Trying to choose between a caravan or a motorhome? We answer your most frequently asked questions to help you make the right buying decision.  

How are motorhomes categorised and what's available?

• Motorhomes are categorised according to the number of berths (sleeping capacity) and also the length of the overall vehicle.
• Smaller motorhomes usually have a fridge and stove, larger ones may have a cassette toilet and hot-water shower.

Want to know more?

What size motorhome will we need?

• Basic two berth motorhomes (or camper conversions) are terrific for two people on a budget. However, because smaller motorhomes don't have toilet and shower facilities, travellers are restricted to camping in caravan parks and using public amenities.
• Many of the truck based six berth motorhomes are designed to suit families or two couples travelling together.
• The larger the motorhome, the higher the running costs.
• However the larger the motorhome, the greater its creature comforts and the more time you'll be happy to spend away from home!
• A 23-foot maximum length allows access to most car parking spots in cities and scenic lookouts.

What are the pros and cons of travelling in a motorhome compared to towing a caravan?

• Motorhomes usually have access between the driver's cabin and the body so there's no need to leave the vehicle to camp.
• There's no 'set up' involved in camping with a motorhome.
• Passengers can be carried within the motorhome (providing the seats have the appropriate belts.)
• Motorhomes can be parked more easily and less conspicuously than a car and caravan.
• Ease of parking means access to and ability to stop at lookouts and scenic places that caravans might have trouble accessing.
• There are no tow hitch, chains or levelling bars to attach.
• Motorhomes are easily reversed.
• Motorhomes require full registration and insurance rather than the cheaper caravan alternative.
• Caravans give you the option of leaving them parked while you use the tow vehicle for day trips.

Are motorhomes difficult to drive?

• Small campers and motorhomes are as easy to drive as a medium-sized car.
• Most modern motorhomes, even the truck based six-berth and eight-berth models, have automatic transmissions and power steering.
• Anything up to a six-berth motorhome (single axle) can be driven on a normal car licence.
• Apart from the need to allow for the extra height and width of the body, motorhomes are usually an easier alternative to towing a similar sized caravan.

Can I go off-road?

• The truck-based motorhomes have better ground clearance and higher rated tyres. They are more suitable for dirt roads and tracks than many cars and caravans.
• A motorhome can usually be taken anywhere you'd take a normal car, with extra allowance being made for overhanging branches and the like.
• Several Australian companies convert four wheel drive vehicles into campers and motorhomes.
• Some motorhome manufacturers include four-wheel drive truck chassis as an option, allowing their customers to build large off-road capable vehicles.

Where can I stay overnight in a motorhome?

• Virtually anywhere you can park safely without obstructing traffic and where it isn't signposted 'No Camping'.
• Rest areas alongside major roads.
• However waste water must be stored until it can be dropped in an appropriate place.
• Any caravan park powered site can be accessed by a motorhome.
• Some parks reserve special areas for motorhomes.

What sort of bathroom facilities are available?

• The most common motorhome toilet is the cassette style. Chemicals break down the waste which can be emptied down any toilet as required.
• Some large motorhomes have full flush toilets and black water holding tanks.
• Showers fed by LPG gas hot water systems are also common. Although small, they are very practical.

What about the electrical systems?

• Motorhomes usually have a 240 volt power inlet which can be hooked up to power the larger appliances such as air conditioners and microwaves.
• They will also have 12-volt DC lights and minor appliances, powered either from the vehicle battery or a separate deep cycle battery.
• Inverters are used in some cases to enable the 12-volt system to be transformed to limited 240 volt AC power.
• Solar panels are often used to charge the deep cycle house batteries.

What is a 'fifth wheeler' and what's the difference?

• A fifth wheeler, often called a goose neck trailer, is a caravan/motorhome style trailer that attaches through the 'fifth wheel' to a position directly above the tow vehicle's rear axle.
• Being articulated, they are easier and more direct to tow than a caravan yet allow the tow vehicle (usually a tray back ute or truck) to be used independently.
• Very popular in the USA, fifth wheelers are rapidly becoming more popular in Australia as recreational vehicles.

What sort of accessories should I be looking for?

• 240 volt air conditioning is very popular, especially for travellers intending spending time in the tropics.
• A roll out awning is a great addition to any motorhome, creating an instant verandah wherever you travel.