Beginner’s guide to motorhomes and campervans

When it comes to exploring Australia, few experiences match the freedom of the open road in your own motorhome or campervan. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, choosing the right RV is essential to an enjoyable trip. This guide is designed for beginners who are just starting their journey into the world of motorhomes and campervans. We’ll walk you through the key differences between the two, highlight the pros and cons of each, provide essential information on licensing requirements in Australia, and show you which brands sell what.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a better understanding of which type of vehicle best suits your travel style and needs. However, this beginners guide only covers motorhomes and campervans. If you would like to learn more about other types of RVs, check out our guides below on caravans and camper trailers.

A guide to telling the difference between motorhomes and campervans for beginners

Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand what sets motorhomes and campervans apart. While both offer the convenience of travelling with your accommodation, they cater to different types of travellers and trips.

Motorhomes

Motorhomes are larger RVs built on a truck or bus chassis, designed to provide a home-like experience on the road. They typically come with separate living areas, including a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and dining space. Because of their size, motorhomes often include more amenities, such as full-sized beds, larger kitchen appliances, and sometimes even a washer and dryer. These vehicles are ideal for those who plan to spend extended periods on the road and want all the comforts of home with them.

Campervans

Campervans, on the other hand, are more compact vehicles, usually built on a van chassis. They offer the essentials for living on the road but in a more confined space. Campervans typically include a sleeping area, a small kitchen, and sometimes a toilet. They are easier to drive and park compared to motorhomes, making them a popular choice for shorter trips or for travellers who want to explore off-the-beaten-path locations where a larger vehicle might not fit.

A guide to the main differences between motorhomes and campervans for beginners

When choosing between a motorhome and a campervan, it’s important to understand the key differences so that you can make the right decision based on your travel needs and lifestyle.

Comfort and amenities

• Motorhomes: With more space comes the ability to include a wider range of amenities. Motorhomes often feature separate sleeping areas, full kitchens with larger appliances, spacious bathrooms, and sometimes even luxury items like a washer and dryer. They provide a more comfortable living experience, especially for longer trips or when travelling with family.
• Campervans: While campervans offer the essentials, the smaller space means amenities are more compact and less luxurious. You might have a fold-out bed instead of a fixed one, a small kitchenette rather than a full kitchen, and a portable toilet instead of a full bathroom. However, the simplicity can appeal to those who value minimalism and are more focused on the adventure than the amenities.

Size and maneuverability

• Motorhomes: Generally, motorhomes are larger, often ranging from 6 to 12 meters in length. This size provides more living space and room for additional amenities but can make driving and parking more challenging, especially in urban areas or narrow roads.
• Campervans: Campervans are more compact, typically between 4.5 to 6 meters in length. Their smaller size makes them easier to handle, park, and navigate through city streets or off-road trails. This makes them an excellent choice for those who plan to travel to remote locations or who prefer the flexibility of exploring without worrying about space constraints.

Cost considerations

• Motorhomes: The larger size and additional amenities come with a higher price tag. Motorhomes are generally more expensive to purchase and maintain. They also have higher fuel consumption due to their size and weight. Insurance costs can also be higher.
• Campervans: Campervans are usually more affordable, both in terms of initial purchase and ongoing maintenance. Their smaller size means better fuel efficiency, which can save money on long trips. Insurance costs are typically lower as well, making campervans a more budget-friendly option.

Suitability for different trips

• Motorhomes: Ideal for long-term travel or when you want to bring the comforts of home on the road. Motorhomes are best suited for longer trips, those travelling as a family, or when you plan to stay in one place for a longer period.
• Campervans: Best for shorter trips, solo travellers, or couples who prioritise mobility and flexibility. Campervans are perfect for weekend getaways, exploring remote locations, or when you want to move from place to place frequently.

A beginners guide to the advantages and disadvantages of motorhomes and campervans

Motorhomes

Pros:

• More living space, amenities and comforts from home.
• More comfortable for longer road trips or when travelling as a family.
• Higher resale value.

Cons:

• More expensive to purchase, higher maintenance costs and fuel consumption.
• Its larger size can make it difficult to drive and park in urban areas or tight spaces.
• Limited off-road capability in the majority of cases.

Campervans

Pros:

• Its smaller size makes it easier to maneuver, park, and drive in urban areas or tight spaces.
• Better fuel economy compared to motorhomes, making it more cost-effective for long distances.
• Can access places that larger motorhomes cannot, offering more freedom to explore.

Cons:

• Less living space and fewer amenities.
• Less comfortable for longer stays due to the above. 

Beginners guide to licensing requirements of motorhomes and campervans in Australia

In Australia, the licensing requirements for driving motorhomes and campervans varies depending on the vehicle’s size and weight. Here’s what you need to know about the general requirements across the country.

Standard licensing

• For most campervans and smaller motorhomes (up to 4.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Mass, or GVM), a standard Car Licence (Class C) is sufficient. This applies to the majority of campervans and motorhomes available in the market, as they are built within this weight limit.
• If you’re planning to drive a larger motorhome (over 4.5 tonnes GVM), you will need a Light Rigid Licence (LR). This license covers vehicles weighing between 4.5 and 8 tonnes GVM.

State-specific regulations

While most states follow the general rules mentioned above, it’s important to check the specific regulations in the state or territory where you’ll be driving. For example, some states may have additional requirements for towing caravans or for motorhomes with trailers attached.

Additional certifications

In some cases, it may be beneficial to undergo training or acquire additional certifications, especially if you’re new to driving larger vehicles. Many driving schools offer courses tailored to motorhome drivers, which can help you gain confidence behind the wheel.

Motorhome and campervan brand comparison table (a beginners guide to who sells what)

Here’s a table comparing some of the most popular brands of motorhomes and campervans in Australia. 

Brand	Motorhomes	Campervans	Key features	Base vehicle
Auto-Trail	🟢		Luxury motorhomes with beautiful, styled interiors.	Fiat Ducato
Avida	🟢	🟢	Known for durability with a wide range of layouts.	Isuzu Premium Fiat Ducato Iveco 50C-18 Iveco 70C-21
Dream Drive		🟢	Meticulously designed interiors, walnut kitchen tops and practical details.	Toyota Hiace
Explorer	🟢		Off-road motorhomes, rugged design for Australian terrain.	BT-50 Hilux SR Ranger XL D-Max
Horizon		🟢	Range of Australian-made motorhomes. Off-road options are available.	Mercedes Sprinter Fiat Ducato
Jacana		🟢	Custom-designed vehicles & conversions.	Toyota Hiace Iveco Daily VW Crafter Mercedes
Jayco	🟢	🟢	Australian-built, affordable options, large dealer network.	Renault Master Fiat Ducato Mercedes Sprinter Volkswagen Crafter Iveco Daily
KEA	🟢	🟢	Affordable, practical, new RVs & used RVs.	Mercedes Sprinter Toyota Hiace
Knaus	🟢		Practical details, large bathrooms, panoramic glass roof section.	Fiat Ducato Renault Master Iveco Daily Ford Ranger Isuzu NQR Mercedes Sprinter
Kimberley Kampers		🟢	Luxury motorhome with innovative features.	Unknown
Latitude	🟢	🟢	Luxury motorhomes, bespoke builds, off-road options.	Mercedes Sprinter Iveco Daily
Suncamper	🟢		Operating since 1977. Range of motorhomes. Off-road options are available.	Iveco Mercedes Fiat Toyota Hilux Ford Ranger
Sunliner	🟢	🟢	Luxury interiors, large range, off-road options,	Fiat Ducato Renault Master Iveco Daily Ford Ranger Isuzu NQR Mercedes Sprinter
Trakka		🟢	Innovative design, eco-friendly options, and off-road campers are available.	Volkswagen Transporter Fiat Ducato Volkswagen Crafter Mercedes Sprinter
Windsor	🟢		Australian manufacturer, practical designs.	Renault Master Fiat Ducato
Winnebago	🟢	🟢	Iconic brand, spacious interiors, variety of layouts.	Iveco Daily Mercedes Sprinter

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