In this guide, the major features of the different campervan and motorhomes are explained.
While often referred to simply as a campervan, your selected home-on-wheels can be more specifically classified as a campervan, a motorhome, or a 4-wheel drive camper.
Recreational Vehicle (RV), is the popular term used in North America to describe motorised camping vehicles and can refer to a campervan, motorhome or 4WD camper.
While there are exceptions, a useful rule-of-thumb definition for each of these vehicles is as follows:
Typically, a campervan is a compact van-style vehicle and it may come in many different shapes and sizes. Depending on the size, campervans can accommodate 2 adults comfortably, 2 adults + 1 child, or up to 4 adults in some Hi-Top models.
Most campervans will come equipped with a gas cooker, fridge, microwave, sink and clean cold water, along with bedding for each guest.
Some campervan models will be fully self-contained and come with a toilet and shower facilities, hot and cold water, reverse-cycle central-cabin air-conditioning and an LCD screen with a DVD player. Hiring a self-contained van is great for hot summer days and cold winter nights. The central cabin cooling or heating is available while you are plugged in to a powered site.
Campervans without the central-cabin air-conditioning feature will only have air-conditioning from the driver’s dashboard when the engine is running.
The 2 berth campervan has a double bed which converts into your dining table and seating area.
The 2+1 berth campervan has a double bed and a single bed. The 3rd seat, which is behind the driver’s seat, converts into a single bed. This single bed is shorter in length and is suitable for a child or younger teenager.
The 4 berth Hi-Top campervan has a double bed on the cabin floor level, while the 2nd double bed is in the loft area above the lower double bed. To gain access to the upper bed, there is a small ladder to climb
Most campervans will come with automatic transmission, some older models may have manual transmission. Look for the ‘A’ automatic icon and the ‘M’ manual icon in the vehicle description.
Motorhome models are designed and configured to be spacious and offer the many comforts of home. Motorhomes have a long-wheel base allowing the vehicle to be larger which gives you more room inside the vehicle. They have walk-through access from the driver’s cabin into the main cabin area along with a higher roof for plenty of head room.
Motorhomes are fully self-contained and come with a toilet and shower facilities, reverse cycle central-cabin air-conditioning and heating, hot and cold water, an LCD screen and a DVD player.
Your motorhome will come fully equipped with bedding (sheets, doonas/duvets or blankets, pillows, and pillowcases), towels and kitchen equipment (cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils and cooking appliances). Some camper brands may also provide outdoor chairs and a picnic table. .
The 4-berth motorhome has 2 double beds, with one bed in the main cabin area and the 2nd bed in the loft above the driver's cabin. A ladder is provided for guests to climb up into the loft.
The 6-berth motorhome has 3 double beds, with 2 in the main cabin area and the 3rd in the loft above the driver's cabin.
All motorhomes in Australia will come with automatic transmission. Look for the ‘A’ automatic icon in the vehicle description.
4-wheel Drive Campers are generally a 4WD diesel engine built on a Toyota Hilux chassis or a Toyota Land Cruiser model. Designed and built for the campervan traveller, 4WD campers can take you off-road.
2 berth 4WD models have the configuration that allows you to sleep inside the vehicle in a double bed. It also has an inside dining table, a collapsible sink, and a fridge and freezer.
5 travellers may be accommodated by some 4wd camper companies. While there is limited space inside the vehicle, they come with additional equipment including either a rooftop tent or ground tent. Also provided are sleeping bags and self-inflating air mattresses.
4WD Campers come with automatic or manual transmission, depending on which model you choose. Look for the ‘A’ automatic icon and the ‘M’ manual icon in the vehicle description.