Are you new to driving a motorhome? If any of your questions are unanswered in the following sections please do not hesitate to contact us.
1) Can I take the motorhome to Ireland?
No. Our Insurance will only cover Mainland Britain & the Scottish Islands.2) What kind of fuel do the motorhomes run on?
Diesel. All our vehicles are diesel and this helps keep the travelling costs down.3) Would I be able to bring my dog? The holiday wouldn't be the same without him.
I'm sorry, being a dog lover I hate to say - no! It can add to our cleaning costs especially with the typical scottish weather.4) Can you collect us from the airport?
We will be happy to help arrange a transfer for you from the airport. Please let us know when you are booking and we will make arrangements.5) Is it possible to view the motorhome before we book?
The motorhomes spend most of their time out on hire so please contact us and we will do our best to arrange a time when you can view the vehicle.6) Can we smoke in the vehicle?
Masons operate a strict no smoking policy to maintain the freshness of the vehicle for the benefit of all our clients. Unfortunately the cost of cleaning the interior fabrics is high and if this policy is broken we have to pass the cost onto the hirer.7) What is the minimum hire period?
During the peak season the standard hire period is one week - usually running from Friday to Friday. If you require a longer or shorter hire please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Outside of high season we have more flexibility to vary the hire period and start days.8) What is included in the price?
The price includes:• unlimited mileage,
• insurance,
• gas bottle
The motorhome will be supplied with and should be returned with a full tank of diesel
9) What paperwork do I require to bring?
Your driving licence is essential, as is a secondary proof of identity (such as a passport). Our insurance prohibits us from releasing a vehicle unless we have seen the drivers licence.10) Where shall we go?
Scotland has a huge variety of scenery and attractions and we will be delighted to advise you. Our local knowledge will hopefully allow you experience a true taste of Scotland!11) What type of Driving Licence is required?
A UK Category B licence allows holders to drive vehicles up to 3500 kgs (7500 kgs if obtained before 01/01/97) and all of our motorhomes are all less than 3500 kgs. For insurance purposes the driver must be between 25 and 70 years old and have held a full licence for at least three years.12) Will it be easy to drive?
All our vehicles are right hand drive with power steering and a 5 speed manual gearbox. The first thing you notice though is the high driving position which gives you every opportunity to be able to anticipate road conditions ahead; to judge bends and braking more easily. The seats have a large range of movement and provide plenty of adjustment in height, position and recline so you will be able to find a relaxed driving position.Motorhomes are obviously bigger than a car and care does need to be taken. You may need to move out from the road edge to avoid overhanging branches, give a bit more room when overtaking and take a wider swing on tight corners and bends but you will be surprised at how agile the motorhome is - the turning circle is similar to an executive saloon.
For peace of mind it is advisable that when reversing in tight spots or busy places to have a passenger outside or for you to get out and make your own check before starting.
The large mirrors offer good rearward vision and you soon come to rely on them as the vision through the motorhome may be very limited.
Motorhomes are easy to drive but different to a car - take things at a steadier pace and try to anticipate braking and cornering to make the journey more comfortable and relaxing.
13) What are the "rules" of the road?
Many of the road signs are standard internationally but a copy of the "Highway Code" is a useful reference before setting out. Traffic roundabouts are unique to roads in Britain, traffic coming from the right has priority and on all roads you only may overtake other vehicles on the right.Make sure that you understand parking restrictions, and what "double yellow lines" and "single yellow lines" mean.
Ensure you are familiar with the speed restrictions operating in the UK as there has been an increase in the number of speed camera used on major roads and motorways.
14) What fuel does the motorhome use?
All our motorhomes run on diesel which is available at all service stations. Be careful to use the right fuel nozzle as most garages have multi-fuel pumps - diesel pumps are normally black and labelled clearly "Deisel".The fuel tanks on our motorhomes offer a good range but take care when travelling in the more remote parts of Scotland as filling stations may be far apart and may have restricted opening hours (often not open Sundays or evening/overnight).
15) Where can I park?
Parking in the centre of most big towns is difficult and best avoided with the height restrictions at multi storey car parks and even some outdoor car parks making them inaccessible. Supermarkets and railway stations car parks can offer a good alternative and often are within walking distance of the town centre. Car park areas have a large "P" sign on a blue background.16) Where should I stop overnight?
Where possible ensure that you park overnight on hardstanding as motorhomes are front wheel drive - not four wheel drive!! - and easily loose grip on wet grass.17) Does the motorhome have a watersupply?
The motorhome will have an on-board fresh water tank which should last you between two and four days before refilling. Gauges on board will indicate when you are running low and you can fill up at sites or garages. When filling up with fresh water make sure you empty the grey water waste tank as well as this has a similar capacity.The toilet has a separate cartridge tank which must be emptied into an appropriate chemical disposal point or WC. A formaldehyde based fluid or "green" fluid must be added to the cassette when it has been emptied. The fluid is a de-odoriser and does not adversely affect sewage systems. A bottle of fluid is supplied upon collection.
