The term "motorhome" covers many different realities, because behind this name we find several different types of vehicle: van, profile, integral. Here we take a look at the different types of vehicle, their design and the points to bear in mind when making a purchase.
Recreational vehicles first
"Basically, we're talking about leisure vehicles. This category encompasses two families of vehicles: vans and motorhomes ", notes Marc, technical sales representative at Autostar. All vehicles are designed on a base called a carrier, consisting of a chassis and an engine. Next comes the cab, which houses the cockpit. Finally, the cell houses the vehicle's living quarters. Each type of vehicle has its own specific features, which can influence the way it is used. We explain everything.
VANS. ALL-PURPOSE BESTSELLERS
There are two types of vehicle in this category. On the one hand, there are minivanswith a height of less than 2 metres. On the other side are the vansThese are more spacious and stand upright. Passe-partout and compactThey are often the preferred choice of people in search of freedomwhile offering comfortand practical. By 2023, vans and minivans will account for 55% of leisure vehicle sales. Let's zoom in on vans.
Their special features. These are vehicles based on a production utility model. The bodywork is modified to accommodate bays, and the vans are refitted with custom-made furniture for maximum comfort.
"These vehicles are perfectly suited to short stays. Depending on the type of use, you have to bear in mind that they offer less storage space than motorhomes," remarks Marc.
Technical aspects. Autostar's vans are built on a Fiat Ducato, the market's leading forwarder.
The cabinet design is particularly robust and fully insulated (doors included).
Discover the Autostar vans range.
PROFILES. THE CAMPER VAN FOR EVERYONE
The profile is the motorhome everyone knows. The one kids draw in their notebooks. It's based on the chassis and cab of a commercial vehicle, onto which a cell is mounted. It can be recognized by the cabin topped by an aerodynamic bubble known as a cap. Today, it's quite compact and offers a more modern, aerodynamic design than its cab-over predecessor. "Capucine vehicles, with this bubble above the cab, represent 1% of the market. Their advantage is the number of berths they offer, making them ideal for large families. However, the disadvantage of the nasturtium is that it is very windy, which means higher fuel consumption," notes Marc. Profiles accounted for 28% of leisure vehicle sales in 2023.
Their special features. They are often a little wider, but above all more spacious than vans. The cubic cell is indeed more voluminous than that of a van. It offers more storage space and a wider range of layout options, particularly in terms of sleeping arrangements. In addition to this volume, numerous innovations have made it possible to reduce their width, to make them easier to handle. "At Autostar, the Performance range is between 2.09 m and 2.16 m wide and 7 m long. This makes driving easier". Classic models (Privilège and Passion ranges) can also benefit from a double technical floor (see Zoom).
Technical aspects. As with a van, we base our design on a utility model. Only the cab, engine and chassis are retained. The rear track is widened and fitted with suspension to optimize comfort and roadholding. Here again, Autostar prefers a Fiat forwarder, apart from a model on a Ford forwarder. "At the end of Covid, we had to diversify our supplies, as many manufacturers do, due to a lack of availability," explains Marc.
Discover the Autostar profile range
Zoom in on the double technical floor.
At Autostar, the double technical floor is fitted to the Passion and Prestige ranges. This is a space between the vehicle body floor and the motorhome floor. It can have two functions.
- Insulation to protect tanks and pipes from the cold. - A practical function, offering additional storage space.
One of Autostar's trademarks is the use of ALKO frames, which also protect the drain valves from freezing.
LES INTEGRAUX. AUTONOMY, COMFORT AND PRESTIGE
The integral is the grail for motorhome owners. These vehicles consist of a bare chassis that has been completely rebodied by motorhome manufacturers. The driver's station is integrated into the vehicle and its living space. Its panoramic windshield offers a very wide view, optimizing driving comfort and giving it the allure of a rolling ship. Often synonymous with comfort, prestige and elegance, these are automakers' top-of-the-range vehicles. They accounted for 8% of sales in 2023.
Their special features. In addition to their comfort, A-Class models offer considerable autonomy. "These are top-of-the-range vehicles, generally favored by young retirees planning long trips. They can travel far and long. That's why they're designed like real homes on wheels," notes Marc. They are adapted to offer maximum comfort everywhere and in all circumstances: large water tank, enhanced electrical autonomy thanks to lithium batteries and solar panels, double floor and plenty of storage space.
On the technical side. These are asphalt eaters. Their chassis (Fiat - AL-KO at Autostar) is reinforced and equipped with independent suspension. Here again, roadholding is paramount. The engines are adapted in power and generally equipped with an automatic gearbox. "This allows more torque to be applied to the engine if the owners of these vehicles require towingpower ,particularly for trailers ". Paradoxically, at Autostar, although more imposing than profiles, they benefit from better aerodynamics. This reduces fuel consumption by up to 1 liter / 100 km.
Discover the Autostar integral range
Choosing the right vehicle for your needs
Taking to the road in a motorhome means going away for a weekend, a week, a month... or even longer. Whether you're an adventurer or a stroller, a minimalist traveler or a careful vacationer, think about your uses and the equipment you'll be using on the road: bike, deckchair, paddle or boat. This will help you size up your vehicle and the equipment you'll need when you buy. "For newcomers, before buying, I advise them to rent. That way, they can see the advantages of the different configurations and better define their needs," concludes Marc.
