Which is Better: Small Class C RV or Class B Camper Van 

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.

One of the great things about this video is the education in vocabulary that novices like me get. Thanks for a great job.

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.

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.

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. ;-)

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.

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 RU-vid 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.

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 RU-vid regarding class c's having stuck slides ( stuck out! ) and the like.

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...

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.

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.

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.

Excellent non bias, and thorough explanation on the differences! Thank you! You guys are awesome!

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.

Love the Class C and B RV’s. Simple for quick getaways! Thanks for this video.

We built out and camp in our minivan, we call it a Class B-.

Not only is this a good video, but it has sparked a great discussion!

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!😁

Thanks for another awesome video, and have a great Labor Day weekend!!🎉🎉🎆🎆☕☕

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!

Great review and very insightful. Really helping those who are in the crossroads.

Such great information here, I learned so much that I didn't know, well done!

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.

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.

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 really like this video. You make things so clear to someone like me who really doesn't know much about these things.! GREAT

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😂

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.

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.

THis was extremely helpful!! Thanks!

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.

ششششكرا علي الشرح الرائع ....اعتقد ان فئة C تكون افضل لي ❤❤

Thank you. Very helpful. Will pick up your book as well.

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.

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.

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.

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…

Gawd! Such a money pit! I was curious of these, but no, nay never. When I go camping, its my EV SUV, a 04 man army surplus tent, and 'base camp' accessories. IF I were to do full time 'camping' I would buy a Lucid Air, EV [less $ than many of these machines} and stay at Hilton Hotels, still less $ than ONE major break down. Oh, I forget the subpar build quality I have seen; a 100k$+ Class B plus van with CONTACT PAPER ON PARTICLE BOARD! and more and too much.

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.

Great video.. Helpful

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Superb video! Thank you.

Great comparison! Thank you.

VERY EDUCATIONAL!

Thanks. Very helpful and well presented.

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

Yes, it was helpful - Thank you

Great video as I am starting to look for what's next as I transition out of my Class A. Thanks😁

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.

Lots of great information!

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.

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

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.

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

Great comparison between the two. Thanks.

So informative. Thank you.

Awesome video! Greatly helpful. Thank you 👍✌🌎❤

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.

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 see you have done one already thanks

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.

very insightful

Good stuff. Gracias

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.

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.

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

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

Thank you for. The. Information

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.

Nicely done ✔️

Thank you for the comparison. I think for me and my dog I like the Class B.

Love you see you review the Aeon B+. Sort of a Ekko clone but built better

well spoken. well presented

Class C cutout chassis makes more sense for a family with only one child under age 5

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.

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 👍🏼

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.

Great info

Hello, thank you, you're a great explainer. I am a sunlight nut, and all the class B RVs I see all have dark windows. Are there any types that let the sun shine in?

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.

Would like to see Storyteller offer a van without the expensive battery system. A more modest and affordable power system will do.

This was an excellent video, thank you! I'm trying to figure out an exhaustive list of Class B's that have a split bathroom or just a dry bath, in general, so I can do a comparison and choose one. Can you please help? Thank you and God bless you!

Good idea barn doors on a class C nice

Very nicely done 👍 ~peace~

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.

Size matters. That’s all I heard here. Class C for me. This from the guy who solo tent camps. Passing along my love. ❤️❤️

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.

The smaller, the better. It will be less costly in the long run.

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.

Great video. I'm very interested in the class C 4x4 conversion ? Anyone have experience with these ? Offroad compatibility? Thank you

Hello from Puerto Rico

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.