Creating a handover video for your motorhome is one of the most helpful things you can do for hirers and your future self! You can show the traveller how everything works in advance and ensure they have access to accurate information once they're on the road. It takes the stress off of you for each time your motorhome is hired out, as there's always a possibility of forgetting things. You’ll also receive fewer calls during the trip, and less chance of the traveller making mistakes or causing damage since they can refer to the video whenever they need to. How do you create a handover video for your hirers? Let's break it down for you.
How do I prepare for creating a handover video?
- Filming the video will take 1-2 hours.
- You can film it easily on your phone, but be sure to clean the front and back lens of your smartphone.
- Flip your phone to be horizontal, this will look better when the video is played back on a laptop or phone.
- You can film the video alone, to ensure it is consistent and easy. But if you’d prefer someone else to help, that can ensure the camera stays stable. It can also help with some instructions, such as unwinding the awning, to have an extra pair of hands to film you doing it.
- Do each instruction in a separate video, and stop filming as soon as you explain that part. This allows you to review the videos easily, and avoid extra editing work with big spaces of time. It will keep it short, making sure the viewer watches the whole thing. Expect at least 30-40 videos, so be sure to create enough space to film all of them.
- Film the videos in the order you’d want them for the video. Given that you’ll piece them all together into one long video, it’s useful to have the clips easy to sort. Then you can also be sure you won’t miss anything.
- Follow your usual handover order, and create notes of everything before to ensure you don’t miss anything.
The 3 aspects of a handover video
To ensure you capture everything needed for a handover video, consider the three following components:
1. Outside
Start by introducing yourself and walk around the motorhome to show it entirely. This will also show that there are no pre-existing damages. Then consider the following aspects:
-The gas bottle: how do you change it?
-The toilet cassette: How do you open it and how should you empty it? Any common issues with it?
-The water tank, and waste water tank- emptying, filling, closing it properly.
-A bike rack or any add-ons
-The awning - taking it out, putting it in, how to position it best.
-A hose, if applicable, spare tyres etc.
2. Inside
Take them through the inside of the motorhome, especially considering the following
-(Electric) ladder at the entrance
-Explain the functions and dashboard
-Show the location and how to use the:
-Gas valves
-Water drainage
-The fusebox
-Fridge, how to change the energy source and how to lock the door
-Heating, or air conditioning, and the boiler
-Show to bathroom, how the toilet and shower work
-Collapsable/slide table, show that and convert it to a bed if applicable
-Show any light switches that may not be as visible.
-Unique features of your van, including:
-USB charging points
-Storage spaces under a bench or elsewhere
-Spare batteries, a torch, and any other necessary items
-How to open and lock windows, screens and a roof hatch
Be sure to really think about anything different to your van than others, or anything you have a little hack for that could help them. This includes anything that works less than ideally, and how you go about that.
3. The car-aspect
It’s easier to explain the driving parts of a motorhome, but still go over these briefly to ensure no mistakes later.
-The mirrors and how to adjust them
-The seats and how to adjust them
-Any unusual functions, such as the air conditioning or cruise control
-The reversing camera
-Safety measures, such as anti-theft locks or steering wheel locks
-The petrol cap and oil check
-Where you keep the necessary documents in the motorhome, spare lights, warning triangle, vests, a first aid kit
Editing the footage
Once all the videos have been taken, you have several options for editing them into a concise video. You could use the free application Shortcut, available on PC and Mac. Alternatively, you can see if your computer already has built-in video editing software.
Then it can be easiest to upload the video to YouTube, or another video service. You can set it to private, to ensure it’s only viewable with a link. Send this link to the traveller at least a week before, and then they can come with any questions they may have.
Benefits of hiring out your motorhome on Goboony
-Hiring out on Goboony is free
-You decide how, to who and when you want to hire out
-Hire out safely and with peace of mind by opting for our Goboony Day Insurance
-We provide support throughout the whole process
-We offer a secure third-party payment system
