Hiring A Motorhome For A Month: Costs, Planning, And Tips

Planning a motorhome trip for a month or more? It’s a dream many share—a home on wheels, an open road, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. But while a long-term motorhome hire is thrilling, there’s a bit more to it than just hitting the road. With the right preparation, a well-thought-out budget, and some organisational strategies, your adventure will be smooth and stress-free.

In this guide to living in a motorhome long term, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan, budget, and make the most of your holiday. Let’s get started!

Here’s a quick over what we’ll cover:

• Managing Costs: Hire, fuel, food, insurance, and more.
• Tips to save time and money on the road.
• Planning routes, attractions, and accommodations.
• Keeping organised for maximum comfort.
• Staying connected on the road.
• Preparing for weather.
• Handling mail and family while travelling.

Budgeting For Your Motorhome Adventure

When hiring a motorhome for a month or longer, the most important step is creating a realistic budget. Let’s break down some of your expenses.

1. Hire Costs

The cost of hiring a motorhome can vary significantly based on factors such as the season, the size of the motorhome, and which motorhome you select. During the summer, rates tend to be higher, while off-season rentals can save you a fair bit of money.

At Cruisin’ we offer a 10% Long Hire Discount for any booking over 21+ days, which can be combined with our 5% Early Bird Discount – so make sure you’re planning as far in advance as possible to get 15% off your long-term motorhome hire.

2. Fuel

Fuel costs add up over long distances. Try using a fuel cost calculator app to help estimate how much you’ll be spending on petrol based on your travel plans.

Be mindful of fuel prices in different regions, as they can vary significantly. In some remote areas, fuel can also cost considerably more, so it's a good idea to fill up whenever you find better prices in populated areas.

3. Food & Groceries

Eating out every day will quickly drain your wallet, so expect to be cooking meals in your motorhome. The good news is that our motorhomes come equipped with a kitchen, allowing you to prepare simple but satisfying meals on the go.

To keep your food budget in check, do a bit of meal planning. Stock up on non-perishable items like microwavable canned goods, pasta, and snacks. Then, once you're on the road, make use of local supermarkets or farmers’ markets to buy fresh produce and other essentials.

Tip: A great way to save both time and money is to prepare some meals ahead of time. Pre-cook certain dishes, freeze them, and then simply reheat them after a long day of driving or exploring.

4. Insurance

A long motorhome hire in Australia means you’ll want to look at your insurance options closely. It’s worth considering the max coverage for peace of mind.

Understanding what’s included (and not) will help you decide what additional insurance (like contents or travel insurance) you might need.

5. Phone & Internet Plans

Staying connected on the road is essential—not just for navigation, but also for keeping in touch with friends, family, and Cruisin’. You may need to update your mobile plan if you're relying on your phone for internet.

Cruisin’ does not offer onboard WiFi, so if you’re working while on the road, or if you’re travelling with children who may need to do schoolwork online, having reliable internet is a need.

Check out this quick guide to staying connected on the road in a motorhome.

6. Create A Budget Planner

To stay on top of your finances, consider using a budgeting app or even an old, reliable pen and paper. Track your expenses daily and adjust your spending as needed. Budgeting for a long motorhome trip isn't just about the initial costs—you'll want to plan for unexpected expenses, too. Think about things like parking fees or road tolls.

Maximise Your Comfort: Space, Storage & Organisation

One of the best things about motorhome travel is that you can bring the comforts of home with you. Staying organised and making the most of your space is key to keeping everyone happy and comfortable.

1. Keep It Simple & Organised

Everything in your motorhome needs a designated spot. Knowing where things are, from kitchen utensils to clothes, will help.

Pro tip: Roll your clothes instead of folding them. This not only saves space but makes it easier to access your outfits without digging through piles.

2. Choose The Right-Sized Motorhome

When choosing a motorhome for a month-long trip, size really does matter. You want a vehicle that’s big enough to offer comfort and storage but not so large that it becomes a hassle for you to park. Depending on your comfort levels, you can either go for a small or a large vehicle.

Make sure there’s room for your gear, and if you plan to cook big meals choose a motorhome with a big fridge. It’s also handy to have an onboard shower and toilet, especially if you’re not staying in campgrounds with bathroom facilities every night.

3. Plan Your Travel Days

Driving a motorhome can be tiring, so plan your travel days carefully. Some people love the idea of a road trip where they drive a lot, while others prefer to park the motorhome for a few days at a time and really explore an area before moving on.

Whichever you prefer, it’s essential to plan these travel days ahead of time. Long driving days can take a toll, so make sure to factor in plenty of rest and relaxation.

Essential Tips For Life On The Road

Hiring a motorhome for a month or more offers plenty of excitement, but living on the road also comes with its own challenges. Adopt a few road-savvy strategies to keep things running smoothly.

1. Use Campground Facilities To Save Time

One of the less glamorous parts of travelling by motorhome is dealing with waste disposal, particularly when it comes to emptying the cassette toilet. Constantly emptying a motorhome cassette can be a hassle if you’re in remote locations.

Take advantage of public restrooms and showers at campgrounds whenever possible. Many campgrounds have well-maintained facilities that allow you to reduce your reliance on your motorhome's onboard amenities. This means fewer trips to waste disposal stations and more time to focus on your adventure.

Bonus Tip: If you're staying in campgrounds or holiday parks frequently, consider using the laundry services there as well.

2. Stay in Touch with Your Cruisin’

If you're unfamiliar with certain features of the motorhome or if something goes wrong, we offer 24/7 Roadside Assistance over the phone to help you sort out minor issues quickly.

3. Weather Prep: Plan For All Conditions

Always consider the weather. Rain, wind, and even heat waves can catch you off guard, so it’s best to prepare for all types of weather conditions.

If you’re stuck indoors due to rain or wind, having a bit of extra space inside the motorhome makes all the difference. A slightly larger motorhome can provide a comfortable spot for everyone to relax, read a book, play board games, or watch movies while the weather passes.

Plan Ahead For Smooth Sailing

No matter how spontaneous you like to be, a bit of planning goes a long way when it comes to a long motorhome hire in Australia. This is especially true when travelling for a month or more, as staying organised ensures that you maximise your experience and avoid unnecessary stress.

1. Route Planning

Planning your route ahead of time is a good idea, even if you like to be flexible with your travel plans. Start by deciding on your must-see destinations and then add in additional attractions, scenic drives, and rest stops.

Consider the driving distances between destinations—driving too many hours each day can lead to exhaustion. A good rule of thumb is to drive for no more than 3 to 5 hours on any given day. This leaves you plenty of time to relax, sightsee, and explore each location thoroughly.

There are some great apps and websites that can help you plan your route, such as Google Maps, Roadtrippers, and specific motorhome route planners that highlight motorhome-friendly roads, rest stops, and dump stations.

2. Accommodation

There are plenty of options, from free camping spots to budget-friendly campgrounds. During peak travel seasons, campgrounds tend to fill up quickly, so booking ahead is a smart move.

Tip: Make sure to check for campgrounds or parks that are specific to motorhomes or have the right amenities you need—whether it’s powered sites, WiFi, or proximity to attractions.

Managing Life On The Road

From handling mail to ensuring your children stay on track with their studies, keeping your everyday life organised while travelling is key to a smooth journey.

1. Mail & Bills

Being on the road for a month or more means someone will need to check your mail. Have a trusted friend, neighbour, or family member collect your mail and keep an eye on anything important that might come through.

Alternatively, there are mail forwarding services or virtual mailbox services that allow you to view scanned copies of your mail online. These services can forward your mail to you at specific locations, such as post offices along your route.

Don’t forget to set up automatic payments for any bills that will come due while you’re away. This way, you won’t return home to any late payment fees.

2. Schooling For Kids

If you're travelling with children, it's best to balance fun with some educational activities. Plan time for study sessions or educational trips. Use the journey as an opportunity to teach geography, history, and science through hands-on experiences. Visiting national parks, museums, and historical sites, or even learning about the ecosystems you're exploring can turn the trip into a series of engaging lessons.

Final Tips For A Long Road Trip

Hiring a motorhome for a month or more is an incredible way to experience the world around you. With the freedom to roam, the flexibility to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, and the comfort of having your home with you at all times, it’s a journey like no other. By carefully managing your costs, staying organised, and planning ahead for both the exciting moments and the practical ones, you’ll ensure your motorhome adventure is both memorable and stress-free.

So, whether you're mapping out your route or prepping your motorhome for the open road, remember: a little planning goes a long way. Now, it’s time to pack your bags, grab your maps, and hit the road for an unforgettable journey! Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the motorhomes we have available at our branches!