9 Major Differences Between European RVs and North American RVs

BROUGHT TO YOU BY Mortons on the Move

"Camping is a worldwide activity, but there are some nuances across borders. European RVs and North American RVs have differences, and some may surprise you. This article teaches us what Europeans call RVs and if you need a special license to drive one. We also break down 10 major differences between RVs on these two continents."

What Are RVs Called in Europe?

Europeans call motorized RVs campers, and travel trailers are often called caravans. However, depending on which country you’re in, there may be a slight variation.

Do You Need a Special License to Drive an RV in Europe?

It depends on the location you’re going. As an American or Canadian driving in Europe, your passport and driver’s license are frequently adequate for driving in most countries.

European RVs Are Smaller and Lightweight European RVs are shorter and narrower than North American RVs. And therefore they’re usually lighter weight. There are reasons for this.

9 Major Differences Between European RVs and North American RVs

European RVs Don’t Have Black Tanks

European RVs don’t have black tanks because they typically have cassette toilets. So instead of hooking up a sewer hose to the camper and connecting it to the dump station, you dispose of your cassette toilet contents in the dump station.

Dump Stations Are Different in Europe

In addition to the different toilets, dump stations in Europe will be new to you as well. These stations are look like water stations rather than just a hole in the ground.

What other differences have you noticed between European and North American RVs?