With the rise in popularity of motorhome touring trips in the UK and Europe, many travellers are considering renting an American-style vehicle like a Winnebago rather than a British or European motorhome made by a manufacturer like Swift or Elddis.



However, you should weigh the pros and downsides of hiring a winnebago before deciding to utilise one in England. It's important to remember that Winnebago was formerly a brand name before becoming shorthand for "American Motorhome," and that there are many more manufacturers than Winnebago and Airstream. When weighing the pros and drawbacks of renting such a vehicle, it's important to think about whether or not you could get by with using the English counterpart instead. Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of the American motorhome with its British counterpart.


Unlike English vehicles, which are right-hand drive, Winnebago RVs are left-hand drive, which is an obvious drawback if you plan to stay in the UK but a benefit if you plan to travel around the rest of mainland Europe. While many modern Winnebago models include rear-facing cameras to help with tight turns, these motorhomes are still too lengthy for the narrower and more winding English roads. Winnebago engines are built for American gas prices, so whether you choose diesel or gasoline, you'll need to budget for high fuel consumption. It's important to remember that when driving in England, the side door of an American vehicle will open into the road, not the pavement or verge, which could pose a serious safety risk, especially if you have young children in the car. Although Winnebagos are generally reliable, they are still motor vehicles and can break down like any other. In the United Kingdom, parts for these vehicles are often hard to come by because they must be imported from the United States.


Winnebago UK motorhomes, on the other hand, are roomier, with many featuring slide out sides (for use while parked) that create enormous living areas, and they typically come with everything from air conditioning and central heating to showers and a waste hookup to television and electricity to private bedrooms and a generator. They also typically have features like auto-leveling air jacks, lcd televisions, automatic transmission and air suspension, as well as separate dining areas and rooftop seating. In general, they are more plush and have more potent engines than their British counterparts. However, if the RV weights more than 7.5 tonnes, you will need a class "C" truck licence rather than a standard automobile driver's licence.


When deciding between renting a winnebago and going with an English motorhome, you'll need to weigh the advantages of the former against the disadvantages of the latter, such as fuel consumption, manoeuvrability, safety, etc. No matter what you pick, you'll love the independence of the road, the thrill of camping in the great outdoors, and the variety of landscapes you'll see on your travels.