We’ve all been there. One minute it’s glorious sunshine, and you’re grilling sausages outside – next thing, you’re wrestling with a muddy dog, your socks are soggy and the sky’s gone complete apocalypse.
But fear not – motorhoming in the rain doesn’t have to be miserable. With a few clever tricks (and a healthy dose of humour), you can still enjoy the ride, whatever the weather.
Stick to my Rule of Three
My golden formula for UK touring in a campervan or motorhome is simple: ‘Drive for three hours. Stay for three days. And if it’s still raining on day three – move somewhere else, or go home’.
Why? Because moving every day in bad weather is exhausting, and staying put gives you a chance to settle in, explore, and let your stuff dry out.
But if it’s still pouring and your wet socks have become emotional support items, change it up. Sometimes a new view (and maybe a good pub) is all it takes to rescue a soggy trip.
Wet kit? Plan for it
Good waterproof clothing really is essential when you’re loading your motorhome. Not ‘showerproof’, not ‘I’ll be fine’ but proper, breathable waterproofs. And don’t forget to pack a decent pair of boots; trudging across a muddy campsite in Plimsolls is a rookie move.
One of my absolute favourite bits of kit for wet-weather lounging is the Ddipp robe. It’s technically a changing robe, but I’ve been known to wear mine all evening when it’s damp and chilly outside. Toasty, waterproof, and just about acceptable to answer the door in.
Manage the moisture
Once something’s wet, keep it contained. A lidded plastic box under the ’van door is perfect for muddy boots and soggy shoes. I call mine the ‘damp trap’. Anything that drips lives there until it dries – or until I remember it after a week and wonder what that smell is…
Are you motorhoming with a dog like Reg, my border terrier? Then you’ll know the joy of a muddy pawprint on the duvet. Keep a dog towel by the door and train them to wait – easier said than done, I know.
Awning advice: proceed with caution
Your wind-out awning might seem a good idea when it starts raining – until it collects water and threatens to collapse like a flan in a hot car. Always tilt one corner to allow for water runoff, and pack it away if the wind picks up.
If you’ve got the room, a drive-away awning is the best motorhome awning for wet weather. It gives you a dry space to peel off damp layers, stash wet clothes, and let the dog shake off without redecorating the motorhome walls. Plus, it’s somewhere to store your boots and hang out with a cup of tea.
When in doubt, stay in
Rainy days are perfect for slowing down. Read that book, play a board game, reach for some campervan gadgets or – if you fancy a bit of inspiration – stick on my Motorhome Matt Podcast!
There’s plenty to binge-listen (or watch on YouTube), and you might even pick up a tip or two between laughs. Just make sure the internet in your motorhome can keep up. A decent 4G router can make the difference between a relaxing afternoon and a buffering wheel of doom.
With a stable connection, you can stream, plan your next stop, or even catch up on emails if you’re feeling that way inclined.
Final thoughts
So UK motorhoming in the rain isn’t always glamorous – but it’s definitely going to be character-building. There’s something oddly satisfying about being warm, dry and smugly self-sufficient while the rain drums on the roof.
Stick to the Rule of Three, pack like a pro, and don’t let the drizzle win. After all, a little rain never hurt anyone. Unless you forgot to pack your Ddipp robe, of course…
You can get more touring inspiration by taking a look at my tips on how to prepare for winter motorhoming, too.
You can find out more about Motorhome Matt and listen to his podcast at motorhomematt.co.uk
Lead image: Getty Images
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