Motorhome travel: essential equipment you shouldn't forget

When you hit the road, every centimeter counts

When you travel by motorhome, you quickly learn one thing: what you bring must be truly useful. Each item takes up space, weighs its weight, and can become either essential... or something you lug around for nothing.

And we've all been there: leaving without the extension cord, forgetting the leveling blocks or the awning crank, it quickly becomes a mess.

In this article, we offer you a clear checklist, tested and approved on the road. The idea is to leave light, well-equipped, and fully enjoy each stop. No gadgets, no blah-blah: practical stuff, real experiences, and a few tips picked up in parking lots.

The basic equipment for a smooth trip

Safety equipment

Safety first. On board, some equipment is non-negotiable:

• A gas detector: simple, effective, essential for sleeping soundly.
• A fire extinguisher (checked, not the one that's been lying 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 a reflective vest, always accessible, never stashed away in the back.

Energy independence

Even if you plug into Camping-Car Park areas, it's still essential to have what you need to be self-sufficient:

• Solar panels: a classic, especially if you like natural spots.
• Auxiliary battery + 12V/230V converter, to run your small appliances without draining the engine battery.
• Extension cord, adapters, power strips: and why not a waterproof reel?
• European camping-type plug to connect to terminals without any surprises

Water management

Good water management is the foundation of comfort:

• Fresh water tank cleaned regularly
• Pump in good condition, and something to fix it with if needed
• Water filter to fill up without worry in all areas
• Jerrycan or hose with universal connector: always useful for filling up

Improve everyday comfort

Bedding and sleeping

Those who travel often know: sleep is sacred! And the original bedding isn't always up to scratch.

• Memory foam mattress topper, or even a custom-made mattress
• Ergonomic pillows: your neck will thank you
• Season-appropriate linen, and easy to wash at the laundrette if needed

A practical and well-designed kitchen for the road

You cook differently in a campervan, but you can still enjoy yourself:

• High-performance stove (if you're cooking outside, remember a windshield)
• Lightweight and unbreakable dishes
• Multifunctional utensils (and a good knife, always)
• Compression cooler or reliable fridge: an empty fridge = a wasted stop

A pleasant living space

This is where you spend your evenings, breaks, and family breakfasts, so you might as well decorate it to your taste:

• Blackout blinds or curtains (and insulating if possible)
• Mosquito nets on the windows AND the side door
• Folding chairs and table, easy to unfold for an outdoor drink
• Outdoor mat, to keep sand and pine needles at the entrance

Optimize organization and storage

Smart storage = peace of mind

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

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

Waste management

Not glamorous, but essential:

• A small bin with a lid, easy to empty in equipped service areas
• Compostable or biodegradable bags
• No-rinse cleaning products, useful when you're off-grid

Choose your stopovers wisely

Stopping in the right place makes all the difference

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 areas make the difference:

• A complete service point that’s clear and always accessible
• Flat, clean and secure parking, perfect for heavy vehicles
• Online booking to avoid driving around for an hour
• Close to shops, walks and natural spots: we don't sacrifice the surroundings

A good stopover is one that puts your mind at ease. You arrive, you plug in, you settle down. Nothing to think about, just enjoy.

Equipping yourself well isn't about filling all the cupboards. It's about choosing what really makes your life easier on board. What stops you from moaning, wasting time, or struggling with a detail you could have anticipated.

And above all, it's about giving yourself the means to fully enjoy the trip, without stress. Now it's up to you to check the list, reorganise your storage, test the tips, and above all... enjoy!

And to park your motorhome with complete peace of mind, remember one thing: CAMPING-CAR PARK areas are your guarantee of finding a place designed for you, wherever you are.