The 5 BEST motorhome types

Each vehicle category has its own advantages and disadvantages, so each one is the right choice for a different type of holiday. The motorhome you want will also depend on who it’s for, too… for example, a young couple in love, eager to watch the sunrise from bed, will be happy with a smaller campervan. But the same one for a family with children would be far too cramped! Instead, they’d prefer a larger motorhome or caravan. Some people will want to take a lot of things with them, so they’ll need a spacious caravan. Others are minimalists, and will be satisfied simply with the storage that a built-in motorhome provides.

Alcove

The alcove is most popular with families that have children. It’s characterised by a generous space, for both sleeping and day use. Children tend to get excited about the little "bunker" above the cabin, where they can play games even when it's tipping it down outside. However, parents will appreciate that they can put the children to bed, while still having space to sit and talk to each other over a glass of wine. A great choice for families is the Adria Coral XL 670SP.

In terms of manoeuvrability and stability on the road, these won't win any awards. They're quite tall due to the alcove above the driver's cab, so you won’t go under some bridges (and forget about parking in underground garages!). You probably won't get too excited about fuel consumption, either. So if your goal is to explore the city centre and park in urban areas, then choose another type.

Alcove motorhome

This motorhome will be appreciated most by large families and people who want to explore the world without sacrificing their comfort. It’s also got a distinct use for outdoors enthusiasts who need to carry a lot of equipment with them.

Semi-integral (or semi-integrated)

This motorhome is built on the chassis of a standard van. The driver's and front passenger's compartment is the same as in a van, but is completely connected to the living area. The front seats often swivel (great for saving space) and are also used for dining. The front bed mentioned in the alcove is either missing, or located high above the seating and must be lowered for sleeping - making the most of the space. In some of these motorhomes however, this bed also blocks the door, making it difficult to get outside once you’ve got your bed ready.

Semi-integrated motorhome

Today, however, semi-integrals are popular for their better driving characteristics and lower fuel consumption compared to alcoves. This motorhome can comfortably sleep up to 4 people, and the living space is great for day to day use. As a standard, this motorhome is suitable for both families and two friendly couples, who will have a smoother, faster ride compared to alcoves. A good example of a semi-integral is the Adria Matrix Plus 670 SL.

Integral (or integrated)

The integral differs from the semi-integrated in that the entire bodywork is fitted to the standard van's factory chassis, so you often don't even know which factory the chassis originally came from. The front cab area and living area are the same space (this is how it got the name). These vehicles often have a lowered floor making it easier to get on and off… but the downside is they are harder to drive. Interior equipment and appliances tend to be more comfortable and luxurious, as there isn’t the same need for compromising space. The main sleeping area is in the back of the vehicle, and the front bed is either foldable or lowered above the front seats. Unlike semi-integrals, however, the front bed doesn’t usually interfere with the living space, or make it difficult to get out.

Integrated motorhome

In terms of use, these are best for holidays where you don’t intend to drive too much. This is due to the difficulty of driving a larger vehicle and the need to fold down the front seats to lower the front bed, and that takes a while. However, integrated motorhomes sleep four people comfortably, so they provide plenty of space for the family. This type tends to be popular with older people who are fulfilling their travel dreams, sometimes taking their grandchildren with them. In addition to this, there are also integrated motorhomes that are built on the bus chassis, and these can be compared to fully equipped luxury apartments. However, these are more of a rarity on European roads, and more common in the USA.

Caravan

So we've seen that motorhomes are great for travelling holidays, and for more active families. You can stop where you like and when you want to move again, you can. But what if your family only needs to drive to a campsite where they’ll set up a base to enjoy and discover the surrounding area? In this situation you’ll benefit from a caravan, which you’ll attach behind your car and tow as you drive. Smaller off-road caravans, such as the Hero Ranger, have become very popular lately.

The big advantage is that you can set the caravan down and then drive around in your car with ease. At campsites you have access to all the facilities, you can connect the caravan to electricity, and you can work. Caravans usually have a smaller tank for water and waste. In fact, often it’s completely missing because it’s not expected that you’ll use them outside a campsite (one of the biggest drawbacks).

Hero Ranger off-road caravan

Built-in (campervan)

Next, we have the humble van. On the road we can often see various types of standard vans... from those with just a bed in the back, all the way up to fully decked-out campervans that resemble a motorhome. An example of a modern campervan with maximum comfort is this Adria Twin Supreme 640 SGX.

You often wouldn't even know from the outside that you could live inside a campervan. The external appearance is often completely preserved and sometimes the insides can easily be dismantled, so that the van can once again serve its original purpose. The living space for campervans/built-in vehicles is smaller than with classic motorhomes, and sometimes you’ll have to make some compromises.

The campervan is more suitable for smaller families and for shorter trips. All previous types are definitely more suitable for bigger families, however, the built-ins have the advantage of being more discreet. This means that you can drive into the city with more ease, so if you’re planning a road trip hopping between European cities, you’ll be satisfied with these. Large motorhomes are often banned from city centres, and you’ll need to use local public transport, so this is a real advantage. These built-in campervans are also popular with those into outdoor sports and activities such as surfing and mountain biking.

Making your final choice

So, figured out which of the five is best for you? Great! The last thing to consider when choosing the perfect vehicle is the interior layout, which can vary greatly. Some may prefer a king size bed where others will want bunk beds, for example. The beds can also be across or along the motorhome too. For some, the kitchen unit should go at the back, and for others, they like it right next to the entrance. Some will rely on campsites for the toilets and showers, whereas others will want their own... and so on. Only you know what your needs are.

Hopefully this was helpful! If you know what you’re looking for, take a look at our selection here to make your final choice.  See you on the road!