A guide to the different types of motorhomes

There are many different types of motorhomes on the market, making buying your first one quite intimidating.

If you’ve found yourself in this situation, don’t panic. We’ve put together a useful guide to the different classes of motorhomes available here in the UK.

With our help, you can find the best model to suit your needs—whether travelling alone, as a couple, or as a large family.

What are the different types of motorhomes?

With so many motorhomes out there, it’s easy to feel confused when buying one in the UK.

Fortunately, we can separate them into three main categories, which are:

• Panel vans (fixed high-top or elevating roof)
• Coachbuilt motorhomes (low profile & overcab)
• A-class motorhomes

Let’s look at each motorhome type alongside the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Panel vans

These are the smallest and often most affordable type of motorhome on the market.

They’re distinctive from larger coachbuilt motorhomes (which we cover next), as they are transported from the manufacturer to a convertor rather than being built from scratch. They begin life as a complete van and are converted into campervans.

The converter usually cuts out the windows and sometimes extends the roof, depending on which type of campervan it will become—either a fixed high-top or elevating roof model.

If you opt for this type of motorhome, remember that insurers don’t usually cover those that are DIY or have been modified by their owners for safety reasons.

Fixed high-top

Panel vans with a fixed high-top are usually the best choice for those who want to park up and get going once they reach a campsite, as you don’t need to elevate the roof. Many people also prefer the aesthetic of a fixed roof.

However, the fact the van has a permanent taller height means it’s not as aerodynamic during your trips and could be more difficult to drive.

Elevating roof

Vans with an elevating roof, also known as ‘pop tops’, have the advantage of increased aerodynamics during trips.

This makes manoeuvring in multi-storey car parks or places with other low obstacles a breeze compared to high-tops. They’re also typically better for fuel economy, as they’re not as heavy as other motorhomes.

There are some disadvantages, however. Depending on the model, they usually have less space than high-tops, and they’re not as sturdy during poor weather conditions. Your van won’t be as insulated as one with a fixed roof—you’ll likely feel the cold sooner.

Coachbuilt motorhomes

Coachbuilt models are the most popular type of motorhome available in the UK and are usually what we associate with the word ‘motorhome’ when we hear it.

They begin life differently from panel vans. They start as a chassis cab from an engine manufacturer (just the driver compartment with a chassis attached), and the convertor then builds the shell around the cab.

Two different styles are available—low profile without an overcab bed and overcab with either an overcab bed or extra storage above the driver’s compartment.

Related: Guide to how a motorhome is built

Low profile motorhomes

As stated above, low-profile models are built without an overcab compartment, so they usually sleep fewer people and have less storage space.

That being said, they are sleeker than their overcab counterparts. They’re easier to manoeuvre, usually have a lower fuel consumption, and many campers prefer their appearance to the bulkier overcab models.

If you’re travelling as a couple or a small family, you may decide that this type of motorhome fits your needs and budget just fine.

Overcab motorhomes

Overcab motorhomes are a great option for those looking for extra space without purchasing a superior yet more expensive A-class motorhome.

The overcab can accommodate an additional bedroom or cupboard to allow for significant extra storage space compared to low-profile models, making it ideal for families with more than one child.

Still, the overcab makes them less aerodynamic and, therefore, more complicated to drive. Some owners have reported less stability and concern over road handling at times compared to low-profile models.

They are more likely to be affected by crosswinds when travelling on the road, so do keep this in mind.

A-class motorhomes

You may be wondering—what is an A-class motorhome?—and we wouldn’t blame you, as it sounds rather prestigious for a home on wheels. 

But an A-class motorhome is exactly what you’d expect from the name—the most high-end of its kind. 

If you’re familiar with American-style RVs like the one Robin Williams drove in the RV film, you’ve seen this type of motorhome before. 

However, they’re typically smaller here in the UK, with an average weight of 3.5-7 tonnes, compared to 6-14 tonnes in the US. 

They’re huge, luxurious, yet certainly the most expensive form of motorhomes to run, with some weighing over 12,000kg. 

Three main factors differentiate A-class motorhomes from the majority we see on the roads here in the UK, which are: 

• their heavy-duty frame 
• the chassis they’re built on 
• their increased living and storage space

Got a large family? If so, then A-class motorhomes may suit you best, as they’re unrivalled when it comes to providing all the mod-cons you can get away from home. 

However, there are a few disadvantages to owning one of the largest vehicles permitted on UK roads. 

Firstly, they cost a lot to run, from the amount of petrol it takes to power them to the increased fees for pitching such a large vehicle at a campsite. 

You’ll also need to be a confident driver to manoeuvre such a large vehicle, as they’re quite intimidating if you haven’t driven one before. You may also need to acquire a C1 licence to drive one. 

They’re ideal for large families looking for an extravagant camping experience. Still, a large coachbuilt model is adequate if you’re happy to sacrifice a few of the luxuries these vehicles bring.