Motorhome jargon buster

WHEN choosing a new or used motorhome to buy it’s worth knowing the difference between the many different models before you make your choice.

Here, our motorhome jargon buster will help you understand the different body types and phrases associated with base vehicles.

BODY TYPE:

LP – low profile:

One of the most popular body types at the moment for couples, these coachbuilt ‘vans don’t have a bed over the cab and are therefore more aerodynamic.

RR – rising roof:

Compact, as well as being useful as an everyday vehicle, they are usually more suited to occasional weekend camping in good weather.

FR – fixed roof:

With the same benefits of a rising roof camper, this body style is less popular in today’s market, but can be slightly lower in both height and price.



DM – Dismountable:

A coachbuilt body sits on a slightly modified pick-up bed with the benefit of being removable to leave on site and use the pick-up solo.



BC – B-Class (USA):

Termed ‘van camper’ in the US, these motorhomes vary from semi-low profile coachbuilts to van conversions and anything inbetween.



OC – Overcab:

Targeted at families, this type of coachbuilt motorhome almost always features a transverse double bed in a Luton moulding over the cab.

HT – High Top:

Based on a panel van with a fixed high roof, they can offer full facilities, such as a washroom, in a compact vehicle suitable for everyday use.



AC – A-Class:

The style many people aspire to own, these fully coachbuilt models can often offer luxury domestic-style accommodation, suitable for long-term use.

AC – A-Class (USA):

Based on larger RV-specific chassis, the concept is much the same as the European A-class, but on a much bigger scale, in terms of both size and engine.

CC – C-Class (USA):

The American version of the overcab. Although they can be compact in size, the majority are larger than their European counterparts.



BASE VEHICLE:

Motorhome bases vary immensely, as the following chassis types show:

WV: Window van with original factory-fitted, often single-glazed windows.

PV: Panel van offering a more flexible layout with double glazing fitted by the converter.

AK: Al-Ko chassis replaces standard rear frame; offers lower overall height and adds independent suspension.

CB: Chassis cab, this is the standard vehicle with original rear chassis.

CA: Camper chassis. This has a lower, wider rear track, only offered on Fiat Ducato or Peugeot Boxer.

PC: Platform cab chassis has a flat steel floor on which the motorhome body is built.

CC: Chassis cowl is the basis of A-class ‘vans, supplied with just the dash and cab floor.

(Our specialist motorhome magazines MMM and Which Motorcaravan feature detailed buying guides in each monthly issue to help readers choose the motorhome that best suits them).

To view motorhomes for sale, visit our classified section by clicking here.

Read our Essential Guide to Buying a Used Motorhome by clicking here.

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