Motorhome vs Campervan: Which Is Right for You?

Motorhome vs campervan – which one should you choose? When buying a mobile home it can be difficult to determine the best type of vehicle for you. There are many factors to take into consideration when making a decision, and in this blog, we’ll explain the differences between motorhomes vs campervans so you can make the right choices based on your needs. 

At Auto Finance, we offer both motorhome finance and campervan finance so you can compare the two loan options and decide which is best for you. 

Motorhome vs campervan – What’s the difference?

There are a few key differences between a motorhome vs a campervan. A campervan is often a van that has been converted into a mobile home with added space and fixtures built in to allow for sleeping and cooking.

A motorhome on the other hand is purpose-built as a mobile home and comes with all the amenities you’ll find in a standard home including bathroom, dining and sleeping areas. A motorhome is usually larger and taller than the average campervan.

Budget or price

If you’ve got a smaller budget or you want to spend less on a mobile home then a campervan would be the right choice for you. Campervans are usually cheaper than motorhomes due to their smaller size and fewer facilities. 

Remember that if budget is something you’re concerned about, we have a finance calculator that can help you calculate how much you’ll need to repay each month. This helps plan your expenses so you can afford the campervan or motorhome of your dreams. 

Size

Motorhomes are by far the superior option in terms of size. They are larger vehicles with more leg room which makes them perfect for more leisurely living. If however, you’re looking for a more compact vehicle that takes up less space on the road and at campsites, then you should opt for a campervan. 

Both campervans and motorhomes have space for multiple people and you can even travel with your dog or furry companion!

Facilities and Maintenance

A motorhome is ideal if you’re looking to enjoy spacious living with full amenities, a separate bedroom, toilet and cooking space.

Older campervan models don’t come with a toilet and many that do have toilets need to be manually emptied. Therefore, if you’re not wanting to drive around to go to the loo or shower then a motorhome is a must.  

If you’re only using your mobile home for the basics and a comfy place to sleep at night, then a campervan is a suitable solution. It may not have the amenities and grandeur of a motorhome but if you are by yourself or a couple then there is enough room to relax at night. 

Insurance and taxes 

When it comes to insurance, larger and more valuable vehicles tend to cost more to insure, meaning insurance for a motorhome will be more expensive than campervan insurance.

Road tax and other taxes are also expenses that need to be looked into. The size and weight of a vehicle affect the taxes paid and campervans tend to pay lower road tax in a different bracket to that of motorhome road tax. If a motorhome is over 3500kg it falls into a new category altogether. 

Energy and waste expenses 

Having more amenities makes a motorhome a more comfortable place to live, but as such it means that more resources are used. Electricity and utilities bills are typically higher in motorhomes than caravans because they use more appliances and water.

Both vehicles have water tanks that need to be regularly filled, meaning you may you’ll have to find somewhere with access to large amounts of water which can incur a fee. Take a look at our blog for some energy-saving tips. 

Driving and off-roading 

You’ll be spending most of your time on the road when living in a caravan or motorhome, so your vehicle’s power and drivability are important. When it comes to exploring more rural areas, quiet country lanes or offroad paths a campervan is better suited to this task. A campervan is small and compact and can handle different terrains like grass, woodlands or gravel. 

A motorhome is a large and heavy vehicle, making it difficult to drive offroad and a very bumpy and uncomfortable ride if you do choose to head down a more scenic route.

Both vehicles fare well on usual tarmac roads, and motorhomes are great for long distances on open roads due to their extra legroom. The large size of a motorhome again however can make things tricky for newer drivers in unfamiliar areas and it can be difficult to adjust to driving such a large vehicle. 

Motorhome and caravan finance with Auto Finance

Now you know the pros, cons and key differences between a motorhome and a caravan you’ll be able to choose the right vehicle for you. When it comes to making the decision between motorhome vs caravan finance, there’s no better option than Auto Finance. Our experts are here to search and compare the best loan deals on the market so you can choose the right vehicle for you on a payment plan that is on your terms.

If you need more advice on the right vehicle for you, contact our experts and we’ll be happy to help. Alternatively, if you’ve made your decision get a quote and get the ball rolling to start your adventures.