The term "mini motorhome" typically refers to a type of motorized recreational vehicle (RV) that is constructed on a light truck or van chassis. These RVs can be identified by their largely unmodified light truck or van cabs in addition to cab-over bunks or storage areas. They are usually referred to as class C motorhomes, as the term "mini motorhome" can be somewhat misleading. The longest class C motorhomes are shorter than the largest class A motorhomes, but they can still reach well over 30 feet (9 meters) in length. A mini motorhome can also contain all of the same amenities as the class A variety, including generators, slide-outs and bathroom facilities.
There are three main classifications commonly used to differentiate types of motorhomes. Class A motorhomes are the biggest of the three, as they are built on a medium duty truck or van chassis. These motorhomes can exceed 40 feet (12 meters) in length and are also among the tallest RVs, aside from fifth wheels and bus conversions. Class B motorhomes, or camper vans, are on the opposite end of the spectrum. These RVs often contain bathroom and kitchen facilities, though they usually maintain a similar form factor to unmodified vans.
Class C motorhomes are in the middle of the other two designations where size is concerned, since they are built on light duty frames but can be much longer than traditional vans. The shortest models are around 20 feet (6 meters) in length, though the longest are closer to 35 feet (10 meters). Most mini motorhomes feature an unmodified van cab, which is the easiest way to visually identify this class of RV. The body of a mini motorhome is typically both wider and taller than the cab, and they usually include some type of cab-over bunk area. This can allow even a casual observer to tell the difference between a bus-like class A and a mini motorhome.
One primary benefit of the mini motorhome is the extra storage or sleeping space offered by the cab-over component. This extra bunk can allow a class C motorhome to have more sleeping accommodations than a comparably sized class A. The van cab and overhead bunk can negatively impact the interior living space though, as most class A motorhomes are capable of rotating both the driver and passenger seats for use when the vehicle is parked. In the case of most class C motorhomes, the driver and passenger seats are only useful when actually driving the vehicle.