Coachbuilt motorhomes are the most common type in the UK. A living body built onto a cab chassis. A-class motorhomes integrate the cab into the body, creating a seamless interior with more space and a premium feel. A-class models cost more and are typically heavier, but they offer a noticeably better living and driving experience.
- Coachbuilt Motorhome: First-time buyers and value seekers
- A-Class Motorhome: Experienced buyers wanting premium comfort
- Choose a coachbuilt for value and variety; choose an A-class for the best living experience.
Coachbuilt Motorhome
Best for: First-time buyers and value seekers
A coachbuilt motorhome has a separate living body built onto a commercial vehicle cab chassis (typically Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit, or Mercedes Sprinter). The cab is distinct from the living area, connected by a step-through opening.
Pros
- Lower purchase price vs A-class
- Huge range of layouts and sizes
- Overcab bed adds sleeping without length
- Easier to find on the used market
Cons
- Step between cab and living area
- Less thermally efficient (cab windows)
- Narrower than A-class in many models
- Cab feels separate from living space
A-Class Motorhome
Best for: Experienced buyers wanting premium comfort
An A-class motorhome integrates the cab into the living body, with a flat dashboard area and panoramic windscreen. There's no step between cab and living area, and the entire width is usable. Typically with a drop-down bed over the cab area.
Pros
- Seamless interior. No cab step
- Wider usable interior space
- Better insulation and heating
- Premium feel and panoramic windscreen
Cons
- Significantly more expensive
- Heavier. Often requires C1 licence
- Fewer available on the used market
- Windscreen replacement is costly
Feature comparison
| Feature | Coachbuilt Motorhome | A-Class Motorhome |
|---|---|---|
| Interior width | Standard | Wider (no cab cutout) |
| Overcab sleeping | Fixed overcab bed | Drop-down bed |
| Cab-to-living transition | Step through | Flat/seamless |
| Typical price (new) | £55,000-£90,000 | £80,000-£130,000 |
| Thermal insulation | Moderate | Better |
| Used market availability | Plentiful | Limited |
| Often over 3,500kg | Sometimes | Usually |
| Windscreen cost | Standard (cab OEM) | Expensive (custom) |
Our verdict
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Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Most A-class motorhomes exceed 3,500kg GVW, so yes. You'll likely need C1 entitlement. Drivers who passed their test before 1 January 1997 usually have this automatically. Use our free licence checker to verify.
An overcab (or luton) motorhome is a type of coachbuilt that extends the body above the cab to create an additional sleeping area. Not all coachbuilts have overcab beds. Low-profile coachbuilts have a streamlined roofline without the overcab extension.
If you use your motorhome for extended trips (weeks or months), the better living space, insulation, and build quality of an A-class justifies the premium. For occasional weekends, a coachbuilt offers similar functionality at significantly lower cost.
Key terms in this comparison
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