Motorhome travel: equipment not to forget

When you're on the road, every inch counts

When you travel by motorhome, you quickly learn one thing: what you take with you has to have a real purpose. Every item takes up space, weighs its weight, and can become either an essential... or something you're lugging around for nothing.

And we've all experienced it: leaving without the extension cord, forgetting the shims or the awning crank, it can get messy.

In this article, we offer you a clear checklist, tested and approved on the road. The idea is to set off light, well-equipped, and to make the most of each stage. No gadgets, no blah-blah: just practical, real-life tips and tricks gleaned from parking lots.

Basic equipment for a worry-free trip

Safety equipment

Safety first and foremost. On board, certain features are non-negotiable:

• A gas detector: simple, effective and essential for a good night's sleep.
• A fire extinguisher (checked, not the one that's been lying around in the hold for 10 years).
• A well-stocked first-aid kit: remember to check the dates and adapt according to your habits.
• A warning triangle and reflective vest, always accessible, never hidden away.

Energy autonomy

It's all very well to plug in at Camping Car Park sites, but it's still essential to have enough autonomy:

• Solar panels: a classic, especially if you like nature spots.
• Auxiliary battery + 12V/230V converter, to run your small appliances without draining the engine battery.
• Extension cords, adapters, power strips: why not a waterproof reel?
• European camping plug for unsurprising connection to terminals

Water management

Good water management is the basis of comfort:

• Clean water tank cleaned regularly
• Pump in good condition, with spare parts if necessary
• Water filter for worry-free filling in all areas
• Jerricans or hoses with universal couplings: always useful for refuelling

Improving day-to-day comfort

Bedding

As frequent travelers know, sleep is sacred. And the original bedding is not always up to the task.

• Memory foam mattress topper, or simply a custom-made mattress
• Ergonomic pillows: your neck will thank you
• Linen suited to the season, and easy to wash in the on-site launderette if required

A practical, well-thought-out kitchen for the road

We cook differently in a motorhome. But you can still treat yourself:

• High-performance stove (if you're cooking outdoors, don't forget your windbreaker)
• Lightweight, unbreakable tableware
• Multifunctional utensils (and a good knife, always)
• Compression cooler or reliable fridge: an empty fridge = a wasted stage

A pleasant living space

This is where you spend your evenings, your breaks and your family breakfasts. So you might as well make it your own:

• Blackout blinds or curtains (with insulation if possible)
• Screens on windows AND side door
• Folding chairs and table, easy to unfold for outdoor aperitifs
• Outdoor carpet, to keep sand and pine thorns at the entrance

Optimize organization and storage

Smart storage = peace of mind

Good storage is the difference between a clear living space and a mess:

• Stackable or flexible boxes to fit trunks
• Nets or bags hung in closet doors
• Adhesive or magnetic hooks: always useful for keys, torches or towels

Waste management

Not glamorous, but indispensable:

• Small enclosed garbage can, easy to empty in equipped areas
• Compostable or biodegradable bags
• No-rinse cleaning products, useful for independent use

Choosing the right stages

Stopping in the right place changes everything

Having a well-equipped vehicle is great. But parking it in an area that meets your needs is even better. That's where Camping Car Park sites make all the difference:

• Complete, clear, always accessible service kiosk
• Flat, clean and secure parking, perfect for heavy vehicles
• Book online to avoid an hour-long tour
• Close to shops, walks and nature: we don't sacrifice our surroundings

A good stage is one that gives you peace of mind. You arrive, you plug in, you sit back. Nothing to think about. Everything to live.

Buying the right equipment doesn't mean filling every cupboard. It's about choosing what really makes your life on board easier. It's about choosing what really makes your life on board easier, so that you don't grumble, waste time, or struggle over a detail you could have anticipated.

Above all, it's about giving yourself the means to live the trip to the full, stress-free. Now it's up to you to check off the list, reorganize your storage, try out the tips, and above all... enjoy.

And if you want to park your motorhome in complete peace of mind, there's one thing you need to remember: Camping Car Park service areas offer you the assurance of finding a place that's designed just for you, wherever you are.