suitcase full of fancy dress clothing, glow sticks, waterproof ponchos and other festival necessities, however there are some more practical things you will need as well. The most obvious of these is food, as unless you want to spend ten pounds on a burger you will want to pack enough to get you through the weekend. This is where owning a motorhome can be extremely handy, as while most people staying in tents will be trying to light tiny coal BBQs in vain you will be able to use your functioning fitted kitchen. However, make sure you don’t get too carried away when it comes to choosing meals for when you are away, as more often than not you will probably only have time for something quick to eat before you head out to see the bands. Think more cheese on toast than steak and chips!

Research the Facilities

Every festival is different, and depending on the organisers, licence restrictions and budgets the facilities provided in each campsite will vary. Most will have the basics: water, waste management facilities and restrooms, however you need to double check this before you go. Glastonbury, for instance, does not provide electricity in their camp sites, and they also have a complete ban on generators for safety purposes. If you are planning on taking a car as well as your motorhome you will need to check whether you will be allowed to have it on your pitch or if you will need to pay extra and have it stay in the car park. It is also essential that you check the size of the pitch you have booked and whether it is big enough for your motorhome – the last thing you want is to get there and find you can’t fit in your designated space!

Deter Thieves

Each year we receive a number of motorhome insurance claims from those who have been to festivals and had their motorhomes damaged or broken in to, which is why you should make sure you keep yours safe. For example, even though it may be tempting to bring your laptop, speakers or other electronic devices to a festival if you are seen with them then you and your motorhome becomes a target, so it’s often best to leave these things at home. Make sure that you also keep your motorhome locked at all times, and that you invest in a steering wheel lock as it will show that you take keeping the safety of your vehicle seriously!

Festivals are all about having a great time and feeling free from your usual day to day routine, however you could find yourself in an extremely stressful situation if you don’t plan properly first. So double-check everything before you go and then you are ensured a great time!