Kathryn Bird says a 7.3-meter motorhome fits most European campsites and wild camping spots fine. Narrow roads in Scotland and Ireland get tight above 6.8 meters, and ferries charge by the meter, so longer vans pay more. Otherwise, length isn't a real problem.
Hi Jean, thank you for your question, and forgive me, I've got helmet hair. I'm on a track day at the moment, but I wanted to answer this for you. You found your perfect van, but it's 7.3 meters and you're worried that it's slightly too long. My question to you is, too long for what? What is it that you think you're going to do that that van's not going to be suitable for? So for campsites, 7.3 meters, absolutely fine. For aires, 90-95% of aires across Europe, you'll be absolutely fine in 7.3 meters. Some of them have really short pitches, like by— if they're by a lake, between a lake and a road, they might be a bit short, but otherwise you'll be fine. Wild Camping, not a problem at all. There are a couple of roads in both Scotland and Ireland that I've driven in my 6.8-meter motorhome and I've gone, oh, I wouldn't have wanted to do it in any vehicle longer than that. So I'd probably recommend you don't do those, but otherwise, 7.3 meters, you will be absolutely fine. The only downside to getting a slightly longer van is things like the tunnel and the ferry generally charge per meter, so you'll be in the next meter bracket up. But that's it. Hope it is perfect for you. Let me know how it goes. If you've got any other questions, drop me a line.
