Hiring a motorhome
Do you fancy a holiday where you can enjoy the freedom of travelling without a schedule? This could be possible when using a motorhome, the comfort of having your own ‘home’ and its belongings with you whilst away from ‘home’. You may not be ready to purchase your own motorhome, so hiring one could prove to be the answer.
There are many hire centres within the UK, which include or can specialise in, the hiring of motorhomes. Before approaching a hire centre, you need to have an idea of what you want the motorhome to provide. Are you going on a touring holiday in the UK or just a weekend away at a festival for example? How many people will be travelling and sleeping in the vehicle. If you are unsure which type of motorhome to hire, there is no need to worry, as the staff at these hire centres will match a vehicle to best suit your needs. Reputable hire centres will also fully demonstrate all the equipment and accessories and give you a hand over period, so that you are familiar with the vehicle before commencing the hire.
These centres will also ensure that the driver of the hired motorhome has the appropriate driving licence. If you are less than 70 years of age, have no medical conditions and passed your driving test before the 1st January 1997, then you are allowed to drive a motorhome with a MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) or MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass) of 7500kg or 8250kg with a trailer. If you passed your driving test after this date or are older than 70 years old, then a MAM of 3500kg and 4250kg with a trailer applies. To drive anything heavier requires an additional driving test.
The class and size of the motorhome, plus the time of year and length of the hire period, could determine the hire price. It may be possible to negotiate a better price or a deal that includes extras, the key is to ask when enquiring.
An alternative to hire centres is to use an owner’s network. These organisations match up owners of motorhomes who wish to hire out their vehicles when they are not using them, with people looking to hire. The network attempts to ensure they match the hirer’s requirements with the most suitable motor home in their area. These networks and hire centres are also found outside the UK allowing you to enjoy touring abroad, making hiring a motorhome a real option as part of your holiday and a taster should you decide to buy a motorhome in the future.