Is a Class B RV Right for Me?

The smallest motorized RV type is the Class B motorhome, which has surged in popularity among RVers recently. “Van life” trends among couples, solo travelers, and families seeking an easy-to-drive camper with more comfort than even the most luxurious camping tents. 

If you’re intrigued by the idea of RV camping, boondocking, or cross-country road-tripping, a Class B recreational vehicle might be perfect for you. Let’s look closer at the best Class B camper van models in the industry.

What Is a Camper Van?

Class B motorhomes—AKA camper vans—are built on a cargo van chassis like the Mercedes Sprinter, the Ford Transit, or the Ram ProMaster. They don’t often have slides, so they’re lighter, and they’re typically less than 25 feet long. Their size also makes driving a Class B motorhome easier than driving a Class A or Class C RV.

Class B RVs are popular with those who prefer a quick travel pace. They’re more fuel-efficient than other motorhomes, allowing you to go further while spending less. Camper vans are also great if you wish to spend more time outside or enjoy an easy-to-setup basecamp for on-the-go adventures rather than full-time living. They’re also popular with solo RVers and couples who are looking to switch to a rig that may be more comfortable to drive. 

How Much Is a Camper Van?

The average new Class B camper van price ranges from $80,000 up to $160,000. Comparably, Class A motorhomes are typically more expensive, and Class C campers are typically more affordable. These are average prices, and you may find a Class B RV that better fits your budget. 

Some RVers have even opted to embrace van life full-time because the cost of an RV payment plus gas, campground fees, and other expenses still compares favorably to rent prices in their area. RV loans usually have longer terms than car loans, so there’s plenty of potential to find a Class B RV with a monthly payment they can afford. Plus, they enjoy the added benefit of a home that can be relocated whenever desired. 

In a later section, we’ve highlighted some of our top-selling camper vans from leading RV manufacturers like Thor, Jayco, Winnebago, Airstream, Entegra Coach, and Coachmen. Of the 22 models we mention below, the average price of a Class B RV is $136,580. Based on 15% down, 8.74% APR, and a 240-month loan term, the average monthly payment for these models comes to $990/month.

Remember that exact pricing and financing terms depend on the model you choose, whether you purchase a new or used RV, and other factors like down payment, credit score, and interest rate.

Learn more about financing to help you find an RV that fits your budget.

Class B RV Pros

So, how do you know if a Class B RV is right for you? Let’s start with the advantages of camper vans.

Driveability

Class B RVs are the easiest to drive because they feel like driving a van. It won’t feel like driving a family sedan, but it won’t feel like driving a bus, either. The on-road feel of Class B RVs is better due to their lower weight and more aerodynamic build. You also won’t have to deal with hitching or unhitching a tow vehicle, which makes moving to the next campsite simple and quick.

Flexibility

Camper vans are great if you travel quickly, moving from one campsite or location to the next. Because of their road-going ease, they naturally shine on cross-country trips. With towable RVs, you’ll still need a tow vehicle/daily driver, which requires an additional expense. Class B motorhomes can be used as daily drivers because they can easily park in many driveways and parking spots.

A Class B camper’s holding tank design also contributes to its flexibility. While some camper vans have a black tank, most rely on a cassette toilet with a small, built-in holding tank for human waste.  

Cassette toilets can still be emptied where you normally dump RV waste, but they can also be emptied into a lavatory toilet, such as those you’ll sometimes find at a trailhead or scenic viewpoint. Combined with the inclusion of advanced solar charging systems, it’s safe to say that Class B campers are your best option if you want to avoid traditional campgrounds altogether.

Gas Mileage

In a Class B RV, you can reasonably expect to enjoy better gas mileage. Most Class B RVs will have you enjoying MPGs in the mid to high teens. On average, camper vans get anywhere from 18 to 22 miles per gallon on the highway and slightly less when navigating city traffic.

Class B RV Cons

Now, let’s cover the important downsides that might make you reconsider Class B motorhomes in favor of other motorized RVs or a towable trailer.

Limited Living Space

The driveability and flexibility of Class B RVs come with a tradeoff in living space. If you want the comforts of home or plan to spend most of your time inside, a Class B isn’t right for you. You likely won’t find recliners and ultra-comfy couches in these motorhomes. Most Class B RVs don’t have slides to expand your living space, either.

Depending on how you’re traveling and who you’re traveling with, this limited living space can require a “break-in period.” For example, you’ll need to get used to the fact that two people can’t walk down the main aisle simultaneously. 

If you travel with pets, they’ll have to get used to that as well. Though many van lifers have pets of all sizes, you’ll want to determine if you’d be comfortable in a Class B RV with your pet (or pets!). 

Dinette setups will also vary. In some floorplans, you’d be eating side by side, or one person would be sitting down to dinner on a swiveled driver’s seat.

That all said, choose from this list if you’re looking for the best class b rv for full time living.

Limited Storage Space

Class B RVs are notorious for limited storage space, making it more difficult to bring larger camp chairs, gas grills, and other camping accessories. You’ll need to embrace minimalist camping in many ways to make a camper van comfortable. The exceptions to this disadvantage would be floorplans with a “gear garage,” such as the Winnebago Revel and the Entegra Coach Launch.

Wet Baths

A wet bath is a bathroom where your toilet and shower spaces are one and the same. To save space, nearly all Class B floorplans use a wet bath. Larger RVs have a dry bath that keeps the shower separate from the toilet (and sink or vanity).

Picks for the Best Class B Camper Van

The popularity of van life has motivated many of the top RV manufacturers to design and build an offering in the Class B market. Here are some of our top-selling Class B camper vans: 

Thor Class B RVs

Class B Thor campers feature 11 unique models, with a handful being sister models with similar specs and floorplans but unique features. Let’s compare the attributes of Thor’s most popular small camper vans: 

Check out Twist, Rize, and Tellaro for direct comparisons to the Dazzle, Scope, and Sequence camper vans.

Jayco Class B Camper Vans

Jayco’s Class B motorhome lineup includes four models, with the Terrain, Swift, and Comet being the three you’re most likely to find at Camping World. Here’s a quick comparison:

Winnebago Class B Motorhomes

Winnebago offers one of the industry’s largest collections of Class B camper vans. Let’s explore four of their most popular models:

Airstream Class B RVs

Airstream offers eight unique camper vans—six in the Interstate lineup and two others, the Rangeline and Atlas. Let’s compare two of the most popular you’ll find at Camping World:

Entegra Coach Class B RVs

Entegra Coach manufactures four Class B RVs, but the Launch and Ethos are two of the most popular you’ll find at Camping World. Here’s a quick comparison:

Coachmen Class B RVs

Coachmen’s camper van lineup includes three distinct models built on the different Ford, RAM, and Mercedes-Benz chassis. Here’s a quick comparison of the Beyond, Galleria, and Nova Class B motorhomes:

A Word on Class B+ Motorhomes

Some RV manufacturers offer a compromise between Class B and Class C, which you’ll see advertised as a “B+.” A Class B plus motorhome is often a Class B with a slide-out. A B+ floorplan might include a full bath or an additional sleeping area. 

Class B+ camper vans also tend to keep the more aerodynamic build and shorter length of traditional Class Bs. Similar to a “Super C,” a B Plus camper isn’t its own class but rather a way for manufacturers to bridge the gap and offer you the best of both worlds.

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Class B RVs are growing in popularity for good reason. However, as with anything RV-related, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. A Class B RV might be your dream camper, but it will all depend on your personal preference, finances, your RV travel style, and who you travel with.

If you’re curious to compare more popular Class B camper vans, here are some resources: 

• Which Class B RV Sleeps 4?
• Best Class B RVs on a RAM ProMaster Chassis
• Best Class B RVs on a Mercedes-Benz® Chassis
• Best Class B RVs on a Ford Transit Chassis
• Class B vs Class C RV

Do you have any questions about finding the best Class B RV for you? Let us know in the comments below.