How To Drive A Motorhome Safely In Australia

Are you planning on hiring a motorhome for your next travel adventure? Or perhaps you’re dreaming of owning your own motorhome but lack confidence when it comes to driving a larger vehicle. We have put together the ultimate guide on driving a motorhome in Australia to make things a little easier for you. As they say, practice makes perfect, so take the time to practice driving a larger car before committing to a long drive. With a bit of practice, you’ll be a confident driver in no time.

Plan your route

Australia has a beautiful natural landscape, making it a great place to explore, but it can be easy to get lost. Ensure you plan out your route, sticking to the roads that are safe for motorhomes. Planning out your route allows you to maximise your vacation time and squeeze in as many places as possible.

If you learned to drive overseas, you should familiarise yourself with the Australian road code before hitting the road. Some rules can differ from country to country, so it pays to ensure you are aware of any differences. Remember to map out where you can stop off for petrol along the way to avoid running out of fuel. Nothing ruins a road trip quite like running out of petrol and waiting on the side of the road for hours on end.

In Australia, there are some electronic toll roads where you are required to pay a small fee for using them. Preparing your route ahead of schedule will allow you to check if you’ll be going on any toll roads. If you want to use one of these roads on your travels, simply go online and pay the fee. Remember to register within three days of your travel date.

Know where you can park up

You won’t be able to park your motorhome everywhere in Australia. Be sure to comply with the local parking regulations and only park in places where motorhome parking is permitted. In Australia, you are not allowed to park motorhomes within the city limits or on the side of the road. Identify the perfect spots to park your motorhome ahead of your travels, so you know you’ll be able to get a restful sleep ahead of your journey.

1. Get to know your motorhome

Before you head off on your big adventure, take the time to get comfortable with your motorhome. Spend some time driving it around your local area to get a feel for how it handles. Practise reversing, turning corners, and parking in different situations. The more familiar you are with your vehicle, the safer and more confident you’ll feel on the road.

2. Understand the size and weight

Motorhomes are much larger and heavier than regular cars. This means they take longer to accelerate, stop, and turn. Always allow extra space and time when changing lanes, overtaking, or approaching intersections. Remember that your motorhome has a much larger turning circle, so take wide turns and be extra cautious in tight spaces.

3. Check your blind spots

Motorhomes have significant blind spots, especially on the passenger side and directly behind the vehicle. Adjust your mirrors properly before setting off and consider installing additional mirrors or a reversing camera if your motorhome doesn’t already have one. When changing lanes or reversing, always double-check your blind spots.

4. Drive at a safe speed

It’s tempting to keep up with the flow of traffic, but motorhomes handle best at moderate speeds. Stick to the speed limit and reduce your speed in windy conditions, on wet roads, or when carrying a full load. Driving slower gives you more time to react to hazards and helps prevent the vehicle from swaying.

5. Be cautious in windy conditions

High-sided vehicles like motorhomes can be affected by strong crosswinds, especially on bridges or open stretches of road. Slow down and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. If the wind is particularly strong, consider pulling over until conditions improve.

6. Take extra care on hills

When driving up hills, your motorhome will lose speed more quickly than a car. Plan ahead and change down gears early. When going downhill, use engine braking (lower gears) rather than riding the brakes to prevent them from overheating. This is especially important on long descents.

7. Overtaking and being overtaken

Overtaking in a motorhome takes longer and requires more space. Only overtake when it is safe and you have a clear view of the road ahead. When being overtaken, stay in your lane and maintain a steady speed to make it easier for other drivers to pass safely.

8. Reversing and parking

Reversing a motorhome can be tricky due to its size. Always use a spotter if possible and take it slowly. Many motorhomes now come with reversing cameras, which are extremely helpful. When parking, choose spots with plenty of room to manoeuvre and avoid tight spaces if you’re not confident.

9. Load your motorhome correctly

How you load your motorhome can significantly affect how it drives. Keep heavy items low and centred, and don’t exceed the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) or payload limits. An overloaded or poorly loaded motorhome can become unstable and dangerous to drive.

10. Stay alert and take regular breaks

Long drives in a motorhome can be tiring. Plan your journey with regular breaks every two hours or so. Stay hydrated, avoid driving when fatigued, and share the driving if possible.

Bonus safety tip: Know the road rules

Australia has consistent road rules across the country, but always check for any state-specific variations. Drive on the left, give way to the right at roundabouts, and obey all speed limits and road signs.

Ready to drive your motorhome with confidence?

Driving a motorhome safely is all about preparation, patience, and practice. Take the time to get to know your vehicle, respect its size and weight, and always put safety first. With the right approach, you’ll enjoy many safe and memorable road trips across Australia.

If you’re looking to upgrade or get your first motorhome, see our range of new and refurbished motorhomes. Ask our experts for advice on safe driving tips, vehicle handling, or any other motorhome questions at an Apollo RV Super Centre dealership today.

Learn more about your motorhome with our helpful how-to guides.