Do You Need a Self-Contained Motorhome?

If you’re new to travelling in a motorhome, you may be unaware of the different sorts of vehicles you can rent. Motorhomes come in all different sizes, and some are self-contained. This means that they have bathroom and kitchen facilities on board.

Although having extra amenities and more space sounds appealing, depending on what kind of trip you are planning you may not need this sort of vehicle. It is important to do your research before booking your motorhome to make sure you find a vehicle that will suit your needs. VroomVroomVroom has put together a guide to help you.

What is a self-contained vehicle?

Generally, self-contained vehicles are larger than those that are not. They feature additional amenities such as a toilet, shower, cooking facilities and extra space. Self-contained vehicles have the ability to store waste water. Non self-contained vehicles are often smaller, and do not have as many extra features.

How much do you want to pay for your motorhome?

Keep in mind that you will pay a higher rate for a self-contained motorhome. Smaller vehicles are more fuel-efficient, so by sacrificing a few extra amenities you could save a bit of money on a long road trip. Smaller vehicles can be particularly handy in places like Australia, where distances between cities can be great. For example, a trip along the coast from Melbourne to Cairns will cover more than 3000km!

Do you have experience driving large motorhomes?

For first-time drivers, motorhomes can be very difficult to manoeuvre. Hiring a vehicle with extra interior features means you will be driving a larger motorhome, which in some conditions can be particularly challenging. Navigating the city, and trying to find parking at a number of attractions can be tricky. In the UK, many travellers opt for smaller campervans as the roads can be quite small in places.

Restrictions to freedom camping

Freedom camping with a self-contained campervan appeals to many travellers. Keep in mind, stringent rules might apply in certain countries. In New Zealand, for example, freedom camping is prohibited in many places. Even if you are travelling in a self-contained vehicle, it is a good idea to stay at verified campgrounds as you will still have to empty the waste water from your vehicle at a designated dump station. Holiday parks are common around the world, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding one along the road.

Do you need the extra features?

For some travellers, having access to cooking and dining facilities, or a toilet on board is a necessity. Some luxury vehicles even include a home entertainment system! However, if you’re looking to cut down on costs, and you don’t need the extra space, a smaller campervan can be a great way to save money.