Category: Vehicle test

Inspection of the motorhome

The leased vehicles are regularly maintained and monitored.

They are real houses on wheels and it may happen that the previous hirer fails to report a malfunction or hides a detail that escapes the hirer.

So despite the desire to get on the road as quickly as possible, and to avoid any complaints on the return journey, we advise you to inspect the exterior and interior of the vehicle carefully and to report any details that might seem contentious and that are not already indicated on the rental contract. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to take a dated photo.

If, despite this, you notice a malfunction once you have left the agency: it is in your interest to report it as soon as possible. Don’t hesitate to inspect the upper part, the lower parts and the wear of the tyres.

Condition of vehicle on pick-up

When you sign your tenancy agreement, it’s essential to carry out an inventory of fixtures. Take the time to do this, as it will determine the success of your rental.

Check the exterior of the motorhome: bodywork, wheel rims, windscreen, rocker panels, roof, awning, etc. Have someone show you how the water, waste water and fuel tanks work, and how to empty the waste water.

Check the inside of the motorhome: electricity, heating, gas, operation of equipment, storage, cleanliness, etc.

Take it for a test drive

Don’t forget to note down your motorhome’s mileage and fuel level before you leave.

Camper van generator in the USA and Canada (use)

What is a motorhome generator?

The generator is a power source and is only used if you’re camping in the wild (which is basically forbidden except in desert areas, or at least not recommended). The generator is not useful if you go to private campgrounds (campsites) where you connect the vehicle to the mains. It is useful if you’re doing static for several days and/or if you need to plug in the air conditioning when you’re stationary.

The generator is a power generator that runs on petrol from the tank and is used when stationary if you are spending the night “autonomously” to have light and air conditioning, or if you are unable to connect your vehicle to an electrical socket. It stops automatically if the fuel tank gauge falls below 1/3 of the tank.

As you drive around during the day, your leisure battery will be charged, giving you light in the evening.

When should the motorhome generator be used?

Wild camping is not strictly forbidden in the countryside or in the wild, but campgrounds (campsites) will allow you, for a few dollars, to enjoy peace and quiet, to have a barbecue or change oil and not have to use the generator: in North America (the United States and Canada), almost all motorhomes are equipped with one.

Unlimited use is sometimes included in certain packages but is more often billed on return of use (around USD 3/hour). The fridge-freezer runs on the battery and then on gas if there is no battery, electricity or generator connected. This is managed automatically.

Wild camping is not strictly forbidden in the countryside or in the wild, but the campgrounds will allow you, for a few dollars, to be in peace and quiet, to have supplies and to have barbecues or oil changes without having to use the generator: in North America (the United States and Canada), almost all motorhomes are equipped with them.