Parts & Accessories

Beginners Guide to Motorhoming

Getting started with your motorhome

If you are new to motorhomes, or haven't been away for a while, heading to your next destination in your van can seem intimidating. In reality, it's a straightforward process, and once you have done it a few times, you will be motorhoming like a pro. In this beginners-friendly guide, we will be covering all basics, from loading your motorhome to setting up once you arrive on site or how to empty your loo before you leave.

01. How to load your motorhome

This guide will cover the fundamental aspects to consider when loading your motorhome, including payloads and best practices for weight distribution. Loading a motorhome may seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward process and boils down to how much extra weight the motorhome can carry and where you put it.

02. How to use your motorhome cab: Ford

If you’ve recently purchased a Bailey motorhome that’s based on a Ford chassis, this guide covers some key features to get you started. A complete list can be found in the supplied Ford handbook. Here's what you need to know about your new Bailey motorhome: inside, outside, or under the bonnet.

03. How to use your motorhome cab: Peugeot

If you’ve recently purchased a Bailey motorhome that’s based on a Peugeot chassis, this guide covers some key features to get you started. A complete list can be found in the supplied Peugeot handbook. Here's what you need to know about your new Bailey motorhome: inside, outside, or under the bonnet.

04. Arriving on site: How to level your motorhome

Levelling a motorhome makes for a comfortable night’s sleep and ensures that appliances work correctly. Fridges like to be level during the cooling process, and sinks, basins, and shower trays also need to drain efficiently. Thankfully, levelling your motorhome is a quick and easy thing to do once you arrive at your destination.

05. Arriving on site: Electrical System

Have you arrived at your favourite campsite, pitched the motorhome, and wondered how it connects to the 230v mains hook-up? Or, if you’ve booked a pitch without electricity, how does the 12v system work with the leisure battery when going off-grid? We’ll be discussing what to do when arriving on site, including how to switch on each system using the motorhome’s control panel.

06. Arriving on Site: Gas System

Which motorhome gas? Butane or propane? Deciding which type of gas to use in your motorhome can be confusing, as can the procedure to follow when changing a gas cylinder. Refillable gas systems are available, but we’ll limit this guide to the 6kg propane and 7kg butane bottles from Calor. We'll also discuss the basic steps to take before travelling and how to swap an empty gas bottle.

07. Arriving on Site: Water System

Most motorhomes are equipped with onboard water tanks – one for fresh water, the other for waste water. This guide will highlight the steps to take when filling your motorhome’s freshwater tank, either by tap or Aquaroll, and show you how to empty the wastewater tank, which contains water from your shower, sink, or basin.

08. Arriving on Site: How to set up your Truma or Alde Heating System

You have arrived on site, pitched up and set up. Now it's time to get your motorhome toasty. Follow these simple steps for either the Truma or Alde control panel - your Bailey motorhome will be fitted with one or the other. Then once you're done, you can relax with a cup of tea and enjoy the cosy environment of your Bailey motorhome.

09. Arriving on Site: Toilet Cassette

How does a caravan toilet work? The leisure vehicle loo, or Thetford toilet, is an essential element. Emptying a caravan cassette toilet is often feared by folks who may be unsure of the disposal procedure or how to prepare it for use. However, there is nothing to fear once you get the hang of this. Follow the steps in this section and you’ll soon be dealing with the chemical toilet like a professional.

10. Arriving on Site: Fridge

Motorhome fridge-freezers are clever devices that can cool their contents with various power sources, but how does a motorhome fridge work? Should you book a pitch with electricity or without, food & drink will remain chilled throughout your holiday thanks to a 230v hook-up or gas. Find out more about the motorhome fridge.

11. Arriving on Site: Hob, oven and grill

Cooking equipment has come a long way since Bailey produced their first caravan in 1948. Today, cooking anything from bacon sandwiches for breakfast or a roast dinner for the whole family is as easy as doing so at home, but if you're new to cooking in your motorhome, here's how the oven, hob, and grill work.

12. Arriving on Site: How to adjust your motorhome's TV aerial

Finding a digital TV signal on your first motorhoming trip can be tricky, but it’s straightforward once you know how. Follow this guide, and you’ll be watching TV in no time. We’ll use the Status 570 antenna system as an example, although the principle is broadly similar for most aerials.

13. Arriving on Site: How to set up your wind-out awning

A wind-out awning is a quick and easy way to shield yourself from the sun. Rather than carrying and erecting a separate awning, the unit is attached to the side of the motorhome and can provide shade in no time at all. Here’s how to open a motorhome awning or canopy by using the winder handle and extending the legs.

14. Glossary

A glossary of leisure vehicle terms to help you understand some of the words and terms used in the leisure vehicle industry. From Payload to Aquaroll, check the terms that might be new to you on this page. Or hover over underlined words throughout the website to find out what they mean.