You know that caravanning is here to stay when you can no longer conceive of a holiday without traveling in a motorhome, far from traditional tourism. In a camper van or motorhome, you can visit the destinations you want, whenever you want with total freedom and without schedules, avoiding hotels and apartments in crowded destinations. Along the way, you save on restaurants and accommodation with exorbitant prices in high season and discover incredible spots and campsites to spend the night or camp.
But is it better to travel in a camper van or motorhome? In the camper universe there is room for everyone, and there are as many options as there are followers of this lifestyle, so it is not always easy to choose the most suitable vehicle. Before you start buying or renting, it is vital to know the advantages and disadvantages of these two main types of mobile homes to assess which one best suits your needs, and not the other way around.
Camper vans are the most versatile recreational vehicles. Even the smallest ones, like the Renault Kangoo or the Citroën Berlingo, can be used for both daily work and a weekend getaway. In addition to being the cheapest, there are kits that allow you to customize them with the essentials, such as custom beds and portable showers. They drive almost like a car and don't consume much, but they are not the best option for everyone.
If you are looking for longer getaways and additional comforts, going up a step in price to a medium-sized camper van, such as a Volkswagen California, or a large-volume one, like the popular Citroën Jumper, will be the best choice. These medium or large vans are ideal for traveling as a couple or with a small child, as they allow you to have more differentiated spaces for cooking, relaxing and sleeping, and even installing a full kitchen and shower.
In comparison, motorhomes would be like a luxury mobile apartment. Even those with access to the range of the main brands already offer enough space to travel, live and rest for long periods with family or friends without sacrificing comfort. They have full kitchens with appliances, fixed bathrooms and showers, plenty of storage space and even a garage for a motorcycle or several bikes. The limit will be the one set by your budget.
However, the height and dimensions of motorhomes, which can easily measure between 6 and 7.5 meters in length, can put you in trouble on the road or when driving through cities, when entering underground parking lots or when maneuvering. With a camper vehicle, on the other hand, you can access remote places and narrow roads that might be inaccessible to a larger motorhome.
We must also consider that when camping or spending the night at a campsite, a motorhome will generally be more expensive than a camper, as it requires much more space and we will end up in motorhome or campsite areas. The same thing will happen at the gas station, because as the size and weight of campers is smaller compared to that of motorhomes, fuel consumption is also reduced.
In addition to being more compact in size, being more flexible, more efficient and easier to drive, price-wise, camper vans (whether new or second-hand) are usually cheaper compared to motorhomes. In this sense, we not only have to take into account the sales price, but also the maintenance, mechanical and MOT checks, insurance, etc.
Likewise, we must remember that to drive a camper you only need a B permit or car license, while to drive motorhomes weighing more than 3,500 kg you will need to obtain a C permit. A limit still present pending the European resolution on the increase to 4,250 kilograms and that the ministries in Spain agree.
Taking into account all these advantages and disadvantages of traveling in a camper van compared to traveling in a motorhome, the final choice will be very personal. It will depend on your preferences, budget and travel needs. Both offer a unique and comfortable experience for exploring the world on wheels and are solid alternatives to traditional vacations, giving you the opportunity to share unforgettable moments with your loved ones while you travel.
