While Class B RVs might not get as much attention as their bigger, roomier cousins, they’re a favorite amongst experienced RVers for a reason. These compact motorhomes are the vehicle of choice for weekend warriors, nature photographers and diehard campers alike. There’s a reason for that. In fact, there are several!
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of owning a Class B RV!
PRO: Maneuverability
Driving a big RV, such as a Class A or Class C RV, means doing a lot of three-point turns. Compared to larger vehicles, Class B RVs are nimble and able to navigate smaller spaces that would be otherwise impossible for other types of motorhomes. If your trip involves a lot of winding mountain roads or busy city streets, Class B Rvs are a game-changer.
CON: Size
Hopefully, you enjoy everybody you’re going to be traveling with because you should count on seeing a lot of them! Class B motorhomes tend to be much smaller than counterparts in other classes, meaning drivers have to do with significantly less floor space. Not only does this mean getting cozy with the other passengers, but it also means several different systems are likely carefully stacked on top of each other. In practical terms, you shouldn’t expect to sleep in the central area if someone else is using it to cook.
PRO: Customization
Since Class B RVs are more compact, they’ve got significantly fewer moving parts than larger models. Because of this, they’re also easier to customize than other models, as new features require less rearranging. These RVs also tend to be the testing ground for cutting-edge tech, so features like surround-sound systems or solar batteries are often going to be fancier on a Class B.
CON: Setup (and Teardown)
If you aren’t towing a trailer or other vehicle, expect to spend some time setting up and tearing down your Class B RV at every campsite. While the process isn’t too time-consuming—and you’ll find yourself getting a lot quicker at it as time goes on—it’s still an extra chore. This set-up and teardown process is something to note especially if you’re using any tents or sunshades that externally connect your RV.
PRO: Flexibility
Imagine driving to work in a monolithic Class A RV. That thought doesn’t get any less anxiety-inducing if you mentally adjust the vehicle into a Class C either—and Super C RVs are just as bad. However, the compact nature of a Class B RV means it’s just as well-suited for city commutes as it is for gritty off-road drives.
CON: Storage
Remember when we mentioned that Class B RVs tend to be smaller than RVs of other classes? That also translates to a small amount of available storage space. Expect to get creative with packing to ensure that everything fits, and the limited rack size might force you to choose between bringing the bikes or kayaks.
PRO: It’s an Adventure
If you want to experience all of the unique twists, turns and adventures the road has to offer, there are few better vehicles for doing so than a Class B RV. Their compact nature means the lines between indoors and outdoors are blurred, which can translate to some unforgettable experiences when you’re on the road. No other RV class lets you experience the world around you quite like a Class B, making it the perfect ride for RVers who are just as much about the journey as the destination.
While these might be the main strengths (and weaknesses) of owning a Class B, there’s plenty more that can influence your experiences behind the wheel. Proper maintenance, detailing and storage can all radically transform the quality (and quantity) of your motorhome adventures!
Check out our current inventory of Class B RVs. We have several well known Class B motorhome brands to choose from!