Occasionally I get asked by newcomers to the world of motorhomes a question something like “What is the ‘best’ motorhome to buy?”. A variant of that question asks what sort of motorhome I would desire to purchase? I’ve seen quite a few motorhomes in my time, and some might be surprised to learn that there is no ‘best’ motorhome! Definitely, there are really well-made motorhomes built by respectable manufacturers, but what suits one particular buyer may well be the polar opposite of what someone else desires.

What makes a ‘best’ motorhome? There are various relevant issues and budget is undoubtedly one of them. I’ll use a simple example of a couple of niche manufacturers I’m familiar with. Both make a similar motorhome, but one is considerably more expensive than the other. Undoubtedly, this is because it’s packed with more features than the other and in some cases, uses more costly components of similar items. The fit and finish of both manufacturers’ motorhomes are similar. Which one is ‘best’? Indeed, the more expensive one would be considered that way, but I’d happily travel around in the less expensive manufacturer’s models because it would suit my budget quite well.

Motorhome size is often a crucial issue for many, with a decent interior space being highly desirable. However, that is undoubtedly tempered by cost and parking space availability to a lesser extent. A third item is the driving factor, so to speak. Some don’t want to obtain an LR truck licence necessary for vehicles with a GVM of 5000kg or over, and others don’t have the confidence to drive a larger-than-usual motorhome. Campervans win the (external) space race, being very easy to park and manoeuvre but have confined interiors with limited layout options.

Everyone uses their motorhomes differently, so there’s no one-size-fits all ‘best’ motorhome

Base vehicle choice sometimes gets into the mix. Currently, most B and C class motorhomes running around this country are built on European cab chassis. Fiat Ducato, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Iveco Daily and Volkswagen Crafter are the hot favourites but there is the  Renault Master too. Apart from brand choice, the most obvious difference is that while the Ducato and a couple of Master models are front-wheel drive, all the rest are rear-wheel drive. Japanese trucks, like Isuzu NPRs, are indeed used for larger motorhomes but lack the flat floor feature that’s much desired by designers and users alike. Chinese vehicle manufacturers are starting to make inroads into the motorhome market. Unfortunately, there’s a limited choice for those who prefer some American horsepower under their motorhomes and it’s relatively expensive for devotees. Unlike motorhomes, including large van conversions, campervans are usually built from either Volkswagen Transporter or Toyota HiAce vans, with the latter much favoured as a budget option.

While layouts are indeed a significant factor in how potential owners view their motorhomes, beds and bathrooms are often the determining factors in a motorhome layout. For couples, island beds are much favoured but can introduce design compromises. Alternatives like French beds, singles beds, day/night lounges  and drop-down beds, although less favoured, often result in a more user-friendly overall layout. Single beds are not the most popular option, yet they are reasonably practical for designers and users alike. Day/night lounges are an excellent space saver but for many, the process of making a bed every night gets too much.

Over the last few decades, bathrooms have grown in the RV world in number and size. The larger ones usually have a separate shower cubicle, cassette toilet and vanity unit. For travellers who regularly stay in caravan parks, these are almost a waste of space. There are certainly smaller bathrooms around with the shower and toilet included in the one cubicle, which suits those who like the convenience of an onboard bathroom but only use it occasionally or just as an overnight convenience.

The ‘best’ motorhome is the one that suits the user

There’s no doubt that battery systems have become more sophisticated. Upmarket motorhomes will often have a couple of lithium (LiFePO4) batteries and a solar panel capacity and battery management system to match. Excellent for extended stays in remote locations off the grid. Yet, for motorhomers who plug into mains power every other night, an AGM battery and adequate charging capacity will undoubtedly suffice.

All this doesn’t mean that some manufacturers aren’t better than others, because there are certainly manufacturing and fundamental design differences. Indeed, I’d recommend for any motorhome purchase, be it new or used, that careful consideration and lengthy thought be given before any money is put down.

So, what’s the ‘best’ motorhome? Undoubtedly one that’s best for you, the user.

Category: Features
Written: Mon 04 Dec 2023
Printed: January, 2000
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