Which Type of RV is right for you? Campervans, Motorhomes, Busses and More…

Choosing the right self-contained vehicle for your Big Lap is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Unlike towing a caravan, your motorised accommodation becomes your car, your home, and your adventure base all rolled into one.

The options range from compact campervans that slip into any parking space to massive motorhomes with washing machines and king-size beds. Each type serves different travel styles, budgets, and comfort preferences.

Here’s what you need to know about every major category of motorised RV, plus our recommendations for which one suits different types of Big Lappers.

Campervans: Compact and Versatile

Campervans are the smallest category of self-contained RV, typically built on commercial van chassis like the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, or Volkswagen Crafter. Most measure 6-7 metres in length and stay under 3.5 tonnes gross weight.

The appeal is immediate: you can drive them with a standard car licence, park in regular spaces, and navigate narrow roads without stress. Inside, expect a basic kitchenette, convertible bed, and compact bathroom (if any). Storage is limited but clever design maximises every centimetre.

Pros of Campervans

• Easy to drive and park anywhere
• Better fuel economy (typically 8-12L/100km)
• Lower purchase and running costs
• Access to smaller roads and remote areas
• Can double as your daily driver at home

Cons of Campervans

• Limited living space and storage
• Basic facilities (often no shower/toilet)
• Difficult to move around inside while travelling
• Less comfortable for extended stays
• Limited kitchen and dining space

Campervans work best for couples who prioritise mobility over space, don’t mind compact living, and plan to spend most of their time outdoors. They’re also ideal for working nomads who need reliable transport for business meetings or errands.

Class B Motorhomes: The Sweet Spot

Class B motorhomes bridge the gap between campervans and larger RVs. Built on heavy-duty van chassis with extended wheelbases, they typically measure 7-8 metres and weigh 4-6 tonnes. This is where you start getting proper amenities without sacrificing too much manoeuvrability.

Most Class Bs include a real bathroom with shower, a proper kitchen with full-size fridge, and separate living/sleeping areas. The extra length allows for better interior layout and more storage than campervans.

Pros of Class B Motorhomes

• Full amenities including bathroom and kitchen
• Still relatively easy to drive and park
• Good fuel economy for the size (10-14L/100km)
• Separate sleeping and living areas
• Adequate storage for long trips

Cons of Class B Motorhomes

• Require MR licence (over 4.5 tonnes)
• Higher purchase price than campervans
• Limited headroom in many models
• Still cramped for more than two people
• Fewer parking options than smaller vans

Class Bs suit couples who want proper facilities but still value the ability to explore smaller roads and coastal tracks. They’re particularly popular with retirees who plan to spend 6-12 months travelling but don’t want the bulk of a large motorhome.

Class C Motorhomes: Maximum Space

Class C motorhomes are the largest category, typically 8-12 metres long and weighing 6-15 tonnes. Built on truck chassis, they offer apartment-level amenities: full kitchens, separate bedrooms, bathrooms with bathtubs, and sometimes washing machines.

The extra size allows for features impossible in smaller RVs: king-size beds, full dining tables, large fridges, and extensive storage. Many include slide-outs that dramatically expand interior space when parked.

Pros of Class C Motorhomes

• Maximum living space and comfort
• Full-size amenities and appliances
• Separate bedrooms and living areas
• Massive storage capacity
• Can accommodate families or groups

Cons of Class C Motorhomes

• Require HR licence (over 8 tonnes for most)
• Poor fuel economy (15-25L/100km)
• Difficult to park and manoeuvre
• Restricted road access in many areas
• High purchase and maintenance costs

Large motorhomes work best for families, groups, or couples who prioritise comfort over mobility. They’re ideal for “hub and spoke” touring where you set up in one location for weeks and explore with a separate vehicle.

Converted Buses: Ultimate Freedom

Converted buses represent the DIY end of the spectrum. Whether you buy a professionally converted coach or build your own from a retired school bus, these vehicles offer maximum customisation and character.

Bus conversions range from basic backpacker setups to luxury homes on wheels with full workshops, king beds, and gourmet kitchens. The appeal lies in creating exactly what you want rather than accepting manufacturer compromises.

Pros of Converted Buses

• Complete customisation to your needs
• Often cheaper than equivalent motorhomes
• Robust construction for long-term travel
• Huge interior volume and storage
• Strong resale community and support

Cons of Converted Buses

• Potentially poor build quality (DIY conversions)
• Difficult to get insurance and finance
• May lack proper compliance certificates
• Often poor fuel economy
• Limited service network for older chassis

Bus conversions suit hands-on travellers who enjoy DIY projects and want something unique. They’re popular with younger nomads and artists who prioritise character over convenience.

Truck Campers: Off-Road Warriors

Truck campers consist of a removable living unit mounted on a pickup truck chassis. Popular in America but less common in Australia, they offer the ultimate in off-road capability combined with decent living space.

The truck remains fully functional for daily driving and accessing extreme locations, while the camper provides sleeping, cooking, and basic facilities. When you reach camp, you can even remove the camper and use the truck separately.

Pros of Truck Campers

• Excellent off-road capability
• Truck usable without camper
• Good ground clearance
• Robust construction
• Lower centre of gravity than motorhomes

Cons of Truck Campers

• Limited availability in Australia
• Basic amenities and storage
• Heavy load on truck suspension
• Poor aerodynamics and fuel economy
• Complicated setup and removal process

Truck campers work best for serious off-road adventurers who prioritise access over comfort. They’re ideal for remote mining areas, beach driving, or mountain tracks where larger RVs simply can’t go.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Should You Choose?

The right choice depends on your priorities, budget, and travel style. Here’s our recommendation for different situations:

Choose a Campervan If…

You’re a couple who values mobility over space, plans to spend most time outdoors, and wants to access smaller roads and remote areas. Budget $80,000-$150,000 for a decent unit. Perfect for working nomads who need reliable daily transport.

Choose a Class B Motorhome If…

You want proper amenities without sacrificing too much manoeuvrability. This is our top recommendation for most Big Lappers. You get a real bathroom, proper kitchen, and decent storage while still fitting into most camping areas. Budget $150,000-$300,000.

Choose a Class C Motorhome If…

Comfort is your priority and you don’t mind the driving challenges. Ideal for families, longer stays in one location, or couples who want maximum space. Budget $200,000-$600,000 for quality units. Consider buying a small car to tow for daily errands.

Choose a Bus Conversion If…

You want something unique, enjoy DIY projects, or need maximum space on a budget. Great for longer-term nomads who plan to live full-time on the road. Budget varies wildly from $50,000 for DIY builds to $300,000+ for professional conversions.

Choose a Truck Camper If…

Off-road access is your primary goal and you’re willing to sacrifice amenities for capability. Perfect for mining workers, serious fishers, or adventurers who need to reach remote locations. Budget $100,000-$200,000 including the truck.

Our Top Recommendation

For most Big Lappers, a Class B motorhome offers the best balance of comfort, manoeuvrability, and cost. You get proper facilities without the driving stress of larger units, reasonable fuel economy, and access to most camping areas.

If you’re unsure, rent different types for short trips before buying. A week in each category will quickly reveal what matters most to your travel style.