Motorhome Rental Service in the Basque Contry

The maximum speed that we can drive in our motorhomes is established by the traffic regulations of each individual country. In the case of Spain, there have been changes in the legislation in question in the year 2019.

The National Traffic Department (DGT) has fixed the speed limit for motorhomes weighing up to 3,500 kg (our vehicles belong to this category) as follows:

• On normal roads the speed limit for these vehicles is 90 km/hour.
• On motorways and dual carriageways the speed limit is 120 km/hour.

The speed limits for motorhomes weighing over 3,500 kg are as follows:

• On normal roads the speed limit for these vehicles is 80 km/hour.
• On motorways and dual carriageways the speed limit is 90 km/hour.

The rules that we must obey in motorhomes can vary from those applying to private cars in several areas. However, in the case of children who are less than 1.35 m tall, the rules are the same.

Children under 1.35 m must sit in the rear seats with a child seat suitably adjusted to their physical characteristics. Therefore they may not travel in the front seats unless all the rear seats are occupied.

Similarly, it is against the law for a motorhome passenger to travel in a seat which is not equipped with an appropriate seat belt, and passengers must not travel lying down on any of the beds. The maximum number of passengers permitted must not be exceeded. Therefore, when we are choosing the motorhome we should ensure that the number of passengers is no greater than the number of authorized seats in the vehicle. And that each of these seats is equipped with the appropriate safety belt.

The motorhomes are equipped with three different tanks for different types of water.

• Fresh water tank: this tank is filled with clean drinking water for consumption by the vehicle’s passengers. This is the water that we will use for drinking, showering, washing up and flushing the toilet. We must be careful when we are filling it, ensuring that we do so will clean drinking water.
• Grey water tank: this tank stores the water draining from the shower, the kitchen sink and the bathroom washbasin. Such water is considered to be soapy, and it must be emptied in places which are authorized for the purpose. These tend to be located in camp sites or motorhome areas, some of which are free while others charge.
• The emptying is done by activating the opening mechanism which is to be found in the lower part of the vehicle.

We should never activate the opening mechanism in places which are not especially prepared for receiving this type of waste and we should never empty the tank while the vehicle is in movement.

• Sewage: this tank collects the waste from the chemical toilet, i.e. excrement and urine. As this is untreated sewage, we must empty this tank in areas which are authorized for the purpose. Such disposal points are normally located on camp sites or mobile home parking areas, some of which are free while others charge. If we cannot find a suitable point in the vicinity and are in need of emptying the tank, the sewage may also be emptied down a toilet, having previously asked for permission from the owner to avoid problems.

It is recommended to empty this tank every 4 or 5 days at the most, even if it is not completely full, since the product which is poured into it to assist with decomposition and to neutralize bad odors loses its effectiveness after a few days. Wherever possible, we would recommend emptying the tank every three days. In order to empty the tank it is necessary to remove the pertinent container and take it to the waste collection point in order to proceed with the emptying and subsequent cleaning of the item. It should be set up for reuse with a little water and the special product used for this type of WC.

When we are parking our motorhome we should be fully aware of the need to obey the regulations in force. Travelling by motorhome gives us the freedom to decide on our destination, enjoy nature, family, friends, and all the other little things in life. In order to be able to enjoy all of this without running into any problems, we should be clear on the differences between parking and camping. Avoid fines! The differences between parking and camping.

When is a motorhome considered to be parked?

• When contact with the ground is only by means of the wheels of the vehicle (in certain cases, such as on a slope, the use of blocks may be justified).
• The motorhome does not take up any more space than it does when it is closed.
• The motorhome is not discharging any kind of emission or fluid.

• Therefore, when the motorhome is parked, it is permitted:

• To eat or sleep inside the vehicle.
• To use tire blocks if the vehicle is parked on a slope.
• To raise the roof and open the skylights, as long as these do not exceed the perimeters of the vehicle.

• What is it not permitted to do when the motorhome is parked?

• Take out the outdoor tables or chairs.
• Discharge any type of fluid.
• Open the awning or swing windows.

• When is a motorhome considered to be camping?

• When the outdoors tables or chairs are in use.
• When the awning, swing windows or any other parts of the motorhome are in use and which exceed the perimeter of the motorhome.
• When the stabilizer legs are in use.
• When fluids are being discharged, which may only occur in authorized areas.
• When noise that could disturb is being emitted.

• In short, obey the rules and do not camp in areas which are not officially authorized for the purpose. In places where camping is not permitted, you can always legally park the motorhome without any problem as long as you obey the parking rules.

  Remember that it is very important to obey municipal signs and orders. Furthermore, you should bear in mind that more and more towns and villages are providing parking areas and specific zones for motorhomes.

Travelling by motorhome is a perfect way to share unforgettable moments of freedom and fresh air with our dogs.

We should bear certain things in mind when we are travelling by motorhome with our pets to ensure that the trip is smooth and safe.

Before setting off in the motorhome we should not forget the following:

1. In just the same way as with people, dogs can get carsick and feel ill during the journey, so we recommend feeding them well before setting off. In this way they will have digested their food and there is less risk of them vomiting.
2. Make sure you are taking everything they need with you: bed, food bowl, water bowl, water, food, toys, lead etc. so that they can play with their toys during the journey or rest on their beds, blankets etc.

How the dog should travel in the motorhome:

According to the law currently in force, dogs are considered to be “merchandise” which is to be well fastened in during the journey in the vehicle in order to avoid any possibility of a road accident, and stopping the animal from lurching forward or bumping into us. There are numerous devices and systems available on the market to prevent such incidents and guarantee the safety of our pets:

1. Use a cage or a travel box adapted to the size of the pet. The cage should be attached to the inside of the motorhome.
2. Use a clip on the vehicle’s safety belt or a special safety belt for pets. If we use this technique we must ensure that we use a strap rather than a collar to ensure that the pet is not choked or harmed in an emergency stop situation.

During the journey we should make sure that we stop frequently, at least every two or three hours, to enable the dog to stretch his legs, get some fresh air and have a pee. Once we arrive at our destination we must not leave the dog alone in the motorhome, as it will almost certainly get nervous. Finally, we should be very careful on hot days with heatstroke and dehydration.

Obligatory when travelling with a dog:

It is always recommended to take the dog’s documentation, especially if you are planning to travel abroad. Although the requirements in European countries are all very similar, we recommend that you find out in advance about the legislation currently in force in each country. In any case a Pet’s Passport is essential. Furthermore, the animal should be identifiable with a chip and have an anti-rabies vaccine.

If you are planning your forthcoming trip in the company of your best friend you will be pleased to know that you can find motorhomes for travelling with dogs on Flying.