Motorhomes are a great way to travel and explore new places. They come in all shapes, sizes, colours – even some really cool designs!
If you’re thinking about getting one you should first consider the different types of motorhomes available.
Motorhomes – Coachbuilt
- Over-cab
- Low Profile
- A-Class
What Does Coachbuilt Mean?
Coachbuilt is a purpose-built motorhome, whereby a whole new body has been made to build onto a chassis.
It would be typical for a motorhome manufacturer to purchase a chassis and then build the motorhome living area onto the chassis.
There are three different types you may choose from – Over-cab, Low Profile and A-Class.
These different types of ‘Coachbuilt’ motorhomes are the ones that you mostly see being enjoyed in the UK or Europe.
Over-Cab
- Can be otherwise known as a ‘Luton.’
- Can be available in 2 to 6 berth models- a good option for families.
- The over-cab section is used as a sleeping area and can be very spacious.
- Over-cab can be used for daytime storage too.
- The living area has extra space, better layout.
- Kitted out with a small bathroom or toilet compartment.
- Larger and heavier than a Low Profile.
- Potentially more challenging to drive and manoeuvre than a Low Profile.
- The engine needs to be powerful to enjoy a pleasant drive.
Low Profile
- The motorhome body has a low profile, meaning it’s not much higher than the cab area.
- Type of motorhome more suited for 2 people to live and sleep in.
- The over-cab area is usually a storage area or a small area to sleep in (not double).
- The over-cab is small and limited by space in comparison to the ‘over-cab’ version.
- It’s smaller and lighter.
- Road handling and fuel economy is better than the ‘over-cab’ version.
- There is a version with an elevating roof section on the continent, which is a great option to squeeze under some restricted areas!
A-Class
- The luxury end of the market and suited for long-distance touring.
- The manufacturer builds the motorhome into the chassis.
- Much more space and comfort.
- Typically have swivelling driving and passenger front seats to form part of the lounge area.
- Greater vision when driving than Over-cab or Low Profile.
- Usually a ‘dropdown’ style bed for the ‘over driving’ area.
Motorhomes – Conversions
- High Top
- Fixed Roof
- Elevating Roof (campervans)
Converted motorhomes are usually adapted from small or larger panel vans.
What does conversion mean? Simply that, a van has had modifications and builds with its existing body.
There are three different types to choose from High Top, Fixed Roof and Elevating Roof (campervans).
High Top
- The most luxurious of the conversion options.
- The rooftop height is permanent.
- Generally, the high top gives you 2 metres to stand up in.
- They sometimes have fitted shower or toilet areas.
- The roof has better insulation than other converted types.
Fixed Roof
- Ideal starter motorhome for first-timers.
- The lower roof is better for storage, maybe in your garage.
- Probably only available as a 2 berth.
- Restricted standing room.
- Little in the way of facilities, i.e. – a washroom
- Insulation is not generally as good.
Elevating Roof – Campervans
- Usually, a commercial (light) van that has been converted.
- Seating, cooking, eating and sleeping facilities have been added.
- Wide range of Campers available from £3000 up to £100,000.
- Much smaller, therefore; effortless and light to drive and park up, compared to other conversions (and Coachbuilt).
- The living area is restricted in campervans, but the pop-up or ‘elevating roof’ helps create more space and extra bunks to sleep in!
RVs
- Coachbuilt or A-Class
- Motorhomes – Coachbuilt
Lastly, a quick mention of RVs – Recreational Vehicles, mainly manufactured in the USA for the USA!
It is possible they can be either coachbuilt and A-Class, but the most obvious thing here is they are rather large.
- Best suited for the USA, keeping in mind everything from the roads, parking and camper sites are so much bigger.
- Exceptionally well-equipped interiors and big on comfort.
- Many have extended sliding mechanisms for even more space!
- Difficult to manoeuvre and park up in the UK.