Bristol Caravans and Motorhomes

Levelling Systems for the Adria Twin

The Adria Twin is one of the most popular campervans on the road, praised for its clever use of space, solid build quality and comfortable touring layout. Built on the Fiat Ducato chassis, it’s a capable and compact vehicle but like all campervans, it can still benefit from being properly level when parked. This raises a common question among owners: is a levelling system worth fitting to an Adria Twin? Why Levelling Matters in a Campervan Even though the Adria Twin is smaller than a full motorhome, levelling still plays an important role in day-to-day comfort and practicality: Many owners […]

Jenni Elliott

Fabulous service from Elliot and the team right from the first enquiry through to having the work done on our motorhome. We are so happy with the AMPLO Hydraulic Levelling System installed and would definitely recommend Bristol Caravans and Motorhomesif you are thinking of having the same system fitted.

Understanding Payload: What Every Motorhome Owner Needs to Know

By Bristol Caravans If you own a motorhome or are thinking about buying one, you’ve probably heard the term payload. But what does it actually mean, why does it matter and how can misunderstanding it cost you money, safety or even your holiday? Payload is one of the most common areas of confusion for motorhome owners. In this guide, we break it down so you can travel safely, legally and with confidence. What Is Payload? Payload is the amount of weight your motorhome is legally allowed to carry in addition to its empty weight. This includes everything you add to […]

Common Motorhome Myths That Cost You Money

Motorhome ownership is a dream come true for many, the freedom to travel anywhere, anytime, with all the comforts of home. However, along with that freedom comes a host of myths and misconceptions that can cost you money, time and even your safety. Whether you’re a seasoned road warrior or a first-time buyer, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. In this blog, we’ll debunk some of the most common motorhome myths that could put a dent in your wallet. 1. “Motorhomes Are Expensive to Maintain” It’s true that motorhomes can have higher maintenance costs compared to traditional cars but […]

Touring Earlier in the Year: What Your Motorhome Needs to Handle Cold Starts

For many motorhome enthusiasts, the joy of travel doesn’t end when the weather turns colder. Touring earlier in the year can offer quieter roads, less crowded campsites and beautiful scenic views in the crisp winter air. However, colder temperatures bring unique challenges, especially when it comes to cold starts. If you plan on hitting the road in the early spring or autumn months, your motorhome needs to be fully prepared to handle these colder starts. Here’s a guide to get you ready: 1. Battery Performance: Cold Weather’s Worst Enemy One of the most significant challenges for your motorhome in cold […]

Andy Turner

I can not fault the service received from BC&M from initial contact, to quote, to booking to have Amplo self levelling fitted, to picking up with a full demonstration the BC&M team were great. Highly recommend this Company.

How Long Can a Motorhome Sit Unused?

It’s common for motorhomes to sit unused for weeks or even months, particularly over winter. While motorhomes are built for travel, long periods of inactivity can lead to unexpected issues if they’re not prepared properly. Understanding how long a motorhome can sit unused and what problems may arise, helps you avoid costly repairs and start the season with confidence. So, how long is too long? The answer depends on how the vehicle is stored and maintained. The Short Answer Most motorhomes can safely sit unused for 4–6 weeks without issue. Beyond that, especially after 2–3 months, the risk of problems […]

When Should You Replace Your Motorhome Tyres? It’s Not Just About Tread

When it comes to motorhome safety, tyers are often overlooked especially if the tread still looks good. Unlike cars, motorhome tyers can deteriorate over time even if the vehicle isn’t driven very often. Understanding when tyers really need replacing is essential for safety, performance and peace of mind on the road. The truth is, tyre age and condition matter just as much as tread depth. Why Motorhome Tyres Wear Differently Motorhomes are heavier than cars and often spend long periods parked up. This extra weight, combined with inactivity, can place stress on tyres even when the vehicle isn’t moving. Exposure […]

LPG Gas Systems Explained: What Motorhome Owners Should Know

LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) plays a vital role in everyday motorhome life. From cooking meals to heating your living space and providing hot water, it’s one of the most relied-upon systems in your vehicle. Yet, it’s also one of the least understood. Knowing how your LPG system works and how to keep it safe can make all the difference to your comfort, safety and peace of mind on the road. Here’s what every motorhome owner should know about LPG gas systems. What Does LPG Power in a Motorhome? In most motorhomes, LPG is used to run essential appliances such as […]

New Year, New Adventures: 7 Motorhome Checks Before Your First Trip

The start of a new year is the perfect time to plan exciting motorhome adventures but before you hit the road, it’s important to make sure your motorhome is ready for the journey. A few simple checks now can prevent costly problems later, help your trips run smoothly, and give you peace of mind. Here are 7 essential motorhome checks to do before your first trip of the year. 1. Check for Damp and Water Leaks Winter can take a toll on your motorhome and damp is one of the most common problems owners face. Inspect around windows, roof seams […]

Off-Grid Lithium Battery

Top Tips to Avoid Your Leisure Battery Going Flat

Few things put a damper on a trip faster than a flat leisure battery. From losing lights and heating to fridges cutting out, battery issues are one of the most common problems motorhome and caravan owners face and in most cases, they’re completely avoidable. Here are some top tips to help keep your leisure battery healthy, charged and ready for every adventure. 1. Understand What’s Draining Your Battery Many appliances continue to draw power even when you think they’re switched off. Control panels, alarms, trackers and USB sockets can all slowly drain your battery over time. If your battery keeps […]

Motorhome Batteries Explained: AGM, Lithium and Lead Acid

Choosing the right motorhome battery is essential for reliable power on the road. The battery you select impacts how long you can run appliances, charging times and the lifespan of your electrical system. In this guide, we compare AGM, lithium and lead-acid batteries, helping you find the best option for your motorhome or campervan. What Are the Main Types of Motorhome Batteries? The three main types of motorhome batteries are: Each type has unique benefits and drawbacks depending on your travel style, power needs and budget. 1. Lead Acid Motorhome Batteries Lead-acid batteries are the classic choice for motorhomes. They […]

Carolyn & Stuart Davis

I am pleased to say that we’ve now resolved the issues we were having with our inverter and all is working as it should be. Also, many many thanks to Nick for his time and patience in explaining to my husband what had to be done, he was a great help. I think it was all down to a misunderstanding about what workarounds my husband had done when our old inverter had failed , and what he had to make good. Wishing all of you at Bristol Caravans a very happy Christmas – I shall continue to recommend you to […]

Richard Wood

Great service from Bristol Caravans. Had AMPLO self levelling installed and the team from office staff to technician were great. Even loaned us a van to use whilst the work was being undertaken

Jeremy Manning

Bristol caravans are clearly a well run and highly competent supplier of caravan and motorhome services. Excellent customer service provided from their ideally located premises just 10mins from M4/M5 junction. Very pleased with the work completed and I would firmly recommend to others.

Top 5 Most Commonly Asked Questions Motorhome Owners Ask About Bike Racks

Motorhome bike racks are essential for travellers who want the freedom to explore by bicycle once they arrive at their destination. However, choosing the right bike rack for a motorhome can be confusing, especially with concerns about weight limits, safety and legal requirements. Here we will answer the top five most frequently asked questions about bike racks for motorhomes, helping you make an informed and safe choice. 1. Can My Motorhome Safely Carry a Bike Rack? One of the most searched questions by motorhome owners is whether their vehicle can safely support a bike rack. Before installing a motorhome bike […]

The Motorhome Owner’s Christmas Wishlist

While most people dream of shiny gadgets or cosy slippers, those who love life on the road start imagining ways to make future adventures smoother, easier and even more enjoyable. At Bristol Caravans, we meet motorhome owners every day who light up when talking about travel plans and clever upgrades so we’ve rounded up the ultimate festive wishlist full of hopeful, positive wishes for the year ahead. 🎁 1. Levelling Ramps That Create the Perfect Pitch First Time There’s something deeply satisfying about stepping inside and finding everything perfectly level. A great start to any stay, and a little victory […]

The Most Common Motorhome Faults We See and How to Prevent Them

Motorhomes are incredible machines- part vehicle, part holiday home and capable of carrying you to some of the most beautiful places in the UK and beyond.But because they combine driving systems and habitation features, they naturally experience faults from time to time. At Bristol Caravans, our workshop sees hundreds of motorhomes each year. While every model is different, many of the issues we diagnose fall into the same familiar patterns. The good news? Most are easily prevented with simple checks and routine maintenance. Here are the most common motorhome faults we see and how you can avoid them. 1. Damp […]

New to Motorhome Ownership? Here’s What to Expect in Your First Year

Owning a motorhome opens the door to a whole new world of travel, the freedom to explore at your own pace, the comfort of taking your home with you and the excitement of discovering beautiful places across the UK and beyond but the first year of ownership can also feel overwhelming. There’s plenty to learn, a few things to get used to and lots of little discoveries along the way. At Bristol Caravans, we work with new owners every day, so we’ve put together a guide to help you understand what the first year really looks like: the good, the […]

Remove Scratches from Motorhome & Caravan Windows: DIY or Pro?

Caravan windows face the elements all year round-rain, dust, road grit, and even careless handling can leave them scratched or scuffed. One of the most common causes of damage to side windows is travelling along narrow lanes, where thorns and overhanging branches can easily scrape the surface. While scratches may not always affect visibility, they can spoil the look of your caravan and even reduce its resale value. So, what’s the best way to deal with them: DIY fixes or professional help? Let’s explore your options. Why Caravan Windows Scratch Easily Most caravan windows are made from acrylic or polycarbonate, […]

Motorhome Habitation Service vs Engine Service

If you own a motorhome, you’ll already know it’s not quite like any other vehicle. It’s your transport and your home- all rolled into one. That’s why it needs two types of servicing to stay in top condition: an engine service and a habitation service. Many owners are unsure what each service covers so let’s break it down and explain why both are essential for keeping your motorhome safe, reliable and comfortable. What Is included in an Habitation Service? A habitation service focuses on the living area of your motorhome, the “home” part. It’s designed to make sure everything inside […]