Buy a Used Motorhome with confidence

Buying a Used Motorhome really needn’t be a process of keeping your fingers crossed and hoping for the best!

At TC Motorhomes we offer a broad selection of Quality Used Motorhomes for sale, that are checked, inspected and fully serviced, providing you with complete piece of mind, and confidence.

The preparation of your Used Motorhome from TC`s will include a full mechanical and Habitation service which is carried out by our highly experienced factory trained technicians at our NCC (National Caravan Council) Approved Workshop located at our showroom in Herne Bay, Kent. 

When we prepare a Used Motorhome for a customer the Cam-belt and the tyres are checked and replaced where necessary, anything requiring attention will be addressed during our comprehensive used motorhome presale check.

The preparation work doesn’t stop there!

All Used Motorhomes are comprehensively valeted, with cushions and mattresses receiving a dust busting wet-vac, cupboards and surfaces are bleach cleaned from top to bottom, with the whole process often taking between 5-7 working days.

The body work is also steamed, washed and polished so everything on your Used Motorhome is the best it can be, and a minimum of 6 x months warranty parts and labour cover is provided along with a new 12-month MOT.

So, if you’re looking to buy a quality Used Motorhome, check out our current selection, of Manual and Automatic transmission motorhomes, and if we don’t currently have what you’re looking for, why not register on-line for updated stock-lists.

To view our latest stock visit: Used Motorhomes

For more information contact TC Motorhomes 

Tel: 01227 289111
Email: sales@tcmotorhomes.com

Christmas Opening Hours 2022

We will be closed from 1-00pm Thursday 22nd December. Our first day open after the Christmas break will be Tuesday 3rd January 2023. 

Email enquiries will be monitored during the break and responded to as soon as possible, so if you would like to register your interest in a new or used motorhome, or you have a questions, please email your enquiry to: sales@tcmotorhomes.com, somebody will come back to you as quickly as possible. 

We would like to wish all our customers grateful thanks for all their support in 2022 and send our best wishes to you all for the fabulous Christmas & a  Happy and healthy New Year, Thank-you!

The Motorhome Effect

Sharon & David are clearly enjoying their Chausson 640 Premium motorhome, recently purchased from TC Motorhomes in Herne Bay Kent ..

Recent trips included an overnight stay at a CL ( Certified Location Site ) in Sandwich Kent, and a very pleasant tranquil one with terrific views in Stoke, as it goes, not a million miles from where Sharon and David live. Along for the journey was 93 year old Mum of Sharon who loved every minute!

Shane Catterick and everyone at T C Motorhomes ( Herne Bay Kent ) want to send our very best wishes to David, Sharon & Sharon`s mum a recent Motorhome convert!

Happy Motorhoming!!

How to prepare a motorhome for winter

Although camping over the winter months is becoming more popular due to the advances in insulation and heating in today's modern motorhomes, some choose to put their motorhomes away for the winter months, below we have put together a list of some of the more important things to do before storing. 

Frost Damage Prevention

If you are not using your motorhome in wintertime, the water system inside the motorhome needs to be drained down to avoid any frost damage and / or water freezing in any of the appliances / boilers.

You will need to drain down your motorhome to prevent damage from frost, as repairs can be costly and as can invalidate the warranty (if applicable) on your motorhome.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to drain down a motorhome:

• Open all drain taps
• Open water heater / combi boiler safety drain valve
• Open water tank drain valve
• Open all water taps including shower heads and run the water pump for a short time
• Leave the tap heads open, so that any moisture can escape.

General Winter Protection for your motorhome

Personal Items / Furnishings

Remove all personal furnishing from your motorhome including making sure you have emptied out the fridge / freezer and all other food items stored in cupboards etc.

When you have taken out your personal items, now is a good time to give everything including all storage areas a good clean with soapy water. After washing cupboards etc give them a wipe over with a dry cloth. Where possible it is advised to leave fridges and freezers slightly open.

Air Ventilation

It is important to maintain a good air flow throughout the motorhome to avoid damage caused by condensation.

• Lower any drop-down beds if you have them, this will enable improved ventilation around the mattresses
• Move all seat cushions away from the walls
• If possible, leave some `low-level` background heat in the motorhome, an oil-filled radiator is a popular choice
• If it`s possible to leave a trickle charge charger onto your engine and leisure batteries, this will help maintain their performance and duration. 
• Switching off for a week or so and then switching back on for a week or so will help maintain the batteries in good order.

Where to store a motorhome in the winter

With an average motorhome weighing up to 3500 KG`s, it is advisable to store your Motorhome on hard ground, because motorhomes can sink into grass or soft surface areas and lose traction if left on a waterlogged muddy surface for an extended period of time. Also try to avoid leaving your motorhome under trees, thus avoiding tree sap and birds muck falling onto your motorhome.

If you have a roof-mounted solar panel, ensure it is clean and not covered up otherwise it won’t be able to maintain the batteries that it is linked to.

Motorhome Storage Options

For our local customers, if you need to store a Motorhome and are looking for a company you can trust, we are delighted to announce on behalf of “Secure Storage Solutions Ltd” the opening of a Motorhome Storage Facility located near Manston in Kent.

Secure Storage Solutions 

Margate 

Kent

Tel: 01843 820930
Web: www.secure-storagesolutions.co.uk

Secure Storage Solutions Ltd Motorhome Storage Facility in Kent near Manston.

In addition, here is a web-link to more than 450 other secure storage sites across the UK.

CaSSOA

Tel: 0843 216 5802
Web:
www.cassoa.co.uk/contact/

CaSSOA awards four levels of security based on a number of features including CCTV, entry points, perimeter fencing and alarm systems. With a CaSSOA registered storage site, you can be confident that your caravan or motorhome will be kept safe and sound.

Should you require any specific advice or guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact our after-sales department on 01227 289111.

Chausson Motorhome Handover

Steve and Fiona are pictured taking delivery of their first motorhome, a Chausson 748 EB WELCOME AUTO Model from TC Motorhomes in Herne Bay Kent.

Steve & Fiona both felt that their considerable boating experience would stand them in good stead with the motorhome, some of the equipment having very similar functionality ..

Having completed a thorough `Hand-Over` of the Chausson 748 this morning with David Sharp at TC`s,

Steve drew the long straw which meant he got to drive the motorhome home !

Fair to say both he and Fiona can`t wait to start using their Chausson, and want to explore all corners of the UK initially with Europe coming next !

Shane Catterick & David Sharp of T C Motorhomes would like to wish Steve and Fiona every happiness with their Chausson ..

Happy Motorhoming Guys, and stick to the lanes and avoid the canals!!

Chausson 660 wins: Layout of the year

 

CHAUSSON has just received two awards at the prestigious “European Innovation Awards” ceremony. More than 130 products in 16 categories were submitted for the European Innovation Award 2022. This year, the award ceremony was again presented in a digital format in Stuttgart without guests.

It was the very innovative low-profile 660 which was declared the winner in the "layout of the year", a category which is open for new ideas which make best use of space in motorhomes, caravans or vans.  

The Chausson 660 has a layout that is unique: it offers two access doors to the cell (one at the front, one at the back), a modular U-shaped living room and a modern divider which separates the kitchen from the living room, along with a space saving bathroom that can function as a W.C. or with a simple movement converts into a fullsized shower. The back of the van has the full height garage which is accessable from inside the motorhome and also has 2 door ways to access from outside and all of this in vehicle less than 7m in length. 

The CHAUSSON 660 has also been noticed by bloggers and is therefore on the podium of favourites in this new category.

If you would like to know more about the new range of Chausson Motorhomes coming to to TC Motorhomes then please visit: https://www.tcmotorhomes.com/chausson-motorhomes/ or alternatively please call our showroom on: 01227 289111.

WIFI in a motorhome

How to connect a phone and other smart devices to the internet while camping.

Wireless internet has been around for years, but most people still aren't using it. Why not? It's easier than ever, Wi-Fi is an easy way to stay connected while on vacation or in remote locations.

Here's how to get started.

If you're planning a camping trip, you'll want to make sure you have access to a reliable source of Wi-Fi. You have the option to use a smartphone or tablet as a hotspot, but if you are using a mobile phone that doesn’t have much data it can become expensive.

A wireless router will allow you to share your connection with other devices, such as laptops, tablets, smartphones and even Smart TV’s. Some of our customers are already up and running with Motorhome Wi-Fi and like the convenience and simplicity of using an Amazon Firestick, so if you already have one at home, why not utilise it whilst you are away in your motorhome!

The Motorhome Wi-Fi of choice with our customers seems to be the 5G Ready Compact + which we fit neatly into the motorhome, together with a discreet roof-top aerial for maximum signal reception.

The systems come with a Smarty mini sim include and are 30-day PAYG plans which can be topped up as and when or replaced with your own preferred sim, perhaps from your mobile phone supplier, where you may be able to negotiate a better data usage plan.

5G Ready Compact +: Fitted from £895 plus vat

Similar 4G systems:  Fitted from £495 plus vat

If you would more information on Wi-Fi set up or would like to book your motorhome for us to fit it then please feel free to contact us on 01227 289111.

The Motorhome & Caravan Show 2022

The Motorhome & Caravan Show 2022 gets underway at the Birmingham NEC Exhibition Centre on Tuesday 18th October and concludes on Sunday 23rd October.

T C Motorhomes are the UK's only 'Solus' Chausson Dealership, and are based in Herne Bay Kent, and we are delighted to confirm that Shane Catterick from TC's will be at the NEC Exhibition on the Chausson stand for the duration of the show.

Chausson: Stand no: 8.20 (Hall 8)

If you would like to buy tickets for this event from the Motorhome and Caravan website then Click Here

If you are interested in speaking with Shane, then ask for him on the stand or call him direct on 0791 786 8897 and join him there for a tea or a coffee and a biscuit! and to discuss one of these fantastic New Chausson Motorhomes.

The New 2023 Chausson Motorhomes available at TC Motorhomes this season, will be at the Motorhome Show for you to look around and ask questions about.

Here`s a list of what is on display:

Chausson Low Profile Motorhome

• 640 Titanium Ultimate
• 660 Titanium Ultimate
• 720 Titanium Ultimate
• 777GA Titanium Ultimate
• 788 Titanium Ultimate

Chausson Slim Line Motorhome

• S514 Slim Line Sport Line
• S697 GA Slim Line Sport Line

If you are from Kent or beyond and would like to purchase a new Chausson or used motorhome and favour the idea of dealing with an established dealership reasonably close to home, (a sensible plan most people would agree) you can contact me, Shane Catterick at the show on 0791 786 8897 or back at the dealership on 01227 289111 after the event.

Increasingly we are finding, that customers are using the National Show to ‘narrow’ their choice of suitable vehicles, (its ideal for this purpose, with so many motorhomes essentially under one large roof to view and appraise), to create a short list of perhaps one or two models, and then visit us here in Herne Bay, (or their local dealer if there`s one nearer than us) where sensible reasoned discussions can take place, in a more tranquil less pressurised environment than you might find at the show.

As well as being able to view the latest Chausson Motorhomes available for the 2023 season the Caravan and Motorhome show has stands that feature camping related products, holiday destinations, motorhome manoeuvring and campervan test drives.

Lots to see and in a pleasant dry environment!

I hope to see you there at the show, or if you prefer, back here at TC Motorhomes!

Shane Catterick

Used Chausson Suite Family handover

Tania and John are pictured taking delivery of their `Chausson Suite Family` Motorhome from Shane Catterick at TC Motorhomes in Herne Bay, Kent, before their next stop to visit friends and relatives en-route home , all the way back to Cornwall.

Tania and John already have HGV licenses and so neither will feel particularly daunted at the prospect of driving the Chausson! They are both however, looking forward to as many breaks away in the Motorhome as they can possibly muster.

Shane and the team at TC Motorhomes would like to thank Tania and John for their valued business, and wish them all the fun and happiness that their Motorhoming adventures will bring them.

For more information contact Shane Catterick at TC Motorhomes in Hillborough, Herne Bay, alternatively visit: New Chausson Motorhomes. 

Top rated Campsites for Motorhomers

Looking for some motorhome camping inspiration? We have put together 4 campsites which should cater for different needs. We have picked a Beach, Forrest, Country and a Lakes resort based on reviews from Trip Advisor.

If you think we have missed a great location then please feel free to share with us!

Beach Resort: Trevornick Holiday Park

With five-star facilities, a huge choice of pitches with stunning views over Gull Rocks and Holywell Bay, there’s little wonder Trevornick is renowned as the premier campsite in Cornwall.

The campsite boasts seven fields with several different pitch types, so you can find the perfect plot for your motorhome. 

Trevornick Holiday Park
Holywell Bay, Cornwall, TR8 5PW.
01637 830531
https://trevornick.co.uk/

Lakes  Resort: Church Stile Holiday Park

Situated in the heart of Wasdale, arguably Cumbria’s most majestic valley, Church Stile Holiday Park and Campsite offers visitors the most spectacular location from which to explore and enjoy the Lake District.

Offering a diverse range of family friendly options for your stay including camping pitches, electric hook-ups and hardstanding pitches for motorhomes.

Church Stile Farm
Seascale CA20 1ET, United Kingdom
01946 726252
https://www.churchstile.com/

Forrest  Resort: Sherwood Pines Campsite

Situated close to the famous Sherwood Forest, this campsite offers over 150 pitches across 40 acres of beautiful forestry woodland and will remain open all year round.

The site is perfectly located, providing an excellent base to explore the forest with numerous walking and cycling routes. It is also within walking distance to the many activities provided by Forestry England, including adventure playgrounds, Go Ape, bike hire, picnic areas, plus open-air concerts held throughout the year. 

Sherwood Pines Campsite 
Kings Clipstone Nottingham NG21 9JL
01623 572337
https://www.campingintheforest.co.uk/england/sherwood-forest/sherwood-pines-campsite

Countryside  Resort: Swiss Farm Touring & Camping

Swiss Farm has been owned and run by the Borlase Family since 1946. The five-star landscaped park in Oxfordshire countryside is perfectly placed for guests wishing to visit London, Windsor and Oxford. The park is just a short walk from the beautiful town of Henley on Thames with its fine shops and famous Royal Regatta course. Explore the area or relax on site and enjoy our wonderful facilities, walk by the Thames or cycle in the Chiltern Hills.

Swiss Farm Touring & Camping
Marlow Road, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2HY.
01491 573 419
https://swissfarmcamping.co.uk/

New Chausson 720 Handover

Mat & Vickie`s 2 boys were at school today and missed out on the collection of the family`s New Chausson 720 Titanium Premium Motorhome on a Ford Chassis with Automatic transmission.

A couple of years ago they visited our showroom after deciding that owning a motorhome could be fun for the family and their dog. 

After using their initial 2014 Chausson Suite Family which they purchased from us, they knew Motorhoming was perfect for their family, and they wanted a newer model and came back to us to trade in their older Chausson for the new 720.

After looking at the Chausson 720 Vickie commented that the rear bunk beds would be ideal for their boys, and Mat commented that the super large ‘smart lounge’ promotes family fun time because it’s practical and spacious.

Shane Catterick and his colleagues from TC Motorhomes in Herne Bay Kent wish the family lots of fun and adventures with their new Chausson and thanked them for their continued support.

If you would like to know more about our range or New Chausson Motorhomes or Used Motorhomes or are thinking of selling your motorhome or would like to trade for a newer model, please contact us. 01227 289111.

Chausson 648 Titanium Premium Handover

Steve and Becky are pictured at T C Motorhomes in Herne Bay dodging the showers! and taking delivery of their fantastic New Chausson 648 Titanium Premium Motorhome.

Becky confirmed that the extra living space and a dedicated bedroom in the New Chausson were the main reasons why they traded up from their previous Chausson 10 model, and Steve commented that for him the Automatic Transmission was a big reason to make the change.

Other great specifications on this New Motorhome that's under 7 metres long, include Chaussons SmartLounge which makes the motorhome feel spacious and comes with an optional double bed over the lounge, there is a garage for all the extras you will want to take on a road trip, and this model has a separate shower and toilet, an outside shower! and external gas point which is perfect for BBQ's. 

View our range of new Chausson Motorhomes here: New Chausson Motorhomes stocklist

Chausson 550 Exclusive Handover

Chris and Ann from Ash, near Canterbury are pictured taking delivery of an all new Chausson X550 Exclusive compact motorhome from T C Motorhomes in Herne Bay Kent.

Chris and Ann have been motorhoming for several years, and therefore understand the advantage of owning a Compact yet spacious motorhome, something that can take them comfortably in and out of towns and cities the length and breadth of the UK and beyond.

Their knowledge of motorhoming ultimately drew them to this all new model from Chausson Motorhomes, (represented by T C Motorhomes in Herne Bay).

At just 6 x metres in length and 2 x metres in width the X550 is the ultimate in modern compact motorhomes, and features a large drop-down double bed over a large comfortable lounge beneath, with a full width rear washroom, and ski-locker.

Shane Catterick and his colleagues at T C Motorhomes would like to thank Chris and Ann for their support, and wish them well in their new adventure with this fantastic new Motorhome..

Would you like to know more about the Chausson Motorhomes we have in stock here at TC Motorhomes? Visit: New Chausson Motorhomes in stock

Scotland North Coast 500

Scotland North Coast 500 Road Trip

Although the travel restrictions are about to be lifted, there is still some uncertainty around travelling abroad. Over the past 2 years we have witnessed an increased interest in people wanting to visit locations around the UK.

A popular road trip is the North Coast 500, this is a circular 516-mile route around the coast of Scotland, there are various stop over options for this trip but for the purpose of this blog the focus is for people who want to do it in a motorhome.

When to visit Scotland?

The summer is going to be the best option for anyone wishing to visit beaches and go on coastal walks with warmer weather but because the North Coast 500 route is a popular choice it is also going to be the busiest time, so expect it to be crowded.

 
In the summer months when the kids are off school the campsites can get booked up so if you plan to visit in the summer, it is best to plan this road trip as early in the year as possible to make sure you can book a place to camp up with your motorhome.

 
The other downside to visiting Scotland in the summer are the biting midges which can be really irritating at night-time when you are sitting outside in the evenings!

A suitable time to visit is in May, the weather is getting better, the roads will be less busy and the biting midges will not be such an annoyance.

However, road trips are not just for the summer months, Chausson Motorhomes have been designed with IRP technology for better insulation for the colder months which make them ideal for all year-round travel.

Where does the North Coast Route Start?

The start of the journey is typically at Inverness. At this point you have two options to either go east to west or west to east. Starting the road trip on the east coast and working your way around to the west is the common option because as you progress the scenery and experience becomes more impressive.

How long does it take to do the North Coast 500?

The north coast 500 road trip covers six regions in Scotland, Black Isle, Caithness, Easter Ross, Inverness-shire, Sutherland, and Wester Ross. There are so many attractions to see, white beaches, coastal walks, historic castles, and waterfalls which are set within the amazing landscapes of the Scottish Highlands.

Ideally you will want to be spend 7-14 days so you can enjoy a relaxing journey and have the option of stopping over for a couple of nights in locations that you will find most appealing, if you are stuck for time the trip can be done in as little as 4 days but you will spend most of that trip driving and missing out on what Scotland has to offer.

Where can you stay on the North Coast 500 in a motorhome?

Wild camping is not permitted in motorized vehicles in Scotland but there are campsites that cater for Motorhomes and Caravans along the route. 

Tips for planning your trip

There are important things to consider when planning the trip in a Motorhome, for example parts of the route are on single lane roads and not suitable for wider motorhomes. The North Coast 500 website goes into more detail and gives information on the parts of the journey where a motorhome would not be able to access and gives alternative routes suitable for a wider motorhome.

For a small fee, the North Coast 500 website has put together some itineraries that will be helpful if you are planning your first visit. 

It is best to do your own research, there are lots of resources online to find out lots of information and tips and tricks to help make your North Coast 500 Trip a memorable vacation.

Chausson S514 Low Profile

"This super-compact, affordable new motorhome from Chausson has a unique 'butterfly' bed".

New for 2022 Chausson have released two new layouts in their range of new Motorhomes. The Motorhome and Campervan magazine recently has a chance to give a review of the new Chausson S514, built on a ford chassis its compact in size and measures under 6 meters long.

The Chausson S514 low profile motorhome has an excellent specification as standard which include

Radio DAB/MP3/Bluetooth
Manual cab air conditioning
Driver and passenger airbag
Swivel seats in the cab, with double armrests and adjustable height
Cab seat covers with matching cushions
Electric de-icing rear-view mirrors
Cruise control and speed limiter
Integrated DAB antenna
Reversing camera in the rear-view mirror
Heating using vehicle fuel while on the road
Panoramic skylight
Flyscreen door
Double-locking windows with combined blinds/screens
Separation curtain cab/cell
100% LED cell lighting inside and outside
USB ports
IRP structure: GRP on roof/floor/sides, floor 64 mm thick
Technibox

If you would like to know more about the Chausson S514 click here or if you have any questions and prefer to speak to somebody call 01227 289111.