If you’re looking to buy a motorhome, it pays to do your research and seek out the best motorhome manufacturers. A new motorhome is a significant purchase. Fortunately, there is plenty of choice and many excellent motorhome brands out there, so have a look online, go to a show see the products and meet the manufacturers in person. In this guide, we’re rounding up some of the best motorhome manufacturers. Whether you’re looking for an A-class Hymer motorhome, a continental Chausson or a smart Adria, we’ve got the contacts you need.
If you find the sheer number of motorhomes out there bewildering, fortunately help is at hand. There are UK shows you can visit where you can see a wide variety of motorhome from many of the manufacturers covered here, and all in one place. The two biggest happen at Birmingham’s NEC, with the larger show in October when the season’s new models are launched, and a smaller one earlier in the year. This will be occurring between 21st-26th February in 2023.
A show runs at Glasgow’s SECC too, normally taking place around the same time for those north of the border – in 2023, it will be held between 2nd-5th February. There is also a smaller show at EventCity in Manchester in January, which will be running from 12th-15th.
We also run the Owner Satisfaction Awards, held in conjunction with the Camping and Caravanning Club. This provides us with a great insight into the best motorhome manufacturers out there, as our readers – and members of the Camping and Caravanning Club – vote to give us an accurate idea of the market, as well as highlighting the best motorhome brands for giving customers the finest buying experience.
For the recent Owner Satisfaction Awards 2023, we received a total of 5,081 votes, a significant increase from the 2,668 we received last time. These in-depth answers give us what we consider to be the most in-depth results we’ve had to date, and allows us to pick out the best motorhome makes out there.
We also run the Practical Motorhome Awards. Here, our expert panel of judges use our collective decades of industry experience to pick out the standout vans from the best motorhome brands, across a wide range of categories. As well as choosing a winner in each category, we also revealed the contenders that appeared on the shortlist.
20 best motorhome manufacturers and brands
ADRIA
Drury Drive, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 1WH 01787 888980
www.adria.co.uk
One of Europe’s largest motorhome manufacturers, this Slovenian company produces everything from space-conscious van conversions to top-of-the-range A-classes. The brand is part of the Trigano Group.
For the 2023 season, it was announced that the new Supersonic range would be based on a Mercedes Sprinter, the first Mercedes-based Adria ‘vans in nearly two decades.
The Slovenian motorhome make had a dominating display at the Owner Satisfaction Awards, winning the best manufacturer – overall (new and pre-owned) category, with a score of 82.7%.
They also topped the best manufacturer – new motorhomes category with a score of 83.7%, while 80.9% in the best manufacturer – pre-owned motorhomes category meant the brand achieved a gold medal in all three categories.
After such a strong showing, it wasn’t surprising to see the motorhome brand enjoy a successful Practical Motorhome Awards 2023.
The Adria Supersonic 780DC was our winner of the best A-class motorhome category and was shortlisted twice more. The excellent spec and double floor proved a popular combination with our judges.
The Adria Twin Supreme 600SX was another winner, securing the best van conversion over £60,000 category, thanks to its clever second lounge and comfortable sleeping arrangements.
AUTO-SLEEPERS
Orchard Works, Willersey, nr Broadway, Worcestershire 01386 853338
www.auto-sleepers.com
A long-standing and well regarded British brand that mainly focuses on van conversions but also makes Peugeot- and Mercedes-based low profiles. Sister company to Marquis Leisure, now also owned by Trigano.
In 2021, the brand celebrated its 60th anniversary, and celebrated with the release of a special edition low-profile, the Auto-Sleeper Broadway EL, a ‘van that provides plenty of comfort and also came with what was described as “the best central washrooms that we have seen in a long time” when we reviewed it.
At the Owner Satisfaction Awards, the brand secured a gold award in the best manufacturer: pre-owned motorhomes category, with a score of 81.1%.
Silver awards were also won in the best manufacturer – new motorhomes and best manufacturer – overall (across now and old) categories, with scores of 74.4% and 78.7% respectively.
AUTO-TRAIL
Trigano House, Genesis Way, Europarc, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN37 9TU 01472 571000
www.auto-trail.co.uk
A popular British brand producing van conversions, low profiles and overcabs under the Auto-Trail and Tribute names. Ultimately owned by Trigano. Look out for the Auto-Trail umbrella included in many models!
One model that impressed us when we reviewed it in 2022 was the Auto-Trail F68, a couples’ motorhome with just that bit of extra space that can be needed when you’re on tour together.
At the Owner Satisfaction Awards, Auto-Trail achieved three silver medals.
BAILEY
South Liberty Lane, Bristol BS3 2SS 0117 966 5967
www.baileyofbristol.co.uk
One of Britain’s biggest caravan makes, Bailey only started producing motorhomes around a decade ago, but already has three ranges of low profile vans.
The British brand has built up a strong following in this time, as seen at our 2023 Owner Satisfaction Awards.
Here, Bailey won a gold award in the best manufacturer – pre-owned motorhomes category with a score of 82.6%, as well as silver awards in the best manufacturer – new motorhomes and best manufacturer – overall (across now and old) categories, with totals of 73.6% and 78.2% respectively.
BENIMAR
Willersey, nr Broadway, Worcestershire 0800 026 7777
www.marquisleisure.com
This Spanish brand has been reintroduced to the UK exclusively by fellow Trigano subsidiary Marquis Leisure. It currently comprises three ranges – the Fiat-based Mileo and Primero ranges, and the Ford-based Tessoro.
The Benimar Tessoro 483 proved a popular ‘van with our judges at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2023, not only winning the best motorhome for couples category, but also being shortlisted for a further two. We really liked the high level of kit on offer, as well as the garage and the inclusion of a spacious end washroom.
The brand also achieved two silver awards at the Owner Satisfaction Awards.
BÜRSTNER
Weststrasse 33, D-77694, Kehl/Rhein, Germany 00 49 7851 850
www.buerstner.com
A longstanding German brand, now part of the Erwin Hymer Group, Bürstner produces the full range of van conversions, low-profiles. A-classes and huge overcabs.
The brand was our joint-winner of the best manufacturer – pre-owned motorhomes category at the Owner Satisfaction Awards, thanks to a highly commendable score of 85%.
A silver award was also achieved in the best manufacturer – new motorhome category, where the brand scored 79.7%.
There was more success for Bürstner at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2023, where Bürstner won two categories.
The best 4 berth motorhome went to the Bürstner Eliseo C644, as we found ourselves impressed by the space it provided, as well as the garage included.
That’s not all though – the Bürstner Lyseo Gallery TD Harmony Line 689G took the best motorhome over £80,000 category; we loved how it created such a sense of home on the go.
Both ‘vans were also shortlisted for a further category apiece too.
CARTHAGO
Cathago Ring 1, D-88326 Aulendorf, Germany 00 49 07525 9200 0
www.carthago.com/en
Upmarket Carthago is one of the few German motorhome brands that is still privately owned. It produces well-built low-profiles and A-classes, while its more budget sister brand Malibu also does van conversions.
For 2023, the brand has focused on upgrades to the compactline and tourer-for-two ranges, while a Mercedes Sprinter-based model has been added to the chic c-line range.
One model that we have reviewed is the Carthago Chic C-Line I 4.9 Le L Superior – when we saw it in 2022, we loved the quality the ‘van offered, as well as the high standard of fixtures and fittings.
At the Owner Satisfaction Awards, the German make achieved a notable score of 83.4% in the best manufacturer – new motorhomes category.
Carthago also found itself shortlisted three times at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2023 – two of these entries were through the Carthago Liner for Two I53, with our judging panel loving how you could almost forget you’re in a motorhome after pitching up.
CHAUSSON
CS 69003 07302 Tournon sur Rhone, France 00 33 04 75 07 55 00
www.chausson-motorhomes.com
French brand Chausson is one of the best selling continental brands in the UK, with a range of highly innovative low-profiles. Part of the Trigano Group.
For 2023, the brand has slimmed down to just seven models, all based on the 170bhp Ford Transit and with an automatic gearbox fitted as standard.
The Chausson S514 Sport Line had a successful Practical Motorhome Awards 2023 – we loved the storage it provided, as well as the stylish exterior on offer, improving what was already a successful vehicle.
As a result, it wasn’t surprising to see the vehicle win the best motorhome under £60,000 category, as well as finding itself shortlisted a further three times.
There was more success for the brand at the Owner Satisfaction Awards, where three silver awards were achieved.
DETHLEFFS
Arist-Dethleffs Strasse 12, D-88316, Isny im Allgau, Germany 00 49 07562 9870
www.dethleffs.co.uk
Dethleffs is one of the Erwin Hymer Group’s more upmarket brands, producing everything from compact low-profiles to huge overcabs with a strong focus on innovation.
The brand secured a gold award and joint first place finish in the best manufacturer – pre-owned motorhomes category at the Owner Satisfaction Awards, achieving an impressive score of 85%. A silver award was also received for the best manufacturer – new motorhomes category, where Dethleffs scored 77.1%.
As well as that, the brand had two models shortlisted at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2023, the Dethleffs Just Go T6815 EB and the Just Go T6905.
ERWIN HYMER UK
Delves Lane, Consett, County Durham DH8 7PE 0371 964 2113
www.elddis.co.uk
Erwin Hymer bought Elddis, one of the UK’s biggest brands, a few years ago – about the same time that Elddis itself had resurrected the Compass brand in motorhomes. Since then it has moved into highly innovative van conversions too.
There was a successful showing for the brand at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2023, with the Elddis Autoquest 115 securing the best motorhome under 7m category and being shortlisted once more.
Three silver awards were also won at the Owner Satisfaction Awards too.
FRANKIA
Bernecker Strasse 12, D-95509 Marktschorgast, Germany 00 49 09227 7380
www.frankia.com/en
Owned by Pilote, Frankia produces uber-luxurious A-classes and low-profiles including the popular Plus models, with beds that drop down over the cab. You can choose between Fiat- and Mercedes-based models.
One such ‘van is the Frankia Platin I 8400 Plus, a ‘van that we really rated when we saw it, and one that offers a truly luxurious – and self-sufficient – touring experience.
At the Practical Motorhome Awards 2023, the Frankia MI 7 BD Neo was shortlisted, with our judges liking how it managed to provide the same quality in a ‘van that was a more manageable length.
HOBBY
Green Meadows, Bradshaw Lane, Greenhalgh, nr Preston, Lancashire PR45 3HQ 01772 737273
www.hobby-motorhomes.co.uk
German brand Hobby, the largest caravan manufacturer in Europe, also produces every type of motorhome except for A-classes. It has a particular focus on family vans.
HYMER
Holzstrasse 19, D-88339 Bad Waldsee, Germany
www.hymer.com
The flagship brand of the Erwin Hymer Group, Hymer produces luxurious A-classes and low-profiles with a distinctive exterior profile, as well as Fiat Ducato van conversions. It has just started building its own chassis too.
The Hymer Venture S was not only the winner of the best motorhome for innovation category at the Practical Motorhome Awards, but also found itself shortlisted twice more.
We were impressed by the number of innovative features on offer inside, which include a fold-down sun deck and a staircase that serves as a storage area. The brand also appeared in a further category.
This was followed up by gold medals in both the best manufacturer: pre-owned motorhomes and the best manufacturer: new motorhomes categories at the Owner Satisfaction Awards, where Hymer scored 84.4% and 82.1% respectively.
KNAUS / WEINSBERG
Helmut-Knaus-Strasse 1, D-94118, Jandelsbrunn, Germany
www.knaus.com / www.weinsberg.com
Part of the huge Knaus Tabbert Group, Knaus motorhomes have a relatively low profile in the UK but are expanding rapidly.
For the 2023 season, there are two new ranges, thanks to a closer working relationship with Volkswagen.
The Knaus Tourer Van 700MQ Vansation has a successful Practical Motorhome Awards 2023, winning the best motorhome under £80,000 category, while the motorhome make had two more vans shortlisted.
Knaus’ budget brand, Weinsberg, also won the best motorhome under 6m category through the Weinsberg X-Cursion Van 500 LT.
We really appreciated touches like the cosy lounge and the wardrobe that can be accessed externally.
LAIKA
Via Certaldese 41A, San Casciano in Val di Pesa, 50026 Firenze, Italy 00 39 055 80581
www.laika.it/en
A motorhome brand named after the dog that went into space? Why not? Tuscan brand Laika, part of the Erwin Hymer Group, produces A-classes and low-profiles with typical Italian flair and great attention to detail.
MOBILVETTA
Willersey,nr Broadway, Worcestershire 0800 026 7777
www.marquisleisure.com
Like Spanish brand Benimar, Italian brand Mobilvetta has been reintroduced into the UK exclusively by fellow Trigano subsidiary Marquis Leisure. Its K Yacht Tekno Line range of A-classes has a distinctly nautical feel.
One such example is the Mobilvetta K Yacht Tekno Line 95 – when we reviewed the model in 2022, we thought it was a stylish and quality ‘van, with a very comfortable lounge.
PILOTE
Route du Demi Boeuf, 4310 La Limouziniere, France 00 33 02 40 32 16 00
www.pilote-motorhome.uk
French brand Pilote produces A-classes and low-profiles with a wide range of spec levels. It also produces the Le Voyageur range of top-class liner motorhomes.
Pilote has said it intends to move away from “seasonal” range overhauls each year, and instead wants to start making technical changes to chosen ranges at the beginning and middle of the year.
The brand had the Pilote V633M shortlisted twice at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2023.
Pilote’s budget brand, Joa, had success too, with the Joa Camp 75Q not only winning the best 2-berth motorhome category, but being shortlisted twice more. We really liked the innovative design on offer in a ‘van that has made an impressive debut.
The brand appeared on three more shortlisted too, including through the Joa Camp 60G, a bright and cheerful van conversion which featured twice.
RAPIDO
414 rue des Perrouins, CS 20019 53101 Mayenne, France 00 33 02 43 30 10 70
www.rapido-motorhome.co.uk
Rapido produces the full range of motorhomes under its own name, as well as more budget priced Itineo A-classes and low-profiles, and highly innovative camper vans which in the UK are branded Dreamer.
For 2023, all Van, Compact and Series 6F ranges are coming on a Peugeot base, although Fiat is a cost option for the latter. The ranges have also been slimmed down.
To mark the brand’s 60th anniversary, Rapido brought out six models for the 2022 season that came with an inbuilt vacuum cleaner.
The French manufacturer had a successful Practical Motorhome Awards 2023, winning the best motorhome for families through the Rapido 854F. There were two more shortlist appearances too.
A gold award was also received for the best manufacturer – new motorhomes category, with a score of 81.8%, while 79.2% meant the brand secured a silver award in the best manufacturer – pre-owned motorhomes category.
ROLLER-TEAM
Trigano House, Genesis Way, Europarc, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN37 9TU 01472 571000
www.rollerteammotorhomes.co.uk
Distributed in the UK by fellow Trigano Group subsidiary Auto-Trail, Roller-Team is an Italian motorhome manufacturer with a strong focus on family vans. It is also the only A-class producer to include UK-oriented cab doors.
Two gold awards were awarded to Roller Team at the Owner Satisfaction Awards, as Roller-Team scored 80.9% in the best manufacturer – new motorhomes category and 81.8% in the best manufacturer – pre-owned motorhomes category.
SWIFT
Dunswell Road, Cottingham, East Yorkshire HU16 4JX 01482 875740
www.swiftgroup.co.uk
Britain’s largest leisure vehicle manufacturer has been producing motorhomes since 1985. Perhaps best known for its family-oriented Kon-tiki range, it is an almost entirely Fiat-based manufacturer.
Towards the end of 2021, the British brand announced it was releasing its first campervan, the Swift Monza.
The Swift Voyager 584 was our winner of the best low-profile motorhome at the Practical Motorhome Awards 2023, with a huge garage and a comfortable lounge just two of the factors that helped it secure the category.
The British brand had a successful Owner Satisfaction Awards too – a gold award was awarded for the best manufacturer – pre-owned motorhomes category with a score of 80.1%, while two silver awards were awarded too.
You can read more about the best motorhome manufacturers and the best motorhome brands in our motorhome reviews section, where we provide impartial reviews of the latest releases on the market.
You can also find out more about who sells what by taking a look at our manufacturer family trees, where we break down some of the best motorhome brands:
Motorhome brand family trees – Part 1 – Erwin Hymer Group
Motorhome brand family trees – Part 2 – Trigano
Or maybe you’d prefer to find out about a camper van conversion? If that’s the case, be sure to take a look at our buying guide to the 10 best campervan converters in the UK.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Motorhome magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things motorhome related
Whether you’re looking for a A-class Hymer motorhome, a continental Chausson or a smart Adria we’ve got the contacts you need
