Alcove

Overcab Motorhome – A Family Home on Wheels for Everyone

The overcab motorhome (known as Alcove in Polish) is a true classic. With its distinctive “hump” above the driver’s cab housing an extra bed, this design has become the symbol of family road trips over the years.
For many, this is the real motorhome — spacious, family-friendly, and fully equipped for living on the road just like at home.
If a campervan means freedom, and a semi-integrated motorhome means comfort, then the overcab is the full version of family adventure.

Interior – Spacious and Smartly Designed
The greatest advantage of an overcab motorhome is space.
The interior is designed to comfortably accommodate up to six people — making it ideal for families with children or groups of friends.

A typical layout includes:

• A large bed in the overcab section above the driver’s cabin (usually 140×200 cm)
• Rear bunk beds or a double bed
• Convertible dinette table creating another sleeping area
• Full bathroom with cassette toilet, sink, and shower
• Kitchen with a 2–3 burner stove, sink, and large refrigerator (120–150 L)
• Dining area with a large table and two facing benches
• A spacious rear garage — perfect for bikes, a stroller, or sports equipment

Thanks to the tall body and well-planned layout, the overcab motorhome offers plenty of living space.
Children can play inside, adults can relax, and everyone can enjoy their own bit of privacy.

Comfort and Everyday Living Onboard
The overcab motorhome is built for family comfort.
It has everything you need for long trips:

• Full bathroom with shower
• Cassette toilet
• Heating and hot water (Truma Combi or Alde)
• Large water tanks (120–130 L fresh, 100 L grey)
• Leisure batteries and 230V/12V power system
• Side awning
• Blinds and mosquito nets
• Plenty of cupboards and storage spaces

Many models also include a TV, satellite antenna, roof air conditioning, and solar panels for off-grid independence.
In terms of comfort, the overcab often rivals the semi-integrated class — but with more sleeping space, which is its biggest advantage.

Mobility and Driving
An overcab motorhome isn’t as maneuverable as a campervan or a semi-integrated.
It’s a tall and fairly heavy vehicle — typically 3.10–3.20 m high and about 7 m long.
It’s usually built on a Fiat Ducato, Ford Transit, or Peugeot Boxer chassis, powered by a 130–160 HP diesel engine.

Most models feature front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, though newer versions may come with 9-speed automatics.
Fuel consumption averages 10–13 L / 100 km, and the gross vehicle weight (GVW) typically ranges between 3,500–4,250 kg.

While the overcab drives smoothly and remains stable, its tall profile means you need to be cautious in strong winds and on bridges — that’s the trade-off for its huge interior space.

Everyday Use and Independence
The overcab motorhome is a true home on wheels — ready for multi-week trips without the need for hotels.
With large water tanks and solid battery systems, it can easily operate off-grid for several days.

It’s designed for:

• Long family holidays
• Traveling with children
• Group trips
• European road adventures

The large rear garage allows you to bring along bikes, scooters, or even a small SUP board.
Everything has its place, and the dining area can seat up to six people comfortably — a rare luxury in the camper world.

Typical Dimensions and Technical Specifications
Length: 6.0–7.5 meters
Width: 2.30–2.35 meters
Height: 3.10–3.20 meters
Interior height: approx. 2.00–2.05 meters
Gross vehicle weight (GVW): 3,500–4,250 kg
Sleeping capacity: 4–6 people

The characteristic overcab section creates a spacious front bedroom — making it the most practical and family-oriented motorhome layout, with the highest number of sleeping places.

Advantages of an Overcab Motorhome
✅ Huge sleeping capacity — up to 6 people
✅ Fully equipped: kitchen, bathroom, heating, and garage
✅ Perfect for families and groups of friends
✅ Practical, well-organized layout — everyone has their own space
✅ Excellent insulation — suitable for year-round travel

Disadvantages of an Overcab Motorhome
❌ Height — limited access under bridges and tunnels; harder to park
❌ Poorer aerodynamics — higher fuel consumption and wind noise
❌ Heavier vehicle — requires more driving experience
❌ Less elegant than semi-integrated or A-class models — practical rather than luxurious

Summary
The overcab motorhome is the most family-oriented RV — built for sharing travel experiences with loved ones.
It’s the perfect choice for those who want to bring children, friends, or simply a lot of gear.
It offers comfort, freedom, and space unmatched by smaller vehicles — yet remains drivable with a standard category B license.

If you want a motorhome where everyone has their own bed, where you can cook a meal, take a shower, and enjoy evenings together at the table — the overcab is for you.
It best captures the true spirit of family road trips — not for minimalists, but for those who love having space for everything: children’s toys, bicycles, and shared breakfasts with mountain views.