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