Motorhome and campervan touring gives you the freedom to go almost anywhere. This guide brings together everything on Caravan Adventuring that helps motorhome and campervan owners.
Caravan Adventuring covers caravans, motorhomes and campervans alike. Much of the advice is the same for everyone. For example, the campsite reviews, the checklists and the European guides all apply.
However, some things are different. Your home and your vehicle are one, so the licence, insurance and maintenance work differently. In addition, you can use aires in Europe, which are mainly built for motorhomes.
So this page pulls together what matters most for motorhomes and campervans. Brand new to touring? Then start with New to Caravanning.
First, check what your licence allows. According to GOV.UK, a standard category B car licence covers vehicles up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass. That includes petrol, diesel and hybrid motorhomes. For electric or hydrogen zero-emission vehicles, the limit rises to 4,250kg.
Heavier motorhomes, between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, need category C1. If you passed your test before 1 January 1997, check your licence, as older licences often include extra categories. GOV.UK explains it all on its driving licence categories page.
Also, keep an eye on payload. Water, fuel, passengers, bikes and kit all add weight quickly. The weight limits guide explains the basics.
Speed limits can differ for heavier motorhomes too. So check the GOV.UK speed limits page for your vehicle.
Almost every campsite reviewed on Caravan Adventuring welcomes motorhomes. Check the pitch size and access if you have a larger van.
Aires are built mainly for motorhomes. They’re often basic and cheaper than campsites, and some are free.
A huge back-to-basics site with direct beach access. It doesn’t take caravans, but motorhomes and tents are welcome.
See every reviewed campsite on one map, then filter by region, site type, facilities or score.
A campervan is smaller than a motorhome, and that brings real benefits. It’s easier to drive on narrow lanes, simpler to park and often fits a normal parking space. Many also double as an everyday vehicle.
On the other hand, space is tight. Many campervans have no shower, and some have no toilet. So campsites with good facilities are often the better choice, especially on longer trips.
Before you set off, check any height limits on car parks and barriers. In addition, pack light, as storage fills quickly.
A standard car or van policy may not suit a vehicle built as living space. Specialist cover can include the kitchen, gas, awning and European touring.
A phone hotspot or campsite Wi-Fi may be enough for occasional use. For more, there are routers and satellite internet.
Rated outstanding, with 48/50 and a Caravan Adventuring Recommended award. The review praises its reliability on tour.
Specialist cleaners are safer than household products. Above all, acrylic windows scratch easily and need gentle care.
Aires are one of the best parts of motorhome touring abroad. Typically, they offer fresh water, grey waste disposal and chemical toilet emptying. Some also have electric hook-up.
However, toilets and showers aren’t always available. So they suit self-contained vans best. Some aires are free, while others charge a small fee for parking, water or electric.
For the full comparison, read aires vs campsites in Europe. Then plan your trip with Caravanning in France.
A motorhome needs two kinds of care. The living area needs the same attention as a caravan. Meanwhile, the base vehicle needs its own servicing and an MOT.
For the full yearly plan, read the Caravan Maintenance guide.
A motorhome makes Europe easy. You can stop at aires, change plans on the day and reach places that are harder with a caravan.
For everything else, head to European Touring.
Usually, yes, if it’s up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass. Heavier motorhomes need category C1. Check the GOV.UK driving licence categories page for the details.
Often, yes. A standard car or van policy may not suit a vehicle built as living space. The insurance guide explains your options.
They suit different trips. Aires are cheaper and flexible, but often basic. Campsites, on the other hand, offer showers, toilets and more space.
Only if you’ll drive into a French low-emission zone. If so, the motorhome needs its own sticker. Always buy it from the official French government site.
If it has a living area with gas, electrics or water, a habitation check is a good idea. In addition, the base vehicle needs its usual service and MOT.
Yes. Pitches, facilities, cleanliness and value matter to every tourer. Even so, check pitch size and access for larger motorhomes.
Got a motorhome question? Ellie can help with campsites, routes and costs.
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