If you’re on the hunt for a new campervan or motorhome, then you may want to determine which is better for you. And in order to effectively do this, you’ll want to be able to fully understand the differences between the two.
And whilst there are a lot of similarities between campervans and motorhomes, there are some key differences too. In this article we discuss how the two vehicles differ, and outline what you can expect from each.
What is the main difference between a campervan and a motorhome?
There very much is a difference between campervans and motorhomes. From how the vehicles are manufactured, to the shape and design of their living quarters, campervans and motorhomes are two distinct vehicle types.
The main difference between the two, is that a motorhome is a purpose-built vehicle that is designed for comfortable travel, whereas a campervan is most commonly a regular van that has been converted to add living quarters.
What this means is that motorhomes are often larger than campervans, and can offer slightly more comfort as they were designed to double up as a dwelling from the off. Whereas a campervan has had the living quarters built into a vehicle that was primarily designed for driving and storage, which means there have likely been some compromises made at some stage.
Often, the extra space afforded to a motorhome, means that there is a clear separation between the driving cab and the living quarters. In contrast, campervans often integrate the cab into the living area, with swivel chairs that can be turned to face a table or seats that fold down to create a bed.
Do campervans and motorhomes both feature toilets?
Campervans rarely come equipped with toilets - though exceptions are becoming more common these days. In contrast, motorhomes, with their generous space, often boast a dedicated bathroom area. While a full-sized bath is a rarity, the majority include a toilet and shower, offering the convenience of private facilities. This can make campsite stays less reliant on shared amenities, saving you a late night dash across a damp field, and adds a touch of comfort to wild camping adventures.
Campervans, by comparison, are less likely to feature a toilet and almost never include a shower cubicle. However, as designs evolve, an increasing number now incorporate cassette-style portable toilets, and some even manage to squeeze in a shower. These solutions tend to be more basic than their motorhome counterparts - think a shower head attached to the kitchen sink tap, making alfresco showering the norm. This is a functional compromise that reflects the compact, adaptable spirit of campervan life and adds to the charm of campervans that some people love.
Which offers better living?
When it comes to comfort and convenience, motorhomes will almost always outshine their smaller campervan cousins. Thanks to their larger size, motorhomes offer significantly more space for you to spread out and unwind once you’ve pitched up. This extra room makes your stay less cramped and more akin to a traditional home.
Once parked up, the advantages of a motorhome become even more apparent. There’s no need for elaborate transformations - simply step into the living quarters, grab a drink from the fridge, and relax. Many motorhomes even feature ready-made beds, so when it’s time to turn in, you can simply pull back the covers and settle in for the night.
In contrast, campervans require a bit more effort to shift from drive mode to living mode. Setting up often involves popping the roof, swivelling seats, folding out tables, and rearranging the interior to prepare for meals or sleep. While some might see this as part of the fun of campervan ownership, others may find the streamlined simplicity of a motorhome far more appealing.
For travellers who prioritise comfort, convenience, and a stress-free setup, the motorhome is the ultimate choice for a comfy stay on the road.
Which is better on the road?
The larger size of a motorhome most certainly has its advantages. From being able to sleep more people to having more room to spread out and unwind once you’ve pulled up on-site, there’s a lot to love about a big, spacious motorhome. However, despite this, the extra size a motorhome brings can make life on the road a little bit more difficult.
For starters, if you’re driving a big, heavy motorhome, it’s going to require more fuel to travel compared to a smaller campervan. This means that you may need to budget slightly more for a long trip in a motorhome compared to a camper.
Also, it’s worth noting that for particularly big motorhomes (ones over 3.5 tonnes in weight)you will require a different UK driving license. Whereas you can drive a campervan with your standard driving license here in the UK.
When it comes to actually driving the vehicle, again, size can have an impact. The larger motorhome is likely to be more difficult to manoeuvre on the road compared to the smaller campervan. And as most campervans are not overly large, they are also most likely to fit in a regular parking space and fit under most car park height barriers.
There’s another thing to mention on this topic, which is that some vintage campervans come with their own unique quirks and challenges on the road. This means that driving one of these older models might just require some extra caution and patience, as the journey can be slower-paced. However, the undeniable charm of these vehicles is sure to catch everyone's attention and make a lasting impression.
What costs more - a motorhome or campervan?
For the most part, campervans offer a more affordable alternative to motorhomes. This is often due to their compact size and pared-back amenities in comparison to larger more kitted out motorhomes. This means that campervans often present a more affordable alternative to motorhomes, making them a popular choice for those seeking a budget-friendly route to life on the road. Typically, their smaller footprint and reduced features translate to lower purchase prices and running costs.
However, this isn’t always the case. High-end models and iconic vintage vehicles - think the ever-popular VW camper - can rival the price tags of more modest motorhomes, proving the exception to the rule.
That said, campervans generally offer lower fuel costs thanks to their lighter build and superior efficiency, keeping road trip expenses manageable for most adventurers. As always, the key lies in balancing aspiration with practicality.
Which is better for off-the-beaten track adventures?
When it comes to exploring hidden corners and remote locations dotted around the UK, campervans have a clear advantage over their larger motorhome counterparts. For starters, their compact size makes navigating narrow country lanes far less daunting, opening up a world of possibilities for adventurers keen to stray from well-trodden paths.
This smaller footprint also proves invaluable when it’s time to pick a campsite. While many larger, commercial sites are equipped to accommodate motorhomes, some of the most charming independent campsites cater exclusively to campervans. These smaller sites often lack the hardstanding pitches required for heavier vehicles, making campervans the ideal choice for those seeking a rustic, back-to-nature experience.
For those craving a true sense of adventure and the freedom to venture where motorhomes can’t, the campervan emerges as the undeniable winner.
When should I choose a motorhome over a campervan?
A motorhome is the better choice if comfort, space, and convenience are top priorities for your road trip. They’re also ideal for anyone who doesn’t want the faff of setting up the living space and would much rather park up, move into the back, and instantly enjoy amenities like a full kitchen, bathroom, and often, a ready-made bed. Motorhomes really are ideal for travellers who want their home-on-wheels to feel as close to a traditional home as possible.
The amount of people you’ll be travelling with also comes into play, as motorhomes are often well-suited for families or larger groups, as their size allows for more storage, sleeping arrangements, and seating options.
If you’re thinking of heading out for longer, extended trips, then motorhomes’ abundant amenities make them a great option, particularly if you’d prefer not to rely on external facilities like campsite bathrooms.
Ultimately, choose a motorhome when you’re looking for a spacious, comfortable, and fully-equipped vehicle to make your travels as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible.
When should I choose a campervan over a motorhome?
A campervan is the ideal choice if you value versatility, agility, and the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. Thanks to their compact size, campervans are much easier to manoeuvre on narrow country roads or winding mountain passes, making them perfect for travellers seeking hidden gems that larger motorhomes can’t access.
Campervans also offer a more stripped-back, adventurous style of travel. While they may not have the same level of amenities as motorhomes, they provide everything you need for a simple and flexible road trip, often with features like a pop-up roof, a small kitchen, and convertible living spaces. For those who see the setup and transformation process - like folding out tables and flipping seats into beds - as part of the charm, a campervan fits the bill.
Another key advantage of campervans is their affordability. They tend to cost less to buy, rent, and run, with lower fuel consumption due to their lighter build. This makes them an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers or shorter trips.
If your priority is freedom, adventure, and the ability to go anywhere with ease, a campervan is the perfect vehicle to accompany you on your journey.
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