Automatic vs Manual Motorhome: Which is Better

If you’re a driver on the hunt for a mobile home to take you across the country, a motorhome offers the perfect blend of spacious accommodation and transport.  Many drivers have their preferences for automatic or manual vehicles and you might be wondering if an automatic motorhome is right for you.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the difference between manual vs automatic motorhomes and which option is best for you.

Are you ready to finance a motorhome? Take a look at our range of motorhome finance options at Auto Finance and find the right loan for you. 

Which Is Better – Manual or Automatic Motorhomes?

When it comes to the manual vs automatic motorhome debate, there is no definitive answer as to which is better. Instead, it is a matter of preference and what you require from your vehicle that decides which option is the right one for you. 

If you’re an experienced driver who prefers traditional driving methods or has previously owned a motorhome, then a manual motorhome might be the option for you.

If you want to prioritise easy driving and you’re a first-time motorhome owner then an automatic may be the right option for you. The decision is entirely based on your personal needs. 

To decide which motorhome is better for you, we first need to break down the difference between manual and automatic.  

What’s the Difference Between Automatic and Manual Motorhomes?

The main difference between manual and automatic motorhomes is how they are driven.

A manual-drive motorhome has a shift stick that the driver must manually move in order to change gears. A clutch pedal and gear stick are needed in order to drive this type of motorhome. 

An automatic motorhome, on the other hand, has a gearbox that automatically shifts the gears when driving. There is no need for a clutch; the driver only needs to operate the brake and accelerator pedals. With an automatic motorhome, driver input is minimal when on the road. 

Do You Need a Different Type of Driving Licence for an Automatic Motorhome?

When you’re learning to drive you can choose to apply for either a manual or automatic licence and these same rules apply to motorhomes. If you want to drive an automatic motorhome, you can do this on a standard manual or automatic licence. If however, the vehicle is over 3,500kg you’ll need to apply for a C1 driving licence. 

The same licence rules apply to motorhomes as standard vehicles. This means that if you have an automatic motorhome licence you cannot legally drive a manual motorhome.  

What Are the Advantages of Automatic Motorhomes?

Easy Driving Experience

Automatic vehicles have had a huge increase in popularity, with drivers learning to drive automatic vehicles increasing by 360% in 15 years. What makes automatic motorhomes so popular is the easy driving experience they offer. 

There is no need to focus on shifting gears manually, which allows drivers to divert their attention to the road and their surroundings. It also means drivers can have a more comfortable driving experience as they won’t experience fatigue from physically shifting gears and pressing the clutch. 

Better for Beginner Motorhome Drivers

If you’ve never owned a motorhome before it can be tricky getting used to the controls. An automatic vehicle has a simpler driving system which makes it ideal for beginners. Fewer physical controls mean an easier learning experience and drivers can instead focus on manoeuvring, safety and navigation.

It’s also important to mention that larger motorhomes require a C1 driver’s licence. This involves additional training and assessments, and learning to drive an automatic motorhome rather than a manual one can make the process much easier.  

Better For Cityscapes and Busy Roads

It’s inevitable when driving through the UK that you’ll encounter traffic on busy motorways or urban roads. The continuous stop-start nature of getting caught in traffic or driving on busy and confusing city roads can take a toll on manual drivers. The frequent movement of clutch and gear changes can cause aches and fatigue when driving. Automatic motorhomes eliminate this issue and provide drivers with a less stressful driving experience, even in hectic environments. 

Advanced Technology

Automatic motorhomes are equipped with a range of technology that is designed to assist and enhance driving performance. Automatic vehicles feature auto shifting, stabilisers and hill start support. These modern advances make manoeuvring and handling your motorhome easier and significantly reduce issues like stalling and rollback.

If you need more technology to help get the most out of your motorhome, check out the best motorhome gadgets for your trip.

Greater Resale Value

Automatic motorhomes are generally more sought after and preferred by buyers because of the convenience that they offer. This in turn causes automatic models to have a higher resale value and a more saturated market compared to manual vehicles. 

Better Safety Features

With built-in features like automatic braking and adaptive cruise control, drivers have an additional layer of safety. Drivers don’t have to rely solely on their own reaction times and accidents or crashes can be detected by your automatic system before an incident occurs. 

What Are the Disadvantages of an Automatic Motorhome?

Higher Buying Price

Automatic motorhomes are usually more expensive than manual models. The more complex components and modern technology associated with automatic mobile homes increase their value and therefore the selling price. 

More Expensive Maintenance and Repairs

The more complex parts mentioned above require more expertise to maintain and repair should any issues arise. Fixing an automatic gearbox can also be more expensive due to the electronic components that need specialist input. 

Lower Fuel Efficiency

Despite the advances made in automatic vehicles, these motorhomes still have a lower fuel efficiency than manual models. As motorhomes require a larger amount of fuel than standard vehicles, this is something to consider if the cost of excess fuel is a concern.

Reliance on Electronic Systems

Although features like automatic cruise control, sensors and gear changes are designed to help users, relying solely on electronic systems can cause problems. If the system fails and there are errors, you cannot manually drive or control your motorhome. The feeling of control for many people is also a big selling point for manual vehicles and the emphasis on electronic assistance can deter some drivers.

What Are the Advantages of Manual Motorhomes?

Just like automatic motorhomes, manual models also have positives and negatives which are important to consider when making your decision. 

Greater Fuel Efficiency

A manual motorhome is more fuel-efficient than an automatic model. Although modern automatic gearboxes have fuel management technology, for many long-distance travellers, changing gears manually allows you to monitor fuel and has better mileage. 

Cheaper to Purchase and Maintain

Manual motorhomes are usually less expensive than automatic motorhomes. This is because they don’t require the additional parts and technology involved in automatic driving. It’s also cheaper to maintain a manual motorhome. This is because the driving system is more simple and issues are easier to identify and fix for the average mechanic. Automatic motorhomes often require specialist repairs which can bump up maintenance costs. 

If you want to know more about the maintenance and servicing involved in mobile homes, take a look at our blog on how to service a caravan.

Greater Vehicle Control

Manual-drive motorhomes give you more control over your vehicle and also have better handling on uneven roads and steep or narrow paths. This is useful when you’re driving off-road or in wet and treacherous conditions, as a driver can assess when to shift gears to increase the safety and driving performance of a motorhome.

Long Lasting and Durable Option 

The driving system in a manual motorhome has fewer components and has a more simple set-up. With fewer moving parts, the chances of failure or issues are reduced. If you keep on top of maintenance and motorhome MOT checks, a manual vehicle can also last longer than an automatic one. 

What Are the Disadvantages of Manual Motorhomes?

Harder to Learn Manual Drive

If you’re a first-time motorhome owner it can take time to get to grips with the controls, and this can be even more difficult with manual drive. Driving a manual motorhome takes practice and a level of skill that can be difficult to adjust to, even if you drive a manual car. 

More Tiring for Drivers

When you embark on a motorhome trip, it can often be a long drive to your destination. Constantly pressing and shifting gears can become physically tiring and make it easier for drivers to get fatigued when on a longer journey. 

Higher Motorhome Depreciation

Motorhome depreciation tends to be higher with manual models compared to automatic, as many drivers prefer the convenience of an automatic model. The average motorhome should retain 70% of its original value after 3 years, but manual motorhomes can lower this average. 

This means when it comes to reselling or upgrading, it’s harder to get close to the original value of your motorhome.

Issues With Inclines

Manual motorhomes sometimes struggle with steep inclines. Manually switching gears can often cause issues like stalling for an inexperienced driver or rollback on very steep surfaces. 

How to Choose Manual vs Automatic Motorhome

Now you know the difference between a manual and an automatic motorhome, you need to determine which is best for you. There are several factors to consider when making this decision, but the main thing to consider is whether your priority is convenience or control. 

Why Choose a Manual Motorhome?

If you enjoy the feeling of manual controls and hands-on driving, then a manual motorhome is the right choice for you. You’ll also save on purchase price and maintenance costs if your budget is lower too.

If you’re heading out to more off-road locations for most of your trips, a manual motorhome will perform better in these conditions, so this should be your vehicle preference. 

Why Choose an Automatic Motorhome?

If you want a straightforward, convenient driving experience, then an automatic motorhome is your best bet. You won’t have to worry about the arduous process of learning manual motorhome driving. You’ll also have a range of modern technology to assist with the whole driving process, from parking to starting. 

If you intend to cover long distances in your motorhome, an automatic vehicle will also help reduce fatigue as you won’t be manually moving gears and clutches. 

Automatic and Motorhome Finance at Auto Finance Online

Whether you’re considering a manual or an automatic motorhome, it’s important to remember that both have their advantages and disadvantages. Which vehicle is better is determined by what you need from your motorhome. 

Whatever you choose, at Auto Finance we offer finance for all types of motorhomes, from automatic to manual and larger models. We’ll use our connections with dealerships across the country to get you the best deal on a loan. We’re dedicated to helping you drive away in your dream vehicle at the right price for you.

To see how much your monthly repayments could be, use our vehicle finance budget calculator. This will give you an estimate based on how much you’d like to borrow and your credit score. 

If you’d like to know more about the vehicle loans we offer you can contact our experts. We’ll be happy to give you advice on the right mobile home for you or tips on how to ensure you get the best loan rates.