Ranking of the best motorhomes for 2020

Recently, car travel has become more and more popular. For the greater comfort of such travelers, we have developed a motorhome (aka mobile home), in which even a large company can live, while saving on hotel services. For the vastness of our homeland, this is still a luxury item, but there are already those who actively use such vehicles as housing.

Motorhome and its features

The term motorhome means a car that has a specially equipped room for living inside. A modern mobile home can be presented in several forms, which will depend on the design features and areas of operation. In general, these machines are divided into several types and classes.

By type, they can be:

• Vans;
• Trailers;
• Homes built into the car.

They can be subdivided into classes:

• Class A - a bit like a medium-sized bus. Usually made on a truck body and equipped with an enlarged windshield. This class is characterized by increased functionality and comfort.
• Class B - the main difference between this car is the placement of berths at the end of the living compartment. The class is very popular as a mobile summer cottage in the USA.
• Class C - is a self-sufficient small-sized housing. It looks like a trailer with a tent or a superstructure. Use is possible only by transportation on a vehicle that acts as a tractor.

Main features of a motorhome

In order not to be disappointed in buying such a vehicle, you need to familiarize yourself with its basic properties. For some travelers, certain qualities can be advantages, for others - disadvantages:

• Creation of sufficient conditions for household needs;
• Savings on hotel services;
• Movement in a motorhome depends little on the place and date of departure;
• Possibility of self-selection of the route, stopping place;
• There are no restrictions on the choice of baggage, transported animals, companions;
• Specially equipped campsites for such cars are rare in Russia;
• Country roads are poorly adapted to the passage of such clumsy vehicles;
• In some cases, it is necessary to have an open special category in the driver's license;
• Getting around in high-traffic cities can be difficult.

In any case, the popularity of this type of transport is growing in Russia as well.Foreign cinema played an important role here, often showing pictures of how a family can afford a trip around the country without special expenses. Do you want to stay in city traffic jams? Take detours. Don't have a specially prepared camping site? It doesn't matter, you can even sit on the sidelines. The interior of the house can be no worse than real housing: the kitchen, the bathroom, and the sleeping place are all available. Therefore, if someone wants to escape from the bustle of the city, a motorhome can be a real way out!

Types of motorhomes

RV travel is correctly called “caravanning” and has been very popular in Europe and America for the last 70 years.

Throughout the existence of this type of tourism, many different models of motor homes have been invented, each of which is endowed with its own nuances.

Conventionally, 4 main types can be distinguished:

• Residential trailers (superstructures);
• Semi-integrated houses;
• Alcove;
• Integrated campers.

Residential trailer (superstructure)

It is considered a comfortable type of wheeled housing, but its movement requires a vehicle that will be used as a tractor. There are different models in the current market, but most include only a small bed and a kitchen unit. Perfect for tourists whose travel is not associated with long movements and who prefer stationary rest on special camping sites. The big problem is that such trailers need electricity and sewage.

The advantages of trailers include:

• Relatively low price;
• It is possible to unhook the residential module when the need arises;
• Saving money on accommodation.

At the same time, it has a number of disadvantages:

• Reduced movement speed;
• Weak ability to maneuver;
• When transporting a trailer, people are not allowed inside.

Semi-integrated motorhome

A highly maneuverable version based on a serial chassis. In the EU, bases from Peugeot, Mercedes and Fiat are extremely popular. Usually made of heavy-duty materials, however, there is relatively little living space inside, and all "protruding" accessories are made in the form of pull-out drawers (bathroom, bed, stove, etc.). Due to such a device, free space is saved inside. The advantages of such a wheeled house include excellent driving characteristics, excellent aerodynamics, a variety of interior layout options, and effective use in cold seasons.

Alcove motorhome

The main difference between this model is the presence of a small superstructure above the driver's seat, which is used as a berth. Usually these models are equipped with a serial chassis. The living space itself consists of sandwich panels with excellent thermal insulation (an indispensable quality for winter travel). These mobile homes are truly versatile and spacious. An excellent option for tourist trips of large companies (up to 8 people).

Among the advantages are:

• Advanced planning capabilities;
• Special spaciousness;
• Comfortable sleeping places;
• Doubled floor construction.

The disadvantages include only weak maneuverability and heavy weight.

Integrated motorhome

Most professionals call its main feature the uniqueness of the design. Such a car is considered a vehicle of the highest class among its kind and its cabin is completely designed for living space. In addition to the serial chassis, serial engines, suspension and gearboxes are used in the production. It is a full-fledged residential complex and has ample opportunities for modifications and additions. However, such work should be entrusted exclusively to professionals. Any modification can significantly increase the price of this camper.

Among the positive qualities are:

• Good performance in terms of speed;
• Individual design;
• Excellent visibility for the driver;
• Spacious living block;
• Excellent thermal insulation.

The main disadvantages are considered to be relatively low ground clearance and increased cost.

Choosing a mobile home

Please pay attention to the following points before purchasing:

• Be sure to check the chassis;
• Carefully examine the exterior / interior (check for cracks, "patches", etc.);
• Investigate the health of life support systems and the general health of equipment;
• Check the presence of thermal insulation;
• Learn about the agility of the motorhome;
• Estimate the number of people who can comfortably fit inside;
• Read reviews about the manufacturing company.

A mobile home - a luxury item or a tourist purchase?

The purchase of this type of transport is still considered quite expensive in our country. However, the extraordinary expense of buying a motorhome can be more than offset by its benefits. Getting comfortable living conditions right on the way (shower, toilet, kitchen, sleeping place) without spending time and money on hotel reservations (which is quite problematic at the peak of the tourist season) are the main arguments in favor of such a purchase. Nevertheless, the motorhome is more suitable for experienced travelers with experience who have good road travel skills and are familiar with the peculiarities of the roads of the countries that are scheduled to visit.

The fact that this vehicle is a luxury item can also be seen in the fact that motorhomes are extremely "voracious". Very, very big money can be spent to maintain their operational properties. And the transport tax on them is not at all small. In addition, not every roadway can withstand the weight of a motorhome - carrying a whole "apartment" on oneself, this is a difficult business.

Special motorhomes for the Russian Federation

"Adria-Mobile" is a plant in Slovenia that has been manufacturing mobile homes since 1965. Back in 2005, he began to produce a series of vehicles specifically designed for our roads and focused on the road needs of Russians. At the moment, the cars of this particular plant are in great demand among auto travelers from Russia. The plant itself successfully withstands competition in this field even against venerable automakers. Adria-Mobile offices are located in both capitals, Rostov-on-Don, Gorno-Altaysk and Tyumen. Moreover, they are engaged not only in sales, but can also provide a motorhome for rent.

According to data for 2019, the most popular model in the Russian Federation was the 6-seater motorhome "Adria-Matrix" in its various modifications. In 2020, the integrated motorhome "Adria-Coral" in a special Russian variation has already been released and went on sale. The basis for it was the Fiat Ducato chassis. The vehicle will be distinguished by the necessary maneuverability for Russian roads, lightweight construction and increased comfort conditions.

Ranking of the best motorhomes in 2020

7th place: residential module "Ladoga 2.0"

This domestic superstructure is installed on the UAZ "PIKAP" and most of all resembles an ordinary Soviet dacha. There is room for several berths, a luggage compartment, pull-out shelves, a portable heater and a folding table.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Dimensions, cm (LxWxH)	195x200x200
Sleeping places	4
Heater	Machine
Ventilation hatches	1
Cabinets	6
price, rub. (basic version / luxury)	300000/670000

• Simplicity and functionality of the environment;
• Low price;
• Upgradeability.

• Available as a superstructure only and the housing unit is sold separately.

6th place: Road 560 MH

German processing of the Russian Gazelle 4x4 car for an autonomous living module. Perfectly suits the conditions of the Russian winter, it allows comfortable living even in low temperatures (-35 degrees Celsius). It has 7 seats, 4 beds, shower, toilet, autonomous heating, pull-out kitchen.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Dimensions, cm (LxWxH)	190x195x200
Sleeping places	4
Heater	Machine
Ventilation hatches	2
Cabinets	Retractable
price, rub.	3 040 000

• Adapted for use in extreme temperatures;
• Has super-quality assembly;
• Has an all-wheel drive chassis.

• It is impossible to undergo any meaningful modernization.

5th place: Helix 2400

A universal removable module of Western production, capable of being installed on foreign pickup trucks of the most common models. It has increased comfort: in addition to the standard set of amenities, there was a place for a refrigerator and a washbasin. The outer side wall is equipped with a folding sliding sun awning.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Dimensions, cm (LxWxH)	420x210x250
Sleeping places	3
Gas bottle for kitchen	In stock
Water tanks, pcs.	2
Lighting	LED
Refrigerator, l.	80
Price, rub	2 000 000

• Great functionality;
• The possibility of integration into domestic pickups (UAZ "Patriot");
• To manage, you need to have only category "B" rights.

• High price for just a superstructure.

4th place: residential module on the Ural Next chassis

Professional mobile housing capable of operating in the harshest natural environments. Although formally it is a superstructure, its removal and installation is available only in the factory. The motorhome is manufactured and completed exclusively to order (the price varies from 2,000,000 to 7,000,000 rubles), since it should be intended for accommodation of special workers (from road workers to shift workers' brigades in the north).

Specifications:

Name	Index
Sleeping places	6
Long-distance communication center	In stock
Workwear storage cabinets	In stock
Automatic wheel inflation	There is
Fuel tanks, pcs.	3
Price, rub	Negotiable

• Reliability and power;
• Adaptability to extreme conditions;
• Fully autonomous operation.

• There is no concept of "basic configuration"; after purchase, the seller will need time to assemble.

3rd place: Adria Coral XL Plus

The most popular motorhome in Russia today from Slovenes. Although its price is quite high (over 6,000,000 rubles), it is designed to provide maximum comfort for its owner. This model can be described as a mobile home that has everything you need and gets rid of unnecessary additions.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Sleeping places	7
Dimensions, cm (LxWxH)	730x220x300
Engine	Fiat 6D 2.3 l.
Heating	Machine
Checkpoint	Machine
price, rub.	6 000 000

• A motorhome devoid of unnecessary enhancements;
• High maneuverability;
• Sufficient roominess.

• An expensive price for the average Russian.

2nd place: Van Hool TD925

Complete housing on wheels produced by a renowned Belgian company. This double-decker bus is suitable for touring music groups with accompanying staff, and can be used as an excursion vehicle for 80 seats. The second floor is fully adapted to the living area: shower room, recreation area, dining room, toilet.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Sleeping places	Up to 80
Dimensions in length, m	13
Fuel	Diesel
Heating	Machine
TV-video-internet	In stock
price, rub.	10 000 000

• Multifunctional mobile home;
• Suitable for long tours;
• Increased capacity.

The bus is not designed for the average consumer.

1st Place: Sleeper Bus

The home bus does not have to be family-friendly. He may well perform long flights from one end of the country to the other. Such a vehicle is the Sleeper BUS from the American company Powerhome Coach. He is involved in the transportation of passengers from California to Florida and back. Its main difference from ordinary regular buses is that passengers feel during the trip as if they had never left home.It has several toilets and showers, berths are quite comfortable (not just folding chairs), a staff of stewards works on board.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Sleeping places	Up to 45
Dimensions in length, m	15
Fuel	Diesel
Heating	Machine
TV-video-internet	In stock
price, rub.	21 000 000

• Extraordinary level of comfort;
• Reliability and functionality;
• The most spacious and equipped model of 2020.

• Suitable only for large groups of travelers (obviously large for an average family).

Instead of an epilogue

In the west, it is believed that a motorhome is not just a great tool for tourism, but a great alternative to real estate. However, in Russia this conclusion has not yet been reached. This is due to the lack of some amenities that the same apartment has (for example, you need to constantly stock up on water, there is no public service). But some avid travelers have already appreciated the freedom of movement in such houses, so on a tour trip you can completely imitate a quiet apartment life. Thus, having attended to the purchase of housing on wheels, you should determine exactly to what extent it will be used and whether the potential owner will be able to constantly look after him. It is possible that conventional tourism will be cheaper.