AVIS explore, specialist in the rental of motorhomes, vans and converted vans, gives you advice for a safe holiday. From the size of the vehicle to the tire pressure, through the management of waste water, find the essential information to be serene during your trip in a motorhome on the roads of France and Europe.
Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with your motorhome on video!
A motorhome is a small house on wheels that is easy to handle.
Unlike a car, it is a large, high, wide, long and heavy vehicle that requires a driving charter and a number of instructions that you will find in detail in the manual given to you on departure.
DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS
When driving your motorhome, adapt your speed to its weight, centre of gravity and size, especially when cornering or overtaking a truck
Avoid tunnels, bridges or underground passages, as well as car parks with a height bar
Don't squeeze right along pavements, you risk hitting a badly parked car
Beware of trees that are leaning slightly into your path
Observe speed limits and speed cameras. Avis Car-Away is obliged to pass on your details to the authorities in the event of an infringement
Never drive backwards alone, despite the two blind spot mirrors or the reversing camera on some models, and always have someone outside to guide you.
The overhang is also a major risk, especially on large camp sites.
When leaving a parking lot or manoeuvring in town, the rear end sweeps across the space and you risk hitting other vehicles or obstacles.
Be especially careful with the rear of the motorhome
Don't turn too quickly when leaving a car park
Take wide turns as if you were driving a truck
Keep an eye on your rear-view mirror
In the event of an at-fault accident or one without an identified third party, the excess will be collected
Park in the required areas
Follow the camper's charter of respect:
Respect the environment
Avoid grouping
Give preference to local businesses
Be courteous and discreet
Communicate
Keep all these commitments
KEYS AND OPENINGS
AVIS explore gives you two keys: the large one opens the doors and the fuel tank. The small one opens the boot and the doors.
To open the doors, it's easier to use both hands. Push in the key and turn the handle to open the lock.
Windows are opened gently by pressing the button and turning the handle.
THE ON-BOARD EQUIPMENT
Your on-board equipment includes an electrical adapter, an extension cord, a shovel, a small broom, a hose and a jerry can
WATER
When you leave, you will have 2 to 3 days of clean water.
Afterwards, you will have to fill up the tank with the hose or jerrycan in the camping service areas or petrol stations.
Please do not confuse the water tank with the diesel tank: the waste water tank is located under the chassis of the motorhome. We recommend that you empty it every day in the appropriate places by opening the drain valve.
THE CONTROLS
The control panel is located above the entrance door.
You will find the heating and
water heater controls. If the camper icon is flashing, press the knob and the flashing stops. Turn this knob to select the desired temperature and confirm. For hot water, turn the knob one notch. The water heater icon flashes. Confirm by pressing and turning the knob to switch on the water heater, ideally in eco or hot mode and confirm. Caution, after use, remember to switch off the appliances. In both cases, confirm by pressing off. For the refrigerator, the automatic mode is recommended. It chooses all alone the available energy:
battery, gas, 220 volts. All you have to do is set the thermostat.
SLEEPING AND TOILETS
In most of our campervans, the dining area can be transformed into an extra bed.
Lift the table, fold the leg and place it at the same level as the seat.
Finally, place the cushions. Your motorhome is equipped with a chemical toilet. The waste is collected in a separate 15 litre tank. When this tank is two-thirds full, the fill indicator lights up and you must empty it immediately.
Close the inner flap with the handle. Open the outer door and remove the tank. Empty it into a suitable sanitary facility. Rinse and apply a dose of chemical. Replace the tank, checking that it is locked in its compartment.
ENERGY
The motorhome does not generate 220 volts like at home, but only 12 volts.
To have 220 volts on board, you must connect the motorhome to the mains via an external socket in a campsite for example. To do this, use the extension, the connector and the adapter placed in the boot. To avoid a risk of overheating, take care to fully unwind the wire. Once plugged in, you can use a classic electrical device: tablet computers or game consoles. Most motorhomes are also equipped with a usb socket.
THE GAS
Gas is the main energy of a motorhome. We provide you with two gas cylinders: one new and one in use. In the summer you have enough for more than a month. In winter, about a week depending on the outside temperature.
To turn on the gas, turn the valve counter-clockwise and press the green buttons
Check that the gas is circulating correctly by turning on a hob for a few seconds.
BEFORE HITTING THE ROAD
Before hitting the road, be sure to:
- close roof skylights, windows and cupboards
- Store all accessories and crockery
WHEN YOU COME BACK
Your motorhome is delivered to you clean with the full water and diesel fuel filled.
We therefore ask you on your return to bring it back to us clean inside, full of diesel, and the toilet cassette empty and rinsed. We take care of the full of water and the exterior washing.
Have a good trip !
