Whether you’re planning your first motorhome holiday or you’re an experienced camper looking to buy your own motorhome, you have a choice of models. Motorhomes come in a wide variety of sizes, with different levels of comfort and luxury, layout of living spaces, and facilities for traveling with children. There are even ecofriendly options with new lithium batteries and solar panels. 

One way to get to know the different types is to first try them out on the road, with models from a motorhome rent service. This will give you an idea of what models and features are best suited to your travel plans. You can also take them for a test drive, to get a sense of how they handle on the road.

Motorhomes have two basic designs: overcabs have extra space in the area over the cab, while low profile motorhomes have a sleek and aerodynamic design that’s also more fuel efficient. The overcab area provides a loft-like sleeping area for kids, and has been popular with families for this reason. However, this adds to the total weight of the vehicle and if this goes over 3500 kg, you may need a special license to drive it. 

Depending on your personal preferences, you can opt for luxury on the road or a basic, no-frills experience. A-class motorhomes are the ultimate in luxury, with plenty of space, wide windows for scenic views, and room for four adults. Interior features include built-in fireplaces and thea-tre-style seats. Class B motorhomes are smaller and more basic, and are also known as camper vans.

When it comes to the layout of the living areas, you have a lot of choices in terms of the beds, seating areas, washrooms, and dinette and kitchen arrangements. This makes it possible to choose the best design for your needs, depending on the number of people who will be traveling, and their ages. If you’re traveling with kids, bunk beds and extra seating in the lounge area are useful. 

When it comes to traveling seats, safety is an important consideration. Up to six can be accom-modated, with two in the front cab and four in the lounge area. All should have three-point seat belts. Some premium homes have fittings to attach child safety seats as well. 

Beds can be fixed or pull out beds that are made up each evening and put away in the morning. The number of people who will be traveling will also determine the size and layout of the dining area and washroom. Some washrooms have just a basic toilet, while others can fit in showers as well. For those traveling with young children or babies, having shower facilities in the mo-torhome will make life on the road much easier. Likewise, a larger kitchen is a better choice for family meals. 

Motorhomes are also defined by their weight. This can get complicated, but the simplest version is the one that classifies motorhomes in two categories according to weight, those with a maxi-mum weight of 3500 kg and those that are over. This figure refers to the weight of the mo-torhome before it has been loaded with all your belongings and equipment. The weight of the motor home is significant, because along with the date on your driving license, it determines whether you need a special drivers' license or not. 

For people who passed their auto  driving test on or after January 1, 1997, their regular driving license allows them to drive any vehicle up to a maximum weight of 3,500 kg maximum weight. Those who passed their driving test earlier than that date are permitted to drive vehicles with a maximum weight of 7,500kg. After the age of 70 years, however, drivers are limited to vehicles with a maximum weight of 3500 kg, unless they go through a special application process and pass regular medical check ups.

Manufacturers are starting to incorporate new technology like long-lasting lithium batteries and solar panels in their motorhome designs. This appeals to travelers who like the idea of being able to enjoy the beauty of the natural world without worrying that their presence is hurting the envi-ronment. 

When buying a new or used motorhome, you have a lot of options. Most dealers will let you test drive different models before you make a decision. Happy traveling!