Pick the right ‘van and you’re well on your way to having a highly enjoyable touring experience – but this can be easier said than done. Before you even come to thinking about layouts, you need to choose whether you want the best motorhome or opt for one of the best campervans instead. But what exactly distinguishes a campervan from a motorhome?
In the mainstream media, you’re likely to see both terms used interchangeably. Yet there’s no getting away from one simple fact – a campervan is distinct from a motorhome. It’s something I’ve considered quite a bit in recent months, along with the rest of the team, as the judging process of the Practical Motorhome Awards 2025 has been taking place – and after discussing it at length, I’m confident that we, as a team, have come up with the answer of how to choose between the two.
What is the difference between a campervan and a motorhome?
The most simplistic way of looking at it is this – a campervan has been converted, whether it’s by one of the best campervan conversion companies in the UK or a brand. This contrasts with a motorhome, which is manufactured solely for travelling in, so as a result, will have more living space and comforts.
However, there’s a bit more to it than that. Before you can make a decision, it’s important to know a bit more about exactly what differentiates a campervan from a motorhome – and to know this, it’s important to know the different types.
The first and most obvious difference between a campervan and motorhome will be the appearance, which points towards the touring lifestyle they are best suited to.
A campervan is a van which is converted for travelling, based on the best vans for a camper conversion, and generally having pop-tops or high tops.
As a general rule, pop-tops are going to be among the smallest ‘van available, coming on base vehicles such as a VW Transporter or a Ford Transit Custom, and making a great every day vehicle, as seen by the Panama P12. In this Ford Tourneo Custom ‘van, there’s the option of transporting as many as seven.
A great choice for those who want a nimble option that is perfect for everyday use as well as a weekend getaway, they have the added benefit of (generally) fitting into standard parking spaces. Once the roof is popped, you will be able to enjoy better headroom – you’ll find these can provide berths too. The tailgate these come with can sometimes have a tailgate awning attached, as seen with the Adria Active Duo – these can be a useful way of achieving extra space in your ‘van.
However, they can be a bit more basic, lacking in facilities such as washrooms, so you could find yourself having to pack the best portable toilet for a campervan. The kitchens can be more simplistic too, generally coming down to a couple of hobs and, on occasion, only cold water too.
Then there are high-top campers, which come on base vehicles such as a Fiat Ducato or a Mercedes Sprinter. These generally have barn doors at the rear, which makes them ideal for those who like to get active on tour and pursue hobbies, such as cycling or surfing. Take the Benimar Benivan 144, for instance, which folding beds at the rear to offer room for transporting bikes.
They typically come on a longer base than their pop-top counterparts, resulting in more headroom internally.
This type of camper is likely to have a better spec too, such as improved washroom facilities – one such case is the Sprinter-based Malibu Genius 641 LE, which comes with a shower and toilet in its cubicle.
The Malibu ‘van highlights the increasing number of luxury campervans making their way onto the market in recent years, such as the Auto-Sleeper M-Star. However, this will generally be offset by the length increasing, meaning you no longer get the dexterity that characterises the pop-top.
So campervans can be broadly defined as coming with a pop-top or high-top, with one offering a better driving experience and the other a better spec and improved facilities – what about motorhomes?
There are three main types of motorhome – a low-profile, an overcab and an A-class. They can be generalised in a couple of ways – they have been built for travelling, so will be more comfortable, and also are going to offer better washroom and kitchen facilities than their campervan counterparts. You can, for instance, expect to find separate shower cubicles, while
While they will still provide smooth driving, they will lack the nimbleness and versatility campers are known for. However, they are generally bigger, so there can be more storage for packing your favourite accessories. This also means that, unlike their campervan cousins, the cabin will be more of a separate space, while a campervan is likely to use it as part of the lounge.
Low profile motorhomes are the most popular and commonly seen type. These are going to come with the base vehicle cab, but with more room thanks to a GRP shell. Not having an overcab means you are less likely to get buffeted by the wind, while layouts can be open for good headroom or provide plenty of storage options. Take the McLouis Fusion 373 as an example – a huge garage offers excellent storage, the kitchen includes an oven, and the washroom has its own shower cubicle.
In contrast, overcabs have what is called ‘the Luton’ – a bit of protruding bodywork above the cab, which will typically house a double bed. They’re less popular than they once were with motorhomers, that bulbous top tends to get buffeted by the wind or by a sudden blast of air that you might get from, say, overtaking a lorry.
Then there are A-class motorhomes – these ooze class and luxury, but have a price point to match. Built from the chassis cowl upwards, they will normally feature a drop-down bed and have a high level of spec throughout. One such instance is the Le Voyageur Eterna 7.0 GJF, a ‘van with a huge garage, a flat floor throughout, and plenty of luxurious fixtures and fittings.
Another advantage of these high-end ‘vans is that they retain heat better, a factor which can make them ideal for lovers of winter touring. This is due to a low profile having heat escape through the gap between the vehicle body and the GRP shell, which will always be there.
How do I choose between a campervan or a motorhome?
Answering the campervan vs motorhome debate will come down to the same criteria that would apply when choosing the right layout for your ‘van – know what your priorities are and what you want it to provide. It’s also worth remembering that there will be compromises along the way – you’re unlikely to find a motorhome or campervan that ticks every requirement.
It primarily comes down to lifestyle and what you want from your ‘van. A camper is likely to be better suited to those who want a ‘van for every day use, with pop-top options in particular generally offering a niftier drive. These ‘vans in their high-top form are also ideal for lovers of outdoor activities, with layouts and barn doors that factor in the pursuits many of us love doing when on tour, such as cycling or surfing. At certain sites, you may find campervan pitches are cheaper too, as they are smaller.
In contrast, motorhomes will generally have more interior space, which means better cooking facilities, larger beds and more storage options – this is particularly handy if you’re touring as a family, for instance, and want to make sure everyone has enough room. The washroom facilities are also likely to be better – a separate shower cubicle, for instance, and a toilet, so you will not be turning to a Porta Potti. Campervans, in contrast, will be relying on the washblock at the campsite.
Campervan vs motorhome – the final word
Whenever we offer advice on buying a van, we always say the same thing – know what you want and what your priorities are. If comfort and space are your two most important features in a ‘van, a motorhome is likely to be the way to go. In contrast, for those who prioritise the driving experience and want a smaller option for pursuing their passions, a campervan is likely to fit the bill.
Once you know exactly how you want to use your ‘van, you’ll be well placed to make a decision between the two. There’s one thing I can confidently say though – whichever one you opt for, you’re bound to make some fantastic memories.
After choosing your ‘van, you can look forward to hitting the road and pitching up at campsites of your choice – just make sure you steer clear of these 33 errors that every ‘van owner will want to avoid.
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