| Campervans (VW Campers) | | | | of a lower roof and streamlined shape, this gives |
| These iconic Volkswagen campervans are still being | | | | better clearance and more car like handling. |
| produced today and have a dedicated following, with | | | | Tag axle (twin axle) motorhomes |
| a range of clubs and magazines available to | | | | Some very large coachbuilt motorhomes require a |
| enthusiasts. | | | | third set of wheels to support the weight and length |
| Campers will generally sleep between 2 and 4 | | | | of the unit in a similar way to a 'twin axle' caravan, |
| comfortably but are small enough to be driven in | | | | this third axle is know as a 'tag axle'. |
| cities as well as on the open road, making them | | | | Tag axle motorhomes allow even more space inside |
| famously popular for touring around Europe. | | | | but the twin rear axle means that driving them may |
| They are available with a huge range of features | | | | take a little adjusting to. |
| including raising roofs, windscreen sun visors, | | | | A-class motorhomes |
| surfboard roof racks and chrome trims and fittings - | | | | These often very large motorhomes are recognizable |
| either direct from Volkswagen or through a number | | | | by having no separate cab area as common with |
| of specialist converters. | | | | conventional coachbuilt motorhomes, as well as a 'bus |
| When it comes to insurance for older models, you | | | | like' large front windscreen, and are usually imported |
| may have to consider a 'classic' vehicle policy as | | | | from Europe or further afield. |
| many specialist motorhome policies have a vehicle | | | | Built from scratch on a bare chassis by the |
| age limit | | | | motorhome manufacturer you can expect bags of |
| Van conversions | | | | room and home comforts including domestic style |
| Often referred to as panel van conversions, these | | | | washrooms and kitchen fixtures, as well as full sized |
| medium to large sized motorhomes are built using | | | | beds and spacious living areas. |
| well known commercial vehicles as a base unit and | | | | Popular manufacturers of A-class motorhomes include: |
| nearly always feature a sliding side door. | | | | Frankia, Pilote and Hymer |
| They offer a good amount of space inside and many | | | | American 'Recreational Vehicles' (RVs) |
| come with roomy wash rooms and better equipped | | | | Coming from the USA these units are typically big, |
| kitchens than the smaller or micro-sized van | | | | bold and brash - but can offer massive amounts of |
| conversions. | | | | space, comfort and features including full sized |
| Many have a double bed at the rear, running across | | | | refrigerators and ovens as well as king sized beds |
| the width of the van, so taller motorhomers may | | | | and washrooms with domestic spec fittings. Many |
| struggle to fit. For this reason it's important to check | | | | even feature 'slide outs' - which mean certain |
| the layout and dimensions of the van before buying. | | | | sections of the motorhome can be extended to |
| Popular manufacturers of van conversions include: | | | | create extra floor space. |
| Autosleepers, Bilbo, IH Motorhomes and Murvi | | | | Typically used for long tours or full timing around |
| Conventional coachbuilt motorhomes | | | | Europe or the US these huge units are unrivalled |
| These are possibly the most common type of | | | | when it comes to luxury and comfort. |
| motorhome on British roads, and are characterised by | | | | Popular manufacturers of American RV motorhomes |
| their large over-cab hump which often houses a bed | | | | include: Georgie Bay and Winnebago |
| or spacious storage area. | | | | Home built motorhomes |
| These motorhomes are popular as they offer a | | | | Some enthusiasts design and build a motorhome |
| practical solution for small families or couples wanting | | | | themselves to suit their needs. These can range from |
| to travel throughout the UK and Europe. They | | | | simple van conversions up to impressive custom |
| typically have a washroom and kitchen fitted as | | | | builds and there are a range of websites and clubs |
| standard, along with room to sleep between 2 and 6 | | | | dedicated to self builds that provide helpful info for |
| people. | | | | any would be DIYers. |
| The front end cabs of coachbuilt motorhomes may | | | | Watch out though as many insurance companies |
| look familiar - that's because the 'base vehicle' of | | | | cannot provide cover for home built motorhomes. |
| such motorhomes are popular vans such as Ford | | | | Micro motorhomes |
| Transits, Peugeot Boxers, Fiat Ducatos and Mercedes | | | | These tiny motorhomes are usually conversions of |
| Spinters. | | | | small van style cars and offer limited space for one |
| Popular manufacturers of conventional coachbuilt | | | | or two people to sleep, as well as basic cooking |
| motorhomes include: Autocruise, Autosleeper, Elddis | | | | equipment and space for a small cassette toilet. |
| and Swift | | | | Their diminutive size makes them a breeze to drive, |
| Low profile coachbuilt motorhomes | | | | particularly in typically crowded European towns |
| Very similar in style and features to the above | | | | where narrow streets and busy roads make the city |
| 'conventional coachbuilt motorhome' the low profile | | | | centre a no go area for all but these nippy little |
| design does away with the over cab bed in favour | | | | motorhomes. |