Talking about motorhomes in other languages is quite difficult, especially in English. Here, we've made an attempt to clarify the concepts, but it's not easy, so we welcome your input on this, as well as any corrections! What words do you use and how do you understand them?
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ShareMotorhome in English
Let's start by finding out what motorhome means in English. It should be simple, you might think, but it's not quite that simple. When we rented a motorhome in New Zealand, it was "motorhome". Here in Europe, many times "camper" seems to work. But there are actually even more words. Here's a little summary of words and terms we've come across:
- Recreational Vehicle (RV) = Umbrella term for all types of motorhomes (USA)
- Motorhome = slightly larger and more comfortable motorhome with 2-6 beds (UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand)
- Campervan = slightly smaller motorhome with 2-3 beds
- Winnebago = A brand of motorhome, but sometimes it feels like the word is used a bit more generally...? (USA)
- Camper = Seems to refer primarily to pickup trucks with bodywork, but also other (smaller?) motorhomes, especially in Europe.
- Camping car = Motorhome... seems to be the French word, but you can see it here and there...?
Caravan in English
While we're at it, we might as well find out what a caravan is called in English. "Caravan" is probably the quick answer to this question, but there are also a few other words and terms that might be useful to know. Here is a summary:
- Caravan = Caravan
- Travel trailer/Trailer = Caravan (USA)
- Fifth wheel trailer = A caravan attached to the top of a pick-up truck instead of the back (USA)
- Mobile home = Mobile home or larger caravan, parked on a site permanently
Motorhome in other languages
What about motorhomes in other languages? We look at motorhomes in a few more languages that are commonly encountered when travelling by motorhome:
- Danish = Motorhome
- Norwegian = Motorhome
- German = camper van
- French = Camping car
- Italian = Camper
- Spanish = Autocaravana
You might also like:
Caravan parks and campsites in Sweden - lists and apps
New furniture in the motorhome garage - and space for electric bikes
Premiere tour of the motorhome and electric bikes
New windscreen on the camper van - and other fixes
5 new motorhome faults - from exhaust pipes to refrigerators
How we solved the problem of grey water in the camper van
English (UK) 
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Aila says:
In Greek it is called Trokospitto...
31 July 2014 - 18:36
Ditte says:
Thanks for the good info. Noted and ready! Never know when it will be time to rent a motorhome and in which country.
31 July 2014 - 19:05
BP says:
It was an interesting read. I didn't realise there were so many different names for more or less the same thing. Yes, dear child obviously has many names.
The last picture is probably a home construction. They removed the wheels and mounted a caravan on a lorry bed. How clever!
31 July 2014 - 20:26
Anne-Marie says:
I think you have covered the different concepts well when it comes to the US.
It's a bit confusing with all the different words and expressions for pretty much the same thing. I don't know all the little differences and nuances but I think what you have written is consistent with what I have seen and read.
01 August 2014 - 7:16
Lennart says:
I think the Norwegian language is cute and happy!
I often use Bobil!
01 August 2014 - 7:19
admin says:
Aila, great info on Greek!
🙂
Ditte, it's like a jungle of concepts...
BP, yes he has probably built it himself... Unfortunately he didn't know any English (only German) but I was allowed to take pictures (communicated with sign language type).
Anne-Marie, how nice that you commented! Good to hear your experiences. I realise that you are not familiar with the details, but at least you are used to the words that might be used in this way in normal circumstances.
Lennart, I agree. Motorhome is a good and nice word!
01 August 2014 - 9:32
Ama de casa says:
I think Bobil sounds really cute.
🙂
01 August 2014 - 10:16