Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Motorhome
Planning your first campervan rental or returning for another road trip? Here’s everything you need to know about booking, driver requirements, deposits, and more.
Before You Book
I've never hired a motorhome before - where do I start?
Don’t worry – we’re here to guide you! The best place to start is by browsing the motorhomes on our website. Think about how many people you’re travelling with, how much space you’d like, and where you’re going. If you’re unsure, just get in touch – we’ll talk you through everything with no pressure.
What information do I need to provide to book?
To secure your booking, we’ll need:
- Your name, address, and contact info
- A copy of your driving licence (photo card and DVLA check code)
- Details of any additional drivers
- Your travel dates and preferred motorhome
We’ll confirm your booking with a deposit, and send full terms & instructions.
How do I book?
Book online or get in touch by phone or email — we’ll help match you to the right motorhome.
- Via telephone on 07801031329
- Via email driveawaymiddlesbrough@gmail.com
How much is the booking deposit and when is the balance due?
A non-refundable booking deposit is payable upfront (usually around 25% of the hire cost). The remaining balance is due 4–6 weeks before your departure. We’ll send reminders so you don’t forget!
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible, especially for summer and bank holidays.
Is there a minimum hire period?
Typically 3 nights in Low Season and 7 nights in High Season.
What are the driver requirements?
Drivers must be 25–75 years old with a full UK licence held for at least 2 years (other licence types may be possible — please ask us).
Can I add a second driver?
Yes — for a small extra cost; the same driver requirements apply.
Can international visitors hire a motorhome?
Yes — bring an English translation or an International Driving Permit if needed.
Can I view a motorhome before booking?
Yes — viewings are welcome by appointment.
Before Collection Day
What do I need to bring when collecting the motorhome?
You’ll need:
- Your driving licence (plus any additional drivers’)
- Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement within the last 90 days)
- The £1000 refundable security deposit
- Any extras you’ve agreed to bring (bedding, food, etc.)
Will you show me how everything works?
Yes — you’ll get a full handover covering appliances, heating, gas, water, toilet and electrics, plus a user guide in the motorhome and phone support during your trip.
Where do I collect the motorhome from?
Pick-up is from our Middlesbrough base. We’ll send you the full address and instructions before your hire starts.
What time can I collect the motorhome?
Standard collection is between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm
During Your Trip
Where can I park overnight?
- Campsites (with electric hook-up and facilities)
- CL (Certified Location) or CS (Certified Site) stops
- Many wild camping spots (check local rules and always be respectful)
How do I refill water or empty the toilet cassette?
Campsites offer fresh water fill-up and disposal points for grey water and toilet waste.
We’ll show you how it all works during your handover.
Is there heating and hot water?
Yes! Our motorhomes come with efficient gas or diesel heating systems, hot water for showers and washing up, and insulation to keep you cosy year-round.
How many miles can I travel?
Unlimited UK mileage as standard; European travel available on request.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, we are pet-friendly! Just let us know in advance so we can prepare the van accordingly. A small extra cleaning fee may apply.
Can I go wild camping or stay off-grid?
Yes — vans are set up for off-grid. Always follow local laws and etiquette.
Can I travel to Europe?
Yes — with prior agreement at booking; additional insurance and documentation are required.
Returning The Motorhome
How should the vehicle be returned?
Please return it with:
- The fuel tank full
- The interior cleaned, with rubbish removed
- Toilet cassette emptied and rinsed
- No damage (if any damage occurs, just let us know – we’re fair and understanding)
We’ll check everything over with you and return your deposit (usually within 5–7 working days).
What time can I return the motorhome?
Return is by 11am. We strive to be flexible, so if you need alternative times, please don’t hesitate to ask.
What happens if I return the van late?
Please let us know if you’re delayed – we’re flexible where we can be, but late returns may be charged as they can impact the next customer’s booking.
Do I need to clean the motorhome before returning it?
Yes, we ask that the motorhome is returned clean and tidy. We’ll handle deep sanitising ourselves.
Payments & Deposits
How much is the security deposit?
£1,000 refundable, taken before your hire and returned after checks.
What happens if there's a mileage cap?
UK mileage is unlimited by default. If a cap applies (e.g., for Europe), excess is charged at 25p/mile.
What's you cancellation policy?
Partial refunds for cancellations made more than 6 weeks in advance; fees increase closer to the hire date (see full T&Cs).
Support & Extras
What if the motorhome breaks down?
24/7 UK breakdown assistance is included; you’ll also have a direct number to reach us.
What if I damage something?
Tell us straight away. Minor damage may be deducted from the deposit; insurance covers more serious incidents (subject to excess).
Do you offer extras?
Yes — bike racks, BBQs, extra gas, bedding packs, early pick-up/late drop-off, etc. Request when booking.
Can you suggest campsites or routes?
Absolutely — we’re happy to share recommended stops and itineraries.
General Questions
Who can drive the motorhome?
- Anyone between the ages of 23-75 with 2 years driving experience.
- Up to 6 minor points on your licence. If you have more convictions, please contact us. We do not charge for points on your licence in most cases.
- The motorhome can be rented if you live within the EU, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand.
- Additional driver – £20 Per Person – Per Week
What does the price include?
- One Driver
- Built in Sat-Nav
1000 UK miles included (25p per mile thereafter)
- UK fully comprehensive insurance
- UK and European breakdown cover
- LCD TV
- Wi-fi
- Full pre-hire demonstration
- Gas bottle
Is there a minimum hire period?
- June/July/August – 7 nights.
- Remaining calendar months – 3 nights.
What documents do I need?
- Your full Driving Licence.
- You will need two proofs of address (such as bank statements or utility bills dated within 90 days of your hire date).
- We will ask you to provide a DVLA driving summary to validate your Driving Licence information with up to date details for our insurance purposes. We will also require access to your online DVLA record, this is to validate any driving endorsements or not, that you may have.
Can I take the motorhome out of the UK?
- Yes, EU insurance and cover is charged at £10 per night.
- Minimum 7 night applies.
- The motorhome can be taken to; Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
What optional extras can I book with your motorhome?
- Additional Drivers: £40 per hire (max 2 additional drivers in total)
- Outdoor Furniture: £10 per night
- Awning: £40 per hire
- BBQ: £30 per hire
- European Vehicle Insurance and Travel Pack: £10 per night (minimum 7 night applies)
- Collection and Return from Teesside Airport for 4 passengers: £80 (one way £40)
- Collection and Return from Darlington Train Station for 4 passengers: £50 (one way £25)
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): £20 per night.
Does the motorhome have a TV?
Yes, all our motorhomes have a 1080p high definition Smart TV.
Will the motorhome fit baby/child seats?
- Yes, although the seats must be designed to fit a standard 3 point seatbelt. Motorhomes in general do not have Isofix seatbelts.
- It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure the baby/child seat is securely fastened by the seat belt.
- Baby/child seats are available to hire with us for £3 per night.
How many miles per gallon should I expect?
Around 30-35 miles per gallon, depending on how the vehicle is driven. All our motorhomes are diesel.
What is a handover?
- Upon arrival at our parking facility, you will receive expert advice on how to use the motorhome. You will have a personal demonstration on how to use all features on the motorhome and how to use various features such as the on-board heating systems and how to replenish the fresh water etc. Our motorhomes are simple to use and operate.
- User guides are provided along with demonstration videos.
What is the security deposit?
- Ages 25-75 – A security deposit of £1000 is pre-authorised on a debit/credit card when you pick up the motorhome. The name on the card must match the hirer’s name.
- Ages 23 and 24 – A security deposit of £1200 is pre-authorised on a debit/credit card when you pick up the motorhome. The name on the card must match the hirer’s name.
- £1000 security deposit is needed with all pet friendly or special event hires, such as festival hires.
How old are the motorhomes?
Up to 3 years
What does my motorhome come with?
Please click the link to see a complete inventory of the motorhomes here.
What works from the LPG Gas Bottle?
- The heating and hot water
- The hob/grill/oven
- The fridge runs off the leisure battery when you’re driving.
What works from the Leisure Battery?
- Lights
- Water pump
- LCD TV
- The leisure battery charges as you drive, from a 240v charger when hooked up to the mains and also through the solar panels.
What does hooking up to the Mains Electricity mean?
- On most campsites you can park your motorhome on an electric hook-up pitch
- Electric hook up provides mains electricity which powers the fridge, water heater, space heater and re-charges the leisure battery
- The on-board 240v plug sockets can only be used when hooked-up to the mains.
What plug sockets are in the motorhome?
- Up to 3 plug sockets.
- There is also a 12v socket in the cab area which can be used to power phone chargers etc.
Is the motorhome suitable in winter?
- Yes, the motorhome is insulated and has double glazed windows.
- The on-board space heating system keeps the motorhome warm in the winter months.
What is the fresh water storage on-board?
- There is a freshwater tank which holds approximately 120L.
Can I Smoke?
Smoking is NOT permitted in any of our vehicles.
If found to have smoked within any of our vehicles there will be a £50 cleaning charge.