by Class B motorhomes or “camper vans” as they are often referred to as, are the smallest type of motorized RV. With their small size come freedoms that you just wont get from the bigger Class C, or Class A counterparts.
Benefits and characteristics:
- Small go anywhere size
- Can expand with popup roofs
- Easiest to store and maintain
- May not have a bathroom
- Fuel efficient
A class B is essentially a sprinter van converted into an RV. They usually sit on a van frame or chassis and have a metal or fiberglass exterior, can be equipped with either a gas or diesel power plant and can even be used for off road applications. Thier small size is a major plus for the right person, if you want to get our and explore some of the most amazing sites without having to drive a large top heavy rig then an off road capable rig is a great option.
Off road capabilities
I love to travel and explore some very remote places, but our Class C is just to big to get into those REALLY extreme places. Take a look at the video below to just how far people take these campers.
As you see in the video you can customize your Class B to extreme measures and go anywhere you please. Since the main body is a well known chassis, normally Dodge, Mercedes or Ford, parts are widely available and customizing your rig is much easier than with a larger Class C.
You Can Travel and Park Pretty Much Anywhere
The generally light weight and maneuverability of a Class B is a major draw to people both on and off road. With a smaller RV you can park just about anywhere without needing special accommodations.
If you want to take your Class B off road just know that they (in most cases even with rugged suspensions and lift kits) cant climb over rocks or go down deep ravines, but you can take them on smaller trails, and in places you just get to with a Class C or Class A.
When traveling in our beautiful national parks there are some size restrictions, having a larger rig may actually hinder you from seeing some of the amazing sights our country has to offer, but a Class B should be able to get you just about anywhere you want.
Traditional RVing
Of course if your not into taking your RV to max and goind off road, there are far more tamer (and better eqquipped) options for you. Like any type of RV there are many different uses and types. A Class B may be right for you if you want to get in and out quickly, or if you travel for work, or just want to explore our great land without all the excess weight of a larger RV.
Class B RVs have most if not all the amenities of a much larger rig, but with far less overall cost and maintenance.
A big advantage of a Class B motorhome is the gas mileage. with the lighter weight and more aerodynamic design you can expect far greater fuel economy than a larger RV like a Class C or bigger.
Typically you can expect fuel economy in the 15-25 MPG range, far greater than the 7-12 MPG in larger rigs.
Don’t let their lack of size diminish from their ability they can come very pleasantly equipped. with marble flooring, leather couches, fill size bed, and some even have a bathroom.
Easy to use
The convent size of a Class B makes it no harder to drive than a full size truck or large van. Like most motorhomes Class B’s can be equipped with a rear camera that not only helps while backing, but can also be on when driving straight giving you complete visibility of the road ahead.
Since there typically isn’t a slide (although you can get one but not the norm in this class) and has far less appliances and wiring, RVing in general is much easier, making setup and tear down a breeze. To put it simply its a large van that has been converted with sleeping and living space.
Easy forgiving design
With larger RV things can get overly complicated and in some instances unnecessary. Having a simple and easy design can be a nice change of scenery. Having less really is more in a Class B, you have the freedoms to go anywhere, and enjoy both the open road and be comfortable during your stay. Having a simple and to the point design is a great way to live with out the added hassle of a larger rig.
Easy Maintenance
Being basically a van you can have it serviced just about anywhere, oil changes should cost an arm and a leg, and wont require a shop to have specialized lifts to operate under the vehicle. I have a Class C motorhome and I love it, but it does have its downfalls in this area. Getting a simple oil change can be difficult with larger RVs, I have to travel well over an hour and a half just to get its yearly maintenance completed, not to mention the cost of using specialized repair facilities. Class B motorhomes are much easier to maintain and basically follow your vehicles maintenance program.
Like all other RVs there is maintenance needed on the various systems like the HVAC, and plumbing. make sure to follow your recommend maintenance plan for your RV.
Drawbacks to a Class B
Being much smaller, a Class B RV does lack in the internal space department, if you have a large family or children than this class may not be the best option, but if your the type that travels for weeks on end for work, or just want to get away. this is a excellent way to explore and stay in comfort.
Most Class B motorhomes have a rest room, but may not have a shower. If you plan on going out you will need to plan on bringing along outdoor shower equipment or know where to shower while on the road.
Although typically much less than a Class C, Class B motorhomes can be costly, when deciding to go from a towable RV to a Motorhome price should definitely be in the conversation. Having an RV with an engine and powertrain the price can go up quickly. You can expect to spend 35k to well over 90k for a new Class B
Conclusion
If your a reader of mine you know how much I love to go out and explore in our 32′ Class C, but there many places that I just couldn’t get to with a big heavy RV. If it was just me and my wife I would totally go for a much smaller and more agile Class B.
Class B Motorhomes are great for many people, if you want to get out and explore some extreme places, or want to enjoy life on the road, having the ability to go anywhere and park, is a major incentive of a smaller RV.
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