Best Small Motorhomes – Under 6 Meters

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I’ve previously an article on the best small campervans where I discuss my definition of a campervan as a leisure vehicle without a dedicated enclosed space for a toilet and shower (wet room). Therefore I now want to write an article on small motorhomes, hence the smallest vehicles on the market with a dedicated enclosed space for a toilet/shower. If that is a feature that you feel you don’t need, my article linked above on small campervans may actually be a better option for you as they are smaller leisure vehicles. Below are the smallest motorhomes available in the UK and their respective price points/features.

Best Small Motorhomes
What are the best small motorhomes currently available?: Original Image – Knaus.com

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So another way to describe the leisure vehicles I’m covering in this article is panel van conversions which, as I discuss in that linked article, have various benefits over larger coachbuilt motorhomes.

For instance, as a panel van conversion in many instances is just a standard commercial van you can take it into town/city centres and access/parking is workable.

Its obviously not going to be as easy as it would with a campervan, but with a motorhome, along with the dedicated wet room, you also have more interior space.

However, what I would pay attention to is the height of some of the motorhomes below, which I’ve listed. Some of the motorhomes below are quite a bit taller than others.

While that additional head height makes using the space more viable, its obviously not great for getting under parking barriers, as I discuss in my article on campervans vs motorhomes.

Introduction To The Best Small Motorhomes

Right, so I’ve provided details below on sixteen motorhomes that are the smallest models on the market that include a wet room. Some have combined toilet/shower areas others have separate toilet/shower arrangements and I state which has what.

When it comes to a ‘small’ motorhome, you could be looking for the shortest models available in length or in height.

Therefore, I’ve created two quick lists below of each model in height and length order. If you click the links below it skips the page to that particular model.

Shortest Motorhomes For Height

  1. Knaus BoxStar 540: Height = 2.58m
  2. Rapido V55: Height = 2.59m
  3. Auto Sleepers Symbol: Height = 2.64m
  4. Chausson V594: Height = 2.65m
  5. Burstner Eliseo Active C540: Height = 2.65m
  6. Roller Team Toleno: Height = 2.68m
  7. Laika Kosmo 5.4: Height = 2.70m
  8. Pilote P600P: Height = 2.75m
  9. Swift Select 122: Height = 2.75m
  10. Adria Compact Supreme SP: Height = 2.78m
  11. Hymer Free 540: Height = 2.80m
  12. Westfalia Club Joker: Height = 2.80m
  13. Dethleffs GLOBEBUS T1: Height = 2.81m
  14. Elddis Autoquest 115: Height = 2.82m
  15. Bailey Adamo 69-4: Height = 2.85m
  16. VW Grand California: Height = 3.00m

Shortest Motorhomes For Length

  1. Westfalia Club Joker: Length = 5.30m
  2. Knaus BoxStar 540: Length = 5.40m
  3. Auto Sleepers Symbol: Length = 5.41m
  4. Burstner Eliseo Active C540: Length = 5.41m
  5. Chausson V594: Length = 5.41m
  6. Rapido V55: Length = 5.99m
  7. Laika Kosmo 5.4: Length = 5.41m
  8. Hymer Free 540: Length = 5.41m
  9. Elddis Autoquest 115: Length = 5.70m
  10. Pilote P600P: Length = 5.96m
  11. Roller Team Toleno: Length = 5.99m
  12. Adria Compact Supreme SP: Length = 5.99m
  13. Dethleffs GLOBEBUS T1: Length = 5.99m
  14. Swift Select 122: Length = 6.00m
  15. VW Grand California: Length = 6.00m
  16. Bailey Adamo 69-4: Length = 6.99m

Adria Compact Supreme SP

The Compact Supreme SP is the smallest motorhome in the Adria lineup. It comes in at just under 6m in length (5.99m) and has a height of 2.78m.

Four people can travel with the Compact Supreme SP. However, it only sleeps three people, so someone is going to have to spend the night in a tent.

A quick walk around the Adria Compact Supreme SP

The Compact Supreme SP is a coach built motorhome with a rear double bed and mid-wet room layout. As such, it also features a rear garage under the bed for lots of storage space.

Being one of the largest leisure vehicle manufacturers, there are lots of places to not only purchase an Adria motorhome but also to get specific Adria servicing as well.

  • Adria Compact Supreme SP
  • Transports: 4 people
  • Sleeps: 3 people
  • Wet Room: Combined toilet/shower
  • Height: 2.78m
  • Length: 5.99m
  • Price Range: Starting from £77K
  • Manufacturers Website: Click Here

Auto-Sleepers Symbol

The smallest motorhome in the Auto Sleepers line-up is the Symbol which is a panel van conversion of the Peugeot Boxer coming in at just 5.41m in length and a height of just 2.64m.

While the Symbol is only a two-berth/couples motorhome, it does have seatbelts for three people. Therefore, a single child/grandchild could come along, but someone is sleeping in a tent.

A quick walkaround of the Auto-Sleepers Symbol

Unsurprisingly for such a compact motorhome, the Symbol features a combined toilet and shower located in the rear of the vehicle with access to the Thetford toilet via the opening rear doors.

We have several repeat guests who own Auto-Sleepers and they are very happy with the materials, fit and finish of their motorhomes so its a brand well worth considering.

  • Auto-Sleepers Symbol
  • Transports: 3 people
  • Sleeps: 2 people
  • Wet Room: Combined toilet/shower
  • Height: 2.64m
  • Length: 5.41m
  • Price Range: Starting from £72K
  • Manufacturers Website: Click Here

Bailey Adamo 69-4

Bailey doesn’t currently offer panel van conversions, and their smallest coachbuilt motorhome, the Adamo 69-4 is not the shortest of the options within this list, coming in at just under 7m.

With regards to height, the Bailey Adamo 69-4 is a low-profile motorhome which does help to keep its height down, but it still comes in at 2.85m.

A quick walkaround the Bailey Adamo 69-4

While the Bailey Adamo 69-4 is definitely not the shortest of the motorhomes I’ve listed at just under 7m, it does feature a wet room with a separate toilet and shower area.

Hence, you can use the shower without getting the toilet wet, which obviously has a lot of practical benefits.

Therefore, while the Adamo 69-4 is not the smallest of motorhomes, it is one of the smallest with a separate toilet and shower area.

  • Bailey Adamo 69-4
  • Transports: 4 people
  • Sleeps: 4 people
  • Wet Room: Seperate toilet and shower wetroom
  • Height: 2.85m
  • Length: 6.99m
  • Price Range: Starting from £75K
  • Manufacturers Website: Click Here

Burstner Eliseo Active C540

While the Burstner Eliseo Active is a very small motorhome being just 5.41m long and just 2.65m in height, it is actually fitted with a pop-up roof to accommodate the sleeping of two people up there.

In total, the Eliseo Active can provide sleeping for up to 5 people! However, there is a slight problem that only 4 people are legally allowed to travel in the Eliseo Active due to the number of seat belts.

A quick walk around of the Burster Eliseo C540

While a combined toilet and shower is to be expected of such a small motorhome of this size compared to some of the other options within this list, the amount of space to move while having a shower does appear to be quite limited.

However, I do think for its size and price point, starting at just £48K, the C540 has a lot of appeal with that pop-up roof along with the build quality Burstner are well known for.

  • Burstner Eliseo Active C540
  • Transports: 4 people
  • Sleeps: 5 people
  • Wet Room: Combined toilet/shower
  • Height: 2.65m
  • Length: 5.41m
  • Price Range: Starting from £59K
  • Manufacturers Website: Click Here

Chausson V594

If you’re not aware of Chausson, as you may have guessed, they are a French brand, and they have been around now for over 40 years.

Its one of the best-selling brands within Europe, and we have at least a couple of guests each year turn up in a Chausson motorhome.

Their smallest offering is the V594 which is a panel van conversion of the Fiat Ducato, coming in at a length of 5.99m and a total height of 2.61m.

A quick walk around of the Chausson V594 small motorhome

While the Chausson V594 has seat belts for four people this is only a two-berth motorhome, therefore, it would be necessary to take along a tent to get the best use of the capabilties of the vehicle.

However, when it comes to price, starting from just £43K, the Chausson V594 is one of the cheapest small motorhomes on the market today while offering the service/support of a major brand.

  • Chausson V594
  • Transports: 4 people
  • Sleeps: 2 people
  • Wet Room: Combined toilet/shower
  • Height: 2.65m
  • Length: 5.41m
  • Price Range: Starting from £49K
  • Manufacturers Website: Click Here

Dethleffs GLOBEBUS T1

Dethleffs is a brand under the Erwin Hymer Group, and as such, it is a premium option and the GLOBEBUS T1 is one of the most expensive small motorhomes on this list, but they are made to a very high standard.

The GLOBEBUS T1 is just under 6m (5.99m) and has a total height of 2.81m. Hence while it conforms to the general dimensions of a small motorhome, it is indeed not the smallest vehicle within this list.

A quick walkaround of the Dethleffs GLOBEBUS T1

When it comes to the toilet and shower within the GLOBEBUS T1 while it is a combined space, I do think its one of the best solutions currently on the market.

The wall where the sink is attached pulls out and creates a shower screen to stop the toilet from getting wet when using the shower.

The GLOBEBUS T1 features a rear double bed suspended over a large rear garage. I believe and many of our guests have commented on the practical benefits of rear garage layout for motorhomes, and its a post I’ll focus on in the future.

  • Dethleffs GLOBEBUS T1
  • Transports: 4 people
  • Sleeps: 3 people
  • Wet Room: Combined toilet/shower
  • Height: 2.81m
  • Length: 5.99m
  • Price Range: Starting from £60K
  • Manufacturers Website: Click Here

Elddis Autoquest 115 & Compass Avantgarde 115

The Elddis group sell their vans under a couple of different names, Compass being one of them.

Therefore, I’ve put these two vans as the same listing as they are essentially the same with a few feature/specification differences.

The Autoquest 115 and Avantgarde 115 are both 2 berth coachbuilt motorhomes and they are very short at just 5.7m.

When it comes to the height they are not the lowest of the competition within this list, coming in at 2.82m.

A quick walkaround of the Elddis Autoquest 115

As these are such short motorhomes, they can only offer a combined toilet and shower wet room, but that’s to be expected with the short 5.7m length.

As discussed in the video above by Thompson Leisure, there are multiple different versions of this same motorhome.

Therefore if you are a couple and this size of van would work for you, there are multiple ways to have it spec’d out.

  • Elddis Autoquest 115 & Compass Avantgarde 115
  • Transports: 2 people
  • Sleeps: 2 people
  • Wet Room: Combined toilet/shower
  • Height: 2.82m
  • Length: 5.70m
  • Price Range: Starting from £63K
  • Manufacturers Website: Click Here

Hymer Free 540

Hymer is the crowing brand of the Erwin Hymer Group, which also own the Elddis and Dethleffs brands above. The Hymer Free 540 is their smallest offering, with a length of 5.41m and a height of 2.80m.

Based on a Fiat Ducato, the Free 540 is a panel van conversion with a rear double bed and a pop-up roof for a sleeping area for a further two people in the roof.

A quick walk around the Hymer Free 540 small motorhome

The Free 540 features a mid-combined toilet/shower area, which is typical of a motorhome of this size, and it does appear to be quite a small area; therefore, showering could be tricky.

However, to be able to get a true motorhome with a dedicated toilet/shower area and sleeping for four to five people for £47K from one of the leading motorhome brands is not bad at all.

I’ve previously written about how used Hymer motorhomes hold their value well.

  • Hymer Free 540
  • Transports: 4 people
  • Sleeps: 2 to 5 people
  • Wet Room: Combined toilet/shower
  • Height: 2.80cm
  • Length: 5.41cm
  • Price Range: Starting from $61K
  • Manufacturers Website: Click Here

Knaus BoxStar 540

As you have probably guessed already, the Knaus BoxStar 540 is very compact and while not quite 5.4m in length (its 541cm), its still one of the shortest/smallest motorhomes on this list with a height of just 2.58m.

Now, Knaus actually refers to the BoxStar as a campervan or CUV, but going by my rules, as it has a dedicated enclosed space for a toilet and shower, its not a campervan, its a motorhome.

A quick walk around of the Knaus Boxstar 540

If you check out the video above you can see there are versions of this motorhome with a rather ingenious shower layout.

Two sliding screens act as the door to the toilet but then open out to create a separate enclosed shower area in the centre of the van!

Now, not all versions of the Knaus BoxStar 540 have this toilet/shower layout, in fact, all the versions I’ve seen for sale in the UK just have the more boring combined toilet/shower.

Therefore whether you can actually get that separate shower area layout in the UK I’m not sure.

  • Knaus BoxStar 540
  • Transports: 4 people
  • Sleeps: 5 people
  • Wet Room: Combined toilet/shower
  • Height: 2.58m
  • Length: 5.4m
  • Price Range: Starting from £63K
  • Manufacturers Website: Click Here

Laika Kosmo 5.4

I’m going to be honest with you, while I run a small campsite and I’ve seen hundreds of motorhomes for many different brands over the years, until I did the research for this article, I’d never come across Laika.

After doing a bit of research into this Italian brand, I then find out its one of several brands on this list that comes under the giant that is the Erwin Hymer Group. Their smallest model is this is Laika Kosmo 5.4

A quick walk around the Laika Kosmo 5.4, one of the smallest and cheapest motorhomes available

Based on the Fiat Ducato, like several of the small motorhomes on this list, it comes in at 5.41m in length and 2.70m in height making it one of the smallest motorhomes on this list.

Furthermore, the Laika Kosmo 5.4 has a starting price of just £40K! That easily makes it the cheapest motorhome I’ve listed. However, once you start to spec out a motorhome, that cost can rise quickly.

  • Laika Kosmo 5.4
  • Transports: 4 people
  • Sleeps: 2 people
  • Wet Room: Combined toilet/shower
  • Height: 2.7m
  • Length: 5.41m
  • Price Range: Starting from £48K
  • Manufacturers Website: Click Here

Pilote P600P

Pilote is a French motorhome brand, and while they mainly focus on larger A-Class motorhomes, they do have a couple of smaller models. However, only one model is under 6m in length, the P600P.

The P600P is a two-berth couples motorhome with quite a unique double bed rear washroom layout. In fact, the P600P is one of only a few small motorhomes on this list to provide for a separate shower.

A quick walk around the Pilote P600P, which shows the rear bathroom with a separate shower

Now, personally, I prefer a layout with a separate shower, it just adds to the practicality of the vehicle to me as I would actually use it.

However, speaking to our motorhome guests in the past, some don’t like a separate shower as for them, it takes too much space away from the living area.

As always, it comes down to how you are personally going to use the vehicle.

However, if you do want to be able to use the shower and have sufficient space to actually move around while showering the Pilote P600P is worth considering.

  • Pilote P600P
  • Transports: 4 people
  • Sleeps: 2 people
  • Wet Room: Seperate toilet and shower
  • Height: 2.75m
  • Length: 5.96m
  • Price Range: Starting from £57K
  • Manufacturers Website: Click Here

Rapido V55

The V55 is a Fiat Ducato panel van conversion and pretty compact, it comes in under 6m (5.99m) and has a total height of 2.59m, making it one of the lowest motorhomes on this list.

I find the layout of the V55 interesting in two regards. First, it features a separate toilet and shower, which is quite unique for a van of this size, but furthermore, the shower door is also the wardrobe!?

You’ll have to watch the video below to see what I mean.

A quick walk around in the Rapido V55 with its separate toilet and shower

The V55 can safely transport 4 people, however, it can only sleep 3 people. Then again, while the front bed conversion is an awkward shape and only suitable for one adult, there would be enough space for a small child on there too.

  • Rapido V55
  • Transports: 4 people
  • Sleeps: 3 people
  • Wet Room: Seperate toilet and shower
  • Height: 2.59m
  • Length: 5.99m
  • Price Range: Starting from £63K
  • Manufacturers Website: Click Here

Roller Team Toleno

The Toleno is a Fiat Ducato conversion which is available in three different layout configurations, the Toleno L, R and S. All three models have the same mid-combined toilet/shower wet room.

However, the orientation of the seating and location of the wardrobe changes with each model.

In terms of the dimensions, all of the Toleno models share the same technical details in they are 5.99m long and have a maximum height of 2.68m.

A quick review of the Roller Team Toleno R

The Toleno L and S are a pretty typical two-berth layout where the rear lounge converts into a double bed. However, its the Toleno R, which is more interesting, its a rear-fixed double bunk bed layout.

Room to manoeuvre within either of the rear bunks is obviously limited, so I’m not sure that this is a four-berth layout that will appeal to that many people.

However, I think either of the two-berth layouts will have a lot of appeal to travelling couples.

  • Roller Team Toleno
  • Transports: 2 or 4 people
  • Sleeps: 2 or 4 people
  • Wet Room: Combined toilet/shower
  • Height: 2.68m
  • Length: 5.99m
  • Price Range: Starting from £60K
  • Manufacturers Website: Click Here

Swift Select 122

The smallest motorhome from the Swift group is currently the Select 122, a panel van conversion of the Fiat Ducato platform. The Select 122 features a length of 6.00m and a height of 2.72m.

The Swift Select 122 is not one of the cheapest small motorhomes on this list, starting from £63K, and notably, it can only transport and sleep two people. Therefore, its only suitable for couples.

A quick review of the Swift Select 122 small motorhome

Just like the Adria Compact Supreme SP above, the Swift Select 122 follows a rear bed/mid-washroom layout. The notable difference with the Select 122 as its a panel van conversion it has opening doors on the rear.

Hence, with those opening rear doors when the back of the van is being used as a dining area, you could open those doors (weather permitting) and get a great view out of the back.

  • Swift Select 122
  • Transports: 2
  • Sleeps: 2
  • Wet Room: Combined toilet/shower
  • Height: 2.75m
  • Length: 6m
  • Price Range: Starting from £63K
  • Manufacturers Website: Click Here

VW Grand California

The Grand California is based on the VW Crafter van and comes in two configurations the 600 and the 680. Those numbers relate to the length of the vehicle in centimetres.

Hence, the 600 is a 600cm (6m) long van and the 680 is a 680cm (6.8m) long van.

Now, obviously, as this post is about ‘small motorhomes’ the 600 may likely appeal to you more. However, it might also be the only version you are legally allowed to drive.

The California 600 is under 3,500 kg is can be driven under a ‘normal’ category B driving licence. However, the California 680 is over 3,500 kg (3,800 Kg), therefore you would need a category C1 driving licence to drive it.

I’ve included a video below from the channel a Bus and Beyond on a 2,500 mile trip they took in a Grand California 680. While is a long video at around 30 minutes, if this van particularly appeals to you its well worth a watch.

A very thorough review of a VW Grand California over a 2,500 mile trip

Something that is worth noting is that while the Grand California 600 is the shorter of the two options, its not actually the shortest in height. The 600 comes in with a maximum height of just under 3.1m, whereas the 680 is shorter at just under 3m.

In terms of the wet room in both models of the Grand California, its a combined wet room. Hence, the toilet and shower occupy the same space, and the toilet will get wet when you use the shower.

  • VW Grand California 600 and 680
  • Transports: 4 people
  • Sleeps: 4 people
  • Wet Room: Combined toilet/shower
  • Height: 600 (3m), 680 (3.1m)
  • Length: 600 (6m), 680 (6.8m)
  • Price Range: Grand California 600 (£81K), Grand California 680 (£83K)
  • Manufacturers Website: Click Here

Westfalia Club Joker

Based on the same VW Transporter platform that many of the very popular Westfalia campervans are based on the Club Joker is a high-top conversion that allows for a dedicated wet room at the back of the vehicle.

As such though, the Club Joker is significantly higher than the Westfalia campervans, with a total height of 2.8m. Therefore, the Club Joker is going to struggle to get under most parking barriers.

When it comes to the length though, the Club Joker is the shortest motorhome in this list, with a total length of 5.3m. Hence, it can fit on most driveways where the height of the vehicle won’t be an issue.

A quick review of the Westfalia Club Joker

While the video above doesn’t represent the latest version of the Club Joker, the same basic layout applies today with the rear wet room and Thetford cassette toilet accessible by opening up the rear door.

As the Westfalia Club Joker has been available in the UK for quite a few years now, if your budget won’t stretch to a new one, you could consider second-hand options based on earlier generation T5 and T6 platforms.

Talking of the price of a new one, get ready for this its now around £90K! I know prices have gone up over recent years due to inflation/supply chain issues etc, but that’s a very steep price.

  • Westfalia Club Joker
  • Transports: 4 people
  • Sleeps: 4 people
  • Wet Room: Combined toilet/shower
  • Height: 2.8m
  • Length: 5.3m
  • Price Range: Starting from £90K
  • Manufacturers Website: Click Here

Conclusions On The Best Small Motorhomes

Ok, so if you are looking for a small motorhome that can fit under a typical parking barrier of between 2m to 2.5m, you’re going to struggle.

The shortest motorhome of those listed above is the Knaus BoxStar 540 and that still comes in at 2.58m. Hence, if parking options are your key criteria, you’ll be better off with a small campervan.

If you are looking for a small motorhome so you can fit it on your drive, the Westfalia Club Joker is the shortest of the above options.

Then again, if you check out my shortest motorhomes by length list and you get out a tape measure, you may find you actually have quite a few options to choose from.

That’s it! I hope you found the information above helpful so you can get best the best small motorhome to meet your needs. Obviously, once you have your motorhome come and pay us a visit here at Horton Common 🙂


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