Rating of the best motorhomes for 2022

In recent years, road trips have become increasingly popular. To increase the comfort of such travelers, we have developed a motorhome (aka a motor home), in which you can live even with a large company, while saving on hotel services. For the expanses of our country, 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, such machines are divided into several types and classes.

By type, they can be:

• Vans;
• trailers;
• Houses built into the car.

By class, they can be divided:

• Class A - a bit like a medium-sized bus. It is usually made on a truck body base 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 home in the US.
• 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 means of transportation on a vehicle acting as a tractor.

The main properties of the motorhome

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

• Creation of sufficient conditions for domestic needs;
• Savings on hotel services;
• Movement in a motorhome does not depend much on the place and date of departure;
• Possibility of independent choice of route, stopping place;
• There are no restrictions on the choice of luggage, transported animals, fellow travelers;
• Specially equipped campsites for such cars are rare in the Russian Federation;
• 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 cities with high traffic can be difficult.

In any case, the popularity of this type of transport is growing in Russia. Foreign cinema played a big role here, often showing pictures of how a family can afford to travel around the country without any special expenses. Do not want to stand in city traffic jams? Choose detours. There is no specially prepared place for camping? It doesn't matter, you can even sit on the side of the road. The interior of the house can be no worse than real housing: a kitchen, a bathroom, and a bed - all this is available. Therefore, if someone wants to escape from the bustle of the city - a motorhome can be a real way out!

Types of motorhomes

Motorhome travel is properly called "caravanning" and has been very popular in Europe and America for the past 70 years.

During the entire existence of this type of tourism, many different models of mobile 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;
• Alcoves;
• Integrated campers.

Residential trailer (superstructure)

It is considered a comfortable type of wheeled housing, but for its movement you need a vehicle that will be used as a tractor. There are different models on the current market, but most include only a small bed and a kitchen unit.It is perfect for tourists whose journey is not associated with long movements and who prefer stationary rest at special campsites. The big problem is that such trailers need to be connected to electricity and sewerage.

Trailer benefits include:

• Relatively low price;
• It is possible to unhook the habitation 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.

Motorhome semi-integrated

A very maneuverable version, which is manufactured on the basis of a serial chassis. Bases from Peugeot, Mercedes and Fiat are extremely popular in the EU. Usually made from heavy-duty materials, however, there is relatively little living space inside, and all the “bulging” accessories are made in the form of retractable 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 efficient use in cool seasons.

Alcove motorhome

The main difference of this model is the presence of a small superstructure above the driver's seat, which is used as a bed. Usually such models are equipped with a serial chassis. The living space itself consists of sandwich panels with excellent thermal insulation (an indispensable quality when traveling in winter). Such mobile housing is truly considered versatile and roomy.A great option for tourist trips of large companies (up to 8 people).

Among the advantages are:

• Expanded planning options;
• Special capacity;
• Comfortable sleeping places;
• Double floor construction.

The disadvantages include only weak maneuverability and heavy weight.

Motorhome integrated

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

Among the positive qualities are:

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

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

Choosing a motorhome

Before buying, you should pay attention to the following points:

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

Motor home - a luxury item or a purchase for the sake of tourist savings?

The acquisition 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 road (shower, toilet, kitchen, sleeping place), without spending time and money on booking hotels (which is quite problematic during the peak tourist season) - these are the main arguments in favor of such a purchase. However, a 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 they are scheduled to visit.

The fact that this vehicle is a luxury item can also be indicated by the fact that motorhomes are extremely “gluttonous”. To maintain their operational properties can be spent very, very big money. And the transport tax on them is not at all small. In addition, not every roadway can withstand the weight of a motorhome - carrying an entire “apartment” on itself is a difficult task.

Special motorhomes for Russia

Adria-Mobil, a plant in Slovenia, has been manufacturing motorhomes since 1965. Back in 2005, he began to produce a series of vehicles specially designed for our roads and focused on the road needs of Russians. At the moment, 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-Mobil offices are located in both capitals, Rostov-on-Don, Gorno-Altaisk and Tyumen. Moreover, they are engaged not only in sales, but can also provide a motorhome for rent.

According to the data for 2019, the most popular model in the Russian Federation was the 6-seater Adria-Matrix motorhome in its various modifications. In 2022, the integrated Adria-Koral motorhome 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 2022

7th place: residential module "Ladoga 2.0"

This domestic add-on is installed on the UAZ "PICK-UP" and most of all resembles an ordinary Soviet dacha. There is space for multiple 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 option / deluxe)	300000/670000

• Simplicity and functionality of the environment;
• Low price;
• Possibility of modernization.

• It exists only in the superstructure version and the living unit is sold separately.

6th place: Road 560 MH

German processing of the Russian car Gazelle "4x4" for an autonomous residential module. Perfectly suits the conditions of the Russian winter, it allows comfortable living even at low temperatures (-35 degrees Celsius). Has 7 seats, 4 beds, shower, toilet, independent heating, folding kitchen.

Specifications:

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

• Adapted to operation in extreme temperatures;
• It has a high-quality assembly;
• It has an all-wheel drive chassis.

• Impossible to subject to any significant modernization.

5th place: Helix 2400

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 both a refrigerator and a washbasin. The side outer wall is equipped with a folding sunshade.

Specifications:

Name	Index
Dimensions, cm (LxWxH)	420x210x250
Sleeping places	3
Gas cylinder for the 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 drive, you need to have only category "B" rights.

• High price for just an add-on.

4th place: residential module on the Ural Next chassis

Professional mobile housing capable of functioning in the harshest natural environments. Although it is formally a superstructure, it can only be removed and installed in the factory. The motorhome is manufactured and completed exclusively on order (the price varies from 2,000,000 to 7,000,000 rubles), as it should be intended for the residence of special workers (from road workers to shift teams in the north).

Specifications:

Name	Index
Sleeping places	6
Long distance node	In stock
Workwear cabinets	In stock
Automatic wheel inflation	Available
Fuel tanks, pcs.	3
Price, rub	negotiable

• Reliability and power;
• Adaptability to extreme conditions;
• Possibility of completely autonomous operation.

• There is no concept of "basic configuration", after the 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 (more than 6,000,000 rubles), it is designed to provide maximum comfort for its owner. This model can be described as a motor 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

• Motorhome devoid of unnecessary improvements;
• High maneuverability;
• Sufficient capacity.

• Expensive price for the average Russian.

2nd place: Van Hool TD925

A complete housing on wheels, produced by a well-known Belgian company. This double-decker bus is suitable both for tours of musical groups with accompanying personnel, 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 house-bus does not have to be designed for one family.It may well carry out long flights from one end of the country to another. Such a vehicle is the Sleeper BUS from the American company Powerhome Coach. He is engaged in the transportation of passengers from California to Florida and back. Its main difference from ordinary regular buses is that passengers feel on the trip as if they never left home. It has several toilets and showers, sleeping places are quite comfortable (not just folding chairs), there is a staff of stewards 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 2022.

• Suitable only for large groups of travelers (obviously large for the 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, Russia has not yet come to such a conclusion. It's all because of 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 you can completely imitate a quiet apartment life. Thus, having attended to the acquisition of housing on wheels, one should determine exactly how much it will be used and whether the potential owner will be able to constantly take care of it. It is possible that conventional tourism will be cheaper.