Everything You Need to Know About a Class B Motor Home

The Class B motorhome can be as elaborate as a fully customized model with every option and amenity imaginable or it can be as nondescript as a windowed, panel-type van with very simple sleeping accommodations. Commonly referred to as the van camper, the Class B motor home is becoming an increasingly popular favorite for families, campers and travelers alike and are often used as second vehicles as well as for fun and adventure.

These engineering marvels feature all the comforts of home packed into an area just a little larger than a regular full-size van, which conveniently fits into a normal parking space, or can even be parallel parked just about anywhere on the street. Some models with lower roof profiles can even be parked in the garage or the carport.

The Class B motorhome generally has a streamlined, aerodynamic design which also offers reasonable gas mileage, making them ideal for use as a second vehicle as well as for the family camper. The highly maneuverable Class B motor home is narrower than other classes of RVs and ingeniously utilizes existing space within the body of the van.

As viewed from the outside, the looks of the Class B are deceptive, but this miniature home on wheels can sleep up to four people and is ideally suited for as many as four adults, or two adults and up to three children. This size of motor home is also popular for the Class A RV veterans who are interested in keeping the wonderful RV lifestyle but are looking for a more compact and economical substitute.

The versatile Class B is the smallest of the motor home classes and can range in size from 16 - 21 feet or about 4.9 - 6.4 meters in length. Resembling a regular van, but with a higher, raised roof usually made of fiberglass, the Class B motor home allows its passengers room to move around in comfort but still remains extremely easy to drive. Some models feature a dropped floor along with the raised roof for stand-up comfort. The maximum standing-height inside a Class B motor home is about 6’3” with most being around the six foot mark.

Class B motor homes are a true favorite amongst campers as they can feature dining and kitchen areas with a full range of appliance options from microwaves to refrigerators and stoves, as well as much-needed conveniences like sinks and counter space. For added comfort the Class B motor home can also feature washrooms with shower facilities and even flush toilets.

Easy entry as well as easy loading options are welcomed features of the Class B motorhome as well as the added air conditioners and heaters that are often located in the roof area of the vehicle. Other attractive options for this class of motor home are the 100-volt electrical hook-ups as well as water hook-ups and also room for fresh water storage. This size of motor home is also popular due to the fact that it is welcomed at almost any campground that allows vehicles, unlike the Class A or even some Class Cs.

The Class B, sometimes called Type B, motorhome may drive just like the family van but is actually excellent for towing boats, trailers, off-road bikes or even small cars making any type of travel a breeze. With the right combination of engine power, transmission and axle ratios, the Class B can be outfitted with an equalizing hitch making it capable of towing trailers up to 5,000 pounds or a little over 2,700 kilograms of weight. This added bonus feature makes this type of RV ideal for fishermen, campers, hunters or those just wishing to explore the great outdoors in comfort and style.

Some versions of the Class B motor home can be specially winterized for RVing in colder climates or during the winter months and come equipped with BTU furnaces, heated tanks, extra insulation and double-glazed windows for added warmth and comfort. There are also those Class B motor homes that are designed for off-road travel and include four-wheel drive models allowing adventurers a chance to explore away from the beaten path.

The prices of Class B motor homes can vary depending on style, size and features, among others, but the average cost of this type of motorhome ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 USD. Generally in the neighborhood of $60,000 or so, common brand names of this type of motor home are Coach House, Pleasure Way, Leisure Travel Van, the Roadtrek and the Sportsmobile, just to name a few.