The different types of motorhomes and campervans

There are many different types of motorhomes and campervans 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 and some of the different types of campervans, so you can find the best model to suit your needs—whether travelling alone, as a couple, or as a large family.

What is the difference between a motorhome and a campervan?

Although motorhomes and campervans may appear the same to the untrained eye, there are some differences between the two. The main difference is that motorhomes often have more permanent fixtures with clearly defined areas for driving and living, whereas campervans tend to be a lot smaller with more basic facilities.

Campervans are typically standard vans that have been converted for leisure activities such as cooking and sleeping, as well as driving. However, motorhomes are usually purpose-built from the very beginning.

What are the different types of motorhomes?

There are many different types of motorhomes out there, and navigating the market can be a challenge, particularly if you’re new to it all. Fortunately, however, motorhomes can normally be split out into three main categories to make them easier to distinguish. These 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.

Coachbuilt motorhomes

Coachbuilt motorhomes are the most popular type of motorhome in the UK and are visually what we would typically associate with the word ‘motorhome’.

These motorhomes are designed with a distinct cab-over area that extends over the driver’s compartment and provides an additional sleeping space. 

These motorhomes start out as a chassis cab, with the shell the built around the cab. Coachbuilt motorhomes usually come in two different styles—low-profile (without an overcab bed) or overcab (with either an overcab bed or extra storage space above the driver’s compartment).

Coachbuilt (overcab)

A coachbuilt motorhome with an overcab bed is a type of recreational vehicle that has a custom-built living space mounted on the chassis of a commercial van or truck.

The living area typically includes a kitchenette, bathroom, and dining and sleeping areas. 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.

Overcab motorhomes are a great option for those looking for extra space without purchasing a superior yet more expensive A-class motorhome. They are more likely to be affected by crosswinds when travelling on the road, so do keep this in mind.

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.

A-class motorhomes

A-class motorhomes are the biggest and most high-end type of motorhome. Built on a heavy-duty frame and with increased living and storage space, these motorhomes are by far the most expensive to buy and run, but are unrivalled when it comes to providing all the mod-cons away from home.

In the UK, A-class motorhomes typically weigh between 3.5-7 tonnes on average, but they can reach weights of up to 14 tonnes over in the US. You may require a C1 driving licence in order to drive an A-class motorhome, depending on its size and weight.

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

Types of A-class motorhomes:

American A-class motorhome

The American A-class is a luxury motorhome built on a custom chassis with a distinctive ‘bus-like’ appearance. These motorhomes have a spacious interior with high ceilings, multiple slide-outs, and premium features such as high-end appliances, home theatre systems, and elaborate entertainment centres. American A-class motorhomes are known for their luxury, comfort and features.

European A-class motorhome

The European A-class motorhome is a high-end recreational vehicle with a unique design, featuring a fully integrated cab and living area, built on a chassis specifically designed for motorhomes. It offers a spacious and luxurious living space, including a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping and dining areas. European A-class motorhomes are known for their advanced features and comfort. 

Panel vans

Panel vans are the smallest and often most affordable motorhomes on the market. They’re distinctive from larger coachbuilt motorhomes as they begin life as complete vans before being converted rather than being built from scratch.

During the conversion process, windows can be cut out and rooves can be extended depending on whether it’s going to become a fixed high-top or elevating roof vehicle.

Panel vans with a fixed high-top have a permanent extended height with no need for elevation. On the other hand, panel vans with an elevating roof—also known as ‘pop tops’—can be adjusted for extra height and have the advantage of increased aerodynamics during trips

High-top van

High-top campervans are a type of recreational vehicle that feature an extended roofline for additional headroom in the living area. These campervans are typically built on a commercial van chassis and include a kitchenette, bathroom, and sleeping and dining areas. The high-top design offers more space and comfort for passengers.

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 van

A campervan with a pop-top or rising-top is a compact recreational vehicle with a roof that can be elevated to provide additional headroom and sleeping space. These vans typically include a kitchenette, storage space, and seating that can convert into a bed.

Vans with an elevating roof, 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.

Fixed roof campervan

Fixed roof campervans are compact recreational vehicles that are built on a standard van chassis with a fixed roof, making them a more affordable option for buyers. These campervans typically include a basic living area with a kitchenette, sleeping area, and storage space.

DIY converted campervan

As the name might suggest, a DIY converted campervan is a van that has been converted into a mobile living space by adding a sleeping area, kitchenette and storage space. Check out our guide to doing this on a budget.

If your motorhome or campervan falls into one of the categories above, get a quote today to see how much your cover could cost through Ripe.