Motorhome hire - 10 things to consider

Thinking about renting a motorhome? Travelling by motorhome has become increasingly popular in recent years, but owning your own motorhome is not for everyone. Together with Housecar, a motorhome and caravan sharing service, we have compiled a list of 10 things to consider when renting a motorhome.

Why rent a motorhome?

Of course, there are many occasions when renting a motorhome can be useful. You may need a motorhome for a few weeks of holiday, an event or an assignment, without being interested in buying and owning your own motorhome. Or maybe you're thinking about buying a motorhome, but want to try it out first by renting.

Since we own a motorhome ourselves, we have never rented a motorhome here in Sweden, but we have travelled with a rented motorhome in countries where it is easy to fly and then rent a motorhome. Our own experience of renting a motorhome is therefore from Croatia, Ireland and New Zealand.

Conversation with the founders of the Housecar sharing service

We have "met" the founders of the sharing service House car, Rickard and Nicolas, during a video meeting, and talked to them about Housecar and renting and leasing a motorhome. Rickard and Nicolas told us that the idea for the sharing service came about when they were participating in the O-ring and found it difficult to rent. At the same time, both are passionate about the sharing economy.

Two needs meet

Rickard, Housecar

A service where private individuals rent out motorhomes and caravans benefits both those who want to rent and those who want to hire. "Two needs meet," says Rickard. "Owners who want to rent and renters who don't want to own but have a need to holiday with a motorhome."

Renting or hiring a motorhome: security for both parties

One of the biggest challenges for Rickard and Nicolas at Housecar has been to create a system that provides security for both parties. This was the issue that took the most time during development, but now they have come up with a safe solution for both the renter and the hirer. They have developed an insurance policy that applies specifically to motorhome/campervan/caravan hire.

To give the renter a sense of security, a background check with BankID and a credit check is carried out before a potential renter can send an enquiry. The system also provides secure payments for both parties. In addition to the security issue, the company has worked to develop a simple system where it is easy for renters to find available vehicles and easy for lessors to choose who to rent to.

Ten tips for renting a motorhome

Together with Housecar, we have compiled ten tips for those who want to rent a motorhome. The tips are based both on Housecar's experience as a sharing service, and our personal experiences as motorhome drivers and renters.

1. Rent a motorhome well in advance - if you want to travel in high season.

If you want to travel by motorhome during the high season, it is important to book well in advance. This is especially true if you want to travel in July. As early as May, it can be difficult to find available motorhomes for this period, so make sure you book well in advance if you can.

However, if you are more flexible about when you want to travel, and if you are interested in renting a motorhome in the low season, then you can be more spontaneous!

2. Choose a motorhome with the right licence level

Many motorhomes can be driven with a B licence, but not all of them, so it's important to check that you're renting a motorhome that you (or someone in your travel party) is authorised to drive. A B licence allows you to drive motorhomes weighing up to 3.5 tonnes. Heavier motorhomes require a C1 licence except for those who obtained their B licence before 1996 - you can use your normal driving licence for heavier motorhomes as well.

3. Choose a model that suits your needs

Which motorhome to choose depends on who you are, what your needs are and what you plan to do. For example, if you are travelling in a colder country during the winter months, you may need to check that the motorhome is winterised. Here are two important things to consider when choosing a model:

• That the motorhome has enough sleeping places
• That the motorhome has a sufficient number of belted seats (does not always correspond to the number of sleeping places).

You also need to think about whether you want a larger or smaller model. A larger motorhome offers more interior space, but can be more cumbersome to drive and park. If you're looking at smaller models, you can also choose between so-called 'flatbeds' (van-style motorhomes) or 'campervans' (converted vans with a personal touch).

4. Check how many miles are included

When renting a motorhome, it's important to check how many miles are included, and what the rental company wants to charge for the extra miles. If you are travelling long distances, it may be worth choosing a motorhome that is slightly more expensive but has more miles included.

5. find out about insurance

When renting a motorhome, it is important to find out about insurance. At the very least, read the insurance sales sheet, which covers the most important points. Here are some things to check:

• Is the vehicle covered by the platform's insurance?
• Is roadside assistance included?
• How high is the deductible? Is there a deductible reduction

6. Avoid being scammed when renting a motorhome

In any industry where there is money to be made, there are also fraudsters. Motorhome rentals are no exception, and there have been several reports in the newspapers about motorhome rental scams. Here's what you can do to avoid being scammed:

• Use an established brokerage service that uses BankID for all users. Only then is it safe to pay money in advance. Never pay a rental directly to a landlord. 
• Conduct all contact with the landlord through the brokerage service so that it is easier to show what has been agreed in case there is any confusion.

7. Avoid being blamed for damage to the vehicle that is not caused by you.

When renting a motorhome, it is of course possible that there is pre-existing damage to the exterior or interior. To avoid being blamed for damage that existed before the motorhome came into your hands, it is important to make a proper documentation when you pick up the vehicle, before you drive away.

Take photos of the motorhome from all angles, both inside and out, and film as you walk around the vehicle. This will make things much easier if something happens. Also make sure to test basic functions:

• Is the water pump working?
• Is the battery charging?
• Do the cooker and fridge work?

Last but not least, check the equipment list and ensure that the promised equipment is present and working properly.

8. Pack correctly

To know what to pack, check the rental company's equipment list so you know what's already in the motorhome. If you are unsure, ask! For example, check whether sheets are included or not. You may also want to find out how many camping chairs are included.

To know where to stay overnight, it's a good idea to pack a list of campsites or pitches - or download an app with such information, such as 'Pitches' or 'CamperContact'.

Otherwise, you will need to pack clothes for the weather and equipment for the activities you want to do on your trip. If you're travelling in the cooler off-season, you may want to bring a pair of comfortable wool socks or slippers. If you're taking your motorhome abroad, you may need certain stickers or safety equipment, depending on the country. Feel free to check our full packing list for the motorhome.

9. Find out how the motorhome works

If you've never travelled by motorhome before, there's a lot that's new. But even if you're an experienced motorhome traveller, you may need to ask your rental company for a briefing. Every motorhome is different and it's not always easy to know where to find all the knobs and settings. For example, ask the rental company to show you things like:

• What runs on LPG and electricity
• How the heating system works
• How to change the LPG tank
• How to top up water
• How to empty grey water and toilet

Keep in mind that there is a lot of information to remember. Feel free to take photos or film, or help your memory with some notes. Don't be afraid to ask one more time!

10. Enjoy the journey!

The very last tip is to enjoy the journey! With a motorhome, you can go where you want and do what you want. Have fun! Take advantage of the freedom and opportunity to wake up wherever you want!

More tips for motorhome hire

Do you have any other tips and advice for those who want to rent a motorhome? Please share them with us! You can also read a interview with a tenant on the Housecar site.