Campervan vs Motorhome – Which Is Best for Touring?
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Thinking about buying a campervan or motorhome but can't decide which is right for you? You're certainly not alone!
It's one of the most common questions among people considering getting into touring, and it's easy to see why. Both offer the freedom to travel, explore new places and enjoy holidays without being tied to hotels or fixed accommodation.
But although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, campervans and motorhomes are quite different vehicles, and choosing the wrong one could mean compromising on the things that matter most to you.
So, let's look at the differences, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and hopefully help you decide which is going to suit your lifestyle.
What is the difference between a campervan and a motorhome?
The simplest way to explain it is that a campervan generally starts life as a commercial or passenger van that has been converted for leisure use.
A motorhome, on the other hand, is purpose-built as a leisure vehicle, usually offering more living space, dedicated accommodation and greater onboard facilities.
Of course, there are exceptions, and modern campervans have become increasingly sophisticated, with some offering facilities that would once have been associated only with larger motorhomes.
Let's look at the main types.
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Campervans: Compact, practical and versatile
Campervans are generally smaller and easier to drive than motorhomes. They are particularly attractive to people who want a vehicle that can be used for everyday journeys as well as weekends away and longer touring holidays.
There are two main types to consider.
1. Pop-top campervans
Examples: Volkswagen Transporter, Ford Transit Custom, Panama P12 and Adria Active Duo.
Panama P12 Ford Tourneo Custom pop top campervanPop-top campervans are among the smallest options available.
They typically feature a roof that lifts upwards to provide additional headroom and, in many cases, an extra sleeping area.
One example is the Panama P12, based on the Ford Tourneo Custom. It offers seating for up to seven people, making it particularly versatile for everyday use.
Advantages:
Easier to drive and manoeuvre.
Generally fit into standard car parking spaces.
Can double as an everyday vehicle.
Often more economical to run than larger motorhomes.
Pop-top roofs provide additional sleeping accommodation.
Ideal for weekend breaks and shorter trips.Disadvantages:
Limited living and storage space.
Smaller kitchens and cooking facilities.
Some models have no onboard toilet or shower.
You may need to rely on campsite facilities.
Limited onboard water and waste capacity.
Tailgate Awning
Some models, such as the Adria Active Duo, can also use a tailgate awning to create additional sheltered space outside the vehicle.
For couples or individuals who enjoy a simple touring lifestyle, a pop-top campervan can be an excellent choice.
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2. High-top campervans
Examples: Fiat Ducato, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Benimar Benivan 144.
Benimar Benivan 144 campervanHigh-top campervans offer more internal headroom and generally provide better living facilities than smaller pop-top models.
They are built on larger van platforms, such as the Fiat Ducato and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
Many feature fixed or convertible beds, kitchen units, storage cupboards and onboard washroom facilities.
The Benimar Benivan 144 is a good example. Its folding rear beds provide additional storage space, making it particularly useful for people who enjoy outdoor activities and want to carry equipment such as bicycles.
Another example is the Mercedes-based Malibu Genius 641 LE, which includes a shower and toilet within its washroom.
Advantages:
More internal headroom.
Better kitchen facilities.
More storage than smaller campervans.
Some models include toilets and showers.
Rear barn doors can make carrying outdoor equipment easier.
Still relatively compact compared with many motorhomes.Disadvantages:
Larger than pop-top campervans.
Less convenient for some everyday parking situations.
Usually more expensive than basic campervan conversions.
Living space can still be restricted compared with a motorhome.There are also increasingly luxurious campervans available, such as the Auto-Sleeper M-Star, which demonstrate just how much equipment manufacturers can fit into a relatively compact vehicle.
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Motorhomes: More space and more home comforts
If comfort, space and onboard facilities are high on your priority list, a motorhome could be the better option.
Motorhomes are designed specifically for leisure travel and generally offer more generous living accommodation, larger kitchens, dedicated washrooms and additional storage.
There are three main types.
1. Low-profile motorhomes
McLouis Fusion 373 low profile
Low-profile motorhomes are probably the most familiar and commonly seen type on UK roads.
They use the original vehicle cab, with a purpose-built living area behind it and a streamlined body rather than a large overcab section.
The McLouis Fusion 373 is one example, offering a large rear garage, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a washroom with a separate shower cubicle.
Advantages:
Comfortable living accommodation.
Good kitchen and washroom facilities.
Generally more storage space.
A more streamlined shape than an overcab motorhome.
A wide range of layouts and sizes available.Disadvantages:
Larger and less manoeuvrable than most campervans.
Parking can be more difficult.
Height and width restrictions need consideration.
Fuel consumption can be higher.For couples and families who spend longer periods touring, low-profile motorhomes offer a good balance between comfort and practicality.
2. Overcab motorhomes
Classic overcab bed motorhome
Overcab motorhomes have a distinctive section extending over the driver's cab, often referred to as the Luton.
This space normally contains a double bed, providing additional sleeping accommodation without taking up as much room in the main living area.
They have traditionally been popular with families because they can provide several berths in a relatively practical layout.
Advantages:
Additional sleeping accommodation.
Good option for families.
More space for passengers and sleeping arrangements.
Often practical layouts.Disadvantages:
Taller front profile.
Can be affected by crosswinds.
Greater wind resistance.
Height restrictions need particular attention.Although less fashionable than they once were, overcab motorhomes remain a practical option for people who need additional sleeping space.
3. A-class motorhomes
At the luxury end of the market are A-class motorhomes.
These vehicles are built from the chassis upwards, with a purpose-designed cab integrated into the living accommodation.
They often feature large panoramic windscreens, spacious interiors, premium fixtures and fittings and impressive levels of equipment.
The Le Voyageur Eterna 7.0 GJF is an example, offering a large garage, a flat floor throughout and luxurious interior fittings.
Many A-class models also feature drop-down beds above the cab area.
Advantages:
Spacious and luxurious accommodation.
Excellent storage options.
High levels of equipment.
Integrated cab and living area.
Often designed with extended touring in mind.Disadvantages:
Higher purchase prices.
Larger dimensions.
Potentially higher running and maintenance costs.
Parking and manoeuvring can be more challenging.Some A-class motorhomes also offer particularly good insulation and heating arrangements, making them attractive to people who enjoy touring throughout the winter.
Campervan vs motorhome: Which is better for touring?
This is where things get interesting.
There isn't necessarily a right or wrong answer. It depends on how you intend to use your vehicle.
If you want an everyday vehicle
A smaller pop-top campervan is likely to be the better choice.
You can use it for shopping, commuting, visiting friends and family, as well as taking weekends away.
You don't have to own a separate car, although this will depend on your individual circumstances.
If you enjoy outdoor activities
A high-top campervan could be ideal.
If you enjoy cycling, surfing, walking or other outdoor pursuits, the rear storage arrangements and barn doors on many models can make carrying equipment easier.
If you enjoy longer touring holidays
A motorhome generally offers more comfort for extended trips.
Having a proper kitchen, a comfortable bed, a separate shower and toilet, and plenty of storage can make a considerable difference when you're spending weeks or months travelling.
If you travel with children
A larger motorhome will often provide more space and flexibility.
Sleeping arrangements, seating, storage and kitchen facilities all become more important when several people are sharing a relatively small living area.
If you enjoy off-grid touring
Both campervans and motorhomes can be equipped for off-grid adventures.
However, larger motorhomes often provide more room for water tanks, batteries, solar panels and additional equipment.
That doesn't automatically make them better off-grid vehicles. A well-equipped campervan can be extremely capable too.
The important thing is to look at the actual specification rather than simply assuming that bigger means better.
Don't forget the practical considerations
Before making a decision, there are several things worth considering.
Vehicle size and parking
Think about where you intend to travel. Smaller vehicles are generally easier to manoeuvre through narrow country lanes, villages and busy towns.
Larger motorhomes require more planning, particularly when it comes to parking, height barriers and weight restrictions.
Running costs
Purchase price is only part of the equation. Consider insurance, servicing, tyres, fuel, road tax where applicable and storage costs.
Payload
This is particularly important with motorhomes. You need enough available payload for passengers, luggage, food, water, bicycles and all the other equipment you intend to carry.
Facilities
Consider whether you really need a shower, toilet, oven, fridge, large kitchen and fixed bed.
You might find that you rarely use some of these facilities, or you might discover that you couldn't imagine touring without them.
Where will you travel?
If your plans involve exploring European cities, smaller campervans can be more convenient.
If you're planning extended touring around the UK, Scotland or Europe, additional comfort and storage may be more important.
Remember that neither vehicle type automatically guarantees access to every road, car park or campsite. Always check the dimensions and restrictions for your particular vehicle.
So, which would we choose?
Ultimately, it comes down to your priorities.
If you want a compact vehicle that is easy to drive, can double as your everyday transport and gives you the freedom to escape for weekends, a campervan makes a lot of sense.
If you want more space, greater comfort, better onboard facilities and the ability to spend extended periods travelling, a motorhome is likely to be the better choice.
There are compromises with both, and no vehicle will tick every box.
The most important thing is to think carefully about how you intend to use it before spending your hard-earned money.
Over to you!
We'd love to hear what you think.
Are you a campervan person or a motorhome person?
Would you swap your motorhome for a smaller campervan?
Do you think campervans offer enough comfort for extended touring?
Is a separate shower and toilet essential, or can you manage perfectly well without them?
If money were no object, which type of vehicle would you choose?
Join the discussion and share your experiences. Your advice could help someone else decide which vehicle is right for them.
Happy touring!
Motorhome Touring
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