When you are planning to travel in Australia, one of the first questions that will come to your mind is this: do you want to buy a campervan or a motorhome?
They both provide an amazing experience of exploring the country, but they fit different types of travel. There are travellers who like the small size and flexibility of a campervan and others like the space and comfort of a motorhome.
We have been talking to travellers every week at EliteRV who are making the decision between a luxury campervan and a high-end motorhome. The correct decision often boils down to the way you are going to travel, the length of time you are going to be on the road, and the amount of living room you desire during the trip.
Learning the distinction between campervans and motorhomes can make the choice of the most appropriate vehicle in your travelling plans in Australia a lot easier.
What is a campervan?
A campervan is commonly founded on a van platform which has been transformed into a small travelling house. Although most individuals think of simple van conversions, luxury campervans can be much more comfortable than you would imagine.
Most of the luxury campervans have comfortable beds, designed kitchens, smart storage and cool interiors. They are carefully planned to utilize the minimum of space and yet offer all the amenities required to live on the road.
Since campervans are constructed on van platforms, they are usually easy to drive and park. A lot of travellers like the fact that they feel like driving a normal car.
Luxury campervans are also popular among couples who desire something small, easy to drive and flexible to visit coastal towns, national parks and smaller regions in Australia.
What is a motorhome?
A motorhome is a recreational vehicle that is built with the purpose of travelling and living. Unlike campervans, which begin as standard vans, motorhomes are designed from the ground up with comfort and longer stays in mind.
The majority of motorhomes have a separate sleeping compartment, complete kitchen, shower and toilet, dining table and large storage. This additional space will enable travellers to have a more residential style experience as they explore Australia.
Motorhomes are particularly favoured by travellers who are going on longer journeys because the extra space and amenities can make the long journey on the road a lot more comfortable.
The key differences between campervans and motorhomes
The largest distinction between campervans and motorhomes is reduced to size, space and facilities.
Campervans are concentrated on small-scale comfort and adaptability. They are also typically less complicated to drive, less complicated to park and provide a more agile traveling experience.
Motorhomes provide more interior space and additional features such as larger kitchens, full bathrooms and increased storage.
Motorhomes offer greater interior space and other features like larger kitchens, full bathrooms and increased storage.
Both of them can be quite effective when travelling in Australia. The correct decision just lies in the way you are going to travel and the amount of time you are likely to spend in the vehicle.
Which is easier to drive in Australia?
The campervans are considered to be the less difficult to drive due to their smaller size. This can be a big plus to travellers who desire something that resembles a big car or van.
But contemporary motorhomes are also comfortable and driveable. A large number of them are based on commercial vehicle platforms like Fiat or Mercedes chassis designed to be stable and long-range.
In the case of long distance Australian road trips, most travellers have been surprised to discover that motorhomes are quite comfortable to drive due to their high driving position and highway performance.
The campervans excel in more compact urban areas or smaller car parks.
Campervan vs motorhome for travelling Australia
Australia is a long distance country with shifting climates and unbelievably varied landscapes. Such traveling conditions tend to affect the kind of vehicle that is most suitable.
Campervans can be an excellent option when travelling on shorter journeys, on weekends or when the traveller wants a more compact and flexible vehicle.
For longer journeys around the country, some travellers prefer the additional comfort and living space of a motorhome.
Both vehicles can support incredible Australian road trips. The trick is to select the one that fits your style and expectations of traveling.
Why many travellers choose luxury campervans
Luxury campervans have become very popular in Australia in the recent years. They provide excellent comfort and driving abilities and are therefore the best choice of a couple who desires the freedom of a smaller car without compromising on quality finishes.
The ease of driving and the ability to move around in cities and regional areas are some of the reasons why many travellers prefer campervans.
Space is also cleverly utilized in modern designs that offer convenient kitchens, cozy sleeping quarters and sleek interiors.
Luxury campervans offer a great compromise between comfort and simplicity to many travellers.
Campervan vs motorhome costs in Australia
Campervans tend to be cheaper compared to motorhomes, both to buy and to fuel.
Motorhomes usually cost more because they provide larger living spaces and more facilities. Nevertheless, to travellers who intend to travel long distances, that extra comfort can be a significant difference to the entire travelling experience.
Ultimately, it is important to think about the cost and how you are going to use the vehicle and the amount of time you are likely to spend on the road.
Which one is right for travelling Australia?
Choosing between a campervan and a motorhome really comes down to personal travel preferences.
A campervan may suit travellers who want:
- A compact vehicle that is easy to drive and park
- Flexibility to explore smaller towns and coastal areas
- A simple and efficient travel setup
A motorhome may suit travellers who want:
- More interior living space
- A full bathroom and larger kitchen
- Maximum comfort for extended trips
Both campervans and motorhomes can provide an incredible way to experience Australia.
Final thoughts
Exploring Australia through road is one of the most effective ways to see the landscapes, coastline and regional towns in Australia.
Campervans and motorhomes are both amazingly free and flexible. The most appropriate one is just a matter of preference as to how you wish to travel and the comfort you wish to have.
At EliteRV we have both high end motorhomes and luxury campervans that are comfortable to tour around Australia. By spending a moment to learn the difference between the two, you can make the right decision and select the vehicle that will make your journeys even more enjoyable.
