VAN-COMPARATOR Guide
How many travellers aboard? Registered seats, berths and payload
Homologated travel seats, advertised berths and real payload: the three numbers to check before booking — and why they differ.
“Sleeps 6” does not mean “carries 6”. Three distinct numbers govern a motorhome: the registered travel seats, the berths and the payload. Confusing them costs a fine — or an uncomfortable holiday.
Registered seats: the only legal limit while driving
This is the number of homologated, belted seats on the registration document. A “sleeps 6” semi-integrated often has only 4 travel seats: travelling with 6 aboard is simply illegal. In rentals, the seat count appears on the listing — check it first, before the price. Forward-facing seats with headrests are essential for child car seats.
Berths: count the real beds
Listings count generously: the converted lounge “double” sometimes measures 1.70 m for two. Comfort rule: travellers = fixed berths, with convertible beds reserved for children. For 4 adults, aim for 4 genuine bed spaces — our guide to which vehicle for which trip ranks the layouts.
Payload: the number nobody checks
A 3.5 t motorhome often weighs 3,000–3,200 kg empty: that leaves 300 to 500 kg for everything — passengers, water (100 L = 100 kg), luggage, bikes, food. With 4 adults plus kit, you brush the limit fast. Overloading is enforced at roadside checks (fines, possible immobilisation beyond 5%) and degrades braking. Reflexes: travel with the water tank a third full, pack light, weigh the vehicle if in doubt (a weighbridge costs €10–20). Above 3.5 t the licence changes — see what licence for a motorhome.
On Van-Comparator
The “travellers” filter compares on advertised berths: always cross-check against the registered seats shown on the listing before booking for a tribe.