Motorhome extras: which ones do you really need for your trip?

Let's start with the things you're most likely to use every day.

Camping chairs and a table

Breakfast in the sun, an afternoon with a book or dinner next to the motorhome: a table and chairs can make more of a difference to your trip than you might expect.

However, camping furniture isn't always included with a rental motorhome. Check the included services when you compare vehicles. If you know you'll want a table and chairs, add them when you book.

This is especially useful if you're flying from the UK to collect your motorhome abroad. Camping chairs aren't exactly easy to check in.

Bedding and towels

The same goes for bedding and towels. Depending on the rental company and destination, they might be included, offered as an optional package or not available at all.

If you're driving your own motorhome from the UK, packing bedding from home is easy. If you're flying to Australia, Canada or the USA, hiring a bedding kit can save a lot of luggage space.

Some rental companies also offer linen exchange or laundry services. These come in handy on longer trips.

Kitchen equipment

Pots, pans, plates, cutlery and cooking utensils are worth checking carefully too.

Some vehicles come with a kitchen kit as standard. Other rental companies charge extra for one or only include it in certain packages.

CamperDays tip: the cheapest vehicle rate isn't always the cheapest deal overall. Compare what's included before you book. A slightly more expensive offer may already cover bedding, kitchen equipment or other extras you'd otherwise pay for separately.

Forgotten something? Contact the rental company or CamperDays before collection if you can. Some extras are available at the depot, but there's no guarantee.

Some extras aren't about comfort at all. Depending on your destination, the season and who you're travelling with, they can be essential.

Snow chains and winter equipment

Heading to the mountains or travelling in winter? Don't assume winter tyres are all you need.

Snow chains may be compulsory on certain roads or in certain conditions, and the rules vary between countries and regions. Even where they aren't required by law, your rental company may recommend or require them for your route.

So check two things: the rules for your destination and travel dates, and the equipment that comes with your vehicle. If you know you'll need snow chains, reserve them in advance. Don't count on them being available on collection day.

Child and baby seats

Travelling as a family? Then check the local child-seat rules before you book.

The rules vary a lot from country to country, and not every motorhome is compatible with every type of child seat. Some rental companies provide child or booster seats, while others don't offer them at all. Check both the legal requirements and the vehicle's seating layout before you book.

If the rental company can't provide a suitable seat, you could bring your own. Many airlines let you check in a child car seat for free, but check your airline's baggage policy first.

Not every extra offered at checkout is essential.

Do you still need a sat nav?

For most road trips, probably not.

A smartphone with Google Maps, Apple Maps or another navigation app usually does the job, especially if you download offline maps before you go.

There are exceptions. In remote areas like the Australian Outback or parts of Namibia, mobile coverage can be patchy. There, offline maps matter much more, and you shouldn't rely on having an internet connection.

Also keep in mind that standard navigation apps don't always factor in your vehicle's height, width or weight. If you're driving a large motorhome, check your route rather than blindly following your phone down a narrow lane.

Mobile Wi-Fi and eSIMs

Some rental companies offer portable Wi-Fi hotspots as an extra. These are useful if several people need to get online or if you're away for a long time.

For many UK travellers, an eSIM or local SIM is the simpler option, particularly outside Europe. Check your UK mobile provider's roaming charges before you go, as fees vary between networks and destinations.

Planning to work on the road? Then check mobile coverage along your route first. The campsite with the best mountain view doesn't always have the best Zoom connection.

Your motorhome needs more than fuel to keep everything running.

Gas

Gas is used for cooking and, depending on the vehicle, for heating, hot water or the fridge.

What's included varies between rental companies. Your first gas bottle or refill may be included, or you may pay a preparation or service fee locally. Check whether you need to return the bottle full and what to do if you run out during your trip.

Crossing borders? Don't assume you can simply swap a gas bottle in another country. Bottle systems and connections differ, so ask the rental company what they recommend before you set off.

Cool boxes and portable heaters

Smaller campervans don't always have the same equipment as larger motorhomes.

If your vehicle doesn't have a built-in fridge, an electric cool box is a useful extra in warmer destinations. For colder trips, some rental companies offer portable heaters you can use when you're hooked up to mains electricity at a campsite.

Before you add either, check the vehicle specification. What you need may already be built in.

Generator use in the USA and Canada

Larger North American motorhomes often have a generator on board. However, generator use isn't always included in the rental price.

Some rental companies charge by the hour, while others offer prepaid or unlimited generator packages.

So think about your itinerary before paying for unlimited use. If you're mostly staying on campsites with electric hook-up, you may hardly use the generator. If you're planning more remote stops without hook-up, an unlimited package could pay off.

Either way, check the conditions of your rental offer. Don't assume generator use is included.

Some extras are less about what you need and more about how you want to spend your holiday.

Bike racks

Bikes are a great way to explore the area around your campsite without moving the motorhome every time you want to go somewhere.

If you need a bike rack, arrange it with the rental company in advance. It depends on the vehicle: not every motorhome can carry the same type or number of bikes.

Bringing e-bikes? Then check the maximum load as well. E-bikes are much heavier than standard bikes and don't fit every rack.

Tents and extra camping equipment

Some rental companies also offer tents or other outdoor gear. These can be useful for larger groups or trips to more remote areas.

Before booking a tent just to create extra sleeping space, check the campsite rules and your rental agreement. While you're driving, the number of people on board must not exceed the vehicle's approved seating capacity.

You don't need every extra on the list. The right equipment depends on where you're going, when you're travelling and who's coming with you.

Before booking, ask yourself:

• ✅ Is it already included? Check the vehicle details and included services first.

• ✅ Can I easily bring my own? Bedding makes sense if you're driving from the UK, less so if you're flying to Australia.

• ✅ Is it essential for my route? Think snow chains, child seats and other safety equipment.

• ✅ Do I need to reserve it? Don't leave important equipment until collection day.

• ✅ Will I actually use it? Unlimited generator use or portable Wi-Fi can be good value on one trip and completely unnecessary on another.

The best motorhome extras aren't the ones that make your vehicle feel more luxurious. They're the ones that make your trip easier, safer and more comfortable.

So before ticking every box at checkout, check what's included and think about how you'll actually travel. You'll save money and pack less. Then everything that matters will be waiting for you when your road trip begins.

Compare campers now and see which extras are included with each motorhome.