Class B and Class C RVs are two of the extra nimble motorhome sorts accessible to RVers, simple to be taught and nice for exploring. Understanding the distinction between a Class B vs Class C RV will assist you to select which makes extra sense for you and your loved ones. These motorhome sorts supply smaller, simpler choices than Class A motorhomes, and at present we’ll discover the comparable advantages and disadvantages of every.
What Is a Class B RV?
A Class B RV is the smallest and most maneuverable motorhome and ranges from about 18 to 25 ft lengthy. Usually known as a camper van or sprinter van, it’s usually constructed on a van chassis just like the RAM ProMaster, Ford Transit, or Mercedes Sprinter. Some widespread options you’ll discover on most however not all camper vans embrace a moist tub, a pop up roof tent, and convertible sleeping/eating/storage areas.
What Is a Class C RV?
A Class C RV is usually constructed on a truck chassis just like the Ford F-350 or Chevy 3500 or bigger. It ranges from 22 to over 33 ft lengthy and is usually acknowledged by the extra sleeping space above the cab, which is why it’s also referred to as a cabover camper. Class C campers can fluctuate dramatically in size, floorplan structure, towing capability, inside facilities, and exterior options.
Class B vs Class C RVs: What They Have in Frequent
Class B and Class C RVs share the identical vital profit you’ll get with a Class A RV: the power to camp with out a tow automobile. In addition they can help you park and entry the dwelling, eating, and sleeping areas with out going outdoors, which is very handy whenever you want a fast lavatory break or want to tug over to relaxation.
Class B and C campers characteristic inside floorplans with a full kitchen or kitchenette, a moist or dry lavatory, eating house, and sleeping areas. Moreover, these motorhome sorts include gasoline or diesel engines, permitting you to decide on your choice.
Class C vs Class B RVs: How They Differ
Whereas Class C and B RVs are drivable and supply many comparable inside options, they’ve some key variations. Let’s discover every comparable characteristic that will help you decide which is most handy for you. We’ll even declare a winner for every class.
Inside Dwelling Area Winner: Class C
Nearly all Class C campers will supply extra inside dwelling house than camper vans. You received’t discover many Class B RVs with slide-outs to extend that dwelling house until you’re Class B+ campers.
As a result of Class C motorhomes are longer, they provide extra spacious eating areas, dwelling rooms with theater seating or sleeper sofas, leisure facilities, and devoted bedrooms for privateness when household tenting.
Off-Grid Functionality Winner: Class B
Whereas some Class C (and Tremendous C RVs)maintain their very own on filth roads, camper vans usually have added floor clearance, bigger tires, upgraded suspension, and different building options to deal with unmaintained roads.
Business leaders in battery charging methods and photo voltaic functionality additionally add their improvements to Class B camper vans greater than to Class C RVs. Winnebago’s Energy Max system, seen most lately on the 2024 Florida RV SuperShow, is a good instance.
Sleeping Capability Winner: Class C
Most Class B campers can solely sleep two folks, with the most important providing a most sleeping capability of 4. Then again, Class C motorhomes typically sleep a minimum of 4 adults, and there are a lot of Class C RVs that sleep eight folks or extra.
The cabover bunk on the entrance of the Class C design offers this RV kind an apparent sleeping capability benefit. Comparatively, a Class B typically wants a pop up roof tent to comfortably sleep greater than two folks. Mixed with a convertible dinette, a major bed room that normally homes a full or queen mattress, bunks, and generally a sleeper couch, it’s simple to see why Class C RVs win this sleeping capability debate.
Parking and Campsite Choice Winner: Class B
Whereas Class C campers aren’t as laborious to drive and received’t limit your campsite choice like many different RV sorts, Class B campers are the best RV to drive and park. Many van house owners get away with in a single day stays in areas the place different RVs wouldn’t match. Moreover, discovering an area in a crowded parking zone and navigating busy gasoline stations will typically be simpler with a camper van.
Loads of campgrounds have web site lengths to accommodate bigger Class C motorhomes, and cabover campers are definitely simpler to park and maneuver than a number of the largest towable RVs on the market as properly, so that is nonetheless a bonus for Class Cs, however Class B RVs are the clear winner on this class.
Exterior Storage Winner: Tie
It’s uncommon to search out Class B campers with storage compartments accessible from the skin. For that reason, Class C campers take the win in relation to enclosed exterior storage.
Nonetheless, many Class B campers come geared up with roof racks, bike racks mounted to the rear door, and hitch receivers for putting in further cargo carriers. You’ll discover hitch receivers on Class C campers, too, but it surely’s uncommon to search out roof racks or rear-mounted bike racks on them (except the brand new Thor Eddie Bauer 22EB). So, whenever you examine these two varieties of exterior storage, this debate is a push.
Towing Capability Winner: Class C
Coming again to hitch receivers, a Class C camper is the definitive selection if you wish to tow a secondary automobile or trailer. Whereas Class B RVs have hitch receivers, their towing capacities are typically a lot decrease than even the smallest Class C motorhomes.
Worth Winner (MSRP): Make/Mannequin Dependent
We’re all the way down to the nitty-gritty on this class. The typical value of Class C and Class B campers usually ranges from $75,000 to $150,000. The ultimate value will depend on make, mannequin, trim, options, and different variables.
You’ll be able to definitely discover high-end campers in each classes that value greater than $150,000. Conversely, you’ll discover used models for lower than $75,000 as soon as engine mileage and different elements are accounted for.
Till you examine particular makes and fashions, worth isn’t a large differentiating issue for these two RV sorts. That mentioned, should you examine Class B vs Class C motorhomes by value per sq. foot, you’re paying extra for a smaller camper with a Class B.
Resale Worth Winner: Make/Mannequin and Upkeep Dependent
Browse the web for RV resale worth for Class B vs Class C RVs, and also you’ll discover many differing opinions. My take is that resale worth will probably be decided extra by your RV’s make and mannequin and, maybe extra importantly, how a lot you utilize it and the way properly you preserve it.
The Good Sam RV Valuator is a good software for checking any RV’s resale worth. However your ultimate supply when promoting or buying and selling in your RV will rely on the potential purchaser’s analysis of things like mileage, upkeep data, inside and exterior harm, and extra.
Class C RV vs Class B: Which Is Proper For You?
Discovering the correct Class B or C RV for you will depend on the way you prioritize the elements above. However it additionally comes all the way down to the way you view the high RV producers, which floorplans go well with your loved ones’s wants, and which inside or exterior options you’ll be able to’t stay with out. That’s why we’ve added assets under that will help you additional refine your search standards so you’ll be able to inform an RV gross sales consultant precisely what you’re searching for subsequent time you go to your native Tenting World!
Get pleasure from these further assets to search out your ideally suited motorhome:
What questions do you might have about selecting a Class B or Class C RV? Inform us within the feedback under!