Motorhomes vs. Campervans – Understanding the Key Differences

The moment comes when you’re looking to buy a leisure vehicle and get out there on the road to enjoy a bit more of life. Choosing between a motorhome or campervan is crucial when it comes to getting the ‘right’ type of vehicle for the lifestyle you expect to have. Both types of vehicle offer the freedom of travel, and therefore the possibility of adventure, but they cater to different lifestyles.

Being aware of the fundamental differences between these types of leisure vehicle can significantly impact your experience – and this new edition of the Wandahome blog explains how. We look into basic vehicle types, space, lifestyle implications, onboard features and driving considerations, so that you can make an informed choice when you’re picking your new home from home from Wandahome!

Basic vehicle

At their core, both motorhomes and campervans are self-contained vehicles which have been designed to live in as well as travel in. The primary difference between them lies in their size and design. Motorhomes are built on larger chassis, making them more spacious and more adequately equipped for extended living, and they resemble trucks or buses. A-class motorhomes are the largest and most luxurious, often featuring elaborate luxury interiors and top of the range amenities. Other motorhomes offer a balance between size and liveability. Motorhomes with an overcab provide something of a middle ground in terms of space and functionality.

Campervans are based on smaller vans, so they offer a more compact option for travellers who want to be mobile but thrive on simplicity. They’re designed for those who prefer a vehicle that is more agile – i.e. one that can be more easily manoeuvred or parked. They’re smaller and often more economical than motorhomes, which makes them ideal for navigating narrow country roads or tight and angular urban environments. Because of their size, campervans are easier to park than motorhomes and require less fuel.

Space and lifestyle

When you’re considering your lifestyle and which is the right type of leisure vehicle for you, it’s really important to think seriously about how much time you plan to spend in it. If you’re likely to be undertaking long road trips and extended holidays, or even plan on switching to a full-time on the road life, a motorhome will almost definitely be the better option for you. For shorter trips or occasional weekend getaways, a campervan could be your answer.

The amount of space your leisure vehicle offers will definitely affect your travel lifestyle. Motorhomes typically offer more living room, with dedicated areas for social activity, sleeping, cooking and dining. This separation of spaces can make a significant difference to how things work day to day, especially for families or groups of friends who are travelling together. For example, a motorhome might include fixed beds, a full kitchen, a bathroom and even some sort of lounge seating configuration, all of which combine to make a more comfortable and functional environment.

On the other hand, campervans have less available space and therefore a more compact layout, which often requires the conversion of seating areas into sleeping spaces. Every inch is carefully accounted for by the designers or converters, with smart use of space being a high priority, and the necessary facilities carefully planned to fit. Campervans are perfect as base vehicles for adventurers on outdoor trips, or for couples or solo travellers looking for quick getaways. But for families or slightly larger groups, the limited space means that a motorhome is the better choice if you’re looking to spend extended amounts of time inside.

Onboard features

One of the most significant differences between motorhomes and campervans comes when we look at the onboard features. Motorhomes are designed for longer periods of living and therefore most often come kitted out with a kitchen (including a fridge, hob and oven). There will also be a washroom with toilet and shower facilities. Most motorhomes feature additional creature comforts such as air conditioning, heating and entertainment, meaning they’re very comfortable during longer trips.

Campervans are still equipped with essential amenities, but they typically have a more pared back approach than motorhomes. There might be a compact kitchen area (including a sink, hob and small fridge) but they usually don’t have the washroom facilities found in motorhomes. Essentially, campervans ‘have less’ than motorhomes (though they are still very smart about the way they use the available amount of room, and they tend to utilise space-saving designs such as foldable tables and convertible beds to maximise utility).

For lovers of outdoor living, some campervans provide additional features such as sliding side doors which open up to an awning, so there is extra shelter for outdoor dining or just hanging out relaxing. However, if you prefer the comforts of home and value convenience, a motorhome will be the better choice to meet your needs.

Driving

UK driving requirements also differ between campervans and motorhomes. In the UK, campervans can typically be driven on a standard driving licence because they weigh less than 3,500 kg. Therefore, they’re accessible to most drivers, and they allowing for spontaneous adventures without a need for additional licensing.

However, if your motorhome exceeds the 3,500 kg limit, you will be required to achieve a further category (C1) on your basic UK driving licence. This process involves additional training and testing, including practical assessments and seeing your doctor for a medical evaluation. Understanding these requirements is absolutely crucial, as they can impact your ability to drive the vehicle legally, but also safely. Only ever pick a vehicle you’re able to handle – and comply with the laws and requirements around it.

Cost

Cost is another critical factor in the debate about motorhomes and campervans. Due to their larger size and more extensive features, motorhomes generally come with a higher price tag. They can also be more expensive to maintain and run, particularly when it comes to fuel consumption, insurance and road tax. However, for those who travel regularly, or who live full time on the road, the investment is worthwhile. Campervans tend to be more affordable, so they’re often a popular choice for first-time buyers or those who fancy a more budget-friendly option for occasional travel. The smaller size of campervans typically means there are lower associated running costs, and they often have fewer components that could require maintenance or repair.

When you’re whittling down your potential vehicles and are choosing between a motorhome and a campervan, it's essential to carefully consider each of the determining factors: your specific needs, lifestyle and budget. By understanding how those things tally with the key differences outlined in this edition of our blog, we believe you can make an informed choice. Of course, we are also always here to talk if you want to discuss your decision further and need some professional advice!