Many holidaymakers dream of the feeling of freedom that comes with deciding where your journey will take you while always having your own bed with you. With a motorhome, this dream can become a reality. But what if your beloved motorhome no longer meets current standards? In this guide, we address this question and provide helpful tips for refurbishment to help campers enjoy even greater comfort on their holidays on wheels.
We’ll be looking at four key areas: cooking, lighting, entertainment and solar systems. Even small changes can make your motorhome more comfortable and thus improve your holiday experience.
Perfect cooking in a compact space
One thing that mustn’t be overlooked on holiday is having fun. That’s why cooking in your own motorhome is so important. Traditionally, gas has proven itself to be a reliable cooking system. Consequently, most motorhomes feature a permanently fitted gas hob, or sometimes a portable gas hob with a cartridge. The advantage of a gas hob is its flexibility. As no mains electricity is required, you can cook with gas anywhere.
For camping at sites with external power access, modern ceramic and induction hobs are perfect for cooking with electricity. These can either be permanently fitted into the hob or transported as a standalone unit. Unlike with a gas system, no gas supply is required for cooking with electricity.
One advantage of induction cooking is that the heat is generated directly where it is needed, making it more energy efficient. For example, a pan of water can be brought to the boil more quickly at a lower power setting than on a gas hob. Furthermore, the induction hob cools down again after just a few minutes. Consequently, the surface can be used as a worktop again, making optimal use of the motorhome’s space.
When cooking with induction, you simply need to ensure that the pots are suitable – although this is often standard nowadays.
Proper lighting
The lighting in a motorhome generally serves two purposes. On the one hand, it should create a cosy atmosphere, and on the other, it should provide sufficient light for work areas. It is important to note that lighting requirements can change over time. For example, a new reading corner may be set up, necessitating a new reading lamp.
As a general rule, light with a high red content creates a cosy atmosphere, while light with a high blue content is more stimulating. Lighting sources in the motorhome should be planned accordingly. LED strips, for instance, are very easy to install. These can be used to add new accents, such as under a wall cupboard in the kitchen to provide additional direct light for food preparation.
Conventional filament bulbs are still frequently used, particularly in older vehicles. In such cases, it is often worth converting to long-lasting, energy-efficient LED technology. Suitable LED bulbs with bases commonly found in caravans and motorhomes are also available, so replacement is usually straightforward.
Small, portable lights are particularly versatile as they can be used independently of fixed installation points. They can be used as a reading lamp, a work light in the kitchen, or to subtly light up the awning, for example. These compact lights provide light exactly where it is needed. Many models are battery-powered, enabling them to be used far from power sockets. Thanks to various mounting options, such as magnets, clips or hangers, they can be quickly repositioned to adapt to changing requirements.
String lights or lantern chains are ideal for creating the perfect outdoor atmosphere. They can be flexibly arranged around railings and furniture, and are easy to hang up and take down at any time. The strings are available in various designs, either with a power cable or battery-powered. So nothing stands in the way of a cosy evening.
Recharge with solar energy!
A power supply is essential in a motorhome, as practically nothing works without electricity. For those who like to be self-sufficient while travelling, using solar energy is an elegant solution.
There are two options: a portable system or a fixed installation. The portable solar system is notable for its flexibility. For example, it can be placed in the sun while the vehicle remains in the shade. A fixed installation, on the other hand, offers the advantage of a higher power output. Once installed, it is always available for use.
However, before installing a fixed solar system on the roof, you should calculate your electricity requirements in order to determine how many modules are needed to generate the required amount of electricity.
The next step is to select the components for the solar system. As well as many small parts, the two most important components are the solar panels and the solar charge controller. Solar panels are easily installed on the roof. They then absorb solar energy and convert it into electrical energy. To achieve an elegant, concealed installation, it is advisable to position the roof feed-through beneath the panel. The solar charge controller converts the voltage generated to a level that is suitable for the car batteries; otherwise, it would be too high for them. The latest models also feature an integrated battery temperature sensor to protect the battery from overloading.
If you want to make your motorhome more comfortable and add equipment such as dash cams, sat navs or power banks, we recommend the guide “Ready for the camping season: More comfort with the right technical equipment”.
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