Is it Difficult to Drive a Large Motorhome?
Posted: 09/12/2024 Author: Jackie ShipleyUnsurprisingly, the thought of driving a large motorhome can feel a little daunting to some – especially if it clocks in at over 7 metres long. But thankfully, handling a large motorhome is not as difficult as it might at first seem. Once you’re familiar with a few essential principles, the whole experience is just as enjoyable as driving a smaller vehicle. In this blog we’ll investigate the joys of driving a large motorhome, including those in Coachman’s benchmark Travel Master range.
Advanced Technology and Design
When you think of a large motorhome you probably picture an imposing vehicle that’s bulky and very difficult to manoeuvre. However, modern motorhomes – particularly A-class models like the Coachman Travel Master Imperial – are designed with comfort, performance and ease of use in mind. Manufacturers continually strive to improve the engineering and, making motorhomes safer and easier to drive.
A-class motorhomes are designed to provide travellers with the utmost comfort, and their driving capabilities have improved significantly over the years. Key to this trend of improvement is the integration of technology. The inclusion of things like automatic transmission, power steering and adaptive cruise control mean that driving these vehicles is much easier than you might expect. Many larger motorhomes now come equipped with assistance features such as parking sensors and reversing cameras, which make navigating tight spaces so much easier, enabling drivers to feel more confident and in control when parking or manoeuvring.
Comfortable Driving
The driving experience in a large motorhome is, perhaps surprisingly, often very smooth and comfortable. Larger motorhomes typically have powerful engines, making them capable of handling a variety of terrains and cruising at motorway speeds with ease. With better handling and stability than smaller motorhomes or campervans, large motorhomes can provide a more relaxed and enjoyable experience on the road. Larger motorhomes are often better equipped for long-distance driving, too.
Manoeuvrability
There’s no getting around the fact that large motorhomes naturally require more space to manoeuvre. However, many drivers find that with a bit of practice, handling becomes second nature. Out there on the open road, the larger size of the motorhome is less of a problem. In more confined spaces, such as car parks or campsites, drivers may initially feel a bit anxious but features such as reversing cameras and parking sensors can significantly reduce difficulty. Large motorhome owners find that, despite the size of the vehicle, parking and turning quite quickly become intuitive.
Living and Comfort
When considering a motorhome, one of the primary reasons for choosing a larger model is the enhanced living space and comfort. This is particularly important for those planning long-term or extended trips, whether in the UK, across Europe or even further afield. A-class motorhomes like the Travel Master feature fully equipped kitchens, spacious lounges and dedicated sleeping areas. Designed to be as comfortable as your actual home, there are full-sized beds, modern bathrooms and ample storage space.
On a long journey a well-appointed living area is a game-changer, offering a level of convenience and comfort that smaller motorhomes just can’t match. Larger motorhomes are particularly well-suited to lengthier European trips. With the easy availability of well-maintained campsites and motorhome-friendly routes dotted with aires (places for motorhomers to park and stay overnight, very popular and widespread particularly in France), you can travel for weeks without feeling cramped.
Safety and Stability
Larger motorhomes are often built with improved safety features, so they offer a greater feeling of security when you’re driving. The stability of these vehicles gives them an advantage when you’re navigating difficult road conditions (including windy weather or steep inclines). Surprisingly, perhaps, with improved road handling and stability, larger motorhomes can often provide a safer driving experience than smaller, lighter vehicles.
The robust construction of larger motorhomes means they’re more likely to withstand the bumps and jolts of the road, and they also tend to be equipped with advanced safety systems like lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation and electronic stability control. These features enhance safety and make driving feel reassuringly secure.
Convenience
For motorhome travellers looking to explore Europe in style, a large motorhome offers unbeatable flexibility. Travelling from country to country with all the comforts of home at your fingertips is a major draw for many. Extra conveniences, such as dedicated spaces for bicycles or outdoor gear, add flexibility and mean you can take part in things like hiking, cycling and water sports without worrying about storing equipment.
The Ideal Investment
For people who travel often or prefer to ‘go big’ and embark on extended holidays, a large motorhome is a sound investment. It offers the luxury of space and comfort, but also provides a cost-effective way to travel. You can save on hotel and restaurant costs while enjoying the freedom of the open road. In addition, with improvements in fuel efficiency and technology, the cost of running a large motorhome is increasingly reasonable. European motorhome manufacturers, including Coachman, continue to improve the performance and efficiency of their models.
Driving a large motorhome is not as difficult as it may seem. The modern features we’ve mentioned here make manoeuvring a large motorhome both intuitive and safe. For those longer trips, the comfort and convenience of a larger motorhome cannot be overstated. Here at Coachman, we manufacture the Travel Master – a high quality, premium luxury large motorhome range filled with comfort, style and freedom. Find your nearest Coachman dealer and start loving your large motorhome lifestyle.
