Class B

Class B Motorhomes

Smaller and more nimble, class B motorhomes or “camper vans” are generally between 15 and 26 feet long. Of all the motorhome variations, we think that this option is probably the least desirable for full time Rv living. I should note here that I have not owned a class B motorhome so my opinions in this discussion are based on research and general knowledge. You might want to visit this website as it has an article about a couple who has been living and working in their class B for more than a year. click here

 

Mobility

One of the distinct advantages of owning this type of Rv is that you can pretty much go anywhere you can go in a car. It is very versatile in this way and very easy to maneuver and drive. You don’t need to tow another vehicle behind and as a result your opportunities for camping are almost endless. A class B motorhome is also the most fuel efficient of all the motorhomes.

 

Number of People

Size is the biggest limiting factor in the selection of a class B motorhome. It is built on a van chassis so the space is limited. The bathroom is usually one small area and includes perhaps a shower in the same room as the toilet and sink. Usually the class B can accommodate 2 people but it is one room so it makes for close quarters for the two.

 

Physical condition

The class B is a small, nimble and easy to use to explore. As a class B owner, you would not be towing any other vehicle and would have very little to set up at your camp site and nothing to hitch or unhitch. The entrance to this motorhome is like a car so there is no stepping up like in a class A..

Owning a this motorhome does not require any physical prowess or agility. Larger individuals or those with physical handicaps could find moving about in a class B challenging.

 

Working While Roaming

Because of the limited space in this rather small motorhome, working at home could be a challenge, but not one that others have not over come. Travelers have extensively remodeled their class Bs to include mini work stations with printers, computer desks etc, so it certainly is possible. If you are traveling with someone else, though, there is little opportunity for privacy . There really is no additional space for the other person to go.

 

Terrain

Because of its size, the class B, “camper van” can go pretty much anywhere a car or suv can go. Finding camping sites and entry into camp grounds is generally very easy as is entrance to national parks. Most of these vehicles are not four wheel drive, so going off the grid should still be done with care and within the limits of its capability.

 

Budget and construction

Class B motorhomes are amongst the most expensive by square foot of all the motorhomes. But they are very well constructed and  sturdy as they are built on a full van frame. They also seem generally to hold their value a bit better than the larger motorhomes. Because of their size, the Class B motorhome has the best fuel mileage of all the motorhomes and many models are available in a diesel version.

 

Level of Comfort

There is a huge selection and lots of variations in layout of class B motorhomes. If you are planing to spend a good deal of your time outdoors, hiking, taking pictures, and exploring the sites and especially if you are definitely into the “camping” experience in the classic sense, then this might be the perfect motorhome for you. Amenities offered by this motorhome are at the same time generous but limited by the space. Bathrooms and kitchens are smaller and limited. In many area the class B is perfect for “boon docking”, going off the grid without electric, water or sewage services. But the size of the holding tanks in this configuration of motorhome is very limited so in that respect it can be limiting.

 

Handiness

Although i have not personally owned a class B motorhome, it would seem to me that they might be more difficult for the do it yourself person to work on. Plumbing, wiring and appliances are more compact and under flooring and behind walls. The type of materials used for the systems in these motorhomes is not substantially different than the other RVs we have been discussing so far. Engine maintenance is easy and access to the engine is through the traditional small hood in the front of the vehicle.

 

Space

Actual physical space for living is obviously limited in this smallest of the three types of motorhomes. Ceiling height can be extended as most new vans are extra tall so that feature will help with the openness. If you are looking for lots of space to stretch out, we recommend that renting a class B would be a great option to assure you would be comfortable living in its limited space.

 

Stuff

Storage in a camper van is very limited. Depending on the configuration, there will be small bays outside and cabinets and closets inside the cabin. If you are into hobbies that require lots of room then this motorhome may not be right for you.