Load Securing in the Motorhome
5 min. reading time
Everything you need to know – at a glance
- Always pack heavy items low and close to the center of the vehicle
- Keep the center of gravity as low as possible for stable handling
- Secure the rear garage properly using tension belts and lashing eyes
- Use non-slip mats for extra stability
- Avoid loose items inside the living area
- Use overhead lockers only for lightweight items
- Secure bicycles and bulky equipment additionally
- Store valuables safely in lockable storage solutions
Quick Check: How to Secure Your Load in a Motorhome – 5 Simple Steps
No more last-minute checklists? With this compact quick-check, you can ensure your motorhome load is safely secured in just a few minutes. Perfect for spontaneous getaways or stopovers—this simple check gives you extra peace of mind on the road.
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1. Focus area
Make sure to store heavy items like crates of drinks, tools or camping equipment low down and as close to the centre of the vehicle as possible. Too much weight up high or far to the rear can significantly impair driving stability.
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2. Secure the rear garage
Take a look inside the rear garage:
Are bikes, tables or chairs properly secured with lashing straps? Are the straps tightened and correctly hooked into the lashing eyes? Make sure nothing can move around freely. -
3. Check non-slip mats
Make sure to place anti-slip mats under heavy loads. They help prevent luggage from shifting during turns or sudden braking, significantly increasing safety on the road.
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4. Safe interior
Take a walk through the living area and check for any loose items on tables, seating areas or shelves. Anything that could move around while driving should be safely stored in cupboards, storage boxes or fixed compartments.
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5. Check your water tank and load capacity
An overfilled water tank unnecessarily increases the overall weight. For your journey, filling just one third is usually enough. To be on the safe side, also check the total payload and the permitted gross vehicle weight.
Technology & Equipment for Safe and Secure Loading with Carado
Smart storage solutions for every adventure Carado motorhomes are designed with practical storage ideas that make your holiday easier and more enjoyable. Bulky items like camping chairs, tables or bicycles can be easily stored in the spacious rear garage. There, they can be securely fastened using rubber straps or lashing belts – with lashing eyes to help you keep everything fixed in place. Thanks to handy anti-slip mats, all your gear stays right where it belongs during the journey. Bikes can also be transported safely on a bike rack. For extra security, consider using bike locks in addition to the lashing belts. That way, you can prevent not only theft, but also the loss of your bikes on the motorway – a risk we’ve all heard warnings about on the radio. Inside the motorhome, it’s important to keep items securely stored. Loose objects can become dangerous during sudden stops. Use the integrated cabinets and compartments to stow your belongings safely. A clever support here is the meori storage system. These foldable, stackable boxes keep you organised and allow you to pre-pack at home – then simply place them into your motorhome cabinets, ready to go. One important tip: Heavier items should not be stored in overhead lockers that open in the direction of travel. In case of sudden braking, these items could turn into serious hazards. Prepared properly? Then nothing stands in the way of a relaxing journey. And one more thing: At Carado, we’ve also thought about how to protect your valuables. That’s why certain models give you the option to add a floor or passenger-door safe. This is the perfect place to store cash, credit cards and passports – giving you extra peace of mind for carefree holidays ahead.
How do I find the model range?
You’ll find the right motorhome accessories for your vehicle from Carado here:
Common Mistakes When Securing Your Load in a Motorhome
Even with modern motorhomes like those from Carado, common mistakes still happen when it comes to securing your load—mistakes that can affect driving stability and even become dangerous in critical situations. Often, these issues aren’t due to carelessness, but rather to a lack of knowledge or misjudgment.
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Heavy items stored too high
One of the most common mistakes is storing heavy items in overhead lockers or upper storage compartments. This shifts the centre of gravity higher, reducing stability when cornering and increasing the risk of tipping over. Heavy items should always be stowed low down and as close to the centre of the vehicle as possible.
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Missing securing system in the rear garage
Bikes, camping tables or crates of drinks are often simply placed in the rear garage without being properly secured. However, even a sudden stop can cause this kind of load to shift dangerously. That’s why lashing straps and anchor points should always be used consistently to keep everything safely in place.
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Loose items inside the living area
Mobile phones, coffee machines, decorative items or kitchen utensils are often left unsecured on surfaces. During sudden driving manoeuvres, these objects can quickly turn into dangerous projectiles. The rule here is simple: anything that isn’t permanently installed belongs in cupboards or storage boxes.
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Uneven weight distribution
If the weight is concentrated mainly on one side or solely at the rear, it affects the vehicle’s balance. This not only impairs steering but also increases wear on the chassis and tyres. A balanced, central weight distribution is essential for safe and comfortable travel.
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No need for anti-slip mats
Many campers underestimate the impact of anti-slip mats. Yet these simple helpers significantly increase surface grip and greatly reduce the chances of items sliding around. Without them, even properly stored gear can quickly shift during the drive.
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No pre-departure checks required
A final walk-around before setting off is often overlooked. Yet things may have shifted or come loose while repacking. A quick visual check helps prevent unnecessary risks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Securing Your Load in the Motorhome
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Bicycles should never be transported loosely in the rear garage or on the bike rack. For safe load securing in the motorhome, Carado recommends a combination of sturdy lashing straps, fixed lashing eyes, and non-slip mats. In the rear garage, bicycles should ideally be positioned to fit snugly and then secured with straps. When using the bike rack, additional locks are recommended to protect against theft. It is important to ensure that the bikes cannot move either sideways or in the direction of travel.
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The maximum permissible load in the rear garage depends on the specific Carado model and is listed in the vehicle specifications and the owner's manual. In general, even though the rear garage offers generous storage space, it should not be used as the primary spot for heavy loads. Excessive weight in the rear of the vehicle can shift the centre of gravity unfavourably and affect driving stability. Heavy items should be stored as low as possible and close to the vehicle’s centre.
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For safe load securing in your motorhome, we recommend using high-quality ratchet straps. They ensure a firm, reliable hold and can be easily adjusted to suit various types of cargo. Make sure to choose certified straps with the right load capacity and appropriate length. Ideally, the straps should match the lashing points in your Carado vehicle or come directly from the original Carado accessories range.
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A check should be carried out before every journey. For longer trips, it's also a good idea to use stopovers to recheck your load. Securing can become loose—especially after heavy braking, sharp bends, or uneven roads. Regular visual inspections improve safety and help prevent damage.
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Insufficient load securing in a motorhome can have serious consequences. In addition to property damage, it may lead to fines—or in the worst case—even accidents with injuries. Issues with improper load securing can already be flagged during a routine police check. Unsecured items also pose a significant safety risk for passengers and other road users.
