Motorhomes vs campers: key differences

Let’s start with the basics: what’s the difference between a campervan and a motorhome?

Campervans are camping vehicles – literally vans which have been fitted out (and often given a pop-top) so you can live in them while you travel. They’re compact, and the smallest ones don’t have a divide between the driving cab and the living quarters. Classic campers have some basic facilities (like a small kitchen kit). There are plenty of accessories to let you, for example, shower in a larger camper, but they’re not built in.

• Motorhomes are “coach-built” vehicles with a longer wheelbase and a self-contained sleeping and living area. They tend to have extra space and more facilities – like a toilet, shower, kitchenette, heating, and air conditioning. On a scale of sleeping in a tent to being in the comfort of your own home, the living space in a high-end motorhome is at the more luxurious end of the spectrum.

Campervans and motorhomes both avoid some of the most common complaints about caravans. You don’t have to tow them, for starters. Plus, it’s easy to pack up and drive to a new location without having to take down an awning and re-hitch your car. And — with the possible exception of large motorhomes — they’re easier to manoeuvre and park.

But there are some considerations which you wouldn’t have with a caravan. Let’s look at those now, and see how campers and motorhomes compare in more detail.

When you’re deciding between a camper and a motorhome, the first practical consideration is your driving licence.

Most campers are classed as cars or vans, and you need a Category B licence to drive them. If you’re licensed to drive a car, your existing licence will cover you – as long as the camper (fully laden) weighs less than 3,500kg and has fewer than eight passenger seats.

You can also drive small motorhomes with a Class B licence. Motorhome brands typically design some models with an MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass) of 3.5 tonnes, so they appeal to a wider range of potential customers.

If you have your heart set on a larger class motorhome or an RV like the ones you see in North America, it’s worth noting that older category B licences (for people who passed their test before 1 January 1997) can qualify you to drive vehicles up to 8,250kg. And, if you need to upgrade to a Class C licence because you passed your test after January 1997, you can book a test to add a higher category entitlement to your licence.

Once you’ve figured out which vehicles you’re allowed to drive, the next question to answer is ‘How do I want to spend my holiday?’

It’s often said that, in comparison to caravanning, trips in a campervan or motorhome are about the journey, not the destination. You’re touring, so instead of finding a spot in a campsite and staying for a week or two, you can travel to lots of different locations and move on once you’re seen everything you wanted to see and done everything you wanted to do.

Still, you’ll need to decide exactly how much flexibility and comfort you want to have. For example, it’s important to consider that:

• Campervans are smaller, so they’re easier to take on narrow roads and easier to park. Motorhomes are more likely to hit the height barriers in car parks and might be excluded from some overnight spots for the same reason.
• Motorhomes give you more comfort off-grid, and can even come with solar panels. With campervans, you might have to rely on the facilities and bathrooms at campsites if you don’t want a true “wild camping” experience!
• Modern motorhomes can be more comfortable year-round, because they’re more likely to include a heating system (ideal for off-season breaks in the UK) and air conditioning (nice to have for summer holidays in Europe).

Ultimately, yes it’s a question of personal preference, but also budget.

Some people are looking for an active, outdoors holiday, but want the advantage of a warm shower and a comfortable bed to sleep in when they get back to their motorhome. Others want to switch off, relax, and enjoy their surroundings, but in a way that gets them back to basics with just a camping stove and solar lights in the back of their camper.

When you imagine a touring holiday, your thoughts might turn to mainland Europe instead of the UK. The good news is that it’s possible to take both campervans and motorhomes on the ferry and the channel tunnel – but there are some things that might factor into your decision:

• Vehicle size. Tickets are often priced according to the dimensions of your vehicle, so a larger motorhome will cost more.
• Gas safety. If your vehicle has kitchen facilities, you’ll be given instructions to turn off the gas completely before you travel, and there may be additional rules about the amount of gas you’re allowed to take with you.
• Driving regulations in Europe. You’ll need appropriate insurance to drive in Europe, and it’s important to note that the speed limits for larger vehicles – including motorhomes – can vary depending on the countries you visit.

As well as comparing the cost of different mobile homes, it’s important to think about the expenses involved with keeping them running. For example, while it’s not compulsory for caravans to be insured, motorhomes and campervans must have insurance to use the public highway. You’ll also have to sort out road tax and an MOT just as you would to keep your car on the road.

This list covers many of the expenses to take into account as you’re making your decision, and how costs can vary for campers and motorhomes:

• Insurance. As we mentioned, motorhome and campervan insurance is essential. Here, the biggest factor isn’t necessarily the size of the vehicle, but also your claims history, any modifications you’ve made, and where you store it. It’s especially important to know that if you fit out your own camper, the modifications involved in the van conversion can push up your insurance premiums because they make it harder to value and repair.

• Road tax. Heavier motorhomes with bigger engines generally have to pay more road tax than small campers. Clean air zones can also influence how much you pay to drive your vehicle and even where you can drive it. This can be a consideration for both large motorhomes and vintage campers.

• MOT. An MOT for a motorhome won’t necessarily be more expensive than one for a car, but you might have to travel further to find a specialist garage, and the test involves additional checks on, for example, the gas and water lines.

• Repair expenses: Depending on how complex your setup is, repairs for modern, high-tech motorhomes can be more expensive than for simple campers based on a standard van platform.

• Storage costs. If your mobile home is too large to be stored on your driveway, you may have to factor in the additional costs of renting somewhere to park it securely between your trips.

There is some good news, though. While they can be expensive to maintain, campervans and motorhomes tend to hold their value quite well over the course of their life – and they certainly depreciate less quickly than cars.

If you’re still trying to decide between a caravan and a motorhome, bear these tips in mind:

• Consider renting a mobile home, or getting insured to borrow one from a friend. This could give you a taste of motorhome or campervan life before you commit to buying one of your own.
• Think about the configuration. A well-configured campervan might give you ample space to relax, whereas a badly designed motorhome can make everything feel awkward in spite of the creature comforts. This is another area where using a hire company can help you make your decision.
• Get to know the community. It’s a good idea to try different pitches, even close to your home, and pick up tips from other enthusiasts. You might even find someone who’s happy to show you their mobile home and give their opinion on the features. Some owners like nothing more than showing off their pride and joy!
• Give yourself time to adjust to driving, especially if you’re testing a large motorhome. It’s worth keeping things simple for your first trip rather than heading straight to Dover or the North Coast 500.
• Consider bikes. One of the downsides of van life is that you don’t have a car to take on day trips once you arrive at your location. A common solution is to take a bike rack, so think about how easy that would be with each of the vehicles you end up considering.

The terms “motorhome” and “campervan” are often used interchangeably, but there are some key differences to know. Fundamentally, motorhomes are larger and self-contained, whereas campers are built on a standard van chassis. But from purchase cost, running costs, and storage considerations to facilities and the potential for customisation, there are plenty of factors to take into account.

When you’re researching your options and making decisions about your travel plans, it’s all about how minimalist and spontaneous you want to be.

And when it comes to insurance, The Motorhome Insurer has you covered. Get a quote for campervan or motorhome insurance today.