There are so many types of RVs on the market that you are sure to find the perfect one for you. If you are not looking for the giant size of a Class A motorhome or a towable one such as a travel trailer or fifth wheel RV, you can consider the Class B motorhome.
Let’s take a look at the Class B motorhome, including its advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if it is right for you. We will also make some recommendations on some of the best Class B motorhomes on the market.
What you need to know about class B motorhomes
Class B motorhomes are compact and shorter when compared to Class As. They look like equipped vans, giving the B-Class the nickname motorhome or conversion van.
Class B’s are much bigger and taller than a typical full-size pickup, allowing for living and sleeping space. Classes B are usually the smallest and offer the fewest number of features when it comes to the different classes of motorhomes.
Advantages of class B motorhomes
Class B motorhomes offer many advantages that can be more difficult to find in other types of motorhomes.
Size and maneuverability
As we said earlier, Class B motorhomes are the smallest motorhomes. While this may sound negative, it offers several unique benefits. Classes B are mobile and maneuverable. This means that even someone who is inexperienced in driving a motorhome can get used to it even after a few miles.
This also means that the B-Class can go anywhere standard vehicles can occupy and will often only occupy one parking space. If you made it to your campground and remembered that you forgot the ice, it’s no big deal as you can go back and drive to the local store.
Cost
Don’t get us wrong; Class B is more expensive than a standard pickup. They are less expensive compared to other motorhome options. Class Bs are cheaper at the pump as they are lighter and can have much better fuel economy than other types of motorhomes.
Disadvantages of class B motorhomes
Size and Features
One of the main advantages of the Class B motorhome is also a main disadvantage for some people. Class B is the smallest of the motorhome classes, and that size will be a problem in many areas.
The Class B motorhome will not be a good option to take out the whole extended family. Class B is designed for a small number of people; five is generally the largest amount that a class B can provide enough space for. This small size also means that you will have a hard time equipping the B-Class with a ton of features and services.
Try a galley instead of the kitchen, and if there is a bathroom on board, it will most likely be a small wet bathroom. If you are looking for a lot of space and features, the B-Class will not be your ideal choice.
Class B is a great option for those who don’t want to break the bank buying an RV and don’t need too many amenities to be happy. They tend to travel alone with a spouse or small family. The best way to find out if a Class B is right for you is to talk to other RVers who use this type of motorhome. They will give you more direct examples of the advantages and disadvantages of Class B.
What you can expect from a class B
All B classes are different, but there are some typical features found on most makes and models:
- Awning – You can expand your living space with an outdoor awning that is standard on most B-Class motorhomes.
- Murphy Bed / Sofa Bed – Murphy and folding beds fold into the wall or furniture when not in use to save space.
- Galley Dining / Kitchen: There is no room for a full size kitchen in Class B.
- Small Range – It is rare to get more than two burners from a Class B, but two burners are enough for most.
- Wet bathroom: a wet bath is a combination toilet / shower and is the most efficient cleaned in a class B.
- Sleeps 2-4: Class B is the smallest of the motorhomes so you cannot bring the whole family.
- Front-wheel drive – It ‘s rare to see an all-wheel drive Class B through some more rugged models that offer a 4 × 4 option.
- Fuel efficiency: Class B is traditionally the most fuel efficient motorhome.
3 Excellent Class B RVs You Should Consider
Let’s learn more about what to expect from a great B-Class by exploring three of the most popular models currently on the market:
Airstream InterstateÂ
Airstream gained popularity due to its sleek silver bullet trailers, but the new Airstream is one of the most popular and complete B-Class on the market. Airstream touts Interstate’s 50 best-in-class features, smooth handling, adaptability and safety features as part of the reason Interstate has been the number one selling Sprinter B-Class for six years in a row.
There are several interstate models for different types of RVs, but they all come with some nifty amenities like leather seats, solar panels, tankless water heater, anti-fog windshield, and more. If you want a great all-around B-Class, Interstate is your choice.
Winnebago RevelÂ
RV and Winnebago are synonymous and while Winnebago’s retro VR days are over, they are still a great product. This is perfectly illustrated in the Winnebago Revel. Of our top B-Class picks, the Revel is the best combination of sporty and luxurious.
Like the Interstate, the Revel uses a Mercedes Sprinter chassis to support a strong 4 × 4 unit. There’s a 140 cu. Ft. Garage to store your kayaks and fishing rods, efficient diesel heat, dining room, wet bathroom, and a full kitchen, all in this little beast. Not to mention a powerful 3-liter turbo diesel engine that can take you and these comforts wherever you need to go. The Revel was named the 2018 RV Pro Best of Show.
RoadTrek CS Adventurer
The RoadTrek CS Adventurous is built on the ever popular Mercedes Sprinter chassis. The RoadTrek is a great B-Class for those who enjoy RVing to different types of locations. It can work for an RV trip to Washington DC to see the history of the most remote areas of nature. No matter where your adventure takes you, you will feel comfortable every time you return home.
This comfort is found in the exterior awning, large frameless windows, and ultra-cool floor effects. The interior offers more with radiant floor heat, a stand-up or sit-down shower, hot water on demand, and space to sleep up to six. You will feel like you are checking into a beautiful hotel when you walk into your adventurer.
Class B motorhomes are perfect for those looking to get started with RV driving, but aren’t sure where to start, especially when it comes to towing a trailer. Take a look at the featured models we use the essentials to choose your own B-Class.
