Which is better – a Campervan or a Motorhome?

Planning a road trip is exciting, but it can be somewhat daunting too, especially when you think about all the things you must take into consideration. If you don’t yet own a campervan or motorhome, then this is highly likely the topmost item on your list of “things to do!”

So, how do you decide which is better – a campervan, or a motorhome? 

Following are a few differences between the two, to help you make the right choice. 

Campervan

A campervan is usually a standard vehicle that has been adapted to included sleeping quarters inside. It is normally significantly smaller than a motorhome, and most times too is fitted out to include only the basics that anyone would need while out on the road.  Campervans can have sleeping accommodation for 2 to 3 people, with a double bed below and sometimes a single bed built into the roof of the van. They sometimes have a small kitchenette or some means of cooking inside, but very seldom include a toilet and/or shower. 

Campervans are one step up in luxury than camping in a tent and whilst most people would think they’re a bit challenging with kids, I think they’re still doable with a small family who likes adventure. If you’ve got kids on board you’ll probably want a few more conveniences – such as a touring site with toilets and showers, running water for washing dishes, laundry facilities and more.

It’s not possible to travel in your own campervan all the time, so renting one is the next best option. You’ll find awesome choices for a camper rental for your future family holidays in Iceland.

Motorhome

Generally, a motorhome is a lot more spacious than a campervan and is constructed on a long-wheelbase trailer. Depending on its size, a motorhome can sleep from 2 to 6 people and is most times roomy enough inside for people to stand up and move around easily. 

Motorhomes normally come with a fully-equipped kitchenette, a living area, as well as a bathroom with a toilet and shower. Some motorhomes even include home-from-home luxuries like air-conditioning, a DVD player, and a standard television set. A motorhome usually includes one or two slide outs, so that the living and sleeping areas inside can be extended. These slide-outs also hold extra storage space that is accessible from the outside. A motorhome really brings all the mod cons of home to the road.

Other important things to consider 

It’s not simply how many people it sleeps, the size of the kitchenette, or whether or not it has a bathroom that is important, but several other things too, to consider, such as:

•  Your budget – if your budget is limited, then a campervan is your best option. It weighs less than a motorhome, so you save money on fuel consumption. Also, unlike large motorhomes that are forced to stay in expensive campgrounds and motorhome parks designated for large vehicles, you can stay in those small, off-grid places that are significantly cheaper. In addition to this, campervan insurance will be less than what you would pay for a large motorhome. 

• Size and location – it is essential that you take the size of the vehicle into consideration, and where your road trip is taking you. If you’re not happy to sit behind the wheel of a small bus or truck while driving, then it would be better for you to get a campervan. You will have less space inside of course, but that will give you even more excuses to do more things outside in nature!  A compact campervan is also easier if your road trip involves stopping in cities along the way or having to navigate narrow, windy lanes in forested areas. 

• Your wants and needs – if you love the thought of camping but would prefer to have all the luxuries of home while on the road, then a motorhome is undoubtedly the right choice for you. Although an inside bathroom might be a luxury to some, you might not mind the idea of using the excellent facilities that are available in most parks and campgrounds. If this is the case, then a campervan will be ideal for you.

In Conclusion

Choosing a motorhome or a campervan is your decision entirely, and depends largely on your itinerary and driving experience, your travel style, as well as your financial status.  Which one do you think would suit your family the most? Let me know in the comments!