When you think of a motorhome what comes to mind? A purpose-built vehicle with separate bedroom and living accommodation, right? Well, you may be surprised to learn that what you think of as a motorhome isn’t what everyone else thinks. Campers around the world use a number of different terms to describe their motorised living accommodation.
This can be confusing, especially for those who aren’t used to motorhome terminology. So, to avoid any confusion, let’s look at what people around the world call their RVs.
Used in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia and New Zealand, the term is used to describe a purpose-built recreational vehicle which is built using an integrated body on a third party chassis.
Used in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia and New Zealand to describe a small van derived recreational vehicle. They can be panel van or chassis cab based, with the latter typically having more usable living space. Often panel vans will have a dormobile type popup roof which can be opened when stationary to provide more headroom.
Used mostly in the States, RV (Recreational Vehicle) is a general term used to describe all types of mobile dwelling accommodation. So in effect, all the vehicle types you see listed here are RVs.
Used in Australia and New Zealand, a Housebus is specifically a recreational vehicle which has been converted from a vehicle used in a previous life to transport passengers. You may also hear the term Housetruck, which, you guessed it, is an RV converted from a truck body. Because they are often converted by amateurs, this type of vehicle can offer an amazing amount of space for the money -but don’t typically come with any sort of guarantee or warranty.
To make life more complicated, RVs can be categorised into three different classes. This class system is used mainly in the United States for insurance purposes, so you don’t need to worry about it too much. But just so you know what they are, we’ve listed the three main classes here.
This is the top of the line custom built motorhome. They have an integrated body with the cockpit forming part of the living accommodation. They typically have a large lounge/kitchen area with sofas which can be converted into berths, along with a separate bedroom and ensuite at the rear. The most luxurious versions have electrically powered pop outs which expand the living space when parked up.
This is a van-derived RV which is converted from a small to midsize panel van. Class B's are typically the most cost-effective type of motorhome, but they are also the least spacious. To compensate for this, they often have dormobile type openings in the roof to allow extra headroom when parked. They can also be fitted with an awning to expand the usable living area.
This class of vehicle is built on the chassis of a large van. They have custom-built bodies which typically have sleeping accommodation above the cockpit, along with a large lounge/kitchen area and separate bathroom. Less roomy and luxurious than a Class A vehicle, they still provide adequate spacious accommodation. There is a derivative of this class called a Super C, which is the same type of vehicle built on a small truck chassis, rather than a van.
So there you have it, you're now an expert in motorhome lingo. Here at Brownhills Motorhomes we have a huge range of new and used motorhomes for sale, or Rvs if that's how you prefer to describe them. If you have any queries regarding any of the motorhomes you see listed please call our friendly team on 01636 704201.
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