Motorhome vs Campervan Rental: What First-Time Renters Need to Know

If you are planning a road trip around Australia, one of the highest costs you’ll likely face is overnight accommodation. Hotels, motels, and Airbnbs can quickly get very expensive. Especially if you are forking out upwards of $150 a night for them.

That is exactly why many travellers decide to rent out a motorhome or campervan. Not only does it provide you with a vehicle to get from A to B, but it also gives you a place to sleep at any of the 60,000 sites listed on WikiCamps.

Should this be something you are interested in, you’ll have to decide which option is best for you. Both renting a motorhome and a campervan have their advantages. But they do have some differences that may or may not suit you.

In this post, we’ll explore these differences in detail. Hopefully, it will help you choose the best form of transport for your needs.

What Is the Difference Between a Campervan and a Motorhome?

Many people think a campervan and a motorhome are the same thing. But they are a little different. Essentially, the main differences between a campervan and a motorhome are the size, the level of comfort it offers, and how self-contained the vehicle is.

A campervan, for instance, is a regular van that’s been converted for travel. It’s compact and easy to handle, and usually comes with the essentials like a bed and a small cooking setup. Some even have clever designs that turn the seating into a bed, or the roof pops up for extra space.

By contrast, a motorhome is more like a mini apartment on wheels. In one, you usually get a:

• Proper bed
• Bathroom
• Shower
• More complete kitchen
• Separate dining area

This type of vehicle is designed for comfort. Especially for those who intend to be on the road for a while.

What is the difference in cost between a Campervan and a Motorhome?

For many people, the decision to choose between a campervan and a motorhome often comes down to money.

As a general rule, campervans tend to be cheaper across the board. You’ll find the rental price is lower. They use less fuel. And you’ll often spend less on campsites. Hence, they are a solid option if you’re trying to keep your trip affordable.

You should be aware that while motorhomes cost more to rent, they’re also heavier on fuel. Additionally, some campsites also charge more if you’re in a larger vehicle. Particularly, if they need to be hooked up to power.

Insurance is something else you’ll need to consider. The amount you’ll pay will depend on the insurance company. Most of which offer basic cover, albeit with high excesses. That’s why many travellers look into options like RentalCover motorhome insurance. It can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs if something goes wrong.

Which Is Easier to Drive for First-Time Renters?

If you’ve never driven anything bigger than a standard car before, you’ll need to put some thought towards how you’ll be able to handle campervans or motorhomes on the road.

Most people find campervans easier to get used to because they handle a lot like a normal vehicle. Therefore, you should get to grips with parking, reversing, and driving through towns fairly quickly.

Motorhomes, however, may take a bit more adjustment. That’s because you’ll need to think about things like height limits, wider turns, and extra stopping distance. You shouldn’t find it difficult to the point where you can’t drive the vehicle. But it does take a bit of getting used to.

It might be a good idea to test-drive both to see which one you are most comfortable handling on the road.

What Should You Know Before Renting a Campervan or Motorhome?

Before you book anything, there are a few other things worth knowing to prevent you from being caught off guard.

Firstly, in Australia, most campervans and smaller motorhomes can be driven with a standard car licence from the Department of Main Roads and Transport. Having said that, it’s still a good idea to double-check if you’re looking at larger models.

As touched upon earlier, insurance is something you should consider carefully. While basic cover is usually included, you may find upgrading to more comprehensive insurance will give you more peace of mind while on the road.

While both are good options, space is still limited. Therefore, you should try to part as smartly as possible. Overall, it’s better to bring fewer items with you to avoid feeling claustrophobic. Where possible, pack your items in soft bags and not hard suitcases that take up space.

Whichever type of vehicle you decide to book, it is always worth doing so as early as possible. This will enable you to secure the vehicle you want at a reasonable price. Ideally, if you travel outside the Australian summer months of December to February, you will find the cost cheaper due to lower demand.

What are the Pros and Cons of Hiring a Campervan or Motorhome?

Depending on the nature of your trip, both campervans and motorhomes can reliably take you around Australia. How comfortably they do that really depends on your personal preference.

As a general rule, campervans are affordable, easy to drive, and flexible. However, their space might feel a bit tight. Overall, they are probably the better option for beginners and those who want to take shorter trips.

Motorhomes, on the other hand, give you much more room and comfort. That is because they have built-in features like toilets and kitchens that provide excellent convenience.

They do cost more, and they may take some people a bit of time to get used to, especially when driving on busy highways. However, they are ideal for those taking longer trips and travelling with others.