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Class B Motorhomes |
Also commonly referred to as a "camper van," the Class B motorhome is a panel-truck that has been customized to include temporary sleeping, eating and bathroom facilities.
Size: 16 to 21 feet
Cost:
- Average: $43,600
- Range: Most available from $33,000 to $65,000 new, $5,000 to $15,000 used, depending on age, mileage and wear and tear.
Sleeps: Up to 4 people
Advantages:
- The Class B is the most economical, versatile and maneuverable of the motorized RVs. The van camper is easily loaded and readied for any travel occasion and doubles as a second family vehicle or as a carpool for commuters.
- It is makes a fine towing vehicle and often used in tandem with a camping trailer -- especially with one that is not equipped with full bathroom facilities.
- The Class B motorhome is narrower than other RVs because it utilizes the space within the existing van body. However, most are equipped with a raised roof, and sometimes dropped floors providing full stand-up room.
- With their compact size and many amenities, van campers can provide comfortable living space and essentials for couples and young families.
Disadvantages:
- Compared to a motorhome, Class B's are small. For a man over six-foot, some seem really small. Few would allow any person over six feet tall to stand up inside.
- For the price, many great new and used larger motorhomes can be bought.
- In a Class B it's hard to remember sometimes that you're not just driving a van, which can be bad if you go under a low over hang and fail to calculate two or three extra feet of RV on your roof.
Choose this Type RV If:
- You can afford the extra luxury;
- You plan to RV often in areas where a bigger motorhome would be impractical;
- You don't know how often your kids will be joining you in your camping adventures;
- You need the size and carrying space of a van but still want RV appointments you won't find in a regular van or minivan.

