Many solo travelers and couples find that Class B Motorhomes are the best fit for living and traveling on the road. However, there are a severals reasons why you might want to avoid them.
What is a Class B RV?
A Class B motorhome is a drivable RV that has been built on a van chassis. They are the smallest of drivable motorhomes and are considered to be the easiest to drive as well. Class B RVs are sometimes referred to as van campers or campervans. They usually have basic amenities like a bed, a small kitchen area, and a wet bath (a shower and toilet in one small space).
Class B RV Pros and Comparison With Other RVs
The main advantage that Class B RVs have over other campers is that they are small enough to fit into a standard parking space. This makes it much easier to find parking, drive around towns, go sight-seeing, due to their size, they have better gas mileage than other motorhomes.
1. Class B RV’s May Not Have Designated Sleeping Areas
Most Class B RV’s don’t have “permanent” beds. Instead, they offer space-saving dinettes or sofas that convert into a bed. Depending on the design and build, you may find camper vans with a permanent bed but it’s not as common.
2. Class B RV’s Have Tiny Bathrooms
Class B RV’s have tiny bathrooms, if they have one at all. These small bathrooms are more like a small closet than an actual bathroom. A Class B bathroom usually is a wet bath, which is a shower and toilet combo. There is no tub and the sink is very small. This can be frustrating for people who are used to having a regular sized bathroom.
3. You Can’t Set Up Camp For the Long Term
Since Class Bs are so small, they don’t have much room for storage or amenities. If camping off-grid, you’ll need to refill your fresh water and dump your waste water tanks frequently. This means having to break down your campsite to drive to a refill and dump station. That is unless you have a separate driving vehicle and portable tanks.
4. Cost Per Square Foot is Among Highest in the Industry
When buying a Class B, you’ll be paying a lot more per square foot than you would with other types of motorhomes. Having to be creative and design multi-purpose and dual function amenities makes these RVs more expensive.
5. There is Very Little Storage Space in a Class B
One of the downsides to having a Class B motorhome is that there is less interior storage than other drivable campers. This means that you have to be more selective about what you bring with you and be creative in your packing. Additionally, minimal storage can make it more challenging to keep the inside of your tiny motorhome tidy.
6. Class B RVs Have Limited Amenities and Privacy
Class B RVs have limited amenities when compared to other types of RVs. They typically have smaller kitchens and bathrooms, and fewer storage options. Your eating area, living area, and sleeping area are all in one spot and it’s difficult to find privacy when sharing this space.
7. Class B Motorhomes Are Less Suitable for Large Families
Drivable Class Bs are less suitable for large families as they do not have the necessary space to accommodate everyone comfortably.
8. Limited Floor Plan Options
Again, because of their small size, there are only so many ways to configure the floor plan for everything that is needed. The bed, dinning, and living area are usually at the back. With the kitchen directly to the left of when you enter the side of the RV. The bathroom, when there is one, is usually directly across from the kitchen.
Should You Avoid Class B Motorhomes and Get a Different Type of Camper?
Many people believe that Class B motorhomes are not as good as other types of campers, but this is not necessarily true. It really depends on your camping style.
Class B motorhomes can be just as good as any other type of camper, and they have many advantages that other types of campers do not have.
For example, Class B motorhomes are usually much easier to drive and maneuver than other types of campers. They are also typically more fuel-efficient than other types of campers.
So, you need to decide if you want more space that other RVs offer or the flexibility in travel that Class Bs can offer.
Did We Miss Any Reasons to Avoid Class B RVs?
Let us know below if there are any reasons we missed or if there are any reasons above that aren’t a reason to avoid Class B motorhomes. What’s been your experience? We’d love your input!
Happy RV Shopping!
