Care Tips and Advice

For many motorhome owners, space and flexibility are everything. Whether you’re heading off on extended trips or quick weekend breaks, having the ability to tow or carry extra equipment can make a huge difference. That’s where a motorhome towbar comes in. In this guide, we’ll break down what motorhome towbars are, how they work, and what you should consider before getting one installed. Why Motorhome Owners Are Choosing Towbars Motorhomes are designed for comfort but they’re not always practical for everyday travel once you’re parked up. Adding a towbar allows you to: For many UK owners, it’s less about towing […]

If your motorhome feels uneven, struggles under load or doesn’t handle as smoothly as you’d like, rear air suspension could be the upgrade you didn’t know you needed. Designed to enhance ride quality and improve vehicle stability, rear air suspension is becoming increasingly popular among UK motorhome owners and for good reason. In this guide, we’ll explain what rear air suspension is, how it works and whether it’s the right upgrade for your motorhome. What Is Rear Air Suspension? Rear air suspension is a system that replaces or supports your motorhome’s standard rear suspension using air-filled bags. These airbags can […]

If you’re upgrading your motorhome electrical system, one of the best investments you can make is a lithium battery. Compared with traditional leisure batteries, lithium batteries offer better performance, longer lifespan, and faster charging. But what exactly makes a lithium battery for a motorhome so popular and is it worth the cost? In this guide, we’ll explain how lithium motorhome batteries work, their benefits, costs and how to choose the right one for your setup. What Is a Lithium Battery for a Motorhome? It is a type of deep-cycle battery designed to store energy for use in your vehicle’s electrical […]

If you own a motorhome, you already know that finding a perfectly level pitch can be frustrating. Parking on uneven ground affects comfort, appliance performance, and even sleep quality. That’s why many motorhome owners are investing in a self levelling system. But one of the most common questions people ask is: how much does a motorhome does it cost? In this guide, we’ll break down the average cost, installation prices, types of systems, and whether it’s worth the investment. What Is a Motorhome Self Levelling System? A motorhome self levelling system automatically levels your vehicle when parked. With the press […]

Towing a car, trailer or small vehicle behind a motorhome is a popular way to make travelling easier once you arrive at your destination. Many motorhome owners choose to tow a small car or trailer so they can explore without moving the motorhome itself. However, UK motorhome towing laws can be confusing, especially when it comes to driving licences, weight limits and legal requirements. This guide explains the motorhome towing rules in the UK, what you can legally tow and how to stay safe and compliant. 1. Check Your Driving Licence First The most important rule when towing with a […]

Travelling off-grid in a motorhome, often called wild camping allows you to stay in remote locations without relying on campsite electric hook-ups. With the right setup, your motorhome can generate its own electricity, store water and run essential appliances for days or even weeks. In this guide, we’ll explain how to make your motorhome off-grid, including the key upgrades that allow you to stay self-sufficient on the road. 1. Upgrade to a Lithium Leisure Battery The most important upgrade for off-grid motorhome travel is your battery system. Traditional lead-acid or AGM leisure batteries work but lithium batteries offer significant advantages. […]

If your motorhome water pump keeps running, even when no taps are open, it’s usually a sign that something isn’t quite right with your water system. This is a common problem for motorhome owners, but the good news is that it can often be diagnosed and fixed quickly. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common reasons your motorhome water pump won’t switch off, how to troubleshoot them and when to get professional motorhome water pump repair in Bristol. 1. Check for Water Leaks in Your Motorhome The most frequent cause of a constantly running water pump is a leak […]

If you’re wondering how often you should service a motorhome, the short answer is: at least once a year. Regular motorhome servicing keeps your vehicle safe, protects your warranty, prevents costly repairs, and ensures everything is working properly before your next trip. Whether you’re a weekend tourer or a full-time adventurer, annual servicing is essential for keeping your motorhome in top condition. How Often Does a Motorhome Need Servicing? Most manufacturers recommend: Even if you don’t use your motorhome frequently, systems can deteriorate over time. Seals dry out, batteries degrade and water ingress can develop unnoticed. Annual servicing helps catch […]

You arrive on site, switch your caravan fridge over to gas mode, and… nothing. No cooling, no reassuring flame sound — just warm milk and growing frustration. If your caravan fridge is not working on gas, don’t panic. This is a common issue for touring caravan owners and in many cases, it’s something simple that can be diagnosed and resolved quickly. In this guide, we’ll explain the most common reasons your caravan fridge won’t run on gas and what you can do about it. 1. There’s No Gas Supply Reaching the Fridge The most obvious and most common cause is […]

Whether you’re heading to the Cornish coast, the Lake District or a family staycation, having the right accessories can make or break your caravan holiday, especially in the UK’s ever-changing weather! Here’s a complete list of must-have caravan accessories for UK touring in 2026, from comfort-boosters to safety gear plus how each upgrade can make your holiday smoother, safer and more enjoyable. 🔌 1. Caravan Solar Panel Kits Why you need them:Solar panels keep your leisure batteries topped up off-grid, especially useful on sites without electric hook-up or when wild camping. Benefits: Upgrade tip: Ask about professional solar installation, including […]

Choosing between a motorhome, campervan or caravan is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when starting or upgrading your touring lifestyle. Each option offers its own benefits, limitations, and upgrade potential. The right choice comes down to how you travel, where you go, and what level of comfort and flexibility you want. Let’s break it down. Motorhome: Comfort and Convenience Combined A motorhome is an all-in-one vehicle with the living space built onto a van or chassis cab base. Why choose a motorhome? Motorhomes are perfect if comfort is a top priority and you want everything in one self-contained […]

The Motorhome, Camping & Caravan Show is always a standout event in the touring calendar. Held at the impressive National Exhibition Centre, it brings together thousands of motorhome, campervan and caravan enthusiasts, all under one roof. If you didn’t manage to attend this year, don’t worry. Here’s a quick look at what you missed and how you can still benefit. The Biggest Talking Points from the Show One thing was clear throughout the event: leisure vehicle owners want more independence and flexibility than ever before. We spoke to customers looking to: The focus has shifted from simply “getting away” to […]

By Oakleigh Wood | LinkedIn Profile Are you dreaming of waking up in the Scottish Highlands or a remote Cornish cove, without once worrying about your battery levels? At Bristol Caravans, we are seeing a revolution in how UK owners power their travels. The transition from traditional lead-acid setups to high-performance Renogy Lithium systems is the single biggest “quality of life” upgrade you can make to your vehicle. But before you swap out your old battery, there are some fundamental questions you need to consider. Does My Motorhome Actually Need a Lithium Battery? The honest answer? Not everyone does. If […]

Spring is one of the best times to tour in a motorhome. The roads are quieter, campsites start reopening and everything feels a bit lighter after winter but before you turn the key and roll off, your motorhome needs a proper wake-up call. If your van’s been parked up over winter, jumping straight into a trip can lead to annoying (and avoidable) problems. This checklist walks you through what to check so your first spring tour is smooth, safe and stress-free. 1. Exterior Checks: Start from the Outside In Winter can be tough on a motorhome, even when it’s been […]

Modern motorhomes are packed with technology designed to keep you safe and informed and warning lights are a key part of that system. While seeing a light appear on the dashboard can be unsettling, not every warning means something serious is wrong. In this guide, we explain some of the most common motorhome warning lights, what they typically indicate and why it’s important to understand them. Engine Management Light Often shown as an outline of an engine, this light indicates that the engine management system has detected a fault. It could relate to emissions, sensors, fuel delivery or airflow. In […]

If your motorhome feels rough when idling or starts to misfire while driving, it’s a sign something isn’t quite right. While it might seem like a minor annoyance at first these symptoms can point to underlying issues that are best addressed early. In this blog, we explain what a lumpy idle and a misfire actually are, what commonly causes them in motorhomes and why timely attention matters. What Is a Lumpy Idle? A lumpy (or rough) idle is when your motorhome engine doesn’t run smoothly while stationary. You might notice: At idle, the engine is running at low speed so […]

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 levelling 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 manage this […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]