Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of HIP 4Family?
The HIP 4Family model starts from 149,999 euro.
What is a “family-friendly” motorhome? What motorhome features are considered “family-friendly”?
The interpretation of “family camper” varies between manufacturers (marketing) and buyers (usage).
European manufacturers always emphasize berths, storage, seatbelts, and design, but they fall short on the most important characteristics: interior space and multi-purpose layouts, mostly because manufacturers adapt couple’s layouts for families.
For actual families, the interpretation is more about practical daily living:
Spacious multi-purpose layouts
Families appreciate roomy layouts, preferably with two seating areas (lounges), which allow adults and children to have their own zones simultaneously during the day, which convert into beds during the night.
💡 Over 73% of today’s EU motorhomes feature a front seating area and a fixed rear double bed, both of which consume space and make the motorhome feel cramped.
Less than 1% of all EU motorhomes have two seating zones.
A dedicated dining/lounge area
Families look for a large dining/seating area, which allow for quality family time. A second smaller lounge is always a plus for the kids.
💡 Less than 1% of all European brands offer two seating areas.
Enough beds
The motorhome should have enough beds for the whole family. Overcab (alcove) motorhomes are very family-friendly, however the look of the vehicle and its fuel efficiency are compromised due to the bulky overcab. Bunk beds are another popular feature for families with young children, as they maximize vertical space and give children their own private area. Drop-down beds are also a great option, allowing for space during the day and proper sleep during the night.
Motorhomes with a front seating area and a fixed rear double bed, as 73% of all EU motorhomes, offer another bed, which drops down from the ceiling above the seating area, rendering the table underneath unusable while the children are sleeping. This bed usually blocks the habitation door, creating a safety issue.
Sufficient travel seats with seatbelts and ISOFIX
The camper should offer enough legal, three-point seatbelts for all passengers, matching the number of sleeping berths. ISOFIX should be present on minimum of two seats.
💡 ISOFIX is often not available, because most motorhomes are made for couples. It rarely can be retrofitted, if not ordered when the vehicle was new.
Functional kitchenette
A large refrigerator and enough counter space for family meals are also high on the family’s usage list. The family chef prefers the kitchen to be on the awning side of the motorhome in order to have direct contact with the family and kids outside.
💡Manufacturers offer large refrigerators; however the counter space is extremely limited (it cannot hold two plates next to each other – one for the to-be-cooked food, and one for the prepared food).
💡 In only 27% of all EU motorhomes, the kitchen is on the awning side of the motorhome.
Always accessible washroom
The self-sufficiency of an onboard washroom (toilet and shower) is essential, especially with children.
The washroom should be accessible during the night.
The manufacturers handle this area well, often separating the shower room from the toilet.
Storage
Ample storage/garage space is required for the family’s clothes, camping gear, and children’s items. Families also need carriers for up to 4 bikes.
Manufacturers proud themselves in the storage/garage space they provide, usually able to carry a motor scooter.
Payload – The hidden difference between marketing and reality
Families quickly realize that with four or more people, a full water tank, clothing, food, and necessary accessories (like an awning), they can easily exceed the 3.5-ton Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and their legal payload allowance.
💡 62% of EU models are advertised with 3.5-ton Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) rating, which translates to 300-500kg of payload, which is highly insufficient for families. For example, the mass of a 4-member family is calculated at 225kg, a full water tank is 100-150 kg, an awning is 30-40kg, leaving no room for clothes, food, drinks, and other family belongings.
Winterisation
Winterisation means the presence of a double-floor and 30+mm thick insulated walls. Winterisation
keeps water from freezing and helps the motorhome keep warm during the cold days, and chilled during the summer. helps families to use the motorhome for extended periods of time and year-round family travel. Winterisation also helps
💡 Most of the manufacturers claim that their motorhomes offer winterization, however families need to be careful: often the grey water tank is installed underneath the vehicle and freezes in cold weather. Some brands prefer to install the batteries in a box, which also sits underneath the vehicle, which impacts battery performance during cold days.
Most motorhomes adapt couple’s layouts for families. HIP 4Family is one of the few fully integrated motorhomes designed from the ground up around these exact criteria – combining two lounges, two drop-down double beds, a home-size right-side kitchen, an XXL bathroom, and around 3000L of heated storage in a compact 7.2 m footprint.
Is there a motorhome designed specifically for families?
Yes, HIP 4Family is one of the few motorhomes purpose-built for families. Most A-class layouts are adapted from couple-oriented designs, but 4Family was engineered from the start with kids, storage, safety, and daily family routines in mind.
What RV layout is best for remote-working parents traveling with kids?
The ideal motorhome layout separates work and play, i.e. there should be two independent zones – one for the working parents, and one for the kids. HIP 4Family is such a model – parents can use the rear lounge as a quiet workspace while kids enjoy the front lounge, keeping everyone productive (and sane).