Often called conversion vans, van campers or camper vans, Class B motorhomes are built from standard van bodies.
See our up-to-date listing of
Class A Motorhome Manufacturers
Class B motorhomes are small and streamlined compared to other classes of motorhomes. Built from either already manufactured passenger or panel vans or from bare-bones chassis, they are nimble, ready to roll, and more fuel-efficient than their larger cousins.
Most Class B recreational vehicles are fully self-contained and include kitchen, bathroom, dining, and sleeping facilities, with the bed doubling as a dinette during the day. Bathrooms are tiny, with the shower and toilet in the same cubicle. Conveniences usually include air conditioning, a power inverter, an entertainment center, and a TV. Some offer an auxiliary generator for off-grid camping.
Extra height is accomplished for many Class B’s by either raising the roof or dropping the floors, enabling most people to stand up fully inside, but otherwise, the original vehicle dimensions usually limit the living space. In some instances, though, the wheelbase is lengthened and some Class B RVs even have slides to provide more interior room.
Many Class B purchasers today look for flexible and innovative spaces for both work and play.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis is the dominant platform for today’s Class B motorhomes. Other platforms are starting to be used include the Chrysler Ram ProMaster van, Chevy Express van and the Ford Transit, debuting in 2014. More chassis mean more choices for RV consumers in prices, floor plans and engines.
Easiest of all RVs to park and maneuver, even in town or city settings, Class B RVs are also the least expensive motorhomes to own and operate. With their size, they are easier to use for local transportation than the other two classes of motorhomes, when traveling, and fit in a standard driveway, with no need for special storage space when not in use. Parking is easier for Class B’s than for any other type of RV, motorized or towed.
Most Class B’s should be able to tow a small trailer or support a carrying platform on the hitch receiver.
Class B+ motorhomes blur the differences between the Class B and Class C categories. Class B+ RVs have a wide body section behind the cab, similar to the wide body of Class C’s without the cab-over feature. If it’s built on a cutaway van chassis, then it’s really a Class C.
Links to Class B+ manufacturers are included in the links on the Class C motorhome page.
Class B motor home manufacturers
(with listings of current models)
Advanced RV (in development)
Airstream – model: Interstate
Great West Vans – models: Legend, Legend SE, Legend EX
GTRV-USA – “Home of the Westy” (factory direct)
Leisure Travel Vans – models: Free Spirit, Free Spirit SS, Free Spirit TE
Pleasure-Way – models: Ascent, Luxor TS, Plateau FL, Plateau TS
Roadtrek – models: 170-Versatile, 190-Popular, 210-Popular, N6-Active, Ranger RT, RS-Adventurous, SS-Agile
Sportsmobile (factory direct to customers specifications, converting Ford, Chevy/GM and Mercedes-Benz vans into luxurious travel homes)
Winnebago Touring Coach – model: Era, Travato
