Looking to buy an RV can be exciting, but the options can be overwhelming. While camper vans and motorhomes have many similarities, they are different classes of RVs, and they each offer distinct features.
Camper vans are 17-23 ft (5-7 m) long and can sleep between 2 and 4 adults. Motorhomes are between 25 and 50 ft (8 and 15 m) long and can sleep anywhere from 4-12 people. Camper vans are more fuel efficient than motorhomes and can travel off-road.
Let’s take a look at the differences between camper vans and motorhomes.
| Camper Van | Motorhome | |
| Sleeping Capacity | 2-4 people | 4-12 people |
| Length | 17-23 ft (5-7 m) | 25-50 ft (8-15 m) |
| Height | 7-9 ft (2-3 m) | 9-12 ft (3-4 m) |
| Weight | 4,000-9,000 lb (1,814-4,082 kg) | 13,000-30,000 lb (5,897-13,608 kg) |
| Fuel Efficiency | Good | Poor |
| Bath | none or compact wet bath | larger dry bath |
Camper Vans: Compact but Agile
Camper vans, or Class B RVs, sleep 2-4 people in a 17-23 ft (5-7 m) long van. Though single people and sometimes couples do live in camper vans full-time, they are most often used for occasional outdoor adventures.
The size of camper vans requires them to maximize space with space-saving tricks but allows them more freedom for off-road travel.
Camper Vans Maximize Space
While motorhomes have lots of room to work with, camper vans need to be creative to make the most use of the space. From 17-23 ft (5-7 m) long and 7-9 ft (2-3 m) tall, camper vans are not able to fit all of the amenities that motorhomes can, but they try to include all of the most important features.
Here are several features camper vans often use to make the most of the space:
- Convertible furniture: Often, the space in a camper van will function as either a bedroom or a living area. Sofa beds and convertible dinettes are the most common.
- Wet bathroom: Wet baths save space by not having a designated shower area. Instead, the showerhead is in the wall, and the entire bathroom becomes the shower stall. Most camper vans with baths use wet baths to maximize the living space. Keep in mind, though, that not all camper vans have baths.
- Pop-tops: One of the easiest ways to add sleeping space to a camper van is to add a pop-top above the coach. Pop-tops generally sleep two adults and can be accessed through a removable ladder.
- Limited galley kitchen: The galley kitchen in a camper van usually has a small refrigerator/freezer combination and a small one or two-burner cooktop, and occasionally there will be a microwave. Counter space is very limited, and fold-out counter space is common.
Camper Vans Are Great for Traveling
While the compact size of camper vans may reduce living space, it makes them perfect for even the most adventurous excursions. Camper vans fall between 17 and 23 ft (5 and 7 m) long, which makes them perfect for navigating a city or off-roading.
Some campervans are available with 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and most have the option to upgrade to all-terrain tires for even more freedom.
If a campervan sounds like the right fit for your adventures, take a look at the Top Reliable Camper Vans on the Market in 2023.
Motorhomes: Space Over Off-Roading Capabilities
Motorhomes, or Class A RVs, include a wide range of vehicle sizes. Some motorhomes are designed to sleep 4 adults, while others can accommodate up to 10 or 12 people. They can range from 25 ft (8 m), a little longer than a campervan, to 50 ft (15 m) long.
While camper vans can be great for weekend trips, motorhomes are configured to be full-time living spaces.
Motorhomes Are Spacious
Ranging from 25-50 ft (8-15 m) long and 9-12 ft (3-4 m) tall, motorhomes are much roomier than camper vans. The extra space gives them the ability to include many more amenities.
Here are some motorhome features that you often won’t find in camper vans:
- Permanent sleeping and living areas: Unlike the convertible areas in camper vans, motorhomes have room for a separate permanent sleeping area, seating area, and dinette. Some motorhomes also have a sleeping area over the cab.
- Full bath: Motorhomes have full baths, with a separate shower inside of the bathroom. This feels less cramped and keeps the entire bath from getting wet when someone uses the shower.
- Slide-outs: To drive on roads, a vehicle must not be wider than the lanes. Motorhomes often add slide-outs or parts of the coach that can be expanded once you get to your destination, adding floor space.
- Full-size appliances: Most motorhomes have a residential-size refrigerator, cooktop, and microwave. The galley kitchens in motorhomes also have more counter space than camper van kitchens.
If, by now, you’re sold on a motorhome, read about six of the coolest motorhomes on the market.
Motorhomes Are Less Travel-Friendly
While motorhomes provide more space than camper vans, they also come with more travel restrictions. Their length can make them hard to navigate in a city, and they do not fit in a typical parking space.
You also need to take a look at campground restrictions. While RV parks are open to motorhomes, other campgrounds may have weight or size restrictions that prevent you from bringing a motorhome. For example, each national park has different restrictions based on the length of the motorhome.
Depending upon the weight of the motorhome and the state you are in, you may need a special license to drive a motorhome. Take a look at my article Driving a Motorhome with a Car License in the USA to learn more about the restrictions in your state.
Is a Camper Van Better Than a Motorhome?
So, we’ve looked at the differences between camper vans and motorhomes, but which is superior? Well, it depends on what you need from an RV.
A camper van is better than a motorhome if you need to sleep four people or less and want a vehicle with off-roading capability. For more than four adults or a full-time residence, a motorhome is a better fit.
A camper van is the best choice for you if:
- You are looking for a vehicle for weekend getaways and vacations
- Like going off-roading
- Need something that can be driven easily in the city
- Are looking to sleep 4 people or less
A motorhome is the better choice for you if:
- You are looking for a place to live full-time
- Need to accommodate more than 4 adults
- Need a full-size refrigerator and microwave
If you’d like to know if a camper van is right for you, read my article, “Pros and Cons of Buying a Camper Van.”
Conclusion
With RVs, it is about finding a balance between being large enough to be comfortable and small enough to travel freely. Camper vans lean more towards the adventure aspect, while motorhomes prioritize space.
I can’t say that one is better than the other because it comes down to what your personal needs are. Once you decide on your priorities, there is sure to be an RV perfect for you and your family!
Sources
- Camping World: RV Rules, Regulations, and Road Restrictions
- Curbed: From Tiny Trailers to Huge RVs, a Definitive Guide to Every Type of Camper
- Hipcamp: Campervans vs motorhomes – what’s the difference?
- KOA: RV Classes Guide | Classes of RVs & Motorhomes Explained
- RV Share: National Parks RV Length Limits
- RV Share: RV Classes: Types of Motorhomes and Towable Trailers
- The Wayward Home: RV vs Camper – What Are the Differences & What Suits You Better?
- Van Camping Life: Camper Vans vs. Motorhomes: What’s the Difference?