Excellent!!! You are so articulate and clear!! Can’t thank you enough for this review! I’m sold now on a small class C. Bathroom’s are important to me. As a widow, I generally don’t feel safe hanging out in a public bathroom.
As a widow u do NOT want to mess with black water From one widow to another I would use a bucket & bag toilet and dispose of bags thruout the day wherever I was if I HAD to use it. I would prefer stopping at rest stops, WM & gas stations for sure. Only using bucket first thing in morning if I couldn’t make it into the WM or gas station or my relatives’/kids’ homes (whom I visit). Just the water in & out for the sink is plenty for me lol plus my drinking/cooking water gallons that I am religious about carbon filtering it
We have had motorized RVs from 40' diesel pusher motorcoaches to Class B campervans. While we really enjoyed the Class B vans we had, the limited storage for clothes (many have just a shirt closet and a couple drawers) if your travels will take you through different climates. I admire those of you who can spend extended time in a Class B (i.e. all the "van life" folks), but we really appeciate having a full bathroom, dedicated bedroom, bigger fridge, and especially storage space that our low profile Class C offers. No doubt, what a couple can comfortably tolerate will depend on their capacity for minimalism... we motorcycle tent camped decades ago... thought we were living large when we converted a van back in the 70s... upsized different motorhomes over the years, and now in our "golden years" downsized to a nicely appointed smaller Class C (over your 25' max for this video), but we travel comfortably for months at a time. (We are not full-timers.) For those who haven't tried the RV lifestyle and are wondering what size might work for them: spend a week living in one room in your house: cooking, sleeping, and doing your bathroom duties... and see if you are still speaking to each other at the end of the week. ;-)
I put all the van life channels into a couple of categories. There's the folks who go around and show other people's builds, there's the follow my life 'cus I'm a RUclips star channels, and then there are the ones cover the in's and out's of camper vans and the life. You've repeatedly presented great videos of the latter. Thoughtful, detailed, and reflective of the time you spent producing this. I hope you keep it up.
One BIG pro of a class B or B+ (lightly modified but doesn't require the rear to be a dually) is you will not be turned away from campsites because of the size. Oh, and you can park it in your garage without hitting anything. The biggest complaint I hear online is that class Bs almost never have a slide but Roadtrek offers one. You open the rear doors and pull the back room out. There's your living room/bedroom. Those guys are mad geniuses. Never thought about putting a slide in the back of a van...
Forgot to add: I don't know why US camper brands refuse to install a popup roof with sliding floor. That's how German brands create extra space: they usually put the bed overhead and you raise the roof. Then there is a slide out ladder to access it so some German models can sleep four adults. Note that I said ADULTS, not two adults and two children...
One thing you did not mention is safety. A class B must meet crash tests etc. that a class C doesn’t not have to meet. A class B being all metal is safer in a lightning storm than fiberglass class C or B+ units. We have owned both a B+ and now a B (Pleasureway Ontour 2.2) that fits my 6’5” frame with a living area that with a touch of a control panel turns into a 6’7” bed with north south sleeping so my wife doesn’t have to climb over me to get our of bed at night. Most small class C and B+ units have a relatively low CCC. We could not carry water in our old B+ without going over its CCC. Our class B Ford Transit with dual tires allows us to carry anything we want without worrying about CCC. We also have the largest class B bathroom that even I can fit in. In our much bigger previous RVs I had to take the bathrooms door off to fit in. We like being able to fit in normal parking spaces with the class B also unless of course we stick our bikes on the back. That adds about 4 feet to our 21’ 10” van.
I was thinking of getting a Ford Transit and converting to van life. I fix houses so I'm pretty sure I should be able to figure it out with some help. Is there a year for transit that you recommend??
My wife and I opted to have a custom class b camper built on a MB Sprinter 170ext AWD van. It's got plenty of room, an expanding shower ( to 38" x 42" ), a King size bed in back, 7' of counter, a 4' couch in front, and can go off road - at least on dirt roads that aren't too rough. The big thing for me is the Sprinter van body itself should be far more trouble free since there are minimal holes / cut outs. I think class b's can be more durable. Been reading plenty of horror stories here on RUclips regarding class c's having stuck slides ( stuck out! ) and the like.
Horror story My 5-er got the bedrm slider stuck out, my bed wouldn’t go up anymore so slide couldn’t come in anymore. I think hydraulics went on the bed but I sold it as the main cabins 1 slider also had the gasket rot from halfway to the one side so it was a pain to close and might have had trouble not being tight, going down the rd. Needed a new gasket seal… I sold the 5-er for well less than its worth due to those 2 issues. I absolutely loved it n was rehabbing it slowly. 🤷🏼♀️
The great conundrum for me has always been that what l want to drive to the destination and what l want to be in when l get there are always two entirely different vehicles.
I agree, though to me, as a lifelong tent camper, I think of simply having a nice bed as a luxury. The more comfort you want at your campsite, the less campsites you’ll be able to go to. With today’s lithium ion batteries, such as the goal zero series, you can get a lot of modern conveniences without the (imo) dreadful sound of a generator. Unless you spend most of your time in long stay campsites, I would err on the side of being able to get to the less traveled, more pristine areas. The flip-side of comfort is not getting to appreciate the natural beauty of the places you visit.
We have owned a class B+ (Road Trek, Chevrolet van chassis) and two different size class Cs. Our current RV is a 27 foot class C Coach House. We tried lengthy trips on the B+. The bed had to be reconfigured, sleep vs travel. Although it had a shower, it was so cramped that RV stops always included scrutiny of the bath and shower facilities. We found the suspension to be marginal for the weight of the camper. Heavy duty shocks helped but did not cure the problem. The ground clearance was marginal. Access to holding tank piping was problematic. The RV had a macerator pump to empty the tanks If the pump failed access to the pipes for emergency dumps would have been nearly impossible unless it was somehow raised. The soft suspension made it less stable on bumps and curves Than I would like. The plus was MPG we got about 14.5 overall, not as good as diesel, but the fuel and maintenance are much less. Our next RV was a 22 foot Coach House. I can't say enough about their quality. Not cheap, but you will not go broke trying to get a lesser quality RV to work as it should. Ours was built on a Ford E450 cut away chassis. Highly recommended for durability and ability to carry any thing you can stuff into it and most things you can tow with aplomb. CH builds to your specifications. While we were at the factory we took a walk through the parking area for unfinished Cutaways where you could get clear access to the frames and suspensions they had the Ford E450s ,ford Transits and Mercedes Sprint cab plus bare frame vehicles there. We compared the E 450 to the Transit and Sprint frames The E450 was built with heavy duty steel members By comparison both the Transit and Sprint were built with lots of spot welded layers of heavy gauge sheet metal with suspension to match. We did trade up to the 27 foot model, which we have driven coast to coast twice with trips lasting as long as six months . Unlike the van we never had concerns about clearance or durability. With the Ford chassis We found that even the 27 is not much more demanding than a crew cab truck to drive fuel consumption is about 11. 7 ish. I didn't mention how nice it is to have a usable dry bath and shower. It means you can be fully self contained and need not be concerned about the RV park facilities. In summary, we really like our 27 foot class C and wouldn't consider either the Sprint or Transit due to concerns over durability and/or road clearance in rough conditions.
Both Chevy and Ford based smaller RVs have that suspension issue. For years the go to solution was a myriad of add-ons. Air bags, booster springs, heavier shocks, sway bars, Panhard bars, etc. It wasn't until I came across Weltec's RUclips videos that the light came on. Both front and rear springs are just marginal. While they provide a complete package of remedies, a trip to a local truck spring shop will do the job just as well. You do not really need the complete lift package they provide (although it does make the RV look pretty wicked!). A set of heavy duty front coils and a few more rear leaves totally transform those vehicles making them handle like an SUV. Now that I have had that done, I feel it is almost criminal how the RV manufacturers are sending rigs out the door. I am sure many serious accidents with injuries and deaths have resulted from the undersized springs they build their coaches on allowing the dangerous sway and wallowing, plus the discomfort and nuisance of bottoming out. Also angers me that Ford and Chevy just keep sending out chassis like that as they must know full well how they are going to be used.
Good comparison. I had a class A but found it limited where I could camp. Thought about a van build -out but love camping in 4WD sites. Now have a 13' Scamp with bath that goes almost anyplace my Jeep Wrangler takes me. Under $60 per year insurance and registration is about the same for once every 3 years here in California due to length being under 16'. I can do any repairs myself easily and get parts directly from the manufacturer overnight. With that savings I can occasionally treat myself to Airbnbs on long trips. Still have a van build in the future plans but for now I'm a happy Scamper. Less is more!
We have had a Class C Jayco on a Chevy Chassis that was about 24' long and we now have a Class B Vandoit build on a 148 Ford Transit Eco Boost. A lot of the decision for you is how you will use the vehicle. Do you plan to make trips that you intend to spend a lot of time in one spot or do you want to move around? We took our Jayco to Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah in 2021. It had the huge overcab bunk and it was pure hell to drive. The wind was ruthless and it was a terrible experience to get there. While we were camping it was fairly nice but the bathroom was small and the bed was a little short and we were just miserable. Last year we got our Class B, if you can even call it that, its a passenger van that has 80-20 setup in a way that it has a bed, kitchen pod, no bathroom but we do have a toilet and a curtain, but we can sleep four if we need too. We took that thing all the way to the west coast, up to San Fran, across and back down covering around 4500 miles and six National Parks and Disneyland. It was freaking glorious. We were so nimble. We used Cracker Barrels, truck stops, campgrounds, and even a parking lot but we always could take a shower there and it was one of the best vacations ever. My vote is for a Class B. You can park in a regular spot, you don't need a toad, you have everything with you always, and you can visit every nook and cranny everywhere.
We don’t typically spend more than a few days at a time in any one place and tend to move around more. Every now and again we might spend a week someplace.
Loved my old 2003 VW Eurovan Westfalia pop top. (The OG Type B I guess ha.) No kitchen junk just livable room. We’d use the campground facilities and cook outside grill or burners. Sleep upstairs pop top with my boy. And downstairs stayed with the table and facing seats. Really genius and we kept food and personal hygiene outside ha.
This was incredibly helpful! Husband and I are planning to buy in a few years. After watching this we both agree class c rv is right for us. I love that you travel with your beautiful pup! This is our reason for wanting a rv. Especially since we will be retired. Thinking of selling the house and building a smaller home. So many options! Anyone else planning on this?
Good intro to Bs and Cs. Just what I was looking for. Great vid. Thanks for taking the time to produce it. I subscribed. I am in Canada and I learned through social media that campers talk about those who want to travel in and/or live in a van in sub-zero winter weather. I learned that vans/campers have to be winterized with insulation and consideration has to be given to water lines on a camper that can freeze. I am guessing that some campers are just not built for winter weather... Again, thanks.
Great overview. We have owned several class C’s and now have a class b Roadtrek Chase. One thing you missed is gas mileage. The b van’s are far superior to the c’s. Our style is now more long distance travel in comfort instead of camping which our Roadtrek is wonderful for.
Well done! We have had a 21ft class b van for several years and every time I drive it I love it. Overall though I would suggest it is more like luxury camping, tight for 2 for longer stays whereas a small class c would be more like a small hotel room. Much less fun, but much more livable. We would like a small class C (under 24 ft), but find the quality of most far less than we are used to (lithium batteries, compressor fridge etc). Floorplan can make a big difference too, small permanent table and big garage a plus in a class b. For longer stays do believe class c much better…short stays more class b focused. Depends on how you camp…and most folks can make anything work with compromises.
Agree. I have a Solis 59PX (ProMaster 3500 extended chassis) and it's perfect for solo travel and I pretty much always have a bike in the garage, but even with just my girlfriend along it gets tight.
Drivability is HUGE. Test drive vehicles on a busy freeway. I had a small class C that was frightening to drive in high wind and on rutted freeways at freeway speeds with trucks going by. Even after adding sumo springs and a sway bar, drivability was an issue.
I think you won't truly know which type RV you need until you get in one and see how you use it. It's hard to know what you just don't know. Now that I've had one for a year, I know better how I'm more likely to use it and will make a more informed decision when I purchase the next one!😁
My first-ever camping trip was in a class C when I was about 40 years old. I was hooked on camping! The size wasn't intimidating, because my first job out of college was a high school teaching position that included coaching, and I occasionally had to drive the school bus to games. We've had two trailers and currently co-own a park model RV. We're talking about getting another trailer but I really want to rent a few different options, including a class B or two and maybe a couple of class C vehicles, as well as some different trailers, so that we end up making a well informed decision. Interesting, though, that my wife has been looking up Trailmanor trailers. If we go for a trailer, it would probably be one of those or a Casita.
I've had a DIY ProMaster class B for 5 years, it is a great upgrade from our VW Westy. This spring we got a Winnebago Ekko so that we could bring my father in law on trips (he has Parkinson's). The Ekko is just as driveable, but parking is tighter and getting into tight spots harder. I agree with all of the points in the video, get what fits your needs. We may keep the ProMaster but convert it to more of a people hauler/cargo van with a smart floor and removable seats, but still having a porta-potty and Dometic cooler. All wheel drive Transit chasis on the Ekko makes it preferred for all of our camping trips, but we're not into going too far off road. When we don't have to cater to the FIL anymore we might switch to something like a Storyteller Overland Mode LT. The Ekko has been good, but warranty recalls and quality control issues have been frustrating given the price paid. If we didn't need a fixed bathroom for the FIL I would have waited for the AeonRV to be available.
These comparison videos are the best! Great job guys! We definitely love our Class B for the mobility aspect above all else. We just traversed from NorCal -> Wa St -> Utah (Van fix) -> British Columbia in 4 days. (and we don't feel burned out). Pivots happen and a Class B really helps adjust over lugging a C around so quickly.
I just took my C over Independence Pass in CO.... Never again. There was not proper signage to let one know. "The road is steep, narrow, and twisty with only a few guardrails. It is completely safe, but drivers must follow the speed limit and drive with caution. No commercial motor vehicles, camper trailers, recreational or similar vehicles are allowed. A 35-foot length restriction is in place"
Another class act vlog from you guys! I recently sold my STO ModeLT because after using it, it just didn't provide the comfort and convenience we wanted. Mainly the E/W sleeping arrangement and the lack of a dedicated toilet & shower. We also didn't like the "transformer" experience that allows the STO to be so versatile. The STO was a great unit, it just didn't tick the boxes we wanted. Fast forward, I'll be picking up an EKKO in the coming days. I "hope" it will be more of what we feel we want. The side by side twin beds, the convertible shower/toilet arrangement with the lack of a black tank, and 50 gallon fresh/grey water tank is icing on the cake. We also are not ones who would attempt take a "house" out to a rock crawling event, so we don't need the more extreme off road capability. Again, thanks for this content, and I'm sure many will find this quite useful!
Had a small class A Scottsdale. Then a BIG 36c Jayco. I love the class b americannpatriot ext md2 . Drive it like my truck everyday. It is a MB rides great. Love having my small apartment with me😂
Yep, I think it really boils down to preference. I enjoy your channel and thank you for your insight. We are first time RVers, and after a short time researching, and finally visiting and a couple of dealers we opted for a Winnebago Solis Pocket. We've owned since December, and we have yet to stay at an RV park. We enjoy boondocking, camping in National Parks, hip camps, harvest host, but we also enjoy dining in NYC, Washington DC, Boston... in other words we enjoy both city and country. I don't think we would be able to do a U turn in Georgetown or parallel park in a class C as easy as our little rig. For us smaller is definitely better for our lifestyle! Class B!
I think a truck camper would be ideal. More room than a class B, four wheel drive, fits in most parking spaces and you don’t have to have a separate vehicle to run to the store etc…
Thank you for your clear explanations. I've been vacillating between class b, class b+, and class c. I now realize that the class b will take care of all my needs and will easily accommodate my dog and me. I will basically be buying an empty Ford Transit and outfitting it or having it outfitted a little at a time.
Hi to you all. We are still enjoying our 2nd class B the Winnebago Rebel just wish we had the Battery capacity you have on the Storyteller. Also check out the 2023 Entegera Accolase XL 32ft 4x4 👍 Thanks and Safe Travels
Compliments on a well-done video. My wife and I are fairly new to RVing. We just took our 27 foot class A gasser on a cross-country trip pulling a small Jeep. While it did everything I asked it to do, driving that breadbox on I 40 through Oklahoma in windy conditions was quite challenging to say the least. At first my solution I thought would be to replace the rig with a diesel pusher. By the time we got back, we decided we wanted a class B. We're in our mid-sixties now and wanted the maneuverability, lower fuel costs of a much smaller rig. We went to a RV show and looked at B's and B+'s. Really love the room in the plus models, like a Renegade Vienna. The additional room in that model vs any class B we looked at was considerable. But then I stood back and looked at a regular B van and the boxy B plus. As much as I crave the room in that plus, I thought to myself do I really want to trade one boxy RV for another? While we haven't made a final decision, we're leaning heavily towards the regular class B. I would say it comes down to what do you think you can live with, and your situation. I can't imagine trying to live (full or part time) in a B with more than 2 people, but I know there's people out there who do it. If there's any way possible to be content with the limitations of space in a B, I would think that's the way to go, given you wouldn't need a tow vehicle, get the best possible fuel mileage, ease of drivability and parking, etc.
We went from living full time in a class A to full time in a B. It’s really about a mindset shift to only bring what you really need and learn to live out of the van and not in it. That said, a B+ will have all the same problems in the wind…maybe more so since the box sits so far beyond the rear wheels (side to side). A B will be better but you’ll still get pushed around. That said, driving a B is more like driving an SUV and you won’t need to tow your Jeep
Yeah, I completely agree. We've learned there is no such thing as the perfect rig. No matter what the situation or needs, compromises have to happen. Everyone has to figure out what works best for them, adding up all the pros and cons and making the determination what is the best solution, knowing they'll likely never get everything they could ever want in one rig.@@Weretherussos
Everyone will say the one they have is the best one. But they all eventually switch to something else in the future. Good thing they make so many different types to choose from.
@@Weretherussos I don't think I expressed it the best but really meant the same thing.. Whatever you have is the best one at that point in time. Needs/wants change as you age. As they say, life is a full circle
Love the vids! I don't think the black set is doing you any favors tho -- people often respond positively to brighter colors and articulations to keep their interest.
Nice video. I have a CDL and drive school bus part time. We have a 25ft Class C. A big power system is propane. Our rig has a 12 gallon propane tank. Drivability is big. Our rule is “no washboard”. Once a dirt road has washboard, we turn back because the coach is not built for that vibration.
My Coachmen Cross Trek 22xg has a HUGE back door and a fold up Murphy bed. You can get a lot of things in there, like 2 folding e-bikes, a kayak and a dog crate. I think which is best depends on how you use it. I needed a separate sleeping area for my adult son.
20XG here, also huge huge rear storage. We still sleep in the bed with it elevated even with 2 mountain bikes inside in the back, as well as darn near everything but the kitchen sink. Going down the road there is nothing on the back bumper, no worries to stop to hike or shop. Not horribly impressed with the Coachmen build quality, but they sure nailed the living and storage space with these baby 24' XGs. Plus 4 wheel drive, plus 14 mpg at 65 mph average over 20,000 miles of AZ, UT, CO driving..
I have owned a 34 ft class a, a Travado k and a Gemini 23 tw. You missed the main distinction between a class b+ and a small class c. Width. The difference in length between my Travado and my Gemini is about , 18 inches. I don't find the b+ much harder to park and maneuver than the b van. I have driven a class c on a Econoline chassis and that was much more cumbersome.
I am not an RV person and I will never buy any. I would never spend over $150,000 for a recreation vehicle. However, I would choose the Class "B" for the drivabilities. One could always take a shower outdoor or in a truck stop. And I would rather buy a truck and a trailer for under $100,000.
Great vid. Please consider making one comparing/contrasting a Class B camper van to a truck camper. We have a Lance 1130 (dry bath) that sits on a 2500 4x4 and are considering making the switch. During a recent 30-day trip to Utah, we were pleasantly. surprised to see so many Class B 4x4's out in places normally used by the truck camper crowd :) My truck has a rear locker and it was really nice to see a couple of Sprinters that had rear lockers as well. They really seem to be upping their game. Thanks
I have a Class C (B+) Winnebago EKKO and for me it was the perfect balance as a first time RV'er going full-time. AWD off-road capable, tons of power in the Transit 3.5 ecoboost and for the house 320 AH of lithium (option for 2 batteries) with 2nd alternator charging and comes standard with a generator (I deleted it), big garage, inside tanks for 4 season, convertable shower so you don't get the toilet and sink wet, I added a 2" lift to make it even more capable offroad. NO black tank (cassette), NO slides, convertable bed for 2 friends, a couple of just me in a big Queen with areas for extra storage. Height yes taller than a van at 10'6" but the width is about the same except no curve at the top. However since I'm new, I wold say that for just one person who is not working from the van its more than I need and I will be looking at vans again in the future. For a couple its perfect or if you really need that extra room and a usable inside shower. But my favorite part is that I never HAVE to go to a campground and I can get out there just like a van.
I will be single-ship for retirement in a Winnebago Travato GL or EKKO. I really like the versatility of Class B, but want EKKO for folding Ebike and outdoor gear. But when I watch Scott GoSmallLiveLarge, then I trend back to GL. It sounds like you are living the dream. I hope to join you in five years. 😊
@@ghoover111 the chassis are very different resulting in different capabilities and therefore Winnebago outfit them differently. If you just want more storage for full-time there are more options than an EKKO. Good luck!
I’ve never understood why manufacturers like Winnebago don’t build a small class C on the Ford Econoline or Chevy cutaway chassis. Most of the current typical Class C’s are 8’5” wide and 11.5’ tall. Seems like something that’s 7.5 wide and under 10’ tall and 20’ long would be a hit. No complicated slides of course.
We have had converted Sprinters (still have a T1N Sprinter dually) and now we have a Forest River Forester TS2371 diesel Ford.. I can say.. our choice might not be for everyone, but it works for us.. We have 2 different Toads.. a Ford Festiva and a Chevy Tracker tintop.. both are light and make off road travel or urban parking easy.. depending on which we choose to bring. Our thing though is the Traveling, Museums, Higher end Craft shows and Genealogy and Grave marker restoration and documentation… not campgrounds or long term Boondocking .. neither of us can hike, bike or camp rough. (Both too old and broken). But we travel very comfortably. I used to drive large trucks .. So either a B or C feels small and manageable to me… I would encourage a buyer to rent whatever they THINK they want.. and see if it will work in their reality.. We have the Tracker because we have seen those AWD campervans stuck way out in the desert.. and it is really hard to get them unstuck.. a lot don’t have very strong attachment points for recovery. .. especially when they are heavy and the nice Jeep club guys are not willing to grenade a transmission trying to Yankum rope you out. We have had 3 young guys push the Tracker out by hand(before we figured out tires for it and got a winch)
Thanks for another great video, I currently have an A-Frame trailer that i tow behind a Toyota 4Runner and it's a compromise but i do enjoy it. We usually find Boondocking Base Camps near to where we want to explore and site see, hit 4WD Forest trails etc. I upgraded the Batteries to LiFePo4 and 400watts Solar and DC-DC from the vehicle while driving so batteries are always full when we arrive, works great. We're thinking Full-time, sell our house and toys and all our crap, lol. I'm torn between which vehicle, Class B or C, it is a huge investment, don't want the regrets. So, i bought both your books tonight should be a good read. Cheers, The Great Plains Aussie
I would not trade my E450 4wd Phoenix Cruiser 2100 for anything. After 5 years of research and a Phoenix factory tour and a Quigley tour we found our rig. I park it anywhere. Video is up on my page. Great comparison video 👍🏼
This was very helpful in understanding - and putting into words - the differences and possibilities of both Class B and C RVs. Appreciate the breakdown!
So envious of the choice of vehicles. We are based in New Zealand so have to import the majority of vehicles. In New Zealand and the majority of Europe, insulation is also very important because we cannot rely on sunshine. Great video
I think Class B vans would be a lot better if they were about 6 inches wider so that beds would allow cross wise sleeping. In addition, vans could be taller to allow for more storage. I've heard that Promaster's are going to come out with an even taller edition.
Exactly. The Mercedes is just too narrow. What would be ideal is a Chevy Express high top. Many folks have suggested that, but electric vehicles are being forced down our throats so unlikely. I'm considering a Chevy Express or GMC Savannah leb, with a fiberglass extended height add on. Not a great look, or a great solution, but anyone can work on them if need be.
Growing into adulthood and thinking a class C is what I imagine for myself, bigger, guest space, dry bathroom. But i have so much to learn and grow, have to learn to drive and about the batteries and converters, solar panels, cant even imagine parking and roads with height clearance... i think a class B is a better option for me as a beginner. Thank you for this video, very helpful.
We love the nimbleness and fuel economy of the B but miss the space of a C. Since its just the two of us now with no pets or kids anymore we settled for a Travato 59G. When I need more space for longer trips I'll hook up a large storage box on a hitch mount.
I know Winnebago has the Roam class b that is wheelchair accessible. However, it’s not 4x4 and even worse it’s FWD. I was hoping they would make a wheelchair accessible EKKO as it’s AWD and wider so there would be more room inside. My wheelchair is around 28” wide and I need 4 feet to turn a complete circle. Ive contacted some other class c manufacturers and nobody wants to do a wheelchair accessible version, but I’m thinking the wider platform makes more since for a small wheelchair accessible RV for under $100k. I also don’t want slides as I don’t think they are necessary and just cause more issues. However, I tend to drive in farther than I should because it’s easier to drive than push my wheelchair, so I would prefer a 4x4 or AWD. It’s hard finding decent wheelchair accessible hotels and I like to travel.
I hear you. Mobility is a problem. My Dad worked with exoskeleton apparatus in the military, too bad that never worked out well. Good luck to you, I enjoy traveling as well.
Hey, getting out there in a small class C. I have a Forester 2351, which I had Quigley switch out to a F-Series 4wd including the limited slip diff. Sadly I overwrote a video from Scout Lake in the Yukon where I met some guy in van coming back from a lake that I knew would not have pressure from other fisherman. It was a Quigley. The one issue is I have a RoadMaster rear hitch tire carrier, which cuts off the departure angle quite a bit. So sadly if I really need to go off road I need to ditch the spare tire carrier. As far as battery power goes. The 2351 has the big rear storage, similar to your Wonder. I got a pair of Java Energy 300 ah LiFePOE with heater pads and bluetooth connection to the BMS for getting state of charge. I put the batteries on the shelf in the storage underneath the bed and connected the battery control center to them with the thickest battery cables you have ever see. Then upgraded the BIM to a lithium version that decreases the load on the alternator and now have rerouted the 60 ah converter to the new batteries so I have multiple charging opportunities for 7.5 KW of juice. All of this is connected into a 3KW inverter that I can plug the RV into. When I was picking up a order at Walmart in Fairbanks I hit the stupid roof of th parking area with the RV, wiping out the Wineguard antenna which I did not really use anyways. So I will pick up 600 watts of solar for $900 and cover that issue over. So a fairly complete electrical system for $5K. If I was single, I might have a B, but it is a bit too close for two. I also carry an inflatable boat and a bunch of fishing gear which may not fit
AS always, thank you for your informative videos. In a past video you and Kate did a story on the Winnebago, 2016-24V model. I agreed with all of your input on that model and I actually bought one and have it to this day. That was a very good and informative video that solidified my decision on what motorhome I would buy. So that being said, I encourage anyone looking for an RV class B, or C, to look at this video, as well as some of your other videos, to make their decision. Lots of good non-biased information here.
The conundrum for me with both of these is once you get to your camp site you are stuck unless you want to constantly break camp to go somewhere. Sure you could get a tow vehicle but them you get into if Im gonna do that why not a trailer and pickup? Yeah you could get a bicycle, tricycle, or even an e-bike but one isnt going to go far on one of those. It definitely boils down to how you are gonna camp and travel.
Just a thought. When I rode motorcycles I went to track schools to get faster and safer. Have you two ever thought about caravanjng with say 4 vans that pay you to teach them the ropes? Maybe sone guided tours with you and Kate as guides and some van oriented cooking classes and meals? You could do desert, forest, mountains and coastal and do the seasons. Teaching how to survive winter like when you were in Missouri and it iced up.
Thanks for another great video. I personally think Ultras are great value, chrome or blacked out. I have an ‘18 Ultra Classic. Design and craftsmanship are awesome. My only issue with it is the weight. The bike is weightless on the move but it can get very heavy maneuvering at low speeds.
This video is very informative and focused - as we work thru hopefully downsizing from a 40' diesel to one of the many up to 24ft options available. We've had a 28' c class, a 30ft TT before the current 40' one. Our needs, plans and focus have certainly changed to the place where we are certain that under 25' wb just perfect. So many thanks for sorting out and organizing our many thoughts& questions! Excellent
While I can’t imagine not loving a 40+ pusher (+toad ideally) I can’t imagine driving it even w/o a toad So I would need a chauffeur lol But I don’t ever need to go real off rd or park near the store entrance etc. Not athletic. I’m boring 🥹
Very Nice, Note: Some Class B have very long beds, like the Thor Dazzle/Twist 2LB and Sequence 20L. Parking is key for me, going to a Class B with long beds.
Personally, I prefer a small C. It is more versatile and generally handle well. I especially attracted to the all wheel drive variety with the off road tires.
Class C Tiger RV’s have better ground clearance than any Class B, and are 4x4 with extra low, can be purchased with a short turning radius and 19 1/2 feet long.
Very good vide, explained to me clearly what is a class B and C, what are the pros and cons and the comments also helped with sharing their own personal experience! 👍👍
Thanks for making this, very helpful. Deciding on renting versus buying and which one to get. Thought about getting a pull along but I don't think I'm going to be able to adjust to the trailer. I love the thought of not having to worry about another engine. Truly would have loved to have known what your personal preference was having that vast experience on the road with both.
Excellent video! We are in the initial stages of searching for a suitable RV, and in addition to the things you mentioned, size of tanks (fresh/gray/black) is also a big consideration - particularly if you intend on doing some extended dry camping. In general, the small class C’s seem to have somewhat larger tanks, but it’s not always the case and varies vehicle to vehicle.
Nothing beats a class B for maneuverability, gas mileage and ability to blend into a parking lot if you need to spend the night inconspicuously. They are perfect for one or two people (who are in love) for weekend camping trips, with occasional longer trips up to two weeks. However, if you are planning frequent trips of two weeks or more, or are planning on living in it for any length of time, you will definitely want the comfort, and storage capabilities of a class C. Even with only two people a B can get cramped pretty quick on longer trips, or if trapped inside all day in inclement weather. Another consideration is price. Class Bs are pretty pricey. Expect to pay at least $100,000.00, and upwards of $150,000.00-$200,000.00 or more for a nicely appointed one. A very nice C can be found for much less.
Great informative clip. One thing that I am trying to get hold of, is MPG. I know each are going to be different, but generally what should I expect from each type? Thank you.
Thank you for a very helpful video, you answered many of the questions I had. I'm also wondering about restrictions in certain neighborhoods where you can park camper vans but not RVs, and I do worry about security, the class c basically advertisers that your entire life is inside, whereas the class b by definition is going to be holding less. I'm also wondering if we will see EV class b with self-driving capability, lol, maybe a Tesla package for retrofitting! Great video, hope you guys are doing well take care.
I have 2 small dogs and a class B simply does not appear pet friendly. I would always be worried about them getting out because of the huge sliding door. And with the door closed they are very claustrophobic. And, a wet bath is a total deal breaker for me. I walked into a class B and found myself holding my breath because it felt like a tight cave.
What I want I don't think anyone makes. All I need is room for ONE. Just ME. I'm a big guy so I want a BIG dry bath. But a single sized bed is fine. As as it's long enough. And I'd like to be able to stand up straight. I'm 6'2" tall. So a 'B' with a pop up roof would be OK too.
Very informative. I like the idea of a class B but i dont like a wet bath. How about repairs and maintenance. Few u tube videos talk about this. I knew a couple who bought a new trailer RV and it seems like it is always in the shop for repairs. This is what holding me up from making the decision to purchase one.
When I was 8 yo, my family of four rented a VW camper (smaller than today’s class b camper conversions) and slept all four (though, being the smallest, I got the cot across the front seats, which wasn’t the most comfortable). This made me a confirmed “keep it simple stupid” person when it comes to “need to have” items. This includes no indoor showers or other items that increase need for water, other than drinking and minimal washing. Looking at some of the builds out there, the rewards for some compromises, like the no shower, is extra space to take an e-bike inside, as well as more, and more convenient storage than we had in the VW. Besides that, sorry, but I HATE generators in the great outdoors. What an obnoxious sound in pristine wilderness areas. I’m looking at a Ford Transit (long wheel base, high roof) conversion as not too big, but not too small for me. The ability to easily convert it to be a cargo van, and to use it as a primary vehicle is an added bonus that would get rid of the expense of maintaining two vehicles. Btw, I’m choosing the Ford for the AWD and driver’s seating position over the Ram and the cost (and maintenance cost) of the Mercedes. Variety is the spice of life, but this is what I’m looking for.
Love this comparison. Unfortunately or fortunately I can only have a B or B+ van due to property laws in my city. Currently I am looking at a Wayfarer Fan Build
My advice is to get it right. We've owned our Lazy Daze class C for 22 years and are planning to replace it with a van conversion. Obviously, we are planning to get it right. As I post, it's from the LD. Amazing that you can get a great Texas state park site when it's projected to be 106F. Hopefully the Sportsmobile conversion is as high temperature capable as our Lazy Daze. The Lazy Daze founders used their designs to go California desert motorbiking and ATVing.
ah, that is the question... definitely the question i've wrestled with for my future plans so thanks for the video! i tend to lean toward the class c because i think i'd like a little more room. but then again being able to park and drive anywhere is a big deal. but then there's the cost. seems you get more for the money with the class c so......🤪. i think i'll rent each type to hopefully find out which best suits me.
There are soo many options even within the category - see my comment above for my Class C. I drive / fit almost anywhere a Class B does especially when you compare to the onces that are 22' long.
I’ve tried various things and so far I’m linking the B+/C Leisure Travel Van as my favorite. Probably will never buy. Just rent when needed. Zero maintenance.
We had a 2003 Winnebago Vista on the VW chassis. It was a bit underpowered but the interior features were great. I dearly wish they would bring this model back on the Promaster chassis. We now have a newer Class B but sure miss the features of that Vista.
I've always felt that a B+ gives you that apartment studio feel versus an indefinite camping experience of a B. There's less to shift around in a B+ for every day living. I love both, I have a small vintage C (22') but I still wish I had a B van because I prefer the parking perks of a van.
Many, if not most class C’s add so much weight to the chassis they are built on, that they are near the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This doesn’t leave enough payload capacity for people, cargo and any fresh or waste tank fluids. I have seen small class C’s with 700 pounds of payload capacity, that isn’t enough for two people with clothes, linens, kitchen items, and food and water for multiple days let alone anything in the tanks. I have seen Class B camper van’s with 2,000 pound payload capacity if they are on the right chassis.
Generally, the decision comes down to what you want to do with the RV. Want to drive around the city? Want to go off-road easily? Then Class B. Want to mainly drive from one destination to the other on highways and settle at camp grounds? Class C. Forget about driving in a big city with a Class C. And in many big cities it’s actually illegal to park a Class C on any street. Want to RV comfortably with a family? Class C.
The only class B that has the liveability of a class C that I've heard of is the hymer venture S but it's pretty expensive. Another alternative that I've seen is a big truck camper like the host mammoth. That kinda gives similar driveavility of a class B since you're driving a truck, but then have lots of space with all the slides outs. Plus that truck is likely a 4x4 can really go offroad.
Not sure how to classify my RV, it's built in a Chevy P30 based step van. It's 7 feet wide and tall so it has more space than a but it isn't a cut away. The living space is 16 feet and I built it with a dry bath. I have an 18 gallon black tank for the toilet and 18 gallon grey for the shower and bathroom sink. I only have 25 gallons of fresh water so it's limited to about 4 days.
I went from a Class A to a Class C. It works fine for me because of all the storage and the dry bath. Going down to a Class B was just too big a change with 2 dogs.
The Transit based rigs have a huge problem for me- small gas tank with 12mpg. The new Sprinter seems underpowered- 2.0 liter with 212hp pushing 9,500lbs seems strained. But tons of aftermarket tanks and accessories. My option is a GMC 3500HD with an Akaskan pop-up camper and price wise it destroys the Transit or Sprinter. I can carry 56 gallonsof fuel, ARB air system, 475hp with 970 ft. lbs. of tongue, 15 to 16 mpg and 2100 lbs for cargo. I don't get the dedicated shower but have massive power and supplies. Price? Camper at $40,000 and $89,000 on the truck so $129,000 vs $214,000 on the Storyteller Overland Beast Mode and I am far more capable and drive better on the road or offroad. The Ford is nice but the 4 wheel drive system is from the Flintstones- spinning hubs? But I do love the van one area idea but the truck would win for me.
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Excellent!!! You are so articulate and clear!! Can’t thank you enough for this review! I’m sold now on a small class C.
Bathroom’s are important to me. As a widow, I generally don’t feel safe hanging out in a public bathroom.
You are so welcome!
As a widow u do NOT want to mess with black water
From one widow to another
I would use a bucket & bag toilet and dispose of bags thruout the day wherever I was if I HAD to use it. I would prefer stopping at rest stops, WM & gas stations for sure. Only using bucket first thing in morning if I couldn’t make it into the WM or gas station or my relatives’/kids’ homes (whom I visit).
Just the water in & out for the sink is plenty for me lol plus my drinking/cooking water gallons that I am religious about carbon filtering it
We have had motorized RVs from 40' diesel pusher motorcoaches to Class B campervans. While we really enjoyed the Class B vans we had, the limited storage for clothes (many have just a shirt closet and a couple drawers) if your travels will take you through different climates. I admire those of you who can spend extended time in a Class B (i.e. all the "van life" folks), but we really appeciate having a full bathroom, dedicated bedroom, bigger fridge, and especially storage space that our low profile Class C offers. No doubt, what a couple can comfortably tolerate will depend on their capacity for minimalism... we motorcycle tent camped decades ago... thought we were living large when we converted a van back in the 70s... upsized different motorhomes over the years, and now in our "golden years" downsized to a nicely appointed smaller Class C (over your 25' max for this video), but we travel comfortably for months at a time. (We are not full-timers.)
For those who haven't tried the RV lifestyle and are wondering what size might work for them: spend a week living in one room in your house: cooking, sleeping, and doing your bathroom duties... and see if you are still speaking to each other at the end of the week. ;-)
Great advice - thank you for sharing!
My wife and I...only one would come out alive.
@@scottslotterbeck3796 It's important to know your limitations! ;-)
That's funny!😂
Thanks for this info!
I put all the van life channels into a couple of categories. There's the folks who go around and show other people's builds, there's the follow my life 'cus I'm a RUclips star channels, and then there are the ones cover the in's and out's of camper vans and the life. You've repeatedly presented great videos of the latter. Thoughtful, detailed, and reflective of the time you spent producing this. I hope you keep it up.
Really appreciate that, thank you
One BIG pro of a class B or B+ (lightly modified but doesn't require the rear to be a dually) is you will not be turned away from campsites because of the size. Oh, and you can park it in your garage without hitting anything. The biggest complaint I hear online is that class Bs almost never have a slide but Roadtrek offers one. You open the rear doors and pull the back room out. There's your living room/bedroom. Those guys are mad geniuses. Never thought about putting a slide in the back of a van...
Forgot to add: I don't know why US camper brands refuse to install a popup roof with sliding floor. That's how German brands create extra space: they usually put the bed overhead and you raise the roof. Then there is a slide out ladder to access it so some German models can sleep four adults. Note that I said ADULTS, not two adults and two children...
One thing you did not mention is safety. A class B must meet crash tests etc. that a class C doesn’t not have to meet. A class B being all metal is safer in a lightning storm than fiberglass class C or B+ units. We have owned both a B+ and now a B (Pleasureway Ontour 2.2) that fits my 6’5” frame with a living area that with a touch of a control panel turns into a 6’7” bed with north south sleeping so my wife doesn’t have to climb over me to get our of bed at night. Most small class C and B+ units have a relatively low CCC. We could not carry water in our old B+ without going over its CCC. Our class B Ford Transit with dual tires allows us to carry anything we want without worrying about CCC. We also have the largest class B bathroom that even I can fit in. In our much bigger previous RVs I had to take the bathrooms door off to fit in. We like being able to fit in normal parking spaces with the class B also unless of course we stick our bikes on the back. That adds about 4 feet to our 21’ 10” van.
I wonder if B's are less prone to leaks than C's due to the contiguous sheet metal
For $187000 - I should hope it has a bed you don't need to climb over each other to get out of... lol
@@pesto12601 you get what you pay for. PleasureWay is best in class
I was thinking of getting a Ford Transit and converting to van life. I fix houses so I'm pretty sure I should be able to figure it out with some help. Is there a year for transit that you recommend??
@@hjcip3934 I would want to get at least a 2021 transit. I believe that is when they switched to the 10 speed transmission.
Extremely informative comparison. Clearly a well-informed and experienced RV'er.
My wife and I opted to have a custom class b camper built on a MB Sprinter 170ext AWD van. It's got plenty of room, an expanding shower ( to 38" x 42" ), a King size bed in back, 7' of counter, a 4' couch in front, and can go off road - at least on dirt roads that aren't too rough. The big thing for me is the Sprinter van body itself should be far more trouble free since there are minimal holes / cut outs. I think class b's can be more durable. Been reading plenty of horror stories here on RUclips regarding class c's having stuck slides ( stuck out! ) and the like.
Horror story
My 5-er got the bedrm slider stuck out, my bed wouldn’t go up anymore so slide couldn’t come in anymore. I think hydraulics went on the bed but I sold it as the main cabins 1 slider also had the gasket rot from halfway to the one side so it was a pain to close and might have had trouble not being tight, going down the rd. Needed a new gasket seal…
I sold the 5-er for well less than its worth due to those 2 issues.
I absolutely loved it n was rehabbing it slowly. 🤷🏼♀️
The great conundrum for me has always been that what l want to drive to the destination and what l want to be in when l get there are always two entirely different vehicles.
Geniusly stated! Agreed!
Truck + Camper, either slide in or pull behind trailer.
I agree, though to me, as a lifelong tent camper, I think of simply having a nice bed as a luxury. The more comfort you want at your campsite, the less campsites you’ll be able to go to. With today’s lithium ion batteries, such as the goal zero series, you can get a lot of modern conveniences without the (imo) dreadful sound of a generator. Unless you spend most of your time in long stay campsites, I would err on the side of being able to get to the less traveled, more pristine areas. The flip-side of comfort is not getting to appreciate the natural beauty of the places you visit.
We have owned a class B+ (Road Trek, Chevrolet van chassis) and two different size class Cs. Our current RV is a 27 foot class C Coach House. We tried lengthy trips on the B+. The bed had to be reconfigured, sleep vs travel. Although it had a shower, it was so cramped that RV stops always included scrutiny of the bath and shower facilities. We found the suspension to be marginal for the weight of the camper. Heavy duty shocks helped but did not cure the problem. The ground clearance was marginal. Access to holding tank piping was problematic. The RV had a macerator pump to empty the tanks If the pump failed access to the pipes for emergency dumps would have been nearly impossible unless it was somehow raised. The soft suspension made it less stable on bumps and curves Than I would like. The plus was MPG we got about 14.5 overall, not as good as diesel, but the fuel and maintenance are much less. Our next RV was a 22 foot Coach House. I can't say enough about their quality. Not cheap, but you will not go broke trying to get a lesser quality RV to work as it should. Ours was built on a Ford E450 cut away chassis. Highly recommended for durability and ability to carry any thing you can stuff into it and most things you can tow with aplomb. CH builds to your specifications. While we were at the factory we took a walk through the parking area for unfinished Cutaways where you could get clear access to the frames and suspensions they had the Ford E450s ,ford Transits and Mercedes Sprint cab plus bare frame vehicles there. We compared the E 450 to the Transit and Sprint frames The E450 was built with heavy duty steel members By comparison both the Transit and Sprint were built with lots of spot welded layers of heavy gauge sheet metal with suspension to match. We did trade up to the 27 foot model, which we have driven coast to coast twice with trips lasting as long as six months . Unlike the van we never had concerns about clearance or durability. With the Ford chassis We found that even the 27 is not much more demanding than a crew cab truck to drive fuel consumption is about 11. 7 ish. I didn't mention how nice it is to have a usable dry bath and shower. It means you can be fully self contained and need not be concerned about the RV park facilities. In summary, we really like our 27 foot class C and wouldn't consider either the Sprint or Transit due to concerns over durability and/or road clearance in rough conditions.
Both Chevy and Ford based smaller RVs have that suspension issue. For years the go to solution was a myriad of add-ons. Air bags, booster springs, heavier shocks, sway bars, Panhard bars, etc. It wasn't until I came across Weltec's RUclips videos that the light came on. Both front and rear springs are just marginal. While they provide a complete package of remedies, a trip to a local truck spring shop will do the job just as well. You do not really need the complete lift package they provide (although it does make the RV look pretty wicked!). A set of heavy duty front coils and a few more rear leaves totally transform those vehicles making them handle like an SUV. Now that I have had that done, I feel it is almost criminal how the RV manufacturers are sending rigs out the door. I am sure many serious accidents with injuries and deaths have resulted from the undersized springs they build their coaches on allowing the dangerous sway and wallowing, plus the discomfort and nuisance of bottoming out. Also angers me that Ford and Chevy just keep sending out chassis like that as they must know full well how they are going to be used.
Good comparison. I had a class A but found it limited where I could camp. Thought about a van build -out but love camping in 4WD sites. Now have a 13' Scamp with bath that goes almost anyplace my Jeep Wrangler takes me. Under $60 per year insurance and registration is about the same for once every 3 years here in California due to length being under 16'. I can do any repairs myself easily and get parts directly from the manufacturer overnight. With that savings I can occasionally treat myself to Airbnbs on long trips. Still have a van build in the future plans but for now I'm a happy Scamper. Less is more!
We have had a Class C Jayco on a Chevy Chassis that was about 24' long and we now have a Class B Vandoit build on a 148 Ford Transit Eco Boost. A lot of the decision for you is how you will use the vehicle. Do you plan to make trips that you intend to spend a lot of time in one spot or do you want to move around? We took our Jayco to Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah in 2021. It had the huge overcab bunk and it was pure hell to drive. The wind was ruthless and it was a terrible experience to get there. While we were camping it was fairly nice but the bathroom was small and the bed was a little short and we were just miserable. Last year we got our Class B, if you can even call it that, its a passenger van that has 80-20 setup in a way that it has a bed, kitchen pod, no bathroom but we do have a toilet and a curtain, but we can sleep four if we need too. We took that thing all the way to the west coast, up to San Fran, across and back down covering around 4500 miles and six National Parks and Disneyland. It was freaking glorious. We were so nimble. We used Cracker Barrels, truck stops, campgrounds, and even a parking lot but we always could take a shower there and it was one of the best vacations ever. My vote is for a Class B. You can park in a regular spot, you don't need a toad, you have everything with you always, and you can visit every nook and cranny everywhere.
We don’t typically spend more than a few days at a time in any one place and tend to move around more. Every now and again we might spend a week someplace.
This…
Loved my old 2003 VW Eurovan Westfalia pop top. (The OG Type B I guess ha.) No kitchen junk just livable room. We’d use the campground facilities and cook outside grill or burners. Sleep upstairs pop top with my boy. And downstairs stayed with the table and facing seats. Really genius and we kept food and personal hygiene outside ha.
This was incredibly helpful! Husband and I are planning to buy in a few years. After watching this we both agree class c rv is right for us. I love that you travel with your beautiful pup! This is our reason for wanting a rv. Especially since we will be retired. Thinking of selling the house and building a smaller home. So many options! Anyone else planning on this?
One of the great things about this video is the education in vocabulary that novices like me get. Thanks for a great job.
Good intro to Bs and Cs. Just what I was looking for. Great vid. Thanks for taking the time to produce it. I subscribed. I am in Canada and I learned through social media that campers talk about those who want to travel in and/or live in a van in sub-zero winter weather. I learned that vans/campers have to be winterized with insulation and consideration has to be given to water lines on a camper that can freeze. I am guessing that some campers are just not built for winter weather... Again, thanks.
Great overview. We have owned several class C’s and now have a class b Roadtrek Chase. One thing you missed is gas mileage. The b van’s are far superior to the c’s. Our style is now more long distance travel in comfort instead of camping which our Roadtrek is wonderful for.
what is Gas milage for both. Hard to figure out?
Well done! We have had a 21ft class b van for several years and every time I drive it I love it. Overall though I would suggest it is more like luxury camping, tight for 2 for longer stays whereas a small class c would be more like a small hotel room. Much less fun, but much more livable. We would like a small class C (under 24 ft), but find the quality of most far less than we are used to (lithium batteries, compressor fridge etc). Floorplan can make a big difference too, small permanent table and big garage a plus in a class b. For longer stays do believe class c much better…short stays more class b focused. Depends on how you camp…and most folks can make anything work with compromises.
Agree. I have a Solis 59PX (ProMaster 3500 extended chassis) and it's perfect for solo travel and I pretty much always have a bike in the garage, but even with just my girlfriend along it gets tight.
Drivability is HUGE. Test drive vehicles on a busy freeway. I had a small class C that was frightening to drive in high wind and on rutted freeways at freeway speeds with trucks going by. Even after adding sumo springs and a sway bar, drivability was an issue.
Great point
I think you won't truly know which type RV you need until you get in one and see how you use it. It's hard to know what you just don't know. Now that I've had one for a year, I know better how I'm more likely to use it and will make a more informed decision when I purchase the next one!😁
Great point. Your style of camping and travel evolves a lot, especially when you first start out
Not only is this a good video, but it has sparked a great discussion!
Thanks!
My first-ever camping trip was in a class C when I was about 40 years old. I was hooked on camping! The size wasn't intimidating, because my first job out of college was a high school teaching position that included coaching, and I occasionally had to drive the school bus to games.
We've had two trailers and currently co-own a park model RV. We're talking about getting another trailer but I really want to rent a few different options, including a class B or two and maybe a couple of class C vehicles, as well as some different trailers, so that we end up making a well informed decision. Interesting, though, that my wife has been looking up Trailmanor trailers. If we go for a trailer, it would probably be one of those or a Casita.
Good luck in your search!
I've had a DIY ProMaster class B for 5 years, it is a great upgrade from our VW Westy. This spring we got a Winnebago Ekko so that we could bring my father in law on trips (he has Parkinson's). The Ekko is just as driveable, but parking is tighter and getting into tight spots harder. I agree with all of the points in the video, get what fits your needs. We may keep the ProMaster but convert it to more of a people hauler/cargo van with a smart floor and removable seats, but still having a porta-potty and Dometic cooler. All wheel drive Transit chasis on the Ekko makes it preferred for all of our camping trips, but we're not into going too far off road. When we don't have to cater to the FIL anymore we might switch to something like a Storyteller Overland Mode LT. The Ekko has been good, but warranty recalls and quality control issues have been frustrating given the price paid. If we didn't need a fixed bathroom for the FIL I would have waited for the AeonRV to be available.
These comparison videos are the best! Great job guys! We definitely love our Class B for the mobility aspect above all else. We just traversed from NorCal -> Wa St -> Utah (Van fix) -> British Columbia in 4 days. (and we don't feel burned out). Pivots happen and a Class B really helps adjust over lugging a C around so quickly.
I just took my C over Independence Pass in CO.... Never again. There was not proper signage to let one know.
"The road is steep, narrow, and twisty with only a few guardrails. It is completely safe, but drivers must follow the speed limit and drive with caution. No commercial motor vehicles, camper trailers, recreational or similar vehicles are allowed. A 35-foot length restriction is in place"
Awesome! Thank you!
It's smart to rent different B and Class C models before buying. A few days rental in several units helps clarify needs, wants & priorities.
Great point!
Another class act vlog from you guys! I recently sold my STO ModeLT because after using it, it just didn't provide the comfort and convenience we wanted. Mainly the E/W sleeping arrangement and the lack of a dedicated toilet & shower. We also didn't like the "transformer" experience that allows the STO to be so versatile. The STO was a great unit, it just didn't tick the boxes we wanted. Fast forward, I'll be picking up an EKKO in the coming days. I "hope" it will be more of what we feel we want. The side by side twin beds, the convertible shower/toilet arrangement with the lack of a black tank, and 50 gallon fresh/grey water tank is icing on the cake. We also are not ones who would attempt take a "house" out to a rock crawling event, so we don't need the more extreme off road capability. Again, thanks for this content, and I'm sure many will find this quite useful!
Makes total sense and hope the Ekko is perfect for y’all!
Had a small class A Scottsdale. Then a BIG 36c Jayco. I love the class b americannpatriot ext md2 . Drive it like my truck everyday. It is a MB rides great.
Love having my small apartment with me😂
Yep, I think it really boils down to preference. I enjoy your channel and thank you for your insight. We are first time RVers, and after a short time researching, and finally visiting and a couple of dealers we opted for a Winnebago Solis Pocket. We've owned since December, and we have yet to stay at an RV park. We enjoy boondocking, camping in National Parks, hip camps, harvest host, but we also enjoy dining in NYC, Washington DC, Boston... in other words we enjoy both city and country. I don't think we would be able to do a U turn in Georgetown or parallel park in a class C as easy as our little rig. For us smaller is definitely better for our lifestyle! Class B!
That’s great to hear and congrats on the Solis!
I think a truck camper would be ideal. More room than a class B, four wheel drive, fits in most parking spaces and you don’t have to have a separate vehicle to run to the store etc…
Thank you for your clear explanations. I've been vacillating between class b, class b+, and class c. I now realize that the class b will take care of all my needs and will easily accommodate my dog and me. I will basically be buying an empty Ford Transit and outfitting it or having it outfitted a little at a time.
Hi to you all. We are still enjoying our 2nd class B the Winnebago Rebel just wish we had the Battery capacity you have on the Storyteller. Also check out the 2023 Entegera Accolase XL 32ft 4x4 👍 Thanks and Safe Travels
Compliments on a well-done video.
My wife and I are fairly new to RVing. We just took our 27 foot class A gasser on a cross-country trip pulling a small Jeep. While it did everything I asked it to do, driving that breadbox on I 40 through Oklahoma in windy conditions was quite challenging to say the least. At first my solution I thought would be to replace the rig with a diesel pusher. By the time we got back, we decided we wanted a class B. We're in our mid-sixties now and wanted the maneuverability, lower fuel costs of a much smaller rig.
We went to a RV show and looked at B's and B+'s. Really love the room in the plus models, like a Renegade Vienna. The additional room in that model vs any class B we looked at was considerable. But then I stood back and looked at a regular B van and the boxy B plus. As much as I crave the room in that plus, I thought to myself do I really want to trade one boxy RV for another? While we haven't made a final decision, we're leaning heavily towards the regular class B.
I would say it comes down to what do you think you can live with, and your situation. I can't imagine trying to live (full or part time) in a B with more than 2 people, but I know there's people out there who do it. If there's any way possible to be content with the limitations of space in a B, I would think that's the way to go, given you wouldn't need a tow vehicle, get the best possible fuel mileage, ease of drivability and parking, etc.
We went from living full time in a class A to full time in a B. It’s really about a mindset shift to only bring what you really need and learn to live out of the van and not in it.
That said, a B+ will have all the same problems in the wind…maybe more so since the box sits so far beyond the rear wheels (side to side). A B will be better but you’ll still get pushed around. That said, driving a B is more like driving an SUV and you won’t need to tow your Jeep
Yeah, I completely agree. We've learned there is no such thing as the perfect rig. No matter what the situation or needs, compromises have to happen. Everyone has to figure out what works best for them, adding up all the pros and cons and making the determination what is the best solution, knowing they'll likely never get everything they could ever want in one rig.@@Weretherussos
Great video, guys- I think i think the B plus is better because it has a bigger shower 🚿 and it is also bigger. Thanks 😊 Lincoln . 2:56
Thanks for watching! Hope all is well
Everyone will say the one they have is the best one. But they all eventually switch to something else in the future. Good thing they make so many different types to choose from.
I think that’s because for many of us it’s the perfect camper for our lifestyle now and as things change, the camper changes to meet that demand.
@@Weretherussos I don't think I expressed it the best but really meant the same thing.. Whatever you have is the best one at that point in time. Needs/wants change as you age. As they say, life is a full circle
Love the vids! I don't think the black set is doing you any favors tho -- people often respond positively to brighter colors and articulations to keep their interest.
Love the Class C and B RV’s. Simple for quick getaways! Thanks for this video.
Our pleasure!
Nice video. I have a CDL and drive school bus part time. We have a 25ft Class C. A big power system is propane. Our rig has a 12 gallon propane tank. Drivability is big. Our rule is “no washboard”. Once a dirt road has washboard, we turn back because the coach is not built for that vibration.
My Coachmen Cross Trek 22xg has a HUGE back door and a fold up Murphy bed. You can get a lot of things in there, like 2 folding e-bikes, a kayak and a dog crate. I think which is best depends on how you use it. I needed a separate sleeping area for my adult son.
20XG here, also huge huge rear storage. We still sleep in the bed with it elevated even with 2 mountain bikes inside in the back, as well as darn near everything but the kitchen sink. Going down the road there is nothing on the back bumper, no worries to stop to hike or shop. Not horribly impressed with the Coachmen build quality, but they sure nailed the living and storage space with these baby 24' XGs. Plus 4 wheel drive, plus 14 mpg at 65 mph average over 20,000 miles of AZ, UT, CO driving..
I have owned a 34 ft class a, a Travado k and a Gemini 23 tw. You missed the main distinction between a class b+ and a small class c. Width. The difference in length between my Travado and my Gemini is about , 18 inches. I don't find the b+ much harder to park and maneuver than the b van. I have driven a class c on a Econoline chassis and that was much more cumbersome.
Good points. Get a Promaster they are wider than a Sprinter
I am not an RV person and I will never buy any. I would never spend over $150,000 for a recreation vehicle. However, I would choose the Class "B" for the drivabilities. One could always take a shower outdoor or in a truck stop. And I would rather buy a truck and a trailer for under $100,000.
Great vid. Please consider making one comparing/contrasting a Class B camper van to a truck camper. We have a Lance 1130 (dry bath) that sits on a 2500 4x4 and are considering making the switch. During a recent 30-day trip to Utah, we were pleasantly. surprised to see so many Class B 4x4's out in places normally used by the truck camper crowd :) My truck has a rear locker and it was really nice to see a couple of Sprinters that had rear lockers as well. They really seem to be upping their game. Thanks
I have a Class C (B+) Winnebago EKKO and for me it was the perfect balance as a first time RV'er going full-time. AWD off-road capable, tons of power in the Transit 3.5 ecoboost and for the house 320 AH of lithium (option for 2 batteries) with 2nd alternator charging and comes standard with a generator (I deleted it), big garage, inside tanks for 4 season, convertable shower so you don't get the toilet and sink wet, I added a 2" lift to make it even more capable offroad. NO black tank (cassette), NO slides, convertable bed for 2 friends, a couple of just me in a big Queen with areas for extra storage. Height yes taller than a van at 10'6" but the width is about the same except no curve at the top. However since I'm new, I wold say that for just one person who is not working from the van its more than I need and I will be looking at vans again in the future. For a couple its perfect or if you really need that extra room and a usable inside shower. But my favorite part is that I never HAVE to go to a campground and I can get out there just like a van.
That’s so great to hear - thanks for sharing!
I will be single-ship for retirement in a Winnebago Travato GL or EKKO. I really like the versatility of Class B, but want EKKO for folding Ebike and outdoor gear. But when I watch Scott GoSmallLiveLarge, then I trend back to GL. It sounds like you are living the dream. I hope to join you in five years. 😊
@@ghoover111 the chassis are very different resulting in different capabilities and therefore Winnebago outfit them differently. If you just want more storage for full-time there are more options than an EKKO. Good luck!
I’ve never understood why manufacturers like Winnebago don’t build a small class C on the Ford Econoline or Chevy cutaway chassis. Most of the current typical Class C’s are 8’5” wide and 11.5’ tall. Seems like something that’s 7.5 wide and under 10’ tall and 20’ long would be a hit. No complicated slides of course.
There are manufacturers who do just that. BT Cruiser and the 5210 is a good example.
They use to (on the Toyota). It was/is underpowered and overweight meaning less carrying capacity but they are fun to drive!
GREAT video Russos, thanks for the info, very well done. Love me some Russos. 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻
@@slporter thats why I mentioned those more capable chassis.
We have had converted Sprinters (still have a T1N Sprinter dually) and now we have a Forest River Forester TS2371 diesel Ford.. I can say.. our choice might not be for everyone, but it works for us.. We have 2 different Toads.. a Ford Festiva and a Chevy Tracker tintop.. both are light and make off road travel or urban parking easy.. depending on which we choose to bring. Our thing though is the Traveling, Museums, Higher end Craft shows and Genealogy and Grave marker restoration and documentation… not campgrounds or long term Boondocking .. neither of us can hike, bike or camp rough. (Both too old and broken). But we travel very comfortably. I used to drive large trucks .. So either a B or C feels small and manageable to me… I would encourage a buyer to rent whatever they THINK they want.. and see if it will work in their reality..
We have the Tracker because we have seen those AWD campervans stuck way out in the desert.. and it is really hard to get them unstuck.. a lot don’t have very strong attachment points for recovery. .. especially when they are heavy and the nice Jeep club guys are not willing to grenade a transmission trying to Yankum rope you out. We have had 3 young guys push the Tracker out by hand(before we figured out tires for it and got a winch)
Thanks for another great video, I currently have an A-Frame trailer that i tow behind a Toyota 4Runner and it's a compromise but i do enjoy it. We usually find Boondocking Base Camps near to where we want to explore and site see, hit 4WD Forest trails etc. I upgraded the Batteries to LiFePo4 and 400watts Solar and DC-DC from the vehicle while driving so batteries are always full when we arrive, works great. We're thinking Full-time, sell our house and toys and all our crap, lol. I'm torn between which vehicle, Class B or C, it is a huge investment, don't want the regrets. So, i bought both your books tonight should be a good read. Cheers, The Great Plains Aussie
Thank you and enjoy the books!
I would not trade my E450 4wd Phoenix Cruiser 2100 for anything. After 5 years of research and a Phoenix factory tour and a Quigley tour we found our rig. I park it anywhere. Video is up on my page.
Great comparison video 👍🏼
That’s fantastic and hope to see it on the road some day!
It fits in normal parking space?
This was very helpful in understanding - and putting into words - the differences and possibilities of both Class B and C RVs. Appreciate the breakdown!
Excellent non bias, and thorough explanation on the differences! Thank you! You guys are awesome!
Thanks for watching!
So envious of the choice of vehicles. We are based in New Zealand so have to import the majority of vehicles. In New Zealand and the majority of Europe, insulation is also very important because we cannot rely on sunshine. Great video
In the US, RV living chase the sun
South when it’s winter n North when it’s summer
Always mild climate (or mildER lol)
I think Class B vans would be a lot better if they were about 6 inches wider so that beds would allow cross wise sleeping. In addition, vans could be taller to allow for more storage. I've heard that Promaster's are going to come out with an even taller edition.
Yes the Promaster has a 10” taller roof height version available now
Exactly. The Mercedes is just too narrow. What would be ideal is a Chevy Express high top. Many folks have suggested that, but electric vehicles are being forced down our throats so unlikely.
I'm considering a Chevy Express or GMC Savannah leb, with a fiberglass extended height add on. Not a great look, or a great solution, but anyone can work on them if need be.
Growing into adulthood and thinking a class C is what I imagine for myself, bigger, guest space, dry bathroom. But i have so much to learn and grow, have to learn to drive and about the batteries and converters, solar panels, cant even imagine parking and roads with height clearance... i think a class B is a better option for me as a beginner. Thank you for this video, very helpful.
We love the nimbleness and fuel economy of the B but miss the space of a C. Since its just the two of us now with no pets or kids anymore we settled for a Travato 59G. When I need more space for longer trips I'll hook up a large storage box on a hitch mount.
Good solution, but it will get broken into if you live in California.
@@scottslotterbeck3796 Ahh, we live in Walnut Creek, CA. The storage box has a lock built in and we just don't park long term in public areas.
I know Winnebago has the Roam class b that is wheelchair accessible. However, it’s not 4x4 and even worse it’s FWD. I was hoping they would make a wheelchair accessible EKKO as it’s AWD and wider so there would be more room inside. My wheelchair is around 28” wide and I need 4 feet to turn a complete circle. Ive contacted some other class c manufacturers and nobody wants to do a wheelchair accessible version, but I’m thinking the wider platform makes more since for a small wheelchair accessible RV for under $100k. I also don’t want slides as I don’t think they are necessary and just cause more issues. However, I tend to drive in farther than I should because it’s easier to drive than push my wheelchair, so I would prefer a 4x4 or AWD. It’s hard finding decent wheelchair accessible hotels and I like to travel.
I hear you. Mobility is a problem. My Dad worked with exoskeleton apparatus in the military, too bad that never worked out well.
Good luck to you, I enjoy traveling as well.
Hey, getting out there in a small class C. I have a Forester 2351, which I had Quigley switch out to a F-Series 4wd including the limited slip diff. Sadly I overwrote a video from Scout Lake in the Yukon where I met some guy in van coming back from a lake that I knew would not have pressure from other fisherman. It was a Quigley. The one issue is I have a RoadMaster rear hitch tire carrier, which cuts off the departure angle quite a bit. So sadly if I really need to go off road I need to ditch the spare tire carrier.
As far as battery power goes. The 2351 has the big rear storage, similar to your Wonder. I got a pair of Java Energy 300 ah LiFePOE with heater pads and bluetooth connection to the BMS for getting state of charge. I put the batteries on the shelf in the storage underneath the bed and connected the battery control center to them with the thickest battery cables you have ever see. Then upgraded the BIM to a lithium version that decreases the load on the alternator and now have rerouted the 60 ah converter to the new batteries so I have multiple charging opportunities for 7.5 KW of juice. All of this is connected into a 3KW inverter that I can plug the RV into.
When I was picking up a order at Walmart in Fairbanks I hit the stupid roof of th parking area with the RV, wiping out the Wineguard antenna which I did not really use anyways. So I will pick up 600 watts of solar for $900 and cover that issue over. So a fairly complete electrical system for $5K.
If I was single, I might have a B, but it is a bit too close for two. I also carry an inflatable boat and a bunch of fishing gear which may not fit
What a set up! You could do some welding with it. That's a lot of power!
Thanks for another awesome video, and have a great Labor Day weekend!!🎉🎉🎆🎆☕☕
AS always, thank you for your informative videos. In a past video you and Kate did a story on the Winnebago, 2016-24V model. I agreed with all of your input on that model and I actually bought one and have it to this day. That was a very good and informative video that solidified my decision on what motorhome I would buy. So that being said, I encourage anyone looking for an RV class B, or C, to look at this video, as well as some of your other videos, to make their decision. Lots of good non-biased information here.
Thank you so much!
The conundrum for me with both of these is once you get to your camp site you are stuck unless you want to constantly break camp to go somewhere. Sure you could get a tow vehicle but them you get into if Im gonna do that why not a trailer and pickup? Yeah you could get a bicycle, tricycle, or even an e-bike but one isnt going to go far on one of those.
It definitely boils down to how you are gonna camp and travel.
Breaking camp isn’t much of a big deal and you get very proficient at it
Just a thought. When I rode motorcycles I went to track schools to get faster and safer.
Have you two ever thought about caravanjng with say 4 vans that pay you to teach them the ropes? Maybe sone guided tours with you and Kate as guides and some van oriented cooking classes and meals? You could do desert, forest, mountains and coastal and do the seasons. Teaching how to survive winter like when you were in Missouri and it iced up.
We’ve thought about it and tried putting on a class at our property but it didn’t get much traction.
Would work better as a side event at a big RV Show? I only know about Hershey, PA, and Florida RV Shows as examples.
Love this idea!
Size matters. That’s all I heard here.
Class C for me.
This from the guy who solo tent camps.
Passing along my love. ❤️❤️
Lol. I just have to remember when camping with you that the water bottle laying around may not have water in it…
Thanks for another great video. I personally think Ultras are great value, chrome or blacked out. I have an ‘18 Ultra Classic. Design and craftsmanship are awesome. My only issue with it is the weight. The bike is weightless on the move but it can get very heavy maneuvering at low speeds.
This video is very informative and focused - as we work thru hopefully downsizing from a 40' diesel to one of the many up to 24ft options available. We've had a 28' c class, a 30ft TT before the current 40' one. Our needs, plans and focus have certainly changed to the place where we are certain that under 25' wb just perfect. So many thanks for sorting out and organizing our many thoughts& questions! Excellent
You're very welcome - thank you for watching!
While I can’t imagine not loving a 40+ pusher (+toad ideally)
I can’t imagine driving it even w/o a toad
So
I would need a chauffeur lol
But I don’t ever need to go real off rd or park near the store entrance etc. Not athletic. I’m boring 🥹
Great video. Im def class b all the way. But I see the value in c
Very Nice, Note: Some Class B have very long beds, like the Thor Dazzle/Twist 2LB and Sequence 20L. Parking is key for me, going to a Class B with long beds.
Great video as I am starting to look for what's next as I transition out of my Class A. Thanks😁
Glad it was helpful!
@@Weretherussos It was thanks a bunch. Long time subscriber 😊
Personally, I prefer a small C. It is more versatile and generally handle well. I especially attracted to the all wheel drive variety with the off road tires.
Class C Tiger RV’s have better ground clearance than any Class B, and are 4x4 with extra low, can be purchased with a short turning radius and 19 1/2 feet long.
Very good vide, explained to me clearly what is a class B and C, what are the pros and cons and the comments also helped with sharing their own personal experience! 👍👍
Glad it was helpful!
We built out and camp in our minivan, we call it a Class B-.
Lol - love it!
Thank you for the comparison. I think for me and my dog I like the Class B.
Good choice!
Thanks for making this, very helpful. Deciding on renting versus buying and which one to get. Thought about getting a pull along but I don't think I'm going to be able to adjust to the trailer. I love the thought of not having to worry about another engine. Truly would have loved to have known what your personal preference was having that vast experience on the road with both.
We’ve actually never had a trailer so unfortunately we can’t speak to what it’s like. Glad the video was helpful!
Class c for me. Mostly because the dedicated bathroom. With quigley 4x4 is preferred
Excellent video! We are in the initial stages of searching for a suitable RV, and in addition to the things you mentioned, size of tanks (fresh/gray/black) is also a big consideration - particularly if you intend on doing some extended dry camping. In general, the small class C’s seem to have somewhat larger tanks, but it’s not always the case and varies vehicle to vehicle.
Best of luck!
Such great information here, I learned so much that I didn't know, well done!
Glad it was helpful!
Nothing beats a class B for maneuverability, gas mileage and ability to blend into a parking lot if you need to spend the night inconspicuously. They are perfect for one or two people (who are in love) for weekend camping trips, with occasional longer trips up to two weeks.
However, if you are planning frequent trips of two weeks or more, or are planning on living in it for any length of time, you will definitely want the comfort, and storage capabilities of a class C. Even with only two people a B can get cramped pretty quick on longer trips, or if trapped inside all day in inclement weather.
Another consideration is price. Class Bs are pretty pricey. Expect to pay at least $100,000.00, and upwards of $150,000.00-$200,000.00 or more for a nicely appointed one. A very nice C can be found for much less.
Great informative clip. One thing that I am trying to get hold of, is MPG. I know each are going to be different, but generally what should I expect from each type? Thank you.
The range would be about 12-16 but a lot depends on the build, weight, etc
Weight is a determining factor.
Just started watching you guys. You are so helpful. We are looking into the van life!
Thank you for a very helpful video, you answered many of the questions I had. I'm also wondering about restrictions in certain neighborhoods where you can park camper vans but not RVs, and I do worry about security, the class c basically advertisers that your entire life is inside, whereas the class b by definition is going to be holding less. I'm also wondering if we will see EV class b with self-driving capability, lol, maybe a Tesla package for retrofitting! Great video, hope you guys are doing well take care.
Would like to see Storyteller offer a van without the expensive battery system. A more modest and affordable power system will do.
I have 2 small dogs and a class B simply does not appear pet friendly. I would always be worried about them getting out because of the huge sliding door. And with the door closed they are very claustrophobic. And, a wet bath is a total deal breaker for me. I walked into a class B and found myself holding my breath because it felt like a tight cave.
I really like this video. You make things so clear to someone like me who really doesn't know much about these things.! GREAT
Glad you enjoyed it!
What I want I don't think anyone makes. All I need is room for ONE. Just ME. I'm a big guy so I want a BIG dry bath. But a single sized bed is fine. As as it's long enough. And I'd like to be able to stand up straight. I'm 6'2" tall. So a 'B' with a pop up roof would be OK too.
Very informative. I like the idea of a class B but i dont like a wet bath. How about repairs and maintenance. Few u tube videos talk about this. I knew a couple who bought a new trailer RV and it seems like it is always in the shop for repairs. This is what holding me up from making the decision to purchase one.
Depends on the company and quality of the camper.
When I was 8 yo, my family of four rented a VW camper (smaller than today’s class b camper conversions) and slept all four (though, being the smallest, I got the cot across the front seats, which wasn’t the most comfortable). This made me a confirmed “keep it simple stupid” person when it comes to “need to have” items. This includes no indoor showers or other items that increase need for water, other than drinking and minimal washing.
Looking at some of the builds out there, the rewards for some compromises, like the no shower, is extra space to take an e-bike inside, as well as more, and more convenient storage than we had in the VW.
Besides that, sorry, but I HATE generators in the great outdoors. What an obnoxious sound in pristine wilderness areas. I’m looking at a Ford Transit (long wheel base, high roof) conversion as not too big, but not too small for me. The ability to easily convert it to be a cargo van, and to use it as a primary vehicle is an added bonus that would get rid of the expense of maintaining two vehicles.
Btw, I’m choosing the Ford for the AWD and driver’s seating position over the Ram and the cost (and maintenance cost) of the Mercedes.
Variety is the spice of life, but this is what I’m looking for.
Love this comparison. Unfortunately or fortunately I can only have a B or B+ van due to property laws in my city. Currently I am looking at a Wayfarer Fan Build
My advice is to get it right. We've owned our Lazy Daze class C for 22 years and are planning to replace it with a van conversion. Obviously, we are planning to get it right.
As I post, it's from the LD. Amazing that you can get a great Texas state park site when it's projected to be 106F. Hopefully the Sportsmobile conversion is as high temperature capable as our Lazy Daze. The Lazy Daze founders used their designs to go California desert motorbiking and ATVing.
22 years?? Awesome. I’ll be curious to know what you think of the van.
Great review and very insightful.
Really helping those who are in the crossroads.
Thanks 👍
ah, that is the question...
definitely the question i've wrestled with for my future plans so thanks for the video! i tend to lean toward the class c because i think i'd like a little more room. but then again being able to park and drive anywhere is a big deal. but then there's the cost. seems you get more for the money with the class c so......🤪. i think i'll rent each type to hopefully find out which best suits me.
There are soo many options even within the category - see my comment above for my Class C. I drive / fit almost anywhere a Class B does especially when you compare to the onces that are 22' long.
I have seen a homemade slice out in a class B type van. The guy took the slider off the driver's side and put a slider in. It was really cool.
great video! No shoes on the bed !! :)
I’ve tried various things and so far I’m linking the B+/C Leisure Travel Van as my favorite. Probably will never buy. Just rent when needed. Zero maintenance.
Good choice!
We had a 2003 Winnebago Vista on the VW chassis. It was a bit underpowered but the interior features were great. I dearly wish they would bring this model back on the Promaster chassis. We now have a newer Class B but sure miss the features of that Vista.
Class C cutout chassis makes more sense for a family with only one child under age 5
class c (b plus) coachmen cross trail 20 and 21 xg. coming lifted with falcon suspension stock. also with 400 -800 amp hours of battery.
I've always felt that a B+ gives you that apartment studio feel versus an indefinite camping experience of a B. There's less to shift around in a B+ for every day living. I love both, I have a small vintage C (22') but I still wish I had a B van because I prefer the parking perks of a van.
That’s a great comparison to make
Love you see you review the Aeon B+. Sort of a Ekko clone but built better
We’ll have to see if we can find one
Many, if not most class C’s add so much weight to the chassis they are built on, that they are near the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This doesn’t leave enough payload capacity for people, cargo and any fresh or waste tank fluids. I have seen small class C’s with 700 pounds of payload capacity, that isn’t enough for two people with clothes, linens, kitchen items, and food and water for multiple days let alone anything in the tanks. I have seen Class B camper van’s with 2,000 pound payload capacity if they are on the right chassis.
Generally, the decision comes down to what you want to do with the RV. Want to drive around the city? Want to go off-road easily? Then Class B. Want to mainly drive from one destination to the other on highways and settle at camp grounds? Class C. Forget about driving in a big city with a Class C. And in many big cities it’s actually illegal to park a Class C on any street. Want to RV comfortably with a family? Class C.
The only class B that has the liveability of a class C that I've heard of is the hymer venture S but it's pretty expensive. Another alternative that I've seen is a big truck camper like the host mammoth. That kinda gives similar driveavility of a class B since you're driving a truck, but then have lots of space with all the slides outs. Plus that truck is likely a 4x4 can really go offroad.
Not sure how to classify my RV, it's built in a Chevy P30 based step van. It's 7 feet wide and tall so it has more space than a but it isn't a cut away. The living space is 16 feet and I built it with a dry bath. I have an 18 gallon black tank for the toilet and 18 gallon grey for the shower and bathroom sink. I only have 25 gallons of fresh water so it's limited to about 4 days.
I’d say it’s more of a B or B+. Either way it sounds great
I went from a Class A to a Class C. It works fine for me because of all the storage and the dry bath. Going down to a Class B was just too big a change with 2 dogs.
That makes sense
Extremely helpful video. Thanks!
You're welcome!
The Transit based rigs have a huge problem for me- small gas tank with 12mpg. The new Sprinter seems underpowered- 2.0 liter with 212hp pushing 9,500lbs seems strained. But tons of aftermarket tanks and accessories.
My option is a GMC 3500HD with an Akaskan pop-up camper and price wise it destroys the Transit or Sprinter.
I can carry 56 gallonsof fuel, ARB air system, 475hp with 970 ft. lbs. of tongue, 15 to 16 mpg and 2100 lbs for cargo. I don't get the dedicated shower but have massive power and supplies.
Price? Camper at $40,000 and $89,000 on the truck so $129,000 vs $214,000 on the Storyteller Overland Beast Mode and I am far more capable and drive better on the road or offroad. The Ford is nice but the 4 wheel drive system is from the Flintstones- spinning hubs? But I do love the van one area idea but the truck would win for me.
Thanks for sharing - we did a comparison of van vs truck camper and had some of the same conclusions.
If your setup is from The Flintstones, does that mean that your showerhead is the trunk of a woolly mammoth? LOL.
@@j.patrickmoore9137
I hope so!
@@sharonbraselton4302
Never heard of it. European? I'm in America.