Read our handy packing guide to help you prepare for your next Spring getaway…

First thing’s first – understanding your leisure vehicle’s maximum weight limit. This is hugely important because driving over the maximum weight could invalidate your insurance and lead to prosecution if you are involved in an accident.

How do I find out the maximum weight of an Auto-Trail vehicle?

It couldn’t be easier! Simply open the bonnet using the lever inside the passenger door and you will find the maximum weight written inside.

How do I use the maximum weight to work out how much luggage I can pack?

When you purchased your Auto-Trail vehicle, you would have been given some paperwork with a ‘mass in running order’ weight on it. This includes everything needed to drive the vehicle (fuel, driver, engine fluid etc.)

The difference between your maximum weight and mass in running order weight is called the ‘motorhome payload.’ In other words, this is how much additional weight you can add to the vehicle before it becomes illegal to drive.

Absolutely anything you add to the vehicle is included in your payload figure (e.g. luggage, additional passengers, food, water, gas, pets, bikes, towels etc).

Top Tip: Use our online weight calculator to help you work out your remaining payload!

What is the best way to load a motorhome for stress-free travel?

In simple terms, go from bottom to top and start with the heaviest and bulkiest items first. Things like bikes, dog crates, outdoor furniture etc. are always the most awkward to fit in, so make sure they are secure before thinking about smaller items. It is also a good idea to get breakables in and secure early on.

Weight distribution is important – you don’t want all the heavy items to one side or end of the vehicle. The heaviest items are best situated between the axles and the tyres should be inflated to the fully laden condition.

When putting items in cupboards, the tighter you pack them, the less likely they are to slide about. Also make sure to bring your most used items to the front for easy access. Tea towels are a great way to stop cutlery and pans rattling as you drive.

Once everything is in, close and secure all lockers, cupboard doors, roof lights, drop leaf tables and sinks, windows, fridge and gas bottles. Tables should be stored in the dedicated storage area (if your vehicle has one). Turn off the gas bottle at the isolation valve in the LPG compartment* and switch the fridge to 12V. Leaving curtains and blinds open is always a good idea to aid visibility when driving.

It might be worth driving down your road and back and testing the brakes to make sure everything stays where you put it!

*Your vehicle may be fitted with a special type of regulator that allows the gas to remain turned on whilst you are driving. Your dealer will be able to advise you about this.

Top Tip: SNACKS! If you are doing a long drive or just want to make a short one more enjoyable, remember to keep some snacks and drinks in the cab.

I’m ready to go!

Congratulations, the hard work packing everything into the van is complete and we hope you have a wonderful time on your getaway.

Not sure what music to listen to on the way? We have created the ultimate road trip playlist to get you in the motorhome holiday mood. View it here and make sure to download it to your phone if you have limited mobile data.