| Are you just starting out in motorhoming? Attracted | | | | 3. A-Class or Integrated Motorhomes |
| to the idea but not sure what type of motorhome | | | | The luxury liners of the motorhome world, A-Class |
| will suit you? | | | | motorhomes are purpose-built from the chassis up - |
| A good starting point is to understand the different | | | | apart from the driving controls, there is no trace of |
| types of motorhome - there are three main types of | | | | "van" about these vehicles - instead they are luxury |
| design. | | | | motorised homes. They are usually a similar size to |
| 1. Hightop Van Conversions | | | | C-Class motorhomes, but often have only two or |
| Often referred to as campervans, van conversions | | | | three berths - designed for adults to travel in |
| are generally the smallest and cheapest type of | | | | considerable comfort, rather than for fitting large |
| motorhome - which can be an advantage. | | | | families. |
| Based on so-called panel vans, such as the Ford | | | | Of course, there are exceptions and A-class |
| Transit and the Fiat Ducato, they are generally only a | | | | motorhomes offering 4-6 berths can also be found. |
| little larger than a family car and are relatively easy to | | | | Historically not so popular in the UK, they are |
| drive, manoeuvre and park - unlike some of their | | | | becoming more common and have always been so in |
| bigger cousins. | | | | Europe. |
| Modern conversions are usually very well specified - | | | | I Almost Forgot...RVs |
| with heating, toilet, kitchen, running water and often | | | | In principle, American RVs (Recreational Vehicles) are |
| a shower. The only catch is that all of these things | | | | the same as A-Class motorhomes. The difference is |
| are packed into a relatively small space - great for | | | | in their scale and in the base vehicles used. RVs are |
| driving but sometimes a little cramped for living in. | | | | built on lorry or coach chassis' and have extremely |
| Van conversion motorhomes are ideal for the more | | | | luxurious interiors, with every facility built in (normally |
| adventurous or for short breaks, but not necessarily | | | | including an on-board generator). |
| the best choice for luxury or for families. | | | | They are extremely large, expensive and luxurious - |
| 2. C-Class or Coachbuilt Motorhomes | | | | don't expect to go exploring on European backroads |
| Coachbuilt motorhomes (sometimes known as | | | | in one of these, as it won't fit. Road tax, fuel costs |
| Class-C motorhomes) are effectively caravans built | | | | and insurance will also be considerably higher, as will |
| onto the back of a van cab and chassis - it may | | | | road tolls. |
| sound a bit Heath Robinson, but these are extremely | | | | Making the Choice |
| well made, cleverly-designed and comfortable. They | | | | Whatever you choose, don't rush into it and make |
| also offer surprising amounts of space, especially | | | | sure you understand the true cost of ownership - |
| when it comes to sleeping berths. | | | | including storage (if it is too big for your driveway), |
| A coachbuilt is probably the best choice for a family, | | | | insurance, breakdown cover and servicing. |
| with the overcab area providing ideal sleeping | | | | Consider renting a motorhome for a holiday first to |
| accommodation for children, and the larger interiors | | | | see if you like it - a week or two can teach you a lot |
| giving enough room for 4-6 people to sit and eat. | | | | about what type of motorhome suits you and |
| These motorhomes also tend to have larger kitchens | | | | enables you to try before you buy. |
| and bathrooms - their extra width helps create more | | | | Motorhoming is a great way to travel around the UK |
| spacious layouts. | | | | and Europe - I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. |