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You’ve finally got your dream motorhome and you’re ready to set off on your first adventure – not quite!

First you have to think about what you want to take with you on your journey.

How long will you be away for? Where will you be stopping and how often?

What type of activities do you want to do while you’re away?

All these questions will determine what type of motorhome accessories you take away with you on your break.

Of course, the beauty of having your own caravan or motorhome is that you can take a lot of the home comforts with you.

Quality motorhome insurance can protect your personal effects up to £5,000, so you don’t have to think twice about taking that e-reader or packing the new camping equipment.

So what are the basic must-haves for your first successful motorhome experience?

We’ve rounded some up our favourite motorhome accessories below:

Awnings

You can’t always predict the weather, especially when you’re travelling around the UK, so an awning is an essential for any campervan or motorhome trip.

They provide a shady place to sit outside the van, extending the usable area considerably.

Most second-hand vans will already have an awning attached, probably with a wind-in, wind-out mechanism.

Of course, you could splash out on an electric version if you really don’t want to take the strain. And remember, awnings can also be covered on motorhome insurance.

BBQ

Eating al fresco is one of the many pleasures you can enjoy as a motorhome owner.

But as the Camping and Caravanning Club explains, open campfires are a no-no at many sites these days because of the obvious safety issues, so barbecues are the way to go.

You can go traditional with charcoal; instant barbecues in aluminum trays are quick and easy options if there aren’t many of you (just don’t rest them directly on the grass).

Or, gas-fired versions are best if you have the room to transport the canister, although they do come in a range of sizes. Don’t forget the tongs and apron, too!

Wifi extender

Travelling with your motorhome means you can escape the every day and shake up the old routine, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss your favourite TV programme or ignore your emails altogether.

A wifi booster will allow you to make use of the campsite’s internet connection without having to be close to the original source.

Pots and pans

You can throw every bit of food onto the barbecue, so investing in some camping pots and pans for your campervan or motorhome is also a must.

Before stocking up, think about the weight of the pans, how durable they are and where you will store them.

If you’re a regular traveller, World of Camping suggests stainless steel cookware because of its heat and scratch resistant properties – good if you’re stacking lots of pieces to save space in your motorhome kitchen.

Other options are titanium, enamel, plastic and melamine. More eco-friendly travellers might want to avoid the plastic option, although cookware and utensils made of plastic are lightweight, durable, inexpensive and easy to stack.

Clothing

As much as you love your new motorhome, you’ll still want to get out and about to explore all the new locations you’ll be visiting.

That means making sure you have the right kind of clothing and footwear.

Choose fabrics that are lightweight and quick drying for trousers and jackets. Also pack a few fleeces or hoodies and a range of T-shirts and vests – layers are key!

Thermals are also a good idea if you’re travelling in the winter or to a colder destination.

And no matter where you’re going, don’t forget sunglasses as the sun’s glare can catch you out at any time of year.

Motorhome sat nav

When you’re travelling in your camper, time becomes irrelevant.

You set your own pace and if that means you take a few unexpected detours, so be it. But if it’s getting late and you still have no idea where the next pit stop is going to be, you may well turn to your sat nav for help.

A specialist caravan or motorhome sat nav will be more expensive than a standard option but, as Which? explains, they are essential because standard options are set up for cars and don’t take into account the increased size of the vehicle – meaning you could get stuck down narrow country lanes if you’re not using the right type of device.

A motorhome sat nav can cost between £50 and £300 – quite an investment, but it’s one of the things that can be protected by your motorhome insurance.

Motorhome sat navs will also warn you about low bridges and areas with weight restrictions, as well as beauty spots that are particularly suitable for larger vehicles like yours.

First Aid kit

No one likes to think about having an accident or becoming ill while they’re away on holiday but the unexpected does happen and so, it pays to be prepared.

Motorhomes.co.uk suggests every motorhome or campervan should have its own first aid kit packed with things like:

• Painkillers
• Plasters
• Antiseptic cream
• Thermometer
• Antihistamines
• Travel sickness pills
• Anti-diarrhoea tablets
• Insect repellent

Eye masks and ear plugs are a good idea if you don’t like your late-morning lie-ins to be disturbed, while hand sanitisers and sunscreen can help protect you throughout the day while you’re out exploring.

Now you’ve got a list of the essentials, you’re almost ready to set off! With motorhome insurance, you can protect your investment and travel around safe in the knowledge that you’re covered should the unexpected happen.

Here at Lancaster Insurance, our motorhome policies offer 90 days EU insurance, new for old replacement if your vehicle is less than a year old, up to £1,000 worth of audio cover and the option of breakdown cover if you need it.

Talk to the friendly team today and find the motorhome insurance cover that suits you and your budget best.