We are build a campervan but we also cater for building motorhomes. But what exactly is the difference?
We wanted to find out and therefore headed to Google to find out what the difference is if any. Based on this you can make a decision as to whether you are wanting to build a campervan, build a motorhome or even build an RV?
Wikipedia suggests that “The term motorhome is sometimes used interchangeably with campervan, but the former can also be a larger vehicle than a campervan and intended to be more comfortable, whilst the latter is more concerned with ease of movement and lower cost.”
What is a Motorhome?
Overall it does seem that a motorhome is larger and able therefore to facilitate more services. Whether panel van style or Coach built motorhome will often have a kitchen, living area, sleeping area (even though this may be the same as the lounge) and in most cases a toilet/shower facility.
The definition of motorhome is a self propelled recreational vehicle. This distinguishes it from a caravan as this is not self propelled, but does not distinguish itself from the campervan or RV. It does however combine a living area with vehicle engine and the motorhome dates back to 1920’s, although it is thought that there were earlier home made motorhomes.
One of the earliest self build motorhomes was of Charles Kellogg believed to be completed in 1917. His home-built motorhome was carved from one log of a Redwood tree mounted on a Nash Quad Chassis.
(source:http://rvtravel.com/publish/news/historic_log_rv.shtml)
It is however arguable that this was actually a Campervan not a motorhome as it had no bathroom or toilet and hence was a simple living space powered by the main engine.
WHAT IS A CAMPERVAN?
When people say campervan, often it it assumed that they mean a VW Camper. VW Camper often takes the throne when referring to the term Camper or Campervan. However it is not necessarily the case. A campervan is similar to a motorhome but normally a lower cost option, and therfore originally would tend to have less services and facilties like a shower room, toilet cubical etc… this can be down to space restrictions as campervans also tend to be smaller in general than motorhomes.
One of the oldest VW campervans in the world is from 1961.
WHAT IS AN RV?
An RV or Recreational Vehicle is often a term used in North America to refer to a motorhome. RV tends to be a more general use of the term than motorhome or campervan. Wiki explains that “Recreational vehicle types include the motorhome (class A, B, B+, and C), travel trailer, fifth wheel trailer, toy hauler, popup trailer, and slide-in camper.”
This opens up another area of discussion, what are the different RV classes and what determines them.Find out more.
