Kitting out your motorhome with the right accessories can turn a good trip into a great adventure. From safety essentials that protect your investment to comfort additions that make life on the road more enjoyable, choosing the right gear makes all the difference.
Owners quickly understand that certain accessories aren’t just nice-to-have but are essential for safe, comfortable motorhome travel. Here are the ten must-have accessories motorhomers should not travel without, why each one matters for your safety and comfort, and which items could affect your insurance cover or claims.
The 10 Essential Motorhome Accessories
Consider these the absolute must-have accessories for any motorhome owner.
- Levelling Ramps and Blocks
Getting your motorhome level affects everything from sleeping comfortably to correct drainage and appliance operation. Drive-on levelling ramps let you adjust height quickly without heavy lifting.
When parked on uneven ground, water will not drain properly from sinks and showers, doors may swing open or close independently, and cooking can become difficult with pans sliding on the hob.
- Fire Extinguisher and Safety Kit
Every motorhome needs working fire safety equipment – it is not just sensible, many insurers require it. A 1kg powder extinguisher mounted within easy reach handles most fires. Add smoke alarms designed for vehicles and a carbon monoxide detector near gas appliances.
Fire blankets near cooking areas provide a quick response to pan fires. Missing or expired safety equipment could void insurance claims, making this an important investment.
- Hook-Up Cable and Electrical Accessories
A quality 25-metre hook-up cable connects you to campsite electricity. Arctic-grade cables stay flexible in cold weather, while IP44-rated connectors make safe connections possible. Add a polarity tester to check supply safety before connecting.
Cable reels prevent tangles and protect your motorhome investment from damage. European adapters let you connect across different countries without looking for local supplies.
- Water Hose and Containers
Food-grade hoses with universal connectors are essential for filling tanks safely. Standard garden hoses may contaminate drinking water with chemicals and bacteria – always use proper blue water hoses designed for potable water.
Collapsible water containers provide backup when you can’t reach taps with your motorhome. Ten-litre containers are manageable when full but provide enough water for essential needs.
- Wheel Security Devices
Visible security deters thieves and could reduce insurance premiums. Quality wheel clamps take minutes to fit, but make instances of theft much harder. Steering wheel locks add another layer – criminals prefer easy targets and move on when they encounter good security.
Some insurers offer discounts for approved security devices. Check with your provider about which products qualify for reduced premiums.
- Awning or Canopy
Wind-out awnings create extra space, providing shade in summer and shelter during rain. They turn your pitch into an outdoor room for dining, relaxing, or storing muddy boots and wet coats.
Quality awnings can withstand British weather better than budget versions. When calculating payload, factor in weight, and declare expensive awnings on your insurance for the highest protection.
- Portable Toilet Chemicals and Equipment
Quality toilet chemicals are non-negotiable for pleasant motorhome living. Blue chemicals break down waste and control odours, while pink chemicals keep flush water fresh and prevent algae growth.
Buy in bulk for better value, but store safely away from living areas. Include disposable gloves and hand sanitiser for hygienic emptying at service points.
- Gas Bottles and Monitoring
Running out of gas can ruin your trip and leave you without heating or hot water. Carry spare bottles when possible, or invest in refillable systems for long-term savings. Gas level indicators show remaining supply, preventing unexpected empty bottles.
Different countries use various bottle types and connections. Research your destinations and carry appropriate adapters for European travel.
- First Aid Kit and Emergency Equipment
A first aid kit is another key accessory to have, and should include the following:
- Burn treatment for cooking accidents
- Emergency blankets for warmth
- Warning triangles (two required for Europe)
- High-vis vests for all passengers
- Torch with spare batteries
- Basic tools for minor repairs
Legal requirements vary across Europe, but carrying emergency equipment avoids fines and helps during emergencies.
- Storage Solutions and Organisers
Making the most out of limited space makes motorhome life more comfortable. Over-door organisers turn wasted space into useful storage. Collapsible boxes stack flat when empty but hold plenty when needed.
Non-slip matting stops items from sliding while driving. Everything should have its place and stay secure during travel. Remember that flying objects can cause injuries and damage to interiors.
Insurance Considerations for Accessories
Added accessories affect your motorhome’s value and risk profile in ways some owners may not realise. High-value additions need declaring to get adequate cover – standard policies might only cover £500-£1,000 of accessories automatically.
Security devices could reduce premiums by showing responsible ownership. Quality wheel clamps, alarms, and trackers make theft less likely, which insurers reward with lower prices.
Keep receipts and photos of all installed accessories. This documentation is important during claims and for replacing these items with equivalent items. Without proof, insurers might only pay for basic replacements.
Motorhome insurance policies vary widely in accessory cover. Some include generous allowances, others require an individual listing of expensive items.
How Advance Insurance Protects Your Accessories
Motorhome accessories are a substantial investment beyond your vehicle’s base value – often totalling thousands of pounds. Advance Insurance works with insurers who understand the cost of properly equipping a motorhome for comfortable travel.
We help ensure your essential safety equipment, comfort additions, and security devices receive the protection they deserve. Our specialists know which accessories insurers view favourably and which might need additional declaration or cover.
Whether you’ve added basic safety gear or invested in premium accessories like solar panels and satellite systems, we connect you with insurers who appreciate well-equipped motorhomes and provide suitable protection for your investments. Contact us today to review your accessory cover.
