Which type of motorhome is right for me?

It's time! The motorhoming virus has caught you and you want to buy a motorhome. Is the question “which motorhome is best for me?” already on your mind? Are you already contemplating which type suits you best? Then please read on. We are happy to help you with that. It may seem fairly simple, buying a motorhome, until you suddenly realize how many types of motorhomes there actually are. And because this is about a serious purchase (read: a big chunk out of your savings), it is nice to make a well-considered choice. To take away some of that stress, we have compiled a list of the different types of motorhomes and their pros and cons for you. Hopefully you will be able to find out which type of motorhome is most suitable for you, so that you can visit the showroom well prepared.

Buying a motorhome: what do I need to know?

A good start is half the work! And that also applies to choosing a motorhome. Before making a choice from all types of motorhomes, think carefully about the following. 

• Who will you be traveling with? 
• What is your budget? 
• Do you want to buy a new or used motorhome? 

In addition, it is also useful to make a list of requirements and a wishlist. Under the heading requirements, write down what your motorhome really should have (for example a kitchen) and under the heading wishes what you would like to have, but is not essential (for example a separate shower and toilet). If you find it difficult to think of these things, you can also choose to rent a motorhome first. You only find out what is really important to you in a motorhome when you are actually out there camping. 

Types of motorhomes

In the motorhoming world, we distinguish between six different types of motorhomes. Namely the campervan, panelvan, coachbuilt overcab, low profile, A-class, and the liner. The choice becomes easier if you delve into the differences between these types of motorhomes. Each type of motorhome comes with different options, such as the layout of the shower / toilet room or the shape of the bed. We have listed all the types of motorhomes, so that at the end of this blog you will know which one suits you best! 

• Campervan 
• Panelvan 
• Low profile 
• A class 
• Coachbuilt overcab 
• Liner 

Motorhome type: campervan

2 persons 
From €40,000 
Used campervan: from €5000 

The two of you would like to make a long tour through Europe. The south coast of Portugal or Spain sounds good to you. You are crazy about sports and would like to be able to drive off-road with the motorhome, looking for a unique beach for surfing. In that case, it is best to buy a campervan. 

 The campervan is the most compact motorhome and ideal for a trip for two. A campervan often has a lifting roof, so you can sleep in a separate area. In addition, the campervan often has a kitchenette, cool box and a fold-out table in the seating area. 

 
Advantages of the campervan 

• It's cheaper: you don't pay money to store your motorhome and you pay much less road tax. 
• You can easily drive off-road and parking in major city centres isn’t an issue. 
• It fits in many parking garages. 

Disadvantages of a campervan 

•  You have no shower or toilet. 
• In a campervan you have little or no luggage space. 
• The campervan is often less well insulated, so less suitable for the winter. 

Motorhome type: panelvan

2 – 4 people 
From €45,000/€50,000 
Used panelvan: From €10,000 

The panelvan is suitable for the same type of motorhoming trip as the campervan, only the panelvan has space for 2-4 people and gives you that extra bit of comfort. The panelvan actually has everything you need when you go camping: a kitchen, a shower and toilet, sleeping area and sufficient luggage space. The panelvan is also very popular among motorhome builders, who show that they can convert the vehicle into a beautiful living space in very handy ways. 

Advantages of a panelvan 

• You can easily park and drive it, including in major city centres.  
• All amenities of a (large) motorhome. 
• There is more motorhoming feeling than with the campervan, because the sliding side door can be opened. 

Disadvantages of a panelvan 

• Little standing and moving space. 
• No garage. 
• Relatively expensive to purchase. 

Motorhome type: coachbuiltovercab

4 – 6 people 
€55,000 – €75,000 
Used coachbuilt overcab: From €10,000 

Summer vacation, fall break, Christmas break and spring vacation. There is nothing you would rather do than go on holiday with the whole family, but with your motorhome of course! What really characterizes the coachbuilt overcab motorhome is the fact that it is suitable for several people. You will therefore recognize the motorhome immediately by the extension above the cabin where there is extra sleeping space. Big family? Then the coachbuilt overcab is the perfect choice! 

Advantages of a coachbuilt overcab 

• Extra sleeping or storage space. 
• Ideal for tall people. 
• Cheaper than, for example, the A-class. 

Disadvantages of a coachbuilt overcab 

• Uses more fuel because the overcab catches a lot of wind. 
• Higher and more difficult to control. 
• Often does not have a flat floor. 

Motorhome type: low profile

2 – 4 people 
Between €50,000 – €75,000
Used low profile: From €20,000 

Are you one of those people who wants to use your motorhome all year round? Want to enjoy the winter in southern Spain and Morocco? Or maybe you just want to go on a skiing holiday in the French Alps! Then the low profile is your best motorhome choice. 

The low profile motorhome is currently the most popular motorhome on the market and also the motorhome with the most options (length, width, price range, etc.). The living area and the cabin merge smoothly in this type of motorhome. 

Advantages of a low profile motorhome 

• Relatively cheap in fuel consumption. 
• Large luggage compartment to store items. 
• You usually have a pull-down bed for extra sleeping space. 

Disadvantages of a low profile motorhome 

• No sleeping places above the cabin (as is the case for the coachbuilt overcab). 
• Drop-down bed hangs directly above the living area (the dinette, a combination of dining area and sleeping place, cannot be used at the same time). 
• More sensitive to leakage. 

Motorhome type: A-class

2 – 4 people 
From 100,000 (can even go up to 200,000) 
Used A-class: From €20,000/€25,000 

The A-class motorhome is suitable for the same travel group as the low profile motorhome. The A-class, however, is more luxurious and therefore also carries a higher price tag. The A-class motorhome is also called the royal class motorhome. With the A-class the cabin and the living area merge into each other, so you experience a lot of space. The panoramic window offers a wide view and plenty of daylight. 

Advantages of an A-class motorhome 

• Real luxury and lots of living space. 
• Better insulated, so lower heating costs. 
• Pull-down bed is above the cabin. 

Disadvantages of an A-class motorhome 

• Pricey to purchase. 
• More difficult to drive. 
• Higher air resistance resulting in higher fuel consumption. 

Motorhome type: liner

2 – 7 people 
From €150,000 (can go up to more than a million) 
Used liner: From €50,000 

This last type of motorhome falls just outside the segment of 'ordinary motorhomes'. A house and garage on wheels; that's the best way to describe the liner. The liner is a motorhome for motorhomers who love luxury, make long journeys and really want to leave nothing behind (not even their small passenger car). These types of motorhomes are equipped with a spacious kitchen, bathroom with separate shower and toilet, and usually a king size sitting area. 

Advantages of a liner 

• Suitable for larger groups. 
• A big house on wheels. Lots of space and luxury. 
• Independent of external facilities (water, etc.). 

Disadvantages of a liner 

• Really expensive to buy. 
• You need a C driver's license. 
• Difficult to maneuver. 

On to the showroom! 

Now that you have a good picture of all types of motorhomes, you can choose which motorhome to buy. On to the showroom!