A Guide To Class B Motorhomes


Class B motorhomes usually called camper vans or van campers. I have no idea if it’s true or not but I like to think they evolved from the 1960’s VW vans that people used to travel around the country in following their favorite bands like “The Grateful Dead.”

Of the three types of motorized RV’s, Class B motorhomes are the smallest. Commonly, a minivan or a full size van will be specially customized and turned into a mini RV. There are many professional conversion companies that do an excellent job of converting mini vans and full size vans into RV’s. After their conversion, they don’t look much different on the outside other than the “bubble top” extension they now have which allows people to walk upright in the interior of the van (some vans also have a lowered floor to make even more headroom).

Here’s some questions that people frequently ask about Class B motorhomes:


How Many People Will It Hold?

A minivan that has been converted into a Class B motorhome will sleep two people comfortably although you can squeeze a few more in if you don’t mind cozy sleeping arrangements. Converted full size vans can often sleep three to four people comfortably.


What are the Typical Amenities?

The couch(s)/living room area is also the sleeping quarters. There is also a kitchen and a small bathroom. When I say small, I mean “tiny.” The back of a van isn’t very big so things are compact. At a Class B motorhome I looked at recently, the shower was almost directly over the stainless steel toilet. The bathroom was so small it looked like it was almost easier to sit on the toilet seat to shower than to try and stand in the small shower area. As one person half jokingly said, you could use the bathroom facilities and take a shower at the same time if you wanted to get in and out of the bathroom in record time.

You won’t have tons of storage space in a Class B motorhome, but you might have more than you expect.


Towing

Towing capability may pleasantly surprise you. Minivans and full size vans typically have pretty good towing capabilities. Although you’ll need to make allowances for the added weight of the customization of your van and the weight of the items you’re carrying, especially if you have full water tanks, you should still have plenty of towing capability left to bring along some of those fun toys like your ATV’s or dirt bikes if you want.


Cost

The good news is that Class B motorhomes are the least expensive of the three types of motorized RV’s. That doesn’t mean they’re cheap, but they are affordable. You should be able to find a brand new Class B motorhome for around $40,000 but it won’t be a fully decked out model. On average, most people spend closer to $60,000 on a Class B motorhome because they opt for many of the nicer amenities. If you want a really high end model Class B motorhome, such as one offered by Airstream, you’ll be spending about as much as you would for a low end Class A motorhome – close to $100,000 by the time you pay sales tax and applicable fees.


Biggest Advantages

• Great maneuverability; handles just like any other mini van or full size van
• Good gas mileage
• Attractive price
• They fit in most garages and regular sized parking spots
• Can be used an additional family vehicle when not being used for RV’ing
• Quick setup at the campground or RV park

Biggest Disadvantages

• It’s small size makes the living quarters very compact; too cozy and cramped for some people
• They don’t sleep more than four people comfortably so it’s not a practical camper for a larger family
• Limited storage space
• If you’re taking a lot of short trips while you’re at your destination it’s annoying to constantly have to connect and disconnect your water and electrical; along with having to take the awing in and out every time you leave and come back to your camp site.

• Microwave
• Freezer
• Flat screen TV
• Motorized slide-out room for more interior space
• King bed
• Electric sofa
• Overhead pull out bunk bed
• Slide Out Pantry
• Attached Outdoor Awning
• Ingenious “basement” exterior storage, some specialized to hold a bag of golf clubs
• Rear backing camera

There are lots of choices available to you. But if you’re thinking a Class A motorhome is bigger than you want and that a Class B motorhome is a little too small for you, then you might want to consider a Class C motorhome (it feels a little like school doesn’t it with all these “letter” terms of Class A, Class B, Class C?).