Car licence and the numbers that matter
A motorhome with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3,500 kg can be driven on a standard car (category B) licence. The Sunlight V66 Adventure is a 140 hp Fiat Ducato with a manual gearbox, so the pedals and gear lever will feel familiar. What changes is the size.
Memorise these figures, or stick them on a note by the steering wheel, because you will need them whenever you meet a sign or a barrier:
- Length: 6.66 m (more with a loaded bike rack).
- Width: 2.14 m body; the mirrors stick out a little further.
- Height: 2.74 m. Always leave a safety margin.
- Maximum authorised mass: 3,500 kg fully loaded.
Mirrors and the reversing camera
A motorhome has no useful rear window, so the door mirrors are your eyes. Before setting off, adjust them to show the side of the vehicle and the next lane, and use the lower lens to watch kerbs and road markings. Check them constantly, especially before changing lanes and on roundabouts.
The rear camera is a great help when parking, but it does not see everything: the blind spots along the sides and above are still there. For tricky manoeuvres, if you have a passenger, ask them to guide you from outside, where you can see them in your mirror.
Wide turns and rear overhang
The rear wheels follow a tighter line than the front of the vehicle. At junctions and tight bends, pull forward a little further before turning and swing wide so you do not clip the kerb or a post.
At the same time, the section behind the rear axle swings outwards as you turn. When pulling out of a bay or away from a wall, make sure the overhang has room before putting the steering on full lock.
Height, width and weight: the signs that matter
At 2.74 m tall, height restriction signs suddenly become important: tunnels, old bridges, filling stations with low canopies and, above all, car park height barriers, many designed only for cars. Watch out too for branches, balconies and awnings in narrow streets.
For width, take care in narrow lanes through roadworks and between bollards. For weight, remember a loaded motorhome can come close to 3,500 kg, so respect weight limits on bridges and streets.
Speed, braking and wind
In Spain, motorhomes up to 3,500 kg generally follow the same speed limits as cars on most roads, but always obey the signs and bear in mind that rules may differ in other countries. Beyond the legal limit, a slightly calmer pace cuts fuel use, noise and fatigue.
At 3,500 kg, stopping distances are longer than in a car, so leave a bigger gap and anticipate. On mountain passes, go down in a low gear and let the engine hold you back rather than braking continuously.
Crosswinds are very noticeable in a tall vehicle. On bridges, at tunnel exits, in open country or when overtaking lorries, hold the wheel firmly and slow down. If the tramuntana wind is blowing hard in the Empordà, consider waiting for it to ease.
Loading and weight distribution
The maximum mass includes the vehicle, passengers, water, gas, luggage and bikes, so the available payload is limited. Water is heavy: the 116-litre fresh-water tank holds about 116 kg. If you know you can fill up at your destination, travel with it half full.
- Put heavy items low down and close to the axles; light things go in the overhead lockers.
- Close cupboards and the fridge and secure anything that could move under braking.
- Only travel in the 4 belted seats; nobody in the beds while driving.
- With the bike rack loaded, the vehicle is longer and heavier at the back.
Fuel stops, tolls and parking in towns
Choose roomy filling stations with easy access in and out, and check the canopy height. Motorway services and stations on the edge of town are usually easier than those in the centre.
Much of the AP-7 in Catalonia no longer has tolls, but on motorways that do charge, in Spain or France, the toll class depends on the number of axles, the type of wheels or the vehicle's height, and may differ from a car's. Check the operator's website before you set off.
In towns and villages, park on the outskirts or in large open-air car parks and walk or take public transport in. Avoid historic centres and underground car parks.
Day one: practise before you travel
Picking up your motorhome from Segimon Rental in Les Franqueses del Vallès has one big advantage: you are 5 minutes from the AP-7 and C-17 and do not have to cross Barcelona to get going. Use the first stretch of wide roads to get used to the size.
If you feel unsure, find an empty car park and practise: reversing with the camera and mirrors, a tight turn and a hill start. Half an hour of practice is worth more than any advice, and on the first day keep the leg short and arrive in daylight.
Frequently asked questions
What licence do I need to drive a motorhome?
For a motorhome with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3,500 kg, like ours, a standard car (B) licence is enough. The minimum age and years of driving experience depend on the insurance conditions.
How fast can a motorhome go in Spain?
Motorhomes up to 3,500 kg generally follow the same limits as cars on most roads, but always obey the signs. Rules may be different in other countries.
How tall is a motorhome?
It depends on the model. The Sunlight V66 Adventure is 2.74 m high, 6.66 m long and 2.14 m wide. Keep the height in mind at tunnels, bridges and car park barriers.
Is it hard to park a motorhome?
It takes practice, but the rear camera and mirrors help a lot. Look for large open-air car parks on the outskirts and avoid historic centres and underground car parks.
