How to choose the right type of motorhome

If you are thinking about renting a motorhome, the choice of models and classes may surprise you.

We offer all types, from compact camper vans to spacious integrated motorhomes. Each type has its own pros and cons, which affect comfort, practicality and suitability for different ways of travelling.

In this article you will learn about the main classes of motorhome, their features and the key differences, so you can easily find out which one suits your needs best.

Camper van

As the name suggests, motorhome manufacturers in this class use panel vans as the base – vehicles that are otherwise designed to carry cargo. Most often these are long-wheelbase, high-roof versions, which are the best compromise between comfort and covering long distances quickly. If a camper van is meant for two people, there is plenty of comfort. Besides a double bed, you will find a usefully large kitchen area with a fridge, hob and sink, a dining area and a bathroom with shower and toilet. When the bed is at the rear and placed crosswise, there is a large luggage space under it. This is usually the space you have to give up if you want more berths inside. Some manufacturers also offer »vans« designed for four people.

Pros:

• high average speeds
• manoeuvrability
• moderate fuel consumption
• looks like a regular van

Cons:

• limited space
• little storage space

Motorhomes with an alcove – alcove motorhome

These models are the most common on the road, which may mean they are also the most practical. The alcove above the cab always holds a comfortable double bed. Because the living area is wider than in camper vans or compact motorhomes, and some models are well over seven metres long, this class offers the largest number of layouts. You will not find a model with fewer than four berths, and some sleep up to seven people. The size of the garage depends on this, and in some models it is so large that you can easily store a scooter, bikes, camping equipment and more. In »alcoves«, as the experts call them, bathrooms are usually more spacious, and so are the kitchen areas and beds. There are enough cupboards for a family to travel for a longer time, but do not expect the impossible here either. In other words, if there are six berths and six people travel, even such a large motorhome can feel a little cramped.

Pros:

• spacious interior (alcove)
• two fixed beds
• family-friendly layouts
• up to seven berths
• large garage
• large bathroom

Cons:

• high air resistance
• fuel consumption
• lower travelling speed
• sensitive to crosswinds
• height restrictions

Semi-integrated motorhomes

Apart from the alcove, motorhomes in this class are quite similar to alcove models, and if you forget about the double bed above the cab, most of them even have exactly the same layouts. But not the same users. These motorhomes are mostly chosen by older travellers or by those who travel mainly as couples and do not want to give up comfort. And travelling is exactly why »semi-integrated« models exist. Their aerodynamics are better, speeds are higher and fuel consumption is lower, while their generous width (and length) gives two people plenty of space. The kitchen area is as large as in similar alcove models, so you will find a large enough fridge, a cooker, a sink and often an oven. The French bed is usually at the rear and placed lengthwise (two people can sleep on the bed made from the dining area), and next to the bed there is usually a spacious bathroom with a separate shower.

Pros:

• high average speeds
• low to moderate fuel consumption
• spacious living area
• large bed at the rear
• electric bed lowers from the ceiling
• Swivel front seats
• large living, dining and social area
• two separate areas

Cons:

• for up to 5 people
• length restrictions

Integrated motorhome

Integrated motorhomes are a special breed in the world of motorhomes. One reason is that the living area and the cab are not simply joined together: the manufacturer also builds the front section. Some will think this is because the shape is more harmonious. That is true, but the real reason is the better use of space at the front, which motorhomes in the other classes cannot offer. Thanks to the extra width, sitting in the cab (in these models the front seats usually swivel) is even more pleasant and spacious, and the area around it can easily seat five, six or even more people. When the pleasant chat is over, you simply pull a large French bed down from the ceiling, lie down and fall fast asleep. If you do not like sleeping in beds that hang from the ceiling, there is another equally comfortable bed at the rear, next to the spacious bathroom.

Pros:

• harmonious design
• better use of the cab
• drop-down bed
• Swivel front seats
• two separate areas

Cons:

• only for 4 people
• moderate to high fuel consumption
• vehicle length and weight

Good to know – how to prepare for your motorhome rental

Before you rent a motorhome, take a good look at it with our 360° virtual tour – available for all our motorhomes.

Below is a list of things you should plan before a motorhome trip, especially if you are travelling abroad:

• check the traffic rules and restrictions on your route and in your destination region/country,
• check the restrictions and any special rules for entering individual countries/regions (documents needed for passengers, vehicle, pets, limits on carrying cash, letter of guarantee, visas,…), and also check customs restrictions and special rules,
• check that the identity documents of all travellers are suitable and valid,
• arrange additional travel health insurance with assistance (Coris …) for all travellers,
• prepare the documents for any pets travelling with you (pet passport),
• plan and check fuel availability (price, access, how often you will find petrol stations),
• make a (rough) travel plan. Above all, check ferries, public holidays in the countries you are travelling to, etc.,
• get suitable maps, road atlases, lists of stopovers and campsites, and plan your stops (motorhome service areas, campsites and rest areas),
• prepare a navigation device and download the latest maps for the areas you are travelling to,
• do everything you need to do before you leave (pay your bills, leave your keys with someone you trust, turn off the water, gas, etc. if necessary),
• check the usual payment methods in the countries you are travelling to,
• take basic medicines with you: painkillers, remedies for diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and allergies, sun protection, insect repellent …,
• do not forget things to pass the time: board games, books, crosswords…,
• And do not forget sports gear: badminton rackets, a frisbee, boules,…

Above all, do not forget to enjoy all the comfort and the discovery of new places on your motorhome trip.