Why motorhomes are different
A motorhome is a van chassis carrying a house. It is longer, taller and heavier than a car, often with water, gas and belongings on board. That means a standard light recovery truck may not be able to carry it, and turning space, height and weight all have to be considered. Getting the right truck first time avoids a wasted visit and a long wait.
Staying safe with a big vehicle
Large vehicles are harder to get out of the way. If you can, stop in a lay-by, service area or wide verge. On a motorway, get everyone out on the passenger side and behind the barrier. Turn off gas appliances if you have been using them, and keep pets on a lead away from the road. Do not try to move a heavy vehicle by hand.
Details the operator will ask for
Have these ready — most are on your V5C or in the handbook:
- Base vehicle and model, for example a Fiat Ducato or Mercedes Sprinter base.
- Overall length and height, and whether there is a bike rack or top box.
- Rough weight — the maximum authorised mass is on the plate by the door or in the handbook.
- What happened, and whether it rolls and steers.
- How many people and pets are travelling.
- Where you want it taken: home, a dealer, a workshop or your campsite.
Which truck gets sent
Most cars go on a 3.5-tonne truck. For longer or heavier vehicles, a trailer or a 7.5-tonne truck is used instead, and our fleet page shows the larger options. Tell the operator honestly about length and weight — an overloaded or undersized truck is unsafe and illegal, so a wrong description can mean a second vehicle is needed.
Caravans are a separate case: if your tow car breaks down, both the car and the caravan may need moving, and it is worth saying so up front.
Booking motorhome recovery
Our office is in Walsall and takes calls 24/7. You get a price before anything is dispatched, and for breakdowns further away the job goes to the nearest vetted partner driver with suitable equipment. If you are on holiday, ask whether it is better to take the motorhome to a local workshop or back home — the operator can talk you through the trade-offs.
Holiday breakdowns and belongings
A breakdown on holiday raises practical questions: where you will sleep, what happens to the food and belongings on board and how you get home. Before the truck arrives, secure loose items, close cupboards and roof lights, empty or secure any waste tanks if you can, and take out medication, documents and valuables. Check with your insurer whether your policy includes onward travel or accommodation. If the motorhome is going to a workshop far from home, ask the workshop how long they expect to need it before deciding whether to wait nearby.
Frequently asked questions
Can any recovery truck move a motorhome?
No. Many motorhomes are too long or heavy for a light car transporter, so the operator needs the length, height and weight to send a suitable truck.
Where do I find my motorhome's weight?
The maximum authorised mass is on the manufacturer's plate, usually by the door or under the bonnet, and in the handbook.
Can you recover a caravan as well as the tow car?
Yes. Mention the caravan on the call so both can be planned for.
Should we stay inside the motorhome while waiting?
Not on a motorway or fast road — wait behind the barrier. On a quiet site or street it may be fine, but switch off gas appliances.
Need help now?
We take calls 24/7 and give you a price before anyone is dispatched.
Call 03300 435121