Thursday, August 13, 2026

ETIAS, EES, and Channel Crossings

ETIAS, EES, and Channel Crossings: What Motorhomers Need to Know (An Update from Heathrow!)

Disclaimer: Border procedures and rollout schedules can shift. Always check official operator guidance (Eurotunnel/Getlink or your ferry provider) and the EU EES portal before setting off.

I’m currently flying out of the UK at Heathrow Airport for a couple of days, But before I head through security and board my flight, I wanted to take a quick moment to share a massive Europe travel update with you all.

If you’re planning a trip to Europe over the coming months, especially if you're getting ready to hitch up the motorhome and head across the Channel, there’s been another major shift regarding ETIAS, the "not a visa but kinda like a visa" travel authorisation British passport holders will eventually need.

The best news right now? For the next few months, it’s one less piece of paperwork to worry about.

The Latest on ETIAS: Still Waiting in the Wings

Until recently, official EU guidance suggested that ETIAS would launch in the final quarter of 2026. As of mid-August 2026, that firm launch date has disappeared.

No confirmed launch date: There is currently no fixed date for ETIAS to go live. The EU has stated they will announce the official start several months in advance.
Do NOT apply yet: If you are heading to Europe soon, you cannot apply for an ETIAS, and you don’t need one. Please keep an eye out and steer clear of any third-party scam sites trying to charge you for an application right now!

Deep Dive: What’s Happening at Le Tunnel and the Ferries Right Now?

I know there is a ton of anxiety out there about how the new EES (Entry/Exit System) is going to affect our Channel crossings. Because we travel in larger vehicles—whether you're driving a self-built camper, a coachbuilt motorhome, or towing a caravan—port logistics are always front of mind.

Here is the ground reality for Le Tunnel (Eurotunnel / Le Shuttle) and ferry ports like Dover right now:

1. Full Biometric Car and Motorhome Checks Are Delayed (For Now!)

While the EU’s EES framework officially went live as a broader system in April 2026, full biometric kiosk checks for cars, motorhomes, and passenger vehicles at Dover and Eurotunnel have been delayed until after the summer 2026 peak.

Why? Both UK and French authorities, along with port operators like Getlink (Eurotunnel), pushed back the full rollout due to ongoing software stability concerns on the EU back-end and a desire to avoid gridlock during peak holiday traffic.

2. What You’ll Experience at Check-In Today

For Passenger Vehicles: Right now, if you are driving a car or motorhome through Dover or Eurotunnel, you are generally going through a streamlined passport check process rather than hopping out to use a biometric kiosk for four fingerprints and a facial scan. French border police are creating digital entry files on the backend without forcing every traveler through the intensive kiosk queues right this second.
For Commercial Traffic: Keep in mind that coaches and freight lorries have been rolling through full EES checks since late last year, but passenger cars and motorhomes have been given a temporary buffer through the summer rush.
The Traffic Management Reality: Even with the full biometric kiosk phase delayed for passenger vehicles, traffic management systems like Operation Brock on the M20 have been running continuously to handle overall holiday surges. If you're driving down to Kent, always check the traffic updates before you roll.

3. What to Expect When Full Biometric Checks Eventually Launch

Don't get too comfortable, this delay isn’t a cancellation. Once the software is fully stable and the summer peak wraps up, full biometric processing will roll out for passenger vehicles at Le Tunnel and ferry terminals.

When that happens, here is what motorhomers should prepare for:

First-Time Registration: Your very first crossing under the active system will require you to register your biometrics, providing a facial image and four fingerprint scans. For motorhomes and cars, operators have built dedicated pre-registration zones (like the massive new covered areas at Folkestone and Coquelles) to keep things moving.
Processing Times: Expect your first crossing to take a few extra minutes per person while your digital file is created.
Subsequent Crossings: Once your data is in the system, future trips through Le Tunnel or the ferries will be much faster because the system will only need a quick facial scan to match your passport.

ETIAS vs. EES: Quick Refresher

It’s easy to mix these two up, so let's keep them straight:

EES (Entry/Exit System): The digital border tracking system replacing manual passport stamps. It tracks entries and exits across the 29-country Schengen area. It is active now, but full biometric captures for passenger vehicles at Channel ports are currently paused/delayed until later this year.
ETIAS: The upcoming travel authorisation (akin to the US ESTA) that you will need to apply and pay for before you leave home. This is delayed indefinitely and is not required right now.

And a quick reminder for all of us living that long-haul road trip life: ETIAS and EES do not change the 90-day rule. You are still strictly limited to 90 days out of any rolling 180-day period in the Schengen area.

Summary Checklist for Your Next European Trip

If you're heading across the water via ferry or Le Tunnel over the next few months:

👉 Expect standard passport checks for now, with full biometric kiosk rollouts for passenger vehicles expected later in the year.

👉 Keep an eye on Kent traffic (watch out for Operation Brock if you're heading down the M20).

👉 Do not apply or pay for an ETIAS, it isn’t live yet!

👉 Allow a sensible amount of time for your port arrival without turning up hours too early and clogging the lanes.

I’ll keep monitoring the official updates while I’m away and will drop any major changes right here and across our community groups as soon as they drop.

For now, if Europe is on your travel calendar for an autumn motorhome tour, ETIAS is one less thing to stress over, happy travels!

Reminder: Border procedures and rollout schedules can shift. Always check official operator guidance (Eurotunnel/Getlink or your ferry provider) and the EU EES portal before setting off.

If you’re looking for more tips, honest gear reviews, or just a place to share your latest trip photos, come and join the conversation! You can catch me over on my YouTube channel Johnny Burr , or join one of our active Facebook groups, Motorhome Touring Scotland and Motorhome Touring The UK andEurope. We’ve also got a buzzing community over on our Motorhome Touring Discord server, where we share real-time updates and advice. And of course, keep an eye and an ear out for my content on Caravan Radio. Let’s get out there and enjoy the journey together!

Linktree⬅️ https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

Friday, August 7, 2026

Mastering Motorhome Touring Photography

Easy Tips for Epic Road Trip Photos

Hands up if your travel photos basically consist of: your motorhome, your dinner, and the same mountain from 14 slightly different angles?

(No shame here, I do the same, plus many many photos of my dog!)

I’ve always loved capturing our adventures, but it wasn’t until I started travelling solo that I realised how much you can improve your photos, whether you’re using a drone, a phone, or a “proper” camera. You don’t need a degree in photography to elevate your travel gallery.

So, here are my top tips for better road trip photos, blending some of my hard-earned lessons from the road with a few professional tricks of the trade.

1. Don’t Get Hung Up on the Tools

You really don’t need the newest, most expensive camera to take gorgeous photos. Honestly, 90% of my travel photos are taken on my iPhone. The rest are with my drone or, very occasionally, my "proper" camera.

If you’re sticking to your phone, here are the absolute basics that change everything:

Turn on Gridlines: Go into your settings and toggle these on. They help you keep horizons straight and introduce you to the "Rule of Thirds", a composition trick where placing your subject off-centre makes a shot feel much more balanced and dynamic.
Clean Your Lens: It sounds silly, but it makes a shocking difference! Those greasy fingerprints are the enemy of clear photos.
Use the Side Buttons: Instead of tapping the screen (which can be shaky), use the volume buttons on the side of your phone to snap the picture. It makes holding the phone steady much easier.
Chase the Light: Try to shoot in the first or last hour of daylight, the "Golden Hour." The light is softer, warmer, and makes everything look cinematic.

2. A Note on Drones (Fly Safe!)

A drone is a fantastic addition to your road trip gear, but it is not essential. I went a year or so before I worked up the courage to start using mine! They’re wonderful for capturing scale, especially those "tiny-van-in-huge-mountains" shots.

If you go down that route, get a drone with a decent camera, good stabilisation, and solid sensors. I tried several "cheap" ones, and they are so much harder to fly than the proper ones from companies like DJI.

Practical Tips for Drone Flying:

If you're new to drones: Start with something like this, its easy to fly, hand launched, light weightand has some great features like "follow me"

DJI Neo

Practise somewhere quiet first. Don’t fly too far until your confidence grows.
Know the Rules: In the UK, remember the basics: keep your drone in your direct line of sight, don’t fly above 120m (400ft), and never fly over crowds.
Respect Privacy: Always stay well clear of windows, gardens, and private property.
The "Hills" Rule: Avoid having hills between you and the drone, that's how I lost the one I had in the Outer Hebrides; it lost signal!
Don't get greedy: Land before the battery gets low.
Progress: Once you are more confident, a great upgrade is the DJI Mini.

DJI Mini

3. Photograph YOU in the Place

It’s so easy to come home with thousands of scenery shots and zero evidence you were actually there. It's even harder when you're travelling solo.

The Solo Setup: The easiest way by far is with a drone, set it up to follow you or snap a timer photo.
The Tripod: I love a small, lightweight travel tripod. It fits easily into a bag but gives you a decent stand height. Look for "leading lines" (like a road or path) to frame yourself for a professional look.

68" Tripod/selfie magnetic stick

The Video Hack: You can set a video recording, walk into the frame, hold a pose for 2–3 seconds, and take a high-quality still image off the video file later.
Live Mode: I always use 'Live' mode on my iPhone so I can scrub through the frames to make sure my eyes aren't closed!

4. Add Video and Details

Still photos are fine, but movement brings a place to life. Try setting up your camera on a tripod and walking into the frame, or sweeping your phone slowly from one side to the other to show the scale of a view.

DJI Osmo Action 4

Don't forget to capture the details of the journey, not just the big landmarks. A photo of your coffee cup with a view of a Scottish loch, the frost on the grass outside the van, or even a shot through your open door frames the experience in a way a postcard never could.

5. Managing Your Digital Clutter

If you’re anything like me, your phone or camera is full by day three of a trip. A good external SSD is a lifesaver for backing up photos on the go. This portable SSD I use is tiny, smaller than my palm, but holds an incredible amount of footage. It’s peace of mind for when you’re miles from home.

ScanDisk SSD 1TB

The Best Bit of Advice

The best advice I was ever given is simple: just take the photo.

Don't overthink your composition or your settings. Capture what you love about a place, or a moment that makes you smile. And, just as importantly, remember to put down the camera occasionally. Some of the best memories are the ones you take with your eyes, not your lens.

Are you a chronic "dinner-and-mountain" photographer, or do you have a specific style you love? Drop a comment on my latest post, I’d love to hear how you capture your touring adventures!

All links in this blog are Amazon Affiliate Links, You will not pay extra, but a very small commission goes to support Motorhome Touring's Social Media Groups.

If you’re looking for more tips, honest gear reviews, or just a place to share your latest trip photos, come and join the conversation! You can catch me over on my YouTube channel Johnny Burr , or join one of our active Facebook groups, Motorhome Touring Scotland and Motorhome Touring The UK andEurope. We’ve also got a buzzing community over on our Motorhome Touring Discord server, where we share real-time updates and advice. And of course, keep an eye and an ear out for my content on Caravan Radio. Let’s get out there and enjoy the journey together!

Linktree⬅️ https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

Monday, August 3, 2026

Mastering Rallies: Community, Atmosphere, and Making Friends

Motorhome rallies offer a distinct and vibrant way to experience the touring lifestyle year round. Unlike booking a commercial campsite, joining a rally, whether organized by major national clubs, regional centers, or independent groups, immerses you in a shared community experience.

The single biggest draw to motorhome rallies is the social atmosphere. While standard campsites can sometimes feel insular or anonymous, rallies are built entirely around camaraderie.

Instant Connection: You are surrounded by people who share your exact passion. Conversations spark easily over the back of a motorhome or while walking a dog.
Shared Activities: Many rallies feature communal campfires, organized walks, evening socials in a shared marquee, quizzes, or live music.
Built-In Support: If you are new to motorhoming, struggling with a technical issue, or looking for local travel recommendations, the community at a rally is exceptionally generous with advice and a helping hand.
Lifelong Networks: For solo travelers, couples, and families alike, rallies are one of the fastest ways to build a tight-knit circle of touring friends with whom you can plan future trips.
If you are interested in Rallies, join our Discord Chat server Motorhome Touring where there is a dedicated channel for Rallies with access to an App that lists most Rallies across the UK.
Recommend: The Van Club a differnt kind of club without its own site! a great place to start. You will find them at most of the popular Warners Shows. Listen to Caravan Radio for the latest upcoming shows.

Varied and Unique Locations

Rallies take advantage of spaces that standard commercial campsites cannot access. Because they rely on temporary permission certificates or landowner agreements, locations can be wonderfully diverse:

Scenic Estates and Castles: Pitching up on the grounds of historic country houses, stately homes, or castles.
Rural Gems: Farmer's fields nestled in valleys, next to meandering rivers, or perched on rugged coastlines.
Event-Adjacent Fields: Rallies held near agricultural shows, steam rallies, aviation museums, or village fetes, putting you right at the heart of local culture.

All-Year-Round Touring

Motorhome rallying is not restricted to the summer months. Dedicated groups run meets 365 days a year:

Winter and New Year Meets: Groups often gather over the colder months, celebrating Halloween, Bonfire Night, Christmas, and New Year together in cozy community tents.
Off-Season Freedom: While many commercial sites close from November through February, rally marshals find hardy farmers and landowners willing to host winter meets, keeping the touring spirit alive year-round.

Cost Comparison: Rallies vs. Standard Commercial Campsites

When it comes to your touring budget, rallies offer a massive financial advantage:

Commercial Campsites: Standard sites equipped with manicured pitches, electric hook-ups (EHU), heated shower blocks, swimming pools, and Wi-Fi often range from £30 to £60+ per night, especially during peak seasons.
Motorhome Rallies: Rallies typically operate on a basic field and cost anywhere from £10 to £20 per night. The fee covers the cost of renting the land and basic administration for the rally marshals.

While you trade away luxury facilities, the cost savings make frequent, extended touring far more accessible.

Comprehensive Pros and Cons of Motorhome Rallies

The Pros

Exceptional Value: Significantly lower nightly fees compared to commercial sites.
Vibrant Social Life: A welcoming, inclusive environment with endless opportunities to make friends.
Unique Pitches: Access to stunning, off-the-beaten-path locations unavailable on booking apps.
Year-Round Activity: Opportunities to tour and socialize even in the depths of winter.
Low Pressure: A relaxed atmosphere where you can participate as much or as little in group activities as you like.

The Cons

Basic Facilities: Most rallies are "rally field" setups. You generally need to be self-sufficient, relying on your own onboard toilet, shower, and fresh/waste water management (though fresh water taps and Elsan waste disposal points are usually provided on-site).
Limited Electric Hook-Up (EHU): True hook-ups are rare at standard rallies. You will need to rely on your leisure battery, solar panels, gas, or a portable generator.
Weather and Ground Conditions: Because rallies are often held in agricultural fields or open meadows, heavy rain can result in muddy ground, requiring care (or traction aids) when entering and exiting.
Structure and Rules: While generally relaxed, rallies are run by marshals who maintain site rules regarding noise levels, dog control, and waste management to ensure everyone has a pleasant stay.

If you’re looking for more tips, honest gear reviews, or just a place to share your latest trip photos, come and join the conversation! You can catch me over on my YouTube channel Johnny Burr, or join one of our active Facebook groups, Motorhome Touring Scotland and Motorhome Touring The UK andEurope. We’ve also got a buzzing community over on our Motorhome Touring Discord server, where we share real-time updates and advice. And of course, keep an eye and an ear out for my content on Caravan Radio. Let’s get out there and enjoy the journey together!

Linktree⬅️ https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

Mastering the French Aire System

Mastering the French Aire System: Etiquette, Payment Apps, and Insider Tips

France remains one of the top European destinations for motorhomers, and for good reason. Thanks to its brilliant, nationwide network of aires de camping-car, dedicated stopover areas specifically built for campervans and motorhomes, touring across France is remarkably stress-free, cost-effective, and flexible.

Whether you are looking for a quiet municipal stop by a river or a secure coastal haven with full service pillars, understanding how the system works is the secret to an effortless European road trip. Here is your ultimate guide to mastering the French aire network.

1. Demystifying Automated Barrier Systems & Payment Apps

Gone are the days when every stopover required scrounging for exact euro change in a rusty coin slot (though a few remote rural ones still do!). Today, automated barriers and digital apps dominate the network, and knowing how they operate will save you from a stressful arrival.

The Camping-Car Park Network: This is the largest private network of aires in France, boasting hundreds of locations nationwide. To use their sites, you need a reusable plastic smartcard called a Pass’Etapes. You can buy this card directly from the automated kiosk on-site using a credit card or order it online beforehand. Once you have it, you load credit onto the card via their app or website, swipe it at the entry barrier, and you are granted access. The card also logs your stays and activates service pillars for electricity and Wi-Fi.
Modern Municipal Terminals: Many town-council-run aires have upgraded to sleek touchscreen terminals. These typically support multiple languages (including English) and accept contactless credit cards, debit cards, or smartphone NFC payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
The Analog Backup Plan: Always keep a physical contactless credit card and a stash of physical €2 coins in your glovebox. On rare occasions, automated payment terminals lose cell signal in deep rural valleys or remote mountain passes. Having a backup payment method prevents you from getting stuck at a closed barrier after a long day of driving.

2. Municipal vs. Private Aires: Knowing the Difference

Not all aires are created equal. Understanding the distinction between municipal and private sites helps you budget effectively and choose the right stopover for your technical needs.

Municipal Aires (Aires Municipales): Run by local town councils (mairies), these are often the crown jewels of the network. Usually located on the edge of charming villages, they are frequently free or charge a minimal fee (ranging from €5 to €10 a night). Choosing these spots directly supports the local rural economy, meaning local bakeries, butcher shops, and bistros get your custom. However, they may have fewer guaranteed amenities, and electric hook-ups (EHU) are not always available on every pitch.
Private Network Aires: Privately managed sites enclosed by automated entry barriers and security perimeters. They guarantee a working electric hook-up (EHU), reliable Wi-Fi, and designated hardstanding plots. While they are more expensive than municipal stops (typically costing between €12 and €18 a night), they offer total peace of mind when you need to safely recharge leisure batteries, run appliances, or fill water tanks in busy regions.

3. The Golden Rules of Service Areas (Bornes)

The service point, known as the borne, is where you manage your essential vehicle housekeeping: emptying your waste tanks and refilling your fresh water. Keeping this area clean and following strict hygiene etiquette is critical for maintaining good relations with local communities.

Grey Water vs. Black Water Management: Always pull your motorhome up so that your underfloor waste valve aligns precisely with the central drive-over floor grid to dump your grey water (sink and shower run-off). For your black waste (cassette toilet), use the dedicated sanitary disposal hatch. Never empty a cassette into the grey water grid.
The Ultimate Hygiene Rule: Never use the fresh drinking water tap to rinse your cassette toilet. This is a major hygiene faux-pas that can contaminate the public water supply for everyone else. Many aires separate the rinse tap from the drinking water tap by a few feet, pay close attention to the instructional icons on the post. Keep a separate, dedicated hose or use the built-in rinse button correctly.
Paying for Services: Water and electricity at traditional bornes are often dispensed on a timed cycle (typically 10 minutes of water or 100 liters for €2 to €3, often payable by token, coin, or your Camping-Car Park card). Make sure you have your hose connected and ready before you press the button, as the timer starts immediately.
Leave It Spotless: If you accidentally spill waste or track mud around the borne, use the wash-down hose provided to clean the concrete slab before you pull away. Leave the service station as clean as you would hope to find it.

4. Respectful Parking Etiquette & Community Relations

Because aires are designed for short-term stopovers (usually restricted to a maximum stay of 48 or 72 hours) rather than full-scale camping holidays, maintaining proper etiquette ensures these fantastic spots remain open and welcomed by locals.

The Legal Distinction Between Parking and Camping: In France, there is a distinct legal difference between stationner (parking your vehicle) and camper (camping out). On standard aires, you are permitted to sleep inside your vehicle, but you must not "spread out." Keep your wind-out awnings retracted, outdoor tables and chairs stowed in your garage, and leveling ramps tucked away unless local signage explicitly states that outdoor setups are permitted. Spreading out your gear transforms a parking bay into a campsite, which can quickly upset municipal authorities and lead to overnight bans.
Peak Season Timing Strategies: In July and August, popular aires along the Atlantic coast, the Dordogne, and Provence fill up fast. If you are targeting a high-demand tourist hotspot during peak season, aim to arrive between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Arriving early gives you the best pick of hardstanding pitches with working electric hook-ups before the late afternoon rush.

5. Essential Apps to Download Before You Go

Don't hit the French toll roads without digital navigation backup. Having the right tools on your tablet or smartphone completely transforms your road-tripping experience:

Park4Night: This crowdsourced app is an absolute lifesaver. Built by the motorhoming community, it features user-submitted reviews detailing real-time conditions, height barriers, tight approach roads, and whether a spot is peacefully quiet or noisy overnight. You can filter locations by free sites, paid aires, farm stays, and wild spots.

Camping-Car Park App: If you plan on using their private network, download their dedicated app to check real-time pitch availability across France, view interactive maps, load credit onto your account digitally, and track your membership barcode directly from your phone screen.

Linktree⬅️ https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

Friday, July 31, 2026

The Fiat Ducato gearbox earth bonding strap

The Fiat Ducato gearbox earth bonding strap - A common failure

The Fiat Ducato gearbox earth bonding strap (the main negative ground cable running between the chassis and the gearbox) is legendary among owners and mechanics for being a notorious failure point.

The primary issues associated with it include:

1. Galvanic and Water Corrosion (The Root Cause)
Dissimilar Metals: The standard factory strap typically features a woven copper braid with steel crimped eyelet connectors at each end.
The Environment: Because of its low-slung placement near the gearbox and chassis, it cops a constant bath of road spray, water, and winter road salt.

The Reaction: Moisture creeps into the space where the steel crimp bites onto the copper. This triggers galvanic corrosion between the dissimilar metals. The copper underneath silently rots away into a powdery green-and-white mess while the outside of the crimp often still looks deceptively fine.

2. Phantom Electrical Gremlins

Because the engine and transmission lose a solid return path to the battery, the electrical system starts searching for alternative paths to complete the circuit. This leads to bizarre, seemingly unrelated symptoms that frequently trick owners into replacing expensive parts unnecessarily:
Sluggish or Clicking Starter: Turning the key might yield a heavy click or slow crank, mimicking a dead starter motor or flat battery.
Dashboard Chaos: Random warning lights glowing, flickering instrument clusters, or dials sweeping erratically.
Charging and Battery Issues: Reduced habitation battery voltage, failure to charge properly, or erratic alternator behavior.

Component Bypass Failures: High current trying to escape through smaller secondary earths (like throttle cables, gearbox control linkages, or radio wires) can cause those smaller wires to smoke, melt, or fail.

3. Vulnerability to Engine Movement

As the engine rocks on its mounts during acceleration and gear changes, the physical stress is transferred straight to the stiff, corroded cable. A compromised braid will quickly fray or snap entirely under this mechanical fatigue.

The Common Fixes

The Upgraded/Alternative Placement: Many owners bypass or supplement the low-slung factory strap by adding a second, heavier-duty tinned-copper earth strap higher up on the engine block/gearbox where it is shielded from direct road spray.

Proper Material Selection: When replacing it, mechanics recommend using solid tinned-copper or fully sealed connections rather than cheap steel-crimped alternatives to prevent the galvanic rot from returning.

***

If you’re looking for more tips, honest gear reviews, or just a place to share your latest trip photos, come and join the conversation! You can catch me over on my YouTube channel Johnny Burr, or join one of our active Facebook groups, Motorhome Touring Scotland and Motorhome Touring The UK andEurope. We’ve also got a buzzing community over on our Motorhome Touring Discord server, where we share real-time updates and advice. And of course, keep an eye and an ear out for my content on Caravan Radio. Let’s get out there and enjoy the journey together!
Linktree⬅️ https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr