Camper van vs. motorhome: what are the differences?
Anyone interested in mobile travelling is often faced with the question: Camper van or motorhome – which suits me better? To make an informed decision, it is helpful to compare the camper van, often also called a panel van, with the motorhome.
What exactly are the differences, and what advantages and disadvantages do they have? We clear things up! In this report you will learn everything you need to know about camper vans and motorhomes. This gives you a perfect overview.
What is a camper van?
A camper van is a compact panel van, an interior
extended transporter. It offers sleeping space, storage space and usually a small
Kitchen. This makes it the perfect companion for spontaneous road trips or
City trips, full of adventure and ideal for any holiday. Those who visit many places in
a trip benefits from the manoeuvrability and flexibility of the
The everyday practicality of a camper van.
With Malibu, every floor plan becomes a personal highlight thanks to customised fittings. This turns even a compact camper van into a real feel-good place.
Advantages of a camper van
- Compact
Size: Easy driving, even through narrow streets and in cities. - Suitable for everyday use:
Many models can also be used in everyday life. - Inconspicuous
when free standing: You can park without immediately standing out as a camper. - Comfort:
Kitchen, toilet and often a shower are integrated. - Flexibility:
Ideal for short trips and frequent changes of location.
Disadvantages of a camper van
- Less Place: Storage space and living space are limited.
- Floor plans: Fewer variants than for motorhomes.
- Comfort level:
Space can be tight for longer journeys.
The special feature of the Malibu camper vans, in the “Malibu Van” and “Malibu relax” model series, is the option of a pop-top roof. This creates two additional sleeping spaces. Sleeping under the stars also creates a real camping feeling and brings back childhood memories. Imagine: a pitch right by the lake, the view from the pop-top roof and falling asleep under the open sky at night – a dream come true for camping enthusiasts.
What is a motorhome?
A motorhome is a vehicle that combines driving, living and sleeping in one and thus offers a home on wheels. In contrast to a camper van, a motorhome is larger and offers significantly more space and comfort. There are two types: semi-integrated and fully integrated motorhomes. In a semi-integrated model, the driver’s cab is largely retained and combined with a living area, while in a fully integrated motorhome the driver’s cab is fully integrated into the body. This creates a harmonious overall picture that looks “as if from a single mould”. Motorhomes are particularly suitable for people who are planning long journeys, want to be self-sufficient when travelling and value generous storage space. They have spacious living areas, comfortable sleeping areas and often large rear garages that can accommodate bicycles or even a scooter. Those who opt for a motorhome enjoy a high level of comfort and independence, but must bear in mind that the purchase costs and maintenance are higher than for a camper van and the size of the vehicle can limit flexibility on site.
Advantages of a motorhome
- Comfort: Driving, living and sleeping in one vehicle.
- Plenty of storage space: Large rear garages for bicycles or even scooters.
- Flexibility: Perfect for longer journeys and self-sufficient camping.
- Customised equipment: The Malibu genius comes with extras such as pull-out organisation systems and floor compartments for additional storage space.
Disadvantages of a motorhome
- Higher purchase price: Motorhomes are more expensive than camper vans.
- Size: Less flexible on site, more difficult in narrow streets.
- Maintenance: Higher costs for tolls, insurance and maintenance.
Comparison: Camper van vs. motorhome
Feature | Camper van | Motorhome | Size | Compact, manoeuvrable, ideal for cities | Large, more space and storage space |
|---|---|---|
Driving behaviour | Easy to ride, suitable for everyday use | Less flexible, more difficult in narrow streets |
Comfort | Basic equipment: Sleeping places, small kitchen, often toilet/shower | High level of comfort: spacious living area, large beds, often rear garage |
Storage space | Limited storage space, often with floor compartments | Lots of storage space, additional floor compartments and rear garages |
Insulation | Standard vehicle with additional insulation | Integrated insulation in the body |
Flexibility | Ideal for spontaneous trips and frequent changes of location | Perfect for long journeys and self-sufficient camping |
Price | Less expensive to purchase and maintain | Higher purchase price and higher maintenance costs |
Parking | Unobtrusive when free-standing, fits in normal car parks | More conspicuous, requires larger footprints |
When is which vehicle worth buying?
- Camper Van: For all those who want to remain flexible, enjoy exploring cities and are looking for a vehicle that can also be used in everyday life.
- Motorhome: For travellers who want a lot of comfort, are on the road for a long time and need extra storage space.
The decision: Camper van or motorhome?
The choice between a camper van and a motorhome depends heavily on your travelling habits and personal needs. If you like travelling spontaneously, frequently change your route and sometimes want to drive through narrow old town streets, the camper van is the better choice. It is compact, manoeuvrable and easy to park – even in normal car parks. Ideal for city trips or short excursions where flexibility is paramount.
If, on the other hand, you are planning longer trips, would like to be on the road for several weeks or even months and value maximum comfort, then a motorhome is the right choice. It offers more space, generous living areas and additional storage space for bicycles or sports equipment. The motorhome is also perfect for families or travellers who want to be self-sufficient.
Another important point is the budget. Camper vans are generally cheaper to buy and maintain, while motorhomes are more expensive but offer a significant increase in comfort. So think about how often and for how long you want to travel and what equipment is important to you. At Malibu, you can configure both variants individually so that your vehicle is exactly what you want.
Whether camper van or motorhome, both offer unique advantages. At Malibu you will find a large selection of both variants, customised to your needs.
Discover our premium camper vans
Visit our Malibu camper vans to discover your dream vehicle and enjoy the freedom of mobile travelling.
