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Manoeuvring a motorhome on Britain’s busy roads can be a challenge at the best of times. Narrow, congested lanes can mean getting your motorhome from A to B takes a fair amount of skill and precision.

Put your motorhome into reverse and attempt the same manoeuvres, and the challenge becomes even more complicated.

The number of insurance claims made because of damage caused by a reversing mishap is not to be ignored.

There are plenty of gate posts, bollards, overhanging trees, and walls across the UK that make some reversing manoeuvres particularly perilous.

Luckily, there are plenty of hints and tips that will help you reverse your motorhome like a pro and avoid any accidental damage.

Here’s our step-by-step guide to reversing your motorhome – but before you start reading, make sure you’re covered with motorhome insurance, too!

 

1. Start by assessing the situation

There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking things slowly when performing a tricky manoeuvre.

The slower you drive in reverse, the easier it will be (and the less likely you are to cause serious damage to your motorhome or other vehicles around you).

Get out of the motorhome and have a good look around, considering all angles and options. And if there is a way which allows you to avoid reversing your motorhome altogether, always take it. Not reversing is definitely the preferred option.

2. Remember to look up as well as around the vehicle

Don’t forget that a motorhome is significantly taller than a car so will not deal with high-level obstructions. Keep an eye on what is above you (like trees, car park height restrictions and guttering) and know what your motorhome can handle.

It’s really useful to keep a copy of your motorhome’s dimensions handy when you are behind the wheel. Sticking them to the inside of your sun visor is a good option.

This will mean you know the exact height and width of your vehicle and can make quick decisions when you need to.

 

3. Get to know your vehicle – and its blind spots

Make sure you know your vehicle back to front. Always be mindful of any fittings such as bike racks or a towbar that are out of your field of vision but that could make reversing trickier than it already is.

And let’s not forget about those blind spots. All vehicles have them – and the bigger the vehicle, the bigger those ‘spots’ tend to be.

Make sure you are aware of your motorhome’s blind spots and use additional blindspot mirrors on wing mirrors to give you fuller visibility of what’s behind.

 

4. Make the most of your passenger (if you have one)

If you are lucky enough to have a passenger sitting next to you in your motorhome, use them! Ask them to get out of the vehicle so they can be an extra pair of eyes and ears.

Tell them to be vocal about your progress and have a series of hand gestures in place so they are able to guide you and let you know when to stop.

But while standing behind your motorhome and within eyeshot is a good idea, getting your passenger to stand between the vehicle and a brick wall (or similar) is a wholly bad idea and to be avoided at all costs!

5. Don’t be shy when it comes to using gadgets

There are a number of gadgets designed to make reversing your motorhome a lot simpler.

These include reversing cameras, parking sensors and add-on mirrors to avoid those dreaded blind spots and can really help you get in and out of tighter spots.

However, it is important not to treat these gadgets as a complete solution when it comes to reversing your motorhome. Use plenty of common sense and remember to take things slowly.

It is also worth considering the placement of camera fittings. You don’t want to put them somewhere they could easily get damaged and you don’t want them to get too dirty so they become hard to use.

 

6. Brush up on your motorhome manoeuvres

Make it easier to get out of those tight spots by knowing your motorhome manoeuvres inside and out. Here are three of the most common manoeuvres you may have to perform behind the wheel.

 

Reversing to the right

When reversing to the right into a parking space or pitch, drive past the space so you are well clear of it.

Check the area around you and use your mirrors or reversing camera if you have one. Start reversing slowly, guiding your rear wheel axle to the point where you want to make the turn and locking the steering wheel at that point.

You may need to pull forwards a little to straighten up to complete the manoeuvre.

 

Reversing to the left

Reversing on your blindside can be a bit harder as visibility is not as good on this side. The principles are the same as reversing right, just flipped round.

Use the left mirror to keep an eye on the left rear wheel to get to the correct pivot point and make a hard turn once you are there.

Take things slowly and ask a passenger to get out and help if you have someone with you.

Three-point turn

Performing a three-point turn is not ideal in a motorhome, especially on a narrow road so avoid it if you can. But if you do need to do one, start by lining yourself up square with the side of the road.

When you reverse do so with the steering fully locked, going back as far as you can. Then, lock the wheel the other way as you move forward. Repeat the process and you should find you have turned a full 180 degrees.

For a lot of people, a motorhome is a lot larger than the car they use day to day, which makes manoeuvring more of a challenge.

The best advice is to take things slowly (especially when reversing), brake earlier than normal, and park carefully making sure you won’t cause an obstruction.

 

Even the most proficient, cautious drivers can face some challenges behind the wheel. Make sure your motorhome is covered for any unexpected events with comprehensive motorhome insurance.

At Lancaster, we arrange insurance for a motorhome that allows you to travel wherever you want, knowing you are protected. Get in touch with the team today to find out more and get a quote.