Oh crap holiday motorhome disaster- what do I do?

[IHeartKingThistle]

I'm such an idiot but I didn't check. We're supposed to be going away on Friday in a hired motorhome. It's all paid for. It's a 4 berth. I assumed this meant 4 seat belts as it has when we've hired motorhomes from other places. But I didn't check. It has 3. And a side seat with no belt.

Is this normal? I understand that new vans have to have belts but older ones aren't under the same laws. But it's not safe, surely? We've been told an adult has to sit in the side seat. So I have to travel unsecured, sideways (which will make me feel awful) and not next to my husband on our family holiday?

There's no way to get the money back at this stage. Campsites and activities are all booked for the week.

I'm actually in tears. Tell me it'll be fine.

To be clear, I wouldn't put a child in the side seat, not complaining about it having to be an adult.

DC are 8 and 10 BTW.

Ask the company to change the vehicle.

Unfortunately the number of beds doesn't equal the number of seat belts - we looked at buying a motor home and although we could find a 6 berth (me, DH & 4 DCs) many of them only had 4 belts which were two in the front and two in the back.

I know this doesn't help but hope it makes you feel a bit better that you weren't the only one not to know about the set up. It seems illogical and weird to me!

It's a very small company, no more available.

I can't believe this.

You drive!

It does sound a pain - have you actually spoken to the company and checked there is no seat belt and it isn't suitable for the kids?

How long are your drives?

I think 'not being beside your husband' is a bit melodramatic - you won't be far away!
Are you worried about travel sickness? You can get medication to stop that.

You will have a GREAT time - surely the driving is a lesser part of the holiday?

Have you asked to swap for one with four seat belts? If none in your price range can you upgrade motor home, money allowing. I would feel really unsafe without a seatbelt.

Slow types, seen none left. Will they refund if you find one elsewhere?

No refunds within 2 weeks of travel.

We are going from Surrey to Scotland for 9 days. We are driving a LOT. We all love road trips and melodramatic or not, I was looking forward to sitting next to DH. We will be sharing the driving anyway. I can get over that, but is it safe?

So mad at myself. I have spent forever putting this trip together and didn't check this.

And the kids won't be able to sit together. This sucks.

Not a lot you can do, just make the best of it.

Just did a Google search (I was intrigued!)

Only motor homes built after 2007 have to have seat belts fitted to all seats. Prior to that the law was different. It is only a legal requirement to wear belts where they are provided, passengers can be carried in seats which don't have belts. So if you are hiring or buying a van and want seat belts all round, it's unlikely you'll get one unless it's post 2007.

Obviously this doesn't make it safe in the event of an accident, and it is also worth looking at your insurance to see if the unbelted passenger is covered if you decide to proceed.

To answer your question is it safe. No it's not. If there was an accident the person unbelted will be thrown about in the van. I've only got two belts on my motorhome. I had to only once take an adult unbelted as a child was in a child seat belted in the front. I hated every minute of the drive and won't do it again. I can completely understand your fears. I found driving in Scotland quite magnificent and I can see that it would be lovely to sit next to your husband. Not sure what to suggest

Can you buy an add on seat belt from eBay or Argos ? Not sure if it will work but worth a try.

I'm so sorry, an easy mistake to make.

It obviously won't be as safe as having a seat belt.
But loads of us add children were driven in cars without seatbelts and we're fine.

Alternatively would you get anything back of you cancelled it, you could buy cheap camping stuff and drive your own too car.

Can you take a car too? Bit expensive in the petrol stakes, but safer?

Would they be willing to relist the motorhome as available? If rebooked soon they could give your money back, minus I guess an admin fee? Are there any other firms with suitable motor homes?

Is there some sort of portable seat belt you could buy? I'm going to have a google.

Most older horse lorry's dont have seatbelts either - never thought anything of it!!

I think they've missold that. You ordered a four berth because there are four of you. They have rented something with three seat belts - that's not what you wanted.

I think you should be able to get your money back. Did you pay with a credit card?

I don't have anything useful to say OP, except that I would absolutely have assumed the same as you.

Thanks for the heads up!

I don't think a potable seatbelt is feasible, sadly. I think most people would assume the same as you OP.,

What do you mean you & dh won't sit together & neither will tour children?

Won't you all be in the same vehicle?

Can't get money back, it's in the small print.

I'm really cross though. I went back and re checked the FAQs I was sent on booking, and under seatbelts it says 'all forward facing seats are equipped with 3 point seatbelts'. Which is misleading. It needs to clearly say 3 and if it had I would not have booked.

Fuck. Just trying to see if I can book something else but I don't think we can afford it anyway.

We have had motorhomes for the last 7 years and I was under the impression you had to have a seatbelt for the number of beds. I.e. Two berth two belts. Our last one was six berth and had six belts.