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RV

European campervan (Womo / Kastenwagen — German)

Compact, bus-legal, park nearly anywhere.

In short

The European campervan is a panel van converted for living: a bed, a galley, fresh and waste water, and often a fixed toilet. Typical length 4.5–6 m and weight 2,500–3,500 kg, driven on an ordinary category B licence in the EU.

Typical valueNotes
Overall length4.5–6 m overall
Weight (gross)2,500–3,500 kg gross
Driving licenceCategory B in the EU, subject to the weight limits
Overall heightUsually 2.1–2.6 m overall height

What these vehicles look like

Strengths

  • Drives on an ordinary driving licence
  • Fits into cities
  • Cheap to run day to day

Limitations

  • Few on-board amenities
  • Small fresh water tank
  • Cramped when three or more people travel

Best for

Touring EuropePairs travelling togetherTravelling in cities

What it is

This is Europe's answer to the small motorhome, and it works because of the infrastructure: low-emission zones, narrow old-town streets, and campsites built into the village. A 5 m campervan can be parked outside a Roman wall and be entirely fine.

Why people choose it

Confirm the licence before you buy. In the EU a category B licence covers a vehicle up to 3,500 kg and 8 passengers, so if the real operating weight exceeds that you need a heavier class. Many campervans are registered just under 3,500 kg, which is a legal limit rather than a coincidence.

What to check before you buy

The weak points are water capacity and insulation. A European campervan carries 40–90 litres of fresh water, so plan on paying for a pitch supply on longer stays, and check the insulation if you intend to travel in winter.

Also calledWomo (German) · Camperván (ES: campervan)