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

• 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.

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.

• 240 volt airconditioning 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.