Deciding Which Motorhome Class is Right for You: Coachbuilt v A-Class Motorhomes

No matter your domestic situation or your lifestyle, there is a new or used motorhome for you. From compact editions designed for couples to flamboyant luxury liners for larger families, the different types of motorhomes on the market today means a huge amount of choice. Picking the right one for you is not just a simple case of A-class vs coachbuilt – there are a vast amount of ‘plus points’ for both types.

1.   What are the different types of motorhome?

In this edition of our blog we’ll look into the various categories of motorhome, so that when you’re buying you can make an informed choice that will meet your requirements.

2.   Coachbuilt motorhomes

This popular category of motorhome reflects the manufacturing process of constructing the living area directly onto the chassis of the vehicle. On the front exterior, a coachbuilt motorhome maintains the appearance of the original vehicle.

Constructed using fibreglass, aluminium and wood, coachbuilt motorhomes are typically lighter than standard panel van (i.e. campervan) conversions. In addition to being lighter, coachbuilt motorhomes are often wider and taller which means there is a relatively generous living space for manufacturers to install all of the essentials for comfortable living, including social seating arrangements, sleeping quarters and well-kitted out kitchen and bathroom facilities. Choosing a coachbuilt motorhome means several advantages for travellers in terms of practicality and comfort, offering a great opportunity for couples, small families or those travelling with friends to have a functional, relaxing and enjoyable space in which to live day-to-day on the road.

There are two types of coachbuilt motorhome – low profile and overcab.

• Overcab: An overcab motorhome features a front section literally extending from the living quarters and over the cab. On the interior of the motorhome this overcab can feature an additional sleeping space, though is often used as a storage area. The family-friendly overcab makes an excellent den and sleeping area for children, leaving the lounge area undisturbed.
• Low profile: As the name suggests, a low-profile motorhome does not include this additional over-cab area. As such, low profile motorhomes enjoy a more streamlined design and therefore better aerodynamics - which equates to improved fuel efficiency. Low profile motorhomes tend to weigh less than overcab models, making them better for the standard UK driving licence-friendly 3,500kg weight limit.

3.   A-class motorhomes

The pinnacle of motorhoming comes with the A-class category. This is a larger and more luxurious type of leisure vehicle, designed for larger families or travelling parties to really feel at home on the road.

The construction method involved in A-class motorhomes is significantly different to that of coachbuilt motorhomes. On an A-class vehicle the driving cab is fully integrated into the interior. In other words, construction begins with a chassis-cowl completely devoid of any external bodywork from the original base vehicle, with the manufacturer crafting it all.

This method of building offers serious advantages – a large amount of space in the driver’s cab, an expansive windscreen offering a panoramic view of the scenery you are travelling through (and, importantly, a huge amount of road visibility for the driver) plus fully insulated bodywork extending up to the windscreen.

4.   Best features of A-class motorhomes

Though the specifications differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, any A-class motorhome will certainly have been designed and built with quality in mind. The best quality materials are used to enhance the intelligently designed interiors, with soft furnishings and surfaces all reflecting the luxury aesthetic. A-class motorhomes offer larger showers, more lounge space, fuller kitchen units and additional beds. They can sleep up to six people, so they are a fantastic option for families with slightly older children and pets, or people who are travelling with groups of friends.

An A-class motorhome offers more space as a welcome lifestyle boost when travelling long distances or for longer periods of time. This also means there is more storage, so travellers can create a true home from home vibe. A-class motorhomes are based on the notion of premium comfort, providing the most luxury touring experience and the most rewarding driving experience. You will need additional categorisation on your UK driving licence to drive one.

5.   Can I drive an A-class on a standard UK driving licence?

Due to their increased size, there is also a weight increase inherent in A-class motorhomes (and, actually, in the largest coachbuilt motorhomes). Therefore, UK licensing conditions are affected. These vehicles weigh over 3,500kg and, therefore, if you intend to drive one you will be required to apply for additional categorisation (C1) on your driving licence, and undergo various tests (including theory and practical).

Achieving the C1 will allow you to drive vehicles which are in the weight category between 3,500kg and 7,500kg. It is a relatively straightforward process to get the C1 classification – though it is important to note that if you passed your UK driving test prior to January 1st, 1997, you already have it built in (though you’ll need to undergo a medical test to establish the clarity of your vision for driving).

Additionally, if you are over 70 years of age, you are automatically restricted to driving vehicles up to 3,500kg - unless an application to retain the 7.5-tonne entitlement is submitted to the DVLA. This will entail regular medical assessments.

6.   Which motorhome is right for me?

Being able to decide which is the right new motorhome for you, with the choice between an A-class and a coachbuilt, may come right down to the serviceability of the layout – in other words how it can facilitate your everyday life while you are out on the road. In terms of layout, you should select something appropriate to your lifestyle and the number of passengers. Similar to when you buy a house or a flat, you should carefully evaluate the different lounge and social space, dining, kitchen, washing and sleeping requirements – and the spaces on offer in the motorhomes you are interested in.

Additionally, assess travel seat provision, prioritising crash-tested three-point seat belts for all passengers. For those travelling with young children, some premium motorhome manufacturers offer Isofix child seat fitting points as standard or optional features.

7.   Should I buy an A-class motorhome?

An A-class motorhome is a luxury liner designed for those who want the best that leisure vehicles can offer – more space, more style, more comfort, more power. Broadly speaking a coachbuilt motorhome, whether low profile or overcab, is suitable for couples or smaller families, and will provide a comfortable living space for domestic life on the road. Ultimately, the choice will boil down to a combination of things – your budget and your ability (driving licence and personal confidence) to drive larger vehicles - as well as the number of people regularly travelling (and therefore the amount of space and type of layout you will require).

By considering all of the factors mentioned here, you will be able to select a motorhome that aligns with your personal requirements. At Wandahome we carry a vast stock of top quality new and used motorhomes from the best brands – check out the website and get in touch if you require any further details or advice on which class of motorhome might be best for you.