Small motorhomes - could this be the trend of the year? When we travelled around Europe in 2015, we saw how popular small motorhomes were in southern Europe, and the same trend has been evident in Germany. Even the Nordic fairs have seen a yearly increase in the number of small motorhomes, known as 'vans' or even more commonly as 'platoons'.
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Small motorhomes popular in Europe
When we caravanning around Europe for a whole year In 2015, we were struck by the prevalence of different variants of small motorhomes, especially the so-called 'tiny ones'. At home in Sweden, our motorhome was a fairly ordinary size, but in some parts of Europe it felt almost gigantic. While it was fine to drive our motorhome in Corsica, it was our big motorhome that stood out from the norm. Not the other way round.
Greater demand also in the Nordic countries
Small motorhomes are not only popular in southern Europe and Germany. There is also an increased interest in the Nordic countries. "Every time we go to a motorhome show, the small cars take up a little more space on the exhibition floor than they did the year before. At Caravan Stockholm 2016, Peter and I each nominated a favourite among small motorhomes.
At Caravan in Helsinki 2018, we reported about two price ranges of plastersand also about an unusually short Bürstner. Just a few days ago, there was also a report on plåtisar in Aftonbladet. It described the smaller motorhomes as "a neater and cheaper variant with many advantages".
Why a small motorhome?
Both larger and smaller motorhomes can have advantages, of course, depending on what you're looking for. The main advantages of a small motorhome are that it is easier to drive on small roads and easier to park. Small motorhomes are also cheaper to transport on ferries. If you don't need a car very often, you may be able to use it as your only car - instead of having both a motorhome and a car.
When driving a small motorhome, a B licence is always sufficient (note, however, that many "regular" motorhomes can also be driven with a B licence). Plus, if we're talking about a flatbed, you're getting a car built entirely out of sheet metal instead of fibreglass, which is better from a safety point of view. And yes, we are actually a little bit excited! Now, it's not easy to change financially when you have a slightly older motorhome, but if we were to change, we would definitely consider a flatbed.
What is it like to live in a small motorhome?
I always say that you want a motorhome to be small on the outside and big on the inside. So what's it like to live in a small motorhome? We actually tested it in 2016, when travelled around in a flatbed in Croatia. Our experiences are almost exclusively positive! We found that we fit very well in the motorhome, we liked the sliding door on the side and the large doors at the back, which made us feel close to nature.
At the same time, of course, we were only travelling around for a week in a warm climate. Maybe it's more difficult if you want to carry more luggage, or if it's so cold that you don't want to open that big sliding door wide? Either way, we're a little hungry for a road trip... It will be interesting to see what small motorhomes will be on display on Caravan Stockholm in February. How do you feel? Would you like a small motorhome?
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Lena - good for the soul says:
I would definitely appreciate a small motorhome because it's easier to get around. I think you often end up on small cosy roads when you are out like that.
Hug Lena
30 January 2018 - 6:14
Helena says:
I can agree that these small motorhomes feel more agile for driving on small roads.
30 January 2018 - 12:50
Henny says:
I love my Pössl, which is a so-called Plåtis. It suits me perfectly, small, neat and stylish. I recommend this type of motorhome to everyone as it contains everything you need despite its size.
30 January 2018 - 6:37
Helena says:
I understand that you love your Pössl Henny. They are so beautiful!
30 January 2018 - 12:51
Alexandra says:
Well, you already know that I like little buggers 😉.
However, it varies a bit exactly which one I want haha. I like pop-up roofs but it feels like it always gets so expensive all of a sudden when the roof should be able to move.
http://www.dreamer-van.se/fourgon-dreamer-d53.php I think this was a practical sleeping solution for the three of us!
30 January 2018 - 8:31
Helena says:
The one in the picture looks nice, I haven't seen Dreamer before. Some have only two beds, and you must have a solution with more of course!
30 January 2018 - 12:57
Solan says:
Depends of course on how much you use your car. We live about 8 months a year in the stock 7.5 metres. Have 24 years of experience with a small motorhome of 5.9 metres. Worked great for six weeks of holiday.
Good to have many different types of motorhomes...flatbeds, longbeds, luxury cars????
30 January 2018 - 8:40
Helena says:
Yes, it's good that there are different variants, so everyone is happy! ?
30 January 2018 - 15:35
Anonymous says:
Looked into several, think it's a bit crowded. But the desire for a small but large van exists, especially when travelling south. Right now, van models seem to be developed and produced in an interesting way.
30 January 2018 - 8:46
Helena says:
Sure, it gets a little more crowded. We did not experience any problem with it, but iofs it was summer, so easy to open the door 😉 Certainly both new models and designs are coming!
30 January 2018 - 15:36
Snows says:
I have no experience at all with motorhomes but spontaneously I think a small one seems smooth and appealing in many ways. If you travel south in the summer, you are mostly outdoors, I think.
30 January 2018 - 9:32
Helena says:
The small ones are definitely flexible... In the summer it's easiest to travel in a small one. But many people use your motorhomes in other seasons too.
30 January 2018 - 15:38
Ditte says:
I have only rented a motorhome on a couple of occasions and then a slightly larger one. But I have crossed the USA in a converted "folk bus" - camper and it went well then. There were many miles for a long time. But that was in the days of youth. But a smaller "flatbed" can certainly be convenient to have in many ways. And one is increasing in popularity. Here in Spain we see mostly very large motorhomes and those who are out with them are away for a long time and want, as they said, good comfort. But they're not exactly for alpine roads.
30 January 2018 - 9:54
Helena says:
There are many factors involved, and of course it depends on how you want to use your motorhome, where you want to travel, what time of year, etc.
30 January 2018 - 15:39
Role o Carina says:
Sure, ploughs have become very popular, but they are a bit too narrow!
We like motorhomes from 7.5m and up is! 🙂
Have a good time and enjoy.... Early Spring 🙂
30 January 2018 - 10:41
Helena says:
Fortunately, there are different models and sizes so that everyone is satisfied ???
30 January 2018 - 15:40
Bengt-Göran says:
We have purchased a new "Plåtis" Pilote 630 VAN FX -18 with delivery in April. After renting a few different models.
We drive a lot and want to experience a lot, so a Plåtis feels right for us.
Will be fun to follow you again when you drive a round in Europe again!
30 January 2018 - 11:18
Helena says:
Congratulations on the plate!!! ? Glad you want to follow us when we go on a motorhome trip!
30 January 2018 - 15:40
Veiken says:
I am not a motorhome person. Would like to have a large one that is handled like a small one.... I don't know how it would work, but I'll stay in a hotel while I think about it! 🙂
30 January 2018 - 15:22
Helena says:
Haha yes, big inside but small outside is perfect ?
30 January 2018 - 15:41
On a journey of discovery says:
We haven't tried a campervan, but after your post we are definitely keen to have a go! What attracts us is the combination of spontaneity while travelling and ease of driving. Please write more about small motorhomes. We are very curious, especially about the smallest ones.
30 January 2018 - 15:54
Helena says:
We'll be at the Caravan Stockholm fair on 15-18 February, looking at motorhomes, and we'll be reporting on small motorhomes. So feel free to read our reports then! Or come to the fair if you are in the neighbourhood! 🙂
30 January 2018 - 17:56
BP says:
If I wanted to buy a motorhome, I would definitely choose a "flatbed", provided my 1.96 metre tall husband can fit in it;-) You have already listed the advantages, and I agree.
30 January 2018 - 18:18
Helena says:
There are probably a lot of boxes that he would find too low in the ceiling, but there are some that are higher than others!
31 January 2018 - 6:43
Lennart says:
We prefer rolling holiday homes but soon there will only be room for small ones!
30 January 2018 - 18:39
Helena says:
It is getting more and more crowded ...
31 January 2018 - 8:12
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
Our first motorhome was a smaller model, about 6 metres and great in every way until I also started playing golf and we suddenly wanted two golf bags with trolleys. Unfortunately, you can't get a large storage garage + reasonably large fridge - freezer and a small car even if it would be desirable.
We understand their popularity, but they still have a price tag almost on par with the larger models.
30 January 2018 - 18:40
Helena says:
Certainly it will be less storage space! I also agree on the price. The small ones are not exactly cheaper. We looked at a budget model in Helsinki that had a slightly lower price tag, but there are budget models among the larger ones as well.
31 January 2018 - 8:14
Arne Gustafsson says:
Hello! You are very handy, and have rebuilt most things, why don't you build your own motorhome (flatbed)? A transport car or a few years old flatbed, then you can get it as you want. I have had that dream myself, but have only made a few changes. The Arne GILA motorhome.
30 January 2018 - 19:35
Helena says:
We thought about it before actually, but we have given up that idea. It is a big project with insulation, gas system, water etc etc.
31 January 2018 - 8:16
Matts Torebring says:
I myself could never imagine travelling in a small motorhome. I'm even tired of seeing all the tests on smaller motorhomes in all the motorhome magazines. I'm sick of hearing all the talk about long beds, as if it's a must have. We've had it once, but never again. I want a qweensbed. We want space. We never wash clothes when we travel, we have five wardrobes, we have clothes in abundance with us.
You already know that I am not a dozen people. If we don't disagree, there will be no debate. Isn't it nice that we can disagree?
(I wrote a similar post that disappeared, please delete the previous one)
30 January 2018 - 20:08
Helena says:
Small motorhomes will not suit everyone and large motorhomes will continue to be popular! Good that there is something for everyone 🙂 We don't want long beds either, but even there it is good that there are alternatives,
31 January 2018 - 9:18
Elisabeth says:
We are very happy with Ellen. I can think of a smaller car, but I don't want to take pictures.
30 January 2018 - 21:03
Helena says:
I understand that you are happy with Ellen! 🙂 Plåtis will not suit everyone.
31 January 2018 - 9:19
Åke says:
I think I have found the right choice of leisure vehicle, I use it a lot in the winter so the Kabe TM with good heating beats most things.
Travelled a lot and for a long time in converted folk buses, built an LT31 with underfloor heating and most recently a VW California Cache flip top, so I love the comfort I have in the Kaben. With 7.40 length, in 4 years I have not had to turn anywhere because it became too crowded. So perfectly good balance between size, space and comfort.
Regards Åke Hammarbäck
30 January 2018 - 21:31
Helena says:
Cool with converted public buses! Me understand that the comfort is better now! 🙂 Nice that you are satisfied!
31 January 2018 - 13:54
year says:
It's nice that you challenge your thinking about motorhomes. We have one similar to yours, just under 8 metres. It is very easy to drive on small and large roads. My dream is an adventure car, like Bimobil or why not Blizzmobil. The size doesn't matter if you can afford it. Now I can't, so it will remain a dream, but travelling to wild deserted places would be really exciting. Lots of water and big diesel tanks, solar panels and real batteries. What happiness!
30 January 2018 - 22:29
Helena says:
I had to google the cars you wrote about Annar, and saw that they are similar to the Actionmobil that we looked at before. We were also very hungry, but the prices were not soooo attractive 😉 But we can imagine a little more adventure! 🙂
31 January 2018 - 13:57
Sara Hall says:
We are a family of three with a Plåtis, which is our first motorhome. We became aware of the flatbed when we were travelling with a caravan in Europe! A large motorhome can be just as limiting as a caravan in southern Europe where it is crowded. We live in Norrbotten and have real winter. This year we celebrated the New Year's weekend in the caravan and it worked just fine!
01 February 2018 - 15:15
Janne says:
All lorries are NOT under 3.5t.
02 February 2018 - 14:32
Göran says:
It doesn't matter if the motorhome is big or small, you will have parking problems anyway. More and more municipalities are introducing parking only
class 1 car. This makes it difficult to use a motorhome in everyday life. Take the motorhome to go for a swim, forget it, not allowed to
parking. The freedom of a motorhome is gone.
27 June 2023 - 9:00
Anna / Weaving aunts says:
When we finally decided to do our tour of Europe in a camper van, we first considered a <6m - but when we realised that we wanted to live in the car permanently, we went for a slightly larger one. But we did not find a floor plan that suited us until we went up to one that was 8.4m long... I think a flatbed can be wonderfully cosy, but I am too comfortable to live in such a small space permanently. Then you have the whole world as a living room, but it is still a bit too compact for my taste. Now. That can be changed 🙂
05 February 2018 - 7:34
Mr Bo Pettersson says:
We now spend 3 months a year in Morocco and have not regretted trading in our Hymer for a 6.36m flatbed!
We sleep well in it, we manage better on the bad roads and in the crowded villages, and we have a nice cosy atmosphere in the evenings!
19 February 2018 - 17:14
Mr Lars Jacobsson says:
We have just sold our eight-metre Niesmann and have instead invested in a flatbed. Malibu 6.4 metres long with otherwise reasonably good spaces. Now we can get into cities and narrow streets and park the car for new discoveries we previously missed.
It will be great to experience these new innovations.
25 March 2018 - 10:43