When it comes to traveling in an RV, there are two basic options. Option #1: Opt for a massive camper or motorhome, stocked with all the amenities and comforts of home that you could hope for. Option #2: Opt for a smaller RV that may not have as much space or amenities but is much easier to drive and maneuver.
Keep in mind that Option #1 isn’t all glitz and glamour. You may score the full-sized bathroom, the gleaming granite countertops, and the plush pull-out sofas–but in return, you’ll have to drive a massive rig that gets terrible gas mileage and can be difficult to maneuver.
On the flip side, Option #2 means better gas mileage and the ability to fit into more camping spots. While most national parks can accommodate RVs up to 19 feet long, others impose size restrictions against RVs measuring more than 35 feet long.
What Exactly is a Class B RV?
Want a smaller and more maneuverable RV? Then, there’s a good chance you’ll end up with a Class B RV. Class B RVs, also known as camper vans, are the smallest and most lightweight RV class. While camper vans are always smaller than other RVs, these models can still house up to four people thanks to innovative sleeping features.
They are typically built on a van chassis and are often converted from Mercedes Sprinter, Ram, or Ford Transit vans. Because of how small camper vans are, they don’t have as many interior features, beds, and commodities as traditional RVs.
What they do promise, however, is impressive fuel efficiency and easy navigation. A Class B is also better suited for traveling off the beaten path.
Exploring the Top Class B RVs for Your Next Adventure
Now that you have a better idea of what a Class B RV is, let’s look at some of the top options on the market!
Best Luxury Class B Motorhome
When you think of Class B camper vans, people typically don’t think of luxury. Most picture camper vans as small, rugged vans built for off-roading and adventure. But what if you can have the best of both worlds?
While the idea of a luxurious camper van was once thought impossible, there’s a plethora of options today! When touring a camper van on the luxury end of the spectrum, you’ll most likely find leather couches, an enhanced climate control cooling and heating system, and an onboard bathroom.
Luxury Class Bs are typically built on a Ram Promaster or Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis for improved suspension and enhanced comfort while driving.
Luxurious Class Bs are also known to feature screen doors, a convection microwave oven, and more sizable living spaces.
Here are some of our top picks for 2024:
- Thor Motor Coach Sequence – Starting price of $140,000
- Grech Strada Ion – Starting price of $269,900
- Entegra Coach Ethos – Starting price of $177,443
Luxurious camper vans are also more likely to include features like a stainless steel sink, a two-burner gas stove, a queen-size bed, and a Murphy bed for extra sleeping space.
Image courtesy of Entegra (Model pictured: Entegra Coach Ethos)
Best Value Class B Camper Vans for Cost-Conscious Travelers
By nature, Class B RVs are cheaper than larger motorhomes, largely because they’re smaller and have fewer features and amenities. They’re also built with more affordable materials than other Class Bs.
However, they still have everything you need to live comfortably on the road, including a wet bath, a cassette toilet, and a small kitchen area. They also include plenty of exterior features, such as rooftop storage, a powered awning, and a freshwater tank for off-roading.
If savings is your top priority, you can’t go wrong with just about any Class B RV–but a handful of models yield a slightly bigger bang for your buck.
If you’re looking to save money on your RVing adventures, you’ll want a Class B camper van that has everything you need at an affordable price. Luckily, there are several great options to choose from, including:
- Pleasure-Way Tofino – Starting price of $95,000
- Winnebago Solis Pocket – Starting price of $140,000
- Coachmen Nova – Starting price of $110,000
Image courtesy of Coachmen (Model pictured: Coachmen Nova)
Best Off-Road Class B RVs
Speaking of off-roading, plenty of Class B RVs are built specifically for that purpose. In fact, Class B RVs, in general, are better-suited for off-roading than other types of RVs because they’re smaller, lighter, and more mobile than larger models. Here are some of our top picks for off-roading and living off-grid.
- Jayco Terrain – Starting price of $133,050
- Storyteller Overland Beast Mode – Starting price of $222,000
- Winnebago Revel – Starting price of $245,000
In addition to being smaller and lighter, these off-road-friendly rigs feature a trailer hitch, four-wheel or all-wheel drive, excellent suspension, and durable tires. They also include powerful batteries, solar panels, large holding tanks, and propane appliances so that you can make the most of your outdoor adventures.
Image courtesy of Storyteller (Model pictured above: Storyteller Overland Beast Mode)
Best Compact Class B RVs
You’re probably thinking to yourself, “Aren’t all camper vans compact?” While it’s true that they’re more compact than larger motorhomes in the RV industry, some camper vans are even more compact than others. Camper vans that are considered compact measure less than 20′ long and typically only have room for one or two people.
Despite being shorter than 20 feet, each of these camper vans includes a wet bath, tiny kitchen/pantry, HVAC system, and water heater. The Entegra Launch even features a gear garage with an overhead bed and uses its limited space wisely.
Here are our top picks if you need a small Class B motorhome:
- Entegra Coach Launch – Starting price of $217,000
- Winnebago Solis – Starting price of $152,000
- Airstream Interstate 19 – Starting price of $200,000
Image courtesy of Airstream (Model pictured above: Airstream Interstate 19)
Best Class B RVs with Bathrooms
When it comes to camper van buyers, one of the most widely-held concerns is the possibility that their RV won’t have a bathroom. While most Class B camper vans have at least a cassette toilet and sink, that may not be enough for you to enjoy the RV life.
If you need at least a wet bath where you can take a shower after a long day, here are the best Class B RVs with a designated bathroom space:
- 27 North Venture – Starting price of $268,500
- Airstream Rangeline – Starting price of $147,570
- Tiffin Cahaba – Starting price of $200,000
Image courtesy of 27 North (Model pictured above: 27 North Venture)
Navigating Your Purchase: Tips for Choosing the Perfect Class B RV
If you know you want a class B RV but aren’t sure which one or what type is right for you, it’s important to do your research.
The Bathroom Situation
If you’re anything like my wife and I, camping without a bathroom simply isn’t an option. We tried it for a month last summer, and it was nearly enough to ruin a perfectly good road trip. While camper vans will never have a full dry bath, many of them have at least a wet bath and cassette toilet.
Size and Weight
The main reason that people opt for camper vans over larger models is because they are shorter, more narrow, and lighter, making them easier to drive. While this is important, there’s no point in buying a camper van that isn’t big enough to meet your needs.
Off-Road Ready
If you want the ability to live off the grid and go off-roading, some camper vans are better suited for these purposes than others.
Budget
Finally, your budget will always be a factor, regardless of what type of RV you’re shopping for. It’s important to purchase a rig that has everything you need and want, but you never want to blow your entire camping budget on the RV itself.
Summary
Despite being smaller and having fewer amenities and features, Class B camper vans are one of the most popular types of RVs on the market. Thanks to their compact size, you’ll be able to fit a Class B van in parking spaces too short/narrow for larger rigs. Not to mention, you’ll have the freedom to travel to national parks and campsites you otherwise wouldn’t in a Class A RV.
While camper vans are small and compact, they might still be too big for you to safely store at your home. Consider using Neighbor to find safe and affordable RV storage near you so that your rig is ready to go when you need it most!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Live in a Class B Motorhome in the Winter?
While Class B camper vans are much smaller than other types of RVs, they have everything you need to live comfortably year-round: adequate insulation, a heating system, and a water heater.
