Are campervans motorhomes?

[Simonjdcooper]

We often refer to our motorhome, a Burstner A645 as 'the camper', but it doesn't really have much in common with a campervan. Not when considering the dimensions...

We weren't to Stratford Upon Avon the other day, and tried to park in one of the nine spaces by the leisure centre, there were 8 motorhomes, ranging from older coachbuilds to snazzy A classes. And VW campervan.

So the car park was full for motorhomes in the motorhome parking area, but it got me thinking as we drove off, should vans be able to park in the motorhome bays? They are barely bigger than a car (esp if not lwb) and certainly don't need the extra length and width that a 6m+ coach build requires...

We ended up parking at waitrose (2 hours free) and the height barriers were not being used.

What do you think fellow funsters?

 

[Sue and Rick]

Camper Van - VW size usually with no Toilet/Shower

Motorhome - Larger converted chassis with on-board facilities

RV - Larger American Built Trucks

But people refer to them as, Dormobiles, Homecars, Campers, Campervans, mobile homes,

Autocaravan(as), whonmobil, Motorcaravan, Campingcar.

Etc

We have a motorhome in the uk which immediately changes to a camping-car when we land in Dieppe.

 

[VXman]

I just call mine a 'Van'. New neighbour referred to it as a camper van today but I know it's a motorhome because its coachbuilt.

I think it's irrelevant to distinguish between them, if someone is parked there first with the specific purpose to overnight, then good luck to them.

If a vehicle is parked there first that isn't a motorhome/camper/self build, then that doesn't sit right with me, but I would prob just shrug my shoulders and drive off. In France if all spaces were taken, I wouldn't hesitate to park VERY close to the designated area without causing an obstruction, but would only stay the one night.

In Italy one time there was a motorhome parking area near a sports centre. Locals used it as a car park until it was closed. Very annoying!

I think we may even start to see top box type tents using the designated spaces .....

2 young German girls parked up next to us at a motorhome park in the centre of Ljubljana. They were in a old original style Land Rover with a roof tent. They slept in it with the ladder attached all night. Very brave!

Interesting post.
In respect of parking restrictions that say “no motor homes”

Now according to the DVLA my converted van, is not a motor caravan but a “van with windows”.
Despite it having beds /shower /toilet/ sinks /hob/microwave/oven/ windows etc

This DVLA classification is irrelevant in respect of speed limits, but can be used as an defence to defend a parking ticket in a ‘no motorhome’ restricted zone.

For the Local Authority to successfully prove that a vehicle that is classified by the DVLA as a ‘van with windows’ is illegally parked (ie that it is a motor home), they would have to prove that it had all the internal requirements, bed cooker etc etc. so they would have to prove that it was in fact not a van with windows as per the DVLA, but indeed a motor caravan.

Incidentally the legal definition of a motor caravan
Is here.

LINK

I don't think I'd risk arguing that with the parking authorities though.

Just to confuse things......why are static caravans referred to as MOBILE HOMES when they are plumbed into mains electric, water and sewage services and can't move

They can be mobile - I have seen them moved on the back of an articulated lorry!

 

[nicholsong]

So, a Arto isn't a Coachbuilt then, is that what your saying?

Isn't it strange how we read what we want to read and not necessarily, what's written?

My first line (which YOU highlighted in your answer) read, 'To ME, a Motorhome is a Coachbuilt OR

Yes not a coachbuilt, which by most members understanding is a C Class not A Class, and was not>3500kg.

 

[nicholsong]

Just to confuse things......why are static caravans referred to as MOBILE HOMES when they are plumbed into mains electric, water and sewage services and can't move

The law may have changed but years ago they had to be moved on their own wheels, albeit towed, to qualify as a mobile home. Hence the name.

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[Jim]

Motorhomes are in built self contained
(Loo & Shower & sleeping & cooking facilities)

Camper vans are not in built self contained.
(Therefore a campervan with a port-a-potty and a 'shower' that operates out of the rear hatch back boor and a curtain is not a motorhome.)

Either conversion could be a 5.5m PVC.
It's all about the in built facilities

Says who?

 

[L' Hobo]

Yes not a coachbuilt, which by most members understanding is a C Class not A Class, and was not>3500kg.

I'm confused, if it's not a Coachbuilt, I thought it must be a Panel Van Conversion and it's not that!

Interesting!

So, are all Coachbuilts, A Class vehicles?

 

[L' Hobo]

Motorhomes are in built self contained
(Loo & Shower & sleeping & cooking facilities)

Camper vans are not in built self contained.
(Therefore a campervan with a port-a-potty and a 'shower' that operates out of the rear hatch back boor and a curtain is not a motorhome.)

Either conversion could be a 5.5m PVC.
It's all about the in built facilities

My 6m MURVI Morello has ALL the facilities and is registered as a Motor Caravan but most would recognise it as a PVC.

Confusing isn't it?

 

[Sewdhull]

I would suggest everything not a PVC is coachbuilt.

 

[Nanniemate]

I would suggest everything not a PVC is coachbuilt.

OK so what about horse boxes with kitchens sleeping and bathroom facilities

It's it a stable

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[L' Hobo]

OK so what about horse boxes with kitchens sleeping and bathroom facilities

It's it a stable

I think they're Horseboxes but I might be wrong?

 

[Pausim]

Motorhomes are in built self contained
(Loo & Shower & sleeping & cooking facilities)

Camper vans are not in built self contained.
(Therefore a campervan with a port-a-potty and a 'shower' that operates out of the rear hatch back boor and a curtain is not a motorhome.)

Either conversion could be a 5.5m PVC.
It's all about the in built facilities

Not according to UK law. The only legal definition is for “motor caravan” and therefore it covers both campervans and motorhomes. There is no distinction made between them so you can call your motorised travelling home whatever you like.

The definition comes from the Road Traffic Act 1984 and the Type Approval regulations. It is very simple and defines a motor caravan as “a motor vehicle which is constructed or adapted for the carriage of passengers and their effects and which contains, as permanently installed equipment, the facilities which are reasonably necessary for enabling the vehicle to provide mobile living accommodation for its users.”

 

[Nanniemate]

Not according to UK law. The only legal definition is for “motor caravan” and therefore it covers both campervans and motorhomes. There is no distinction made between them so you can call your motorised travelling home whatever you like.

The definition comes from the Road Traffic Act 1984 and the Type Approval regulations. It is very simple and defines a motor caravan as “a motor vehicle which is constructed or adapted for the carriage of passengers and their effects and which contains, as permanently installed equipment, the facilities which are reasonably necessary for enabling the vehicle to provide mobile living accommodation for its users.”

No bed then

 

[alex n]

Says who?

Brains

 

[nicholsong]

I'm confused, if it's not a Coachbuilt, I thought it must be a Panel Van Conversion and it's not that!

Interesting!

So, are all Coachbuilts, A Class vehicles?

As I see the MH community using the terms,'coachbuilt' (or C Class) refers to those with original van cabs plus a wider accomodation area behind. A Class refers to those where the body is built entirely by the converter with only the engine, chassis and dash panel supplied by the motor builder, the body being the same width from front to back.

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[Wee Bold Davy]

The way I see it is if it's got a whoosh-bang sliding door it's a camper van

 

[Nirvanauk]

The way I see it is if it's got a whoosh-bang sliding door it's a camper van

Bollox

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

What do those VW vans have on the V5c? We have a PVC, call it “the van” and it has Motor Caravan on the V5c!

Our 2005 VW Transporter converted campervan has ' Motor Caravan' on the V5c also.

 

[Pausim]

No bed then

“Mobile living accommodation” is usually interpreted as included a bed, even if it is only converted seating. The rules the DVLA apply, which is their interpretation of the law, include bed and a few other things.

 

[Coolcats]

Motorhomes are in built self contained
(Loo & Shower & sleeping & cooking facilities)

Camper vans are not in built self contained.
(Therefore a campervan with a port-a-potty and a 'shower' that operates out of the rear hatch back boor and a curtain is not a motorhome.)

Either conversion could be a 5.5m PVC.
It's all about the in built facilities

Makes sense if people are seeking a definition, and would agree as our old T5 was a camper van and we referred to it as such,

Our PVC is with the definition of being a Motorhome but not an A class.

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[Jim]

Hold one's nose in the air and say in your best BBC plummy voice. Oh, look at that little camper thing, not at all like our wonderful motorhome.

No need to get all snobby about it. As far as I'm concerned, If it's a roadworthy vehicle with a mattress in the back, it's a motorhome. I was on a site in Spain last year and a couple opposite had exactly that. They enjoyed their time on site as much as we did, they ate all their meals outside, but then so did we.

I've owned motorhomes that were just a plastic sheet stretched from a Landrover bull bar, right up to the largest RVs where the slideout section was longer than my current motorhome. They were all motorhomes, in so much as we weren't towing our accommodation.

PVCs of all sizes are motorhomes. Back in the day almost all motorhomes were converted panel vans, they are your natural motorhome. I'm thinking about the Dormobiles and Transits my dad put a mattress in. They were Motorhomes, because they weren't towing our accommodation.

So for what it's worth, if the world needed a definition, that would be mine. If your mattress is on board, it's a motorhome.

 

[VXman]

Our 2005 VW Transporter converted campervan has ' Motor Caravan' on the V5c also.

Just shows how antiquated our laws are. Not enough effort is made in keeping legal definitions up to date. Same with the current situation regarding electric bikes, e scooters, electric mopeds etc etc. It's a mess and as a result many people are breaking the law.

Hold one's nose in the air and say in your best BBC plummy voice. Oh, look at that little camper thing, not at all like our wonderful motorhome.

No need to get all snobby about it. As far as I'm concerned, If it's a roadworthy vehicle with a mattress in the back, it's a motorhome. I was on a site in Spain last year and a couple opposite had exactly that. They enjoyed their time on site as much as we did, they ate all their meals outside, but then so did we.

I've owned motorhomes that were just a plastic sheet stretched from a Landrover bull bar, right up to the largest RVs where the slideout section was longer than my current motorhome. They were all motorhomes, in so much as we weren't towing our accommodation.

PVCs of all sizes are motorhomes. Back in the day almost all motorhomes were converted panel vans, they are your natural motorhome. I'm thinking about the Dormobiles and Transits my dad put a mattress in. They were Motorhomes, because they weren't towing our accommodation.

So for what it's worth, if the world needed a definition, that would be mine. If your mattress is on board, it's a motorhome.

I disagree. My friends have a VW transporter based camper van. I'm not snobby about it - lovely van - BUT. I couldn't live in that. You live 'out' of it and sleep in it. A motorhome is much more suited to all weather and bigger trips - on board shower, proper on board toilet. On a windy rainy day you can stay comfy and warm inside. I can do 3 months off grid travelling. They need a campsite and go away for 2 weeks at the most.

 

[Jim]

I disagree. My friends have a VW transporter based camper van. I'm not snobby about it - lovely van - BUT. I couldn't live in that.

I think you are snobby about it, or you would have said you couldn't live in it, rather than Oh' one couldn't live in that!

 

[Coolcats]

I dont read people are being snobby. Humans love labels and definitions so why not Camper van, Motorhome PVC, A Class, Coach built, definitions categories and sub divisions and categories is how we make sense of the world

loved our camper van but it wasn't a motorhome. People love what they have some desire something different. For years we used a Vango Force 10 a North face Tent which fell apart as the seams were glued (they forgot to stick the seams...outsourced manufacture to Overseas lol) then a Hillieberg oh boy what a tent they are

People love definitions:

Aircraft is a term for a form of air vehicle

Hanglider
Glider
Microlight
Light aircraft (normally has a propeller) can be single or multi engine
Private Jet
Passenger Jet
Cargo plane
Fast jet
Bomber

These are all aircraft types some you can sleep in some for short journeys some for long others for defence of the realm

Same as Motor vehicles

Vans
Mini vehicles
quad vehicles (Renault Zoe)
SUV
People Carriers
Street cars
Taxi's
performance cars
Track cars

Here are some Cats

Domestic Cat
Sub categories:
Ferral, Moggy...Various Breeds

Wild Cat.....Lion, Tiger, Puma

 

[Coolcats]

Just shows how antiquated our laws are. Not enough effort is made in keeping legal definitions up to date. Same with the current situation regarding electric bikes, e scooters, electric mopeds etc etc. It's a mess and as a result many people are breaking the law.



I disagree. My friends have a VW transporter based camper van. I'm not snobby about it - lovely van - BUT. I couldn't live in that. You live 'out' of it and sleep in it. A motorhome is much more suited to all weather and bigger trips - on board shower, proper on board toilet. On a windy rainy day you can stay comfy and warm inside. I can do 3 months off grid travelling. They need a campsite and go away for 2 weeks at the most.

Spot on thats how we found our T5

Our current PVC being 5.4 mtrs is great in the warmer months with the side door open you feel you are living well, come November end of February we do use it but....it's a confined space and in bad weather its a bit on the small side to live full time, Dark at 4pm door closed. Whilst we love the van we choose to rent a cottage etc in those months it's a bit more relaxing and you don't get cabin fever. If we had a larger MoHo it would be comfortable for the dark months of winter use.

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[PeterE1947]

As far as I am concerned a "campervan" is a vehicle converted within its original steel body. Motorhome is a vehicle built with a chassis ready to take a "body" usually made of some sort of plastic or aluminium. It doesn't matter what services are built in so long as it has windows. But, that's my opinion. I have a campervan (PVC) which stands for " Panel Van Conversion". That surely describes the difference.

 

[Jim]

Aircraft is a term for a form of air vehicle

Hanglider
Glider
Microlight
Light aircraft (normally has a propeller) can be single or multi engine
Private Jet
Passenger Jet
Cargo plane
Fast jet
Bomber

These are all aircraft types some you can sleep in some for short journeys some for long others for defence of the realm

So case in point.

Panel van
microcamper
VW whatever

They are all motorhomes

 

[Pausim]

Just shows how antiquated our laws are. Not enough effort is made in keeping legal definitions up to date.

The law doesn’t need to define anything, motor caravan covers all classes and types which is perfectly adequate for legal purposes. There are more than enough rules and regulations already without having separate ones for different types.

If your mattress is on board, it's a motorhome.

The boss has spoken, so on here they are all motorhomes but some of us can be snobby because ours can also be called a whoosh-bang.

 

[B+W vanman]

It’s quite simple:
The nobs (careful!) ride in coaches, the proles slum it in vans…..

 

[Jim]

As far as I am concerned a "campervan" is a vehicle converted within its original steel body. Motorhome is a vehicle built with a chassis ready to take a "body" usually made of some sort of plastic or aluminium. It doesn't matter what services are built in so long as it has windows. But, that's my opinion. I have a campervan (PVC) which stands for " Panel Van Conversion". That surely describes the difference.

Apart from a few big ones. Almost every motorhome started life as a panel van. Some keep the original body shell, others don't, but they are all based upon, or converted from panel vans. But they are all motorhomes first.

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[Brian Thompson]

We often refer to our motorhome, a Burstner A645 as 'the camper', but it doesn't really have much in common with a campervan. Not when considering the dimensions...

We weren't to Stratford Upon Avon the other day, and tried to park in one of the nine spaces by the leisure centre, there were 8 motorhomes, ranging from older coachbuilds to snazzy A classes. And VW campervan.

So the car park was full for motorhomes in the motorhome parking area, but it got me thinking as we drove off, should vans be able to park in the motorhome bays? They are barely bigger than a car (esp if not lwb) and certainly don't need the extra length and width that a 6m+ coach build requires...

We ended up parking at waitrose (2 hours free) and the height barriers were not being used.

What do you think fellow funsters?

I always considered campervans to be VW, Transit etc Motorhomes Coachbuilt / A Class etc