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RV Camping Preparation :: Class B Motor Homes
Class B Motor Homes:
Advantages of Class B or Compact Motor Homes
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Class B motor homes are more commonly referred to as van conversions. They are basically motor homes that are built up from a van chassis. Builders add a raised roof for extra head room and may even lower the floor.
There are a number of advantages to class B motor homes over full-sized or traditional RVs. To learn more about the benefits of driving and operating a Class B motor home, keep reading.
Maneuverability
Class B motor homes are maneuverable. They fit into regular parking spots and drive like a car. And yet, they often have all the features of a larger motor home. Many are now equipped with bathrooms and showers, as well as kitchens, dinettes, air-conditioning, TVs, microwaves and more.
Kick and Power
Drivers who imagine the diesel engines found in most conversion vans may be sluggish would be pleasantly surprised. Because of their size, most of these rigs can climb steep grades and tackle highway passes at a more-than-acceptable speed for an RV.
Fuel Economy
Class B motor homes can be more expensive than a bigger motor home to buy, but van conversions generally offer the best fuel economy of the RV family.
A class B motor home may get between 18 to 21 miles per gallon, a massive jump in fuel economy when compared to full-sized Class C or Class A motor homes. In fact, it's comparable to most SUVs on the market today.
Drawbacks to a Class B Camper Van
Starter Costs
Of course, there are some drawbacks to class B motor homes. In particular, cost. A Class B motor home isn't for everyone.
For the same money ' a class B, kitted-out Westphalia retails for approximately $85,000 - a buyer can get a much larger, full-featured Class C or Class A motor home with a lot more elbow room.
Alternatively, class B enthusiasts can take on their own conversion attempts ' converting old vans into livable motor homes. However, this can often be as costly as buying an already kitted-out class B camper van.
Snug Living Quarters
The living quarters in most class B motor homes are snug but livable. The main bed is typically above in the fiberglass raised roof.
So, yes, there's a lot less elbow room than one would find in a Class A or Class C motorhome, but it's all about fuel savings and the ride. Besides, they're perfect for two adults or even a small family.
However, the average Class B buyer has specific needs in mind, and for those, the larger coaches don't work at all. For example, the Westphalia is highly economical to operate, albeit costly to buy.
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RV-Camping-Preparation.com :: Class B Motor Homes