Beginners Guide to Motorhome Ownership

<h1>Beginners Guide to Motorhome Ownership – Types of Motorhomes</h1>Author: <a title="Neil Walker" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/neil-walker/184618.htm">Neil Walker</a> Campervans (VW Campers) These iconic Volkswagen campervans are still being produced today and have a dedicated following, with a range of clubs and magazines available to enthusiasts. Campers will generally sleep between 2 and 4 comfortably but are small enough to be driven in cities as well as on the open road, making them famously popular for touring around Europe. They are available with a huge range of features including raising roofs, windscreen sun visors, surfboard roof racks and chrome trims and fittings - either direct from Volkswagen or through a number of specialist converters. When it comes to insurance for older models, you may have to consider a ‘classic’ vehicle policy as many specialist motorhome policies have a vehicle age limit Van conversions Often referred to as panel van conversions, these medium to large sized motorhomes are built using well known commercial vehicles as a base unit and nearly always feature a sliding side door. They offer a good amount of space inside and many come with roomy wash rooms and better equipped kitchens than the smaller or micro-sized van conversions. Many have a double bed at the rear, running across the width of the van, so taller motorhomers may struggle to fit. For this reason it’s important to check the layout and dimensions of the van before buying. Popular manufacturers of van conversions include: Autosleepers, Bilbo, IH Motorhomes and Murvi Conventional coachbuilt motorhomes These are possibly the most common type of motorhome on British roads, and are characterised by their large over-cab hump which often houses a bed or spacious storage area. These motorhomes are popular as they offer a practical solution for small families or couples wanting to travel throughout the UK and Europe. They typically have a washroom and kitchen fitted as standard, along with room to sleep between 2 and 6 people. The front end cabs of coachbuilt motorhomes may look familiar – that’s because the ‘base vehicle’ of such motorhomes are popular vans such as Ford Transits, Peugeot Boxers, Fiat Ducatos and Mercedes Spinters. Popular manufacturers of conventional coachbuilt motorhomes include: Autocruise, Autosleeper, Elddis and Swift Low profile coachbuilt motorhomes Very similar in style and features to the above ‘conventional coachbuilt motorhome’ the low profile design does away with the over cab bed in favour of a lower roof and streamlined shape, this gives better clearance and more car like handling. Tag axle (twin axle) motorhomes Some very large coachbuilt motorhomes require a third set of wheels to support the weight and length of the unit in a similar way to a ‘twin axle’ caravan, this third axle is know as a ‘tag axle’. Tag axle motorhomes allow even more space inside but the twin rear axle means that driving them may take a little adjusting to. A-class motorhomes These often very large motorhomes are recognizable by having no separate cab area as common with conventional coachbuilt motorhomes, as well as a ‘bus like’ large front windscreen, and are usually imported from Europe or further afield. Built from scratch on a bare chassis by the motorhome manufacturer you can expect bags of room and home comforts including domestic style washrooms and kitchen fixtures, as well as full sized beds and spacious living areas. Popular manufacturers of A-class motorhomes include: Frankia, Pilote and Hymer American ‘Recreational Vehicles’ (RVs) Coming from the USA these units are typically big, bold and brash – but can offer massive amounts of space, comfort and features including full sized refrigerators and ovens as well as king sized beds and washrooms with domestic spec fittings. Many even feature ‘slide outs’ - which mean certain sections of the motorhome can be extended to create extra floor space. Typically used for long tours or full timing around Europe or the US these huge units are unrivalled when it comes to luxury and comfort. Popular manufacturers of American RV motorhomes include: Georgie Bay and Winnebago Home built motorhomes Some enthusiasts design and build a motorhome themselves to suit their needs. These can range from simple van conversions up to impressive custom builds and there are a range of websites and clubs dedicated to self builds that provide helpful info for any would be DIYers. Watch out though as many insurance companies cannot provide cover for home built motorhomes. Micro motorhomes These tiny motorhomes are usually conversions of small van style cars and offer limited space for one or two people to sleep, as well as basic cooking equipment and space for a small cassette toilet. Their diminutive size makes them a breeze to drive, particularly in typically crowded European towns where narrow streets and busy roads make the city centre a no go area for all but these nippy little motorhomes. Popular manufacturers of micro motorhomes include: Romahome and DrivelodgeAbout the Author: Neil Walker of Caravan Guard Limited. Caravan Guard limited specialise in insuring all kinds of motorhomes in the UK. If you've invested your savings in the motorhome of your dreams, make sure you insure it under a specialist <a href="http://www.caravanguard.co.uk/motorhome_insurance/index.php">motorhome insurance</a> policy. For more information visit <a href="http://www.caravanguard.co.uk"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.caravanguard.co.uk">http://www.caravanguard.co.uk</a></a>Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/beginners-guide-to-motorhome-ownership-types-of-motorhomes-1027491.html" title="Beginners Guide to Motorhome Ownership – Types of Motorhomes">Beginners Guide to Motorhome Ownership – Types of Motorhomes</a>

Campervans (VW Campers)
These iconic Volkswagen campervans are still being produced today and have a dedicated following, with a range of clubs and magazines available to enthusiasts.

Campers will generally sleep between 2 and 4 comfortably but are small enough to be driven in cities as well as on the open road, making them famously popular for touring around Europe.

They are available with a huge range of features including raising roofs, windscreen sun visors, surfboard roof racks and chrome trims and fittings - either direct from Volkswagen or through a number of specialist converters.

When it comes to insurance for older models, you may have to consider a ‘classic’ vehicle policy as many specialist motorhome policies have a vehicle age limit

Van conversions
Often referred to as panel van conversions, these medium to large sized motorhomes are built using well known commercial vehicles as a base unit and nearly always feature a sliding side door.

They offer a good amount of space inside and many come with roomy wash rooms and better equipped kitchens than the smaller or micro-sized van conversions.

Many have a double bed at the rear, running across the width of the van, so taller motorhomers may struggle to fit. For this reason it’s important to check the layout and dimensions of the van before buying.

Popular manufacturers of van conversions include: Autosleepers, Bilbo, IH Motorhomes and Murvi

Conventional coachbuilt motorhomes
These are possibly the most common type of motorhome on British roads, and are characterised by their large over-cab hump which often houses a bed or spacious storage area.

These motorhomes are popular as they offer a practical solution for small families or couples wanting to travel throughout the UK and Europe. They typically have a washroom and kitchen fitted as standard, along with room to sleep between 2 and 6 people.

The front end cabs of coachbuilt motorhomes may look familiar – that’s because the ‘base vehicle’ of such motorhomes are popular vans such as Ford Transits, Peugeot Boxers, Fiat Ducatos and Mercedes Spinters.

Popular manufacturers of conventional coachbuilt motorhomes include: Autocruise, Autosleeper, Elddis and Swift

Low profile coachbuilt motorhomes
Very similar in style and features to the above ‘conventional coachbuilt motorhome’ the low profile design does away with the over cab bed in favour of a lower roof and streamlined shape, this gives better clearance and more car like handling.

Tag axle (twin axle) motorhomes
Some very large coachbuilt motorhomes require a third set of wheels to support the weight and length of the unit in a similar way to a ‘twin axle’ caravan, this third axle is know as a ‘tag axle’.

Tag axle motorhomes allow even more space inside but the twin rear axle means that driving them may take a little adjusting to.

A-class motorhomes
These often very large motorhomes are recognizable by having no separate cab area as common with conventional coachbuilt motorhomes, as well as a ‘bus like’ large front windscreen, and are usually imported from Europe or further afield.

Built from scratch on a bare chassis by the motorhome manufacturer you can expect bags of room and home comforts including domestic style washrooms and kitchen fixtures, as well as full sized beds and spacious living areas.

Popular manufacturers of A-class motorhomes include: Frankia, Pilote and Hymer

American ‘Recreational Vehicles’ (RVs)
Coming from the USA these units are typically big, bold and brash – but can offer massive amounts of space, comfort and features including full sized refrigerators and ovens as well as king sized beds and washrooms with domestic spec fittings. Many even feature ‘slide outs’ - which mean certain sections of the motorhome can be extended to create extra floor space.

Typically used for long tours or full timing around Europe or the US these huge units are unrivalled when it comes to luxury and comfort.

Popular manufacturers of American RV motorhomes include: Georgie Bay and Winnebago

Home built motorhomes
Some enthusiasts design and build a motorhome themselves to suit their needs. These can range from simple van conversions up to impressive custom builds and there are a range of websites and clubs dedicated to self builds that provide helpful info for any would be DIYers.

Watch out though as many insurance companies cannot provide cover for home built motorhomes.

Micro motorhomes
These tiny motorhomes are usually conversions of small van style cars and offer limited space for one or two people to sleep, as well as basic cooking equipment and space for a small cassette toilet.

Their diminutive size makes them a breeze to drive, particularly in typically crowded European towns where narrow streets and busy roads make the city centre a no go area for all but these nippy little motorhomes.

Popular manufacturers of micro motorhomes include: Romahome and Drivelodge

Neil Walker of Caravan Guard Limited. Caravan Guard limited specialise in insuring all kinds of motorhomes in the UK. If you've invested your savings in the motorhome of your dreams, make sure you insure it under a specialist motorhome insurance policy. For more information visit http://www.caravanguard.co.uk

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/beginners-guide-to-motorhome-ownership-types-of-motorhomes-1027491.html

Article Tags: Motorhome, Campervan, Motorhome Insurance, Motorcaravan, American RV

Related Articles
Related Q&A

Latest Camping Articles
More from Neil Walker

About Classic Volkswagen Camper van

By: Jacob | 12/12/2009
Volkswagen was one of the first manufacturers of the camper van. The VW camper van, also known as a minibus, was first introduced in 1950 and gained in popularity as an inexpensive way to take the family on vacation. In the 1950s, the Volkswagen camper van, also know as Type 2, was one of two car models produced by Volkswagen.

Avail The Superb Hotel Deals In New York

By: Boris Lipkind | 11/12/2009
You should never get bored with the hotel deals in New York which are great in number. When you will look into the various deals of the hotel, you will immediately get the support of one to have your room. When your family gets free from having tough schedule, you should make trip to New York which is innovative and creative place to visit and which never provide you boring atmosphere while having your deals. If you have big family and you want to stay a place where they all would get relaxed th

Best Satellite Navigation Systems for Caravan and Motorhome Owners

By: Heather Robinson | 11/12/2009
There's a huge amount of satellite navigation systems (or 'sat navs') on the market and it can be confusing with all the different features available. Here we've found four sat navs across the price ranges that users have rated first class.

Accessing the Internet on Caravan and Camping Sites

By: Heather Robinson | 11/12/2009
With wi-fi internet access available on many parks across the UK, why not take advantage of this and keep up to date with your emails whilst on holiday in your caravan or motorhome? Let's take a look at some of the options available to you.

Backpacking Europe Cost: What You Have To Know

By: Christopher S. Norwood | 10/12/2009
Backpacking through Europe is an inexpensive way to enjoy a pricy area of the world. However, that does not mean you don't have to do some budget planning prior to departure. Backpacking Europe can cost a lot or a little depending on your travel style, how long you plan to travel, and when you are going to travel. Here are some tips for planning how much backpacking in Europe will cost for you.

Backpacking Europe Guide: Tips To Make Your Trip Smooth Sailing

By: Gene B. Pineda | 10/12/2009
Backpacking Europe will be one of the greatest adventures of your lifetime but without some form of planning, it could go from being a spontaneous adventure to a disorganized nightmare. You may be the kind of person who likes to do things without much planning but an extended trip to Europe does require some amount of preparation.

Backpacking: The Most Enjoyable Way To Travel On A Budget

By: Gene B. Pineda | 10/12/2009
If you're familiar with budget travel, you've probably heard of backpacking. It is a popular method of international travel that involves traveling with whatever items you can fit into a backpack. Backpackers stay in hostels versus hotels and oftentimes shop in grocery stores and prepare their own food versus eating out in restaurants. Backpacking is popular with young people who want to see the world but can't spend lot of money doing it.

Top 15 Must-Visit Camping Destinations In The US!

By: Neelima Reddy | 09/12/2009
What sort of a traveler are you? When you visit new places, do you usually look for luxurious accommodations like a five-star hotel? Are you more of the bed-and-breakfast type? Or are you willing to rough it, be one with nature and stay at a local camping site? Even if you’re the type of person to stay at a luxury hotel or a charming guest inn while paying a particular city a visit, you are definitely missing out on a lot if you will not try out camping – at least once.

Beginners Guide to Motorhome Ownership - Buying Your First Motorhome

By: Neil Walker | 31/07/2009 | RVs
Buying your first motorhome is a huge investment and one that needs careful consideration. If you're looking to purchase a motorhome for the first time, read our tips on what to look out for.

Beginners Guide to Motorhome Ownership – Types of Motorhomes

By: Neil Walker | 10/07/2009 | Camping
The term 'motorhome' or 'motorcaravan' is used to decribe an array of different leisure vehicles. In this article we attempt to shed some light on the different types of motorhomes on the market.