Moving around a moving motorhome

[shunter]

Yep Sandra often pops back to get food for me I need feeding when I am concentrating

 

[Reallyretired]

Swmbo often goes back to shut things. I try to discourage her, but am ignored

 

[PeteH]

Swmbo often goes back to shut things. I try to discourage her, but am ignored

You too!. I thought I was the only one. Welcome to the "Club".

 

[Shrimp]

I do it, usually it’s either the dogs water bowl, the fridge or the huge cutlery drawer that tries to Join us in the front of the van if we stop a bit quicker than norm!

 

[Guigsy]

Sorry, we're boring. Joolz rarely unbelts when we're driving. And if she does, it's only when we're at lights or crawling in traffic. She has found that if she loosens her belt all the way, she can reach the fridge...

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[sylvester1954]

Well I am surprised that no one has confessed to popping into the back of the MH for sex whilst on the move...

 

[jdk62]

Well I am surprised that no one has confessed to popping into the back of the MH for sex whilst on the move...

On their own????

 

[PJGWiltshire]

Indeed it just seems you got to do it!

Whilst travelling on Spanish motorway , MRS PJG went nuts on our travels, as usual I needed 'on the go' feed, good lady gets up and goes back to prepare said nourishment. At that particular time motorway heads down hill and bends to right. As we head into bend it appears good lady has just opened fridge, then it all goes to pot from here. Fresh home made soup prepared lovingly for evening snack falls out of fridge explodes all over floor. Sam the dog likes said soup starts running and helping himself, foot prints of soup all over floor. Then cannot stop for 15 K till next junction. Dog will not stop helping himself mess gets worse.
One advantage very quiet journey after clean up
Since said event I go hungry on travels.

 

[Minxy]

OMG! You lot is very nawty,you is. Just wait till @Minxy Girl comes on here,she’s gonna tell you off,coz she is sensible.
When I suggested it to SWMBO,she told me to stay in the drivers seat...............well,she may have had a point,we were doing about 70’and she doesn’t drive the van.

Why pick on me! You haven't been in our MH when hubby's driving but it's not something I'd do lightly as I don't like to be bruised and get thrown around!

I may be sensible but I'm also practical too ... if the shower tambour door is sliding around, or the cupboard, drawer or whatever else decides to have a bid for freedom, then someone's gotta go and sort them out and as hubby does the vast majority of the driving it's me.

We do get an 'early warning' that somethings not quite right though as our Tazzy suddenly runs to the front of the camper and stares backwards so we usually know and can stop and sort it before it becomes a flight risk!

 

[Tony50]

Bottom kitchen drawer flew right out, on our Travels , now have a list of checks that is kept in Fiat righthand cubby hole , to right of Dash

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[PeteH]

One US advantage, The Major Interstates and even many non I`s, have long straightish sections, which makes such "antics" tolerable. But we did do it on a "hurry up" trip to the land of haggis, on the A1, that was more "interesting". But the "polish shuffle" has not been attempted!

 

[PeteH]

On their own????

Whatever floats your boat . As they say?

 

[Podney]

Why pick on me! You haven't been in our MH when hubby's driving but it's not something I'd do lightly as I don't like to be bruised and get thrown around!

I may be sensible but I'm also practical too ... if the shower tambour door is sliding around, or the cupboard, drawer or whatever else decides to have a bid for freedom, then someone's gotta go and sort them out and as hubby does the vast majority of the driving it's me.

We do get an 'early warning' that somethings not quite right though as our Tazzy suddenly runs to the front of the camper and stares backwards so we usually know and can stop and sort it before it becomes a flight risk!

Oh well,you’re obviously naughtier than I thought,I like that!! I had you down as a “paragon of virtue”!

 

[tonyidle]

Illegal?. Not actually sure?. Not recommended perhaps. People on coach trips move about. And use the Toilet facilities, are served drinks.?. We used the facilities on our R-V. "on the move". And when we had 2 drivers we both made full use of the kitchen, made tea and coffee etc. We only actually stopped to change driver.

It's illegal in anything other than coach for which exceptions apply.

 

[PeteH]

It's illegal in anything other than coach for which exceptions apply.

Interesting, Something I have never seen in writing?.

And cannot find online?. Any Idea`s?.

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[tonyidle]

Interesting, Something I have never seen in writing?.

And cannot find online?. Any Idea`s?.

I think the seat belt laws cover it but a specific reference is hard to find. I suspect the only references will be to coaches (where you can). Motorhomes probably haven't been noticed.

 

[Littlewheels]

As I’ve got older and cut down on the Bacon sandwiches she’s stopped frying whilst on the move,however,she continues to catch up on the ironing taking advantage of the alternator pushing plenty of amps To the Batteries and inverter

 

[PeteH]

I think the seat belt laws cover it but a specific reference is hard to find. I suspect the only references will be to coaches (where you can). Motorhomes probably haven't been noticed.

I cannot find any reference to a specific rule on movement in Coaches and or other vehicles?. Lots of reference to the use of seat belts "where fitted". Ie; trucks older than a certain year, if not fitted. The first of my R-V`s did not have them, and the MOT tester had to check with DVLA as to IF I had to fit them, The answer was no. Which was just as well as the potential attachment points where not substantial enough anyway.

As an aside, My Triumph has the attachment points, but If I do not fit them it is not an MOT fail as it is 48years old.

 

[Southdowners]

I think the seat belt laws cover it but a specific reference is hard to find. I suspect the only references will be to coaches (where you can). Motorhomes probably haven't been noticed.

So it's not illegal then! Perhaps check the facts before posting a definitive statement.

We get up and move around the vehicle and have had no problems doing so at all.

 

[tonyidle]

I cannot find any reference to a specific rule on movement in Coaches and or other vehicles?.

Nor can I. I've read a couple of coach operator publicatios aimed at their passengers but that's all. They only make reference to returning to seats & using the belts as soon as possible after using on-board facilities. All I'm aware of is that there are obviously different seat belt & movement rules for coaches and cars. How any of this relates to motorhomes or even if it does at all is totally unclear - like most things motorhome. I based my original statement on the law on use of belts but now I'm even less clear on their use in motorhomes when the 'need' to leave ones seat arises. I think we'll have to agree to remain confused.

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[tonyidle]

So it's not illegal then! Perhaps check the facts before posting a definitive statement.

We get up and move around the vehicle and have had no problems doing so at all.

I'm still totally convinced it is illegal and that if spotted by one of our invisible Traffic Police a prosecution would result. We also do it - well one of us does. And I have three unrestrained dogs .

 

[Deneb]

So it's not illegal then! Perhaps check the facts before posting a definitive statement.

We get up and move around the vehicle and have had no problems doing so at all.

Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations. Using a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition likely to cause a danger of injury to persons in or on the vehicle, or to other road users, due to the manner in which passengers are being carried.

It would also fall within the definition of dangerous driving in the event of an incident resulting in injury to the passenger, as well as (possibly quite substantially) reducing any compensation or injury award that might otherwise be payable.

 

[DangerMousy]

There are very few journeys where I don't make at least one trip down the back for something: to get a drink, switch the fridge to battery, close a cupboard, etc...

So it's not illegal then! Perhaps check the facts before posting a definitive statement.

We get up and move around the vehicle and have had no problems doing so at all.

You're probably correct that there is no specific law against moving around in a moving motorhome - so technically that in itself is not illegal.

But it is illegal to not wear a seatbelt in a moving vehicle where seatbelts are fitted. So I suppose it would be totally legal to move around in your moving motorhome so long as you're still wearing your seatbelt. Which is obviously totally impractical. So moving around in a moving motorhome is in effect illegal because in order to do so you need to remove your seatbelt.

 

[nicholsong]

Bottom kitchen drawer flew right out, on our Travels , now have a list of checks that is kept in Fiat righthand cubby hole , to right of Dash

Why, is the head not able to retain a 6 item checklist?

 

[spitfire]

Have done it but avoid now if possible ! Emergencies only since aFrench friend was stopped and fined !! Wife got up and sadly there was a radar check ahead !!

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[PeteH]

It`s not a practice, we habitually use as I would rather stop and make use of whatever facility at leisure, however I also see no issue with it. As regards it`s legality,? I suspect like the "A" frame until it is tested in law, it will remain a "grey area".

This was the case with towing "dolly's", until a Motor Dealer was convicted of it`s use, at which time it was "Established" that "the practice was ONLY legal for the recovery of a disabled vehicle." He was convicted and fined because there was nothing wrong with the vehicle, he was taking it from Auction to his place of business. And this had been his practice for several years, before some (idiot) plod decided to "pull" him. and make a name for himself!.

In real life, they are a safer alternative to the "A" frame and or a Trailer. And are much in evidence in the USA, where of course they have far less of the "Stupid" rules, like mandatory AGE related medicals.

 

[Astro]

Lots to be done whilst on the move. Though I haven't mastered flipping pancakes yet.

 

[pandas]

Interesting, Something I have never seen in writing?.

And cannot find online?. Any Idea`s?.

I am sure it’s in the ‘common sense’ handbook on motorhoming somewhere

 

[PeteH]

I am sure it’s in the ‘common sense’ handbook on motorhoming somewhere

I don`t have one of them?. I am amazed they produce one?. After all 99% of the great unwashed, think Manual Labour is a Mexican Peasant

 

[Deneb]

It`s not a practice, we habitually use as I would rather stop and make use of whatever facility at leisure, however I also see no issue with it. As regards it`s legality,? I suspect like the "A" frame until it is tested in law, it will remain a "grey area".

No grey area at all. I posted the facts regarding the illegality above. During many years of crewing a "Jam sandwich" I and my colleagues have reported or issued tickets to a number of drivers in such circumstances.

There are actually two similar offences, the one under the Construction & Use Regs that I mentioned, which is non-endorsable, and an almost identically worded offence under the Road Traffic Act, which is endorsable.

The key point is "having regard to the manner in which persons are carried" although the offences also cover vehicle defects and the manner in which loads are carried if it is likely that they too could also result in injury to persons in or on the vehicle, or otherwise using the road.

The occupant is clearly not restrained by the seat belt provided for that purpose and if you don't think it is dangerous the prosecutor would likely ask you how you were preventing the unrestrained and unseated occupant from continuing through the windscreen at the speed of the vehicle in the event of a collision or other sudden emergency, the momentum propelling them with a mass several times their own body weight and possibly killing or injuring the driver (you) on the way through!

In the event that you were involved in an incident that resulted in death or injury to the improperly carried occupant, the circumstances would be good evidence for an offence of causing death or injury by either careless or dangerous driving too.

And yes when we have forgotten to secure the fridge or a cupboard door before setting off, on a couple of occasions my wife has done it too, so I'm not preaching as holier than though, just stating the facts!

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