Equipment Outfitters

The luxury motorhome must surely represent the ultimate touring vehicle. As a combination of large vehicle and caravan it offers the benefits of both, and allows the traveller the sort of freedoms one would usually find only on a yacht! Passengers, for example, are able to sleep comfortably stretched out while the kilometres speed by.

Modern motorhomes are made for comfort, lightness and aerodynamic efficiency — they’re certainly more evolved than their older relatives. The interior layouts are more sophisticated and well thought out and the specification levels are higher. Although a common complaint is that the smaller versions are underpowered, fuel consumption is an important aspect of touring; while bigger engines have more power and are more exciting to drive, they are very much thirstier.

Diesel Technology

High speed and rapid acceleration are not important in a motorhome, so it will come as no surprise to learn that diesel engines are commonly fitted to the larger models. New technology has seen these engines become smoother and quieter, and they’ve always been more fuel-efficient and longer lasting than petrol engines. They also require less servicing, so are far cheaper to run. Diesel-powered vehicles are more robustly made to handle the higher compression ratios — and an added bonus is that diesel is lead-free.

Camper Units

If you already own a bakkie, the cheapest, quickest and certainly easiest option is to buy a pick-up camper unit. These contain a bunk bed and small kitchenette and simply bolt onto the load area in place of the canopy. The unit stands on strong retractable legs, which support its full weight on the ground so that the vehicle can be reversed underneath to make loading easier. Once at your destination the legs provide stability, and you can simply drive out from under it instead of hauling it around with you. It does not rely on the support of the parent vehicle and can be lived in as is.

Camper Vans

Among the smaller vehicles that can be called motorhomes are the Kombis or Microbuses that have been converted into ‘campers’. Their seating is replaced with custom- made interiors, and their designers make maximum use of every inch of the interior space, with fold-up double bunks, small bar-type fridges and gas cookers. Washing up is done in a plastic basin. Colourful curtains seem to be obligatory, providing privacy and relief from the sun — and generally making for a happier-looking vehicle.

For the couple who needs only the bare essentials and does not wish to spend much money, there are still second-hand ones to be found in good condition. But do be cautious of temptingly low prices: campers are slightly heavier than the normal vehicle, so greater strain is put on CV joints, clutches and suspension. Repair and replacement is an expensive exercise. Have these areas checked thoroughly by a reputable dealer, and if there is significant wear, negotiate a better price.

Special roofs give camper conversions much-needed headroom. One style resembles the ‘pop-top’ caravan, while another hinges on one side, lifting up to reveal a wedge- shaped tent with windows that gives more headroom, although the highest point is to one side. A big advantage of the Kombi-style motor home is that the modifications affect only the interior; apart from the slightly raised roof section, the outside is no bigger than that of the normal vehicle. This makes for easy parking and driving around town.

Medium-sized Motor Homes

Many of the medium-sized motor- homes owe their ancestry to delivery vehicles or trucks, as the powerful chassis and capacious load areas are ideal platforms for the caravan- like interiors. The power-to-weight ratios are well suited to this type of vehicle, and features such as double-back wheels, originally designed for industrial use, give added stability and extra traction on the highway. The cabs are cleverly compact while retaining all the creature comforts for a driver who spends many hours a day on the road.

All large motorhomes come with power steering, although the more horizontal angle of the steering wheel takes some getting used to. Reversing is a lot easier than with a caravan, but some motorhomes have ‘feelers’ fitted to the rear corners to assist the driver when parking in a restricted space. The suspension is something like that of a luxury bus, and many have automatic gearboxes. Tyres are designed for a softer ride than that of the ancestral truck or delivery vehicle, and brakes are power-assisted.

Interior Layouts

Allowances always have to be made for the cab, of course, but there are nevertheless many interior options. In some interiors, the driver and co-driver’s seats are able to swivel around to face two or more back seats, forming a small lounge. (The seats lock into place, so they cannot swivel while you’re zooming along a highway. Be sure to check that the mechanisms are holding firmly before setting off!)

Where the bodywork extends the length of the vehicle, the space directly above the cab is often used for sleeping. In certain motorhome models a double bunk is lowered to just above the steering wheel, to give the occupants easier access. Otherwise the interior simply extends above the cab and access is provided via steps. When not used for sleeping this becomes a very handy storage area, as it is removed from the main thoroughfare.

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