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Wagons roll


It’s a giant leap from a Toyota Yaris to a motorhome, and I’d been putting off this new motoring challenge for months.
 
Shakey was a happy camperTasked with a road trip around the country to visit the launch events showcasing the new and revised 2017 units from Coachman in Yorkshire and Lunar in Lancashire, Club Reporter Sheila Kiggins, her beloved hound Shakey and myself set off on an intrepid adventure from our Coventry head office. We planned to spend the night at Woodhall Spa Club Site to break up the journey. 
 
My greatest fear about driving such a large vehicle was the (massive) potential for error – scraping the sides, knocking the mirrors, bumping into cyclists. To counter their extra bulk, motorhomes generally offer good visibility, which I was glad of in the Club magazine’s long-term test Bailey Approach Advance 615 vehicle. It’s possible to see through its rear window and there’s some visibility through the window behind the driver’s seat too – every little helps when you’re pulling out to overtake. 
 
The Bailey motorhome dashboard was a bit of a change from my Toyota YarisOnce I’d got used to the handbrake being to the right of the seat – requiring an over-reaching action to apply (it beeps hysterically if you don’t lower it fully) and the unfamiliar placement of the dashboard gearstick, we were off. Shakey was safely strapped in his seat behind me, and I’m told remained unfazed by the journey. 
 
It’s amazing the confidence an elevated position gives you out on the road. In my small car I often feel intimidated by bigger, faster vehicles but seeing a home on wheels appears to inspire others to give you extra room - a bonus especially on roundabouts.  

Woodhall Spa Club Site is a haven for wildlifeWe arrived safely at Woodhall Spa Club Site in Lincolnshire, a serene, partly wooded campsite tucked down a narrow lane, where I pleasantly surprised myself with my reverse parking abilities. Once pitched (I camped under canvas leaving Sheila and Shakey to the motorhome), we were glad to get to The Ebrington Arms, a 20-minute stroll up the lane.

My confidence grew as the days passed, and pulling into Clitheroe Club Site in Lancashire was pretty much a doddle. I didn’t flinch when I missed the satnav turning which led us around the town’s narrow streets. Once again I managed to reverse park onto the pitch without attracting a crowd of bemused onlookers. To celebrate, we cut through the neighbouring riverside park, and across the River Ribble for dinner at the Edisford Bridge pub.

By the time we pulled into Coventry, I was well and truly hooked on motorhoming and can’t wait for my next challenge!
 
Driving a motorhome is easier than you think and here’s why:
 
  • The elevated position is an advantage – you can see far into the distance to better gauge the traffic flow and potential hazards. 
  • As a bigger vehicle you have more presence on the road, which makes other drivers more aware of you.
  • Driving a large vehicle makes you super road-conscious, and therefore hopefully a better driver. 
  • Other motorhomers wave hello as you pass!
 

Vicky Sartain Vicky Sartain is the magazine's Features Editor and when not at her desk can usually be found lounging in a tea room conveniently near a Club Site. She enjoys the outdoors and will pop out for a walk come rain or shine. Read other posts by this author