rotory@earthlink.net
Gone Traveling
Class B / B+ or C Chassis RV’s
Hello B Forum Users - Seems that lately there been a lot of interest in B+ RVs - Many manufactures who offer both B & B+ models, have seen the market moving towards B+ RV’s, since they offer the same ease of driving, yet offer many living advantages over a smaller Class B RV.
While the Pencil-Pushers at RVIA - And other organizations refuse to acknowledge there is such a thing as a B+, I assure you they are alive and well and becoming a major player in the RV market. Surely, a Class B+ motorhome has a distinct difference from class C, since most C’s are built on heavy duty E350-450 van and truck chassis with a eight foot rear axle track. In my best summation, the biggest advantage of a B+ RV is; it handles better than a Class C RV and offers more livability and storage over a Class B.
As the images above show - When I put my two vans nose to nose, both the B and B+ models are very similar in design. Most important, the B+ offers more livability thanks to its dedicated sleeping arrangement, walk in shower, larger living quarters, plus allows for higher water capacity.
Another advantage is storage - A major disadvantage of a B is is they offer little to no space for storage, where some B+ models such as my LTV shown offers more storage than some smaller class C or A models.
While I’ll be the first to admit, Class B vans have their own following and surely not every owner uses his van for camping. However, if camping is one of your uses, a B+ RV might be an option since it can be used as a daily driver for work or used as a second vehicle for entertaining, shopping or even going to a local park for the day.
I happen to own both - A Midwest Sprinter 4x4 as well as a LTV B+. The Midwest conversion retains the great look of a stock fan, it still offers the convenience of being used as a camper as well. Since many B and B+ models are built on on the same chassis, they handle very similar.
The only exception when it comes to chassis handling, is the Ford Transit chassis has an edge in stability over the Sprinter since it incorporates a low slung chassis design, low profile tires, and slightly wider rear axle track.
While I’m certainly not insinuating anyone should dump their B for a B+, what I am saying is; if your plans include some serious camping, a class B+ RV will offer the B’s ease of driving, yet the livability of a type C RV.
When it comes to Appearance - As these images show, a B+ RV looks as sharp and in some cases even better than a standard van, yet they retain a traditional van look with its slender width and low overall height.
Some larger B+ RVs - Built on Sprinter and Transit “Cab and Chassis” such a Winnebago View or Tiffin Wayfarer with their tall over-head sleeper, end up entirely too tall and top heavy for these smaller van chassis. Their narrow rear axle track results in poor handling when it comes to roll moment which can be a safety hazard.
Even though these RV’s such are considered Type C RV’s, they do not offer a “Real” Type C heavy duty chassis such as Ford’s hefty E 350-450 chassis, with good load capacity and a 8 foot rear axle track.
The truth of the matter is - Instead of building these RVs on heavier Ford and Ram chassis, manufactures instead use lighter weight van chassis to save cost, resulting in the RV being overloaded in weight, height and width. In fact, these RVs are so close to maximum weight, if you were to add the weight of a few passengers, you would be over gross weight. This is the primary reason many B+ RVs do not offer seat belts on the rear seating, since it would push the weight over the limit.
If happen to be looking for a “Real” Type C motorhome - I would recommend nothing less than a Ford or Ram truck chassis with a good diesel engine. At Hershey, I found these heavy duty Type C units selling for only $135K with a Powerstroke or Cummins engine, which is pretty much the same money as some B or B+ models. My favorite Type C is the 4x4 shown below.
Ultimately only each owner - Will determine which chassis will work best for them. If you’re considering a new van for camping and concerned about the room, a B+ might be a good choice since it offers extra convenience when camping, plus can still be used as a second vehicle.
If you happen to be Shopping - For a new B or B+ RV, be extra careful since the pricing of RV’s are now off the scale. Possible the biggest rip-off of any B+ RV made, is hands down the Airstream Atlas, this B+ RV is built on a $35K Sprinter chassis, retails for $250K + and sells for an insane price of $200,000 - yet almost identical as other B+ RV’s selling for half the price.
Regards - Mike Mas
Hello B Forum Users - Seems that lately there been a lot of interest in B+ RVs - Many manufactures who offer both B & B+ models, have seen the market moving towards B+ RV’s, since they offer the same ease of driving, yet offer many living advantages over a smaller Class B RV.
While the Pencil-Pushers at RVIA - And other organizations refuse to acknowledge there is such a thing as a B+, I assure you they are alive and well and becoming a major player in the RV market. Surely, a Class B+ motorhome has a distinct difference from class C, since most C’s are built on heavy duty E350-450 van and truck chassis with a eight foot rear axle track. In my best summation, the biggest advantage of a B+ RV is; it handles better than a Class C RV and offers more livability and storage over a Class B.
As the images above show - When I put my two vans nose to nose, both the B and B+ models are very similar in design. Most important, the B+ offers more livability thanks to its dedicated sleeping arrangement, walk in shower, larger living quarters, plus allows for higher water capacity.
Another advantage is storage - A major disadvantage of a B is is they offer little to no space for storage, where some B+ models such as my LTV shown offers more storage than some smaller class C or A models.
While I’ll be the first to admit, Class B vans have their own following and surely not every owner uses his van for camping. However, if camping is one of your uses, a B+ RV might be an option since it can be used as a daily driver for work or used as a second vehicle for entertaining, shopping or even going to a local park for the day.
I happen to own both - A Midwest Sprinter 4x4 as well as a LTV B+. The Midwest conversion retains the great look of a stock fan, it still offers the convenience of being used as a camper as well. Since many B and B+ models are built on on the same chassis, they handle very similar.
The only exception when it comes to chassis handling, is the Ford Transit chassis has an edge in stability over the Sprinter since it incorporates a low slung chassis design, low profile tires, and slightly wider rear axle track.
While I’m certainly not insinuating anyone should dump their B for a B+, what I am saying is; if your plans include some serious camping, a class B+ RV will offer the B’s ease of driving, yet the livability of a type C RV.
When it comes to Appearance - As these images show, a B+ RV looks as sharp and in some cases even better than a standard van, yet they retain a traditional van look with its slender width and low overall height.
Some larger B+ RVs - Built on Sprinter and Transit “Cab and Chassis” such a Winnebago View or Tiffin Wayfarer with their tall over-head sleeper, end up entirely too tall and top heavy for these smaller van chassis. Their narrow rear axle track results in poor handling when it comes to roll moment which can be a safety hazard.
Even though these RV’s such are considered Type C RV’s, they do not offer a “Real” Type C heavy duty chassis such as Ford’s hefty E 350-450 chassis, with good load capacity and a 8 foot rear axle track.
The truth of the matter is - Instead of building these RVs on heavier Ford and Ram chassis, manufactures instead use lighter weight van chassis to save cost, resulting in the RV being overloaded in weight, height and width. In fact, these RVs are so close to maximum weight, if you were to add the weight of a few passengers, you would be over gross weight. This is the primary reason many B+ RVs do not offer seat belts on the rear seating, since it would push the weight over the limit.
If happen to be looking for a “Real” Type C motorhome - I would recommend nothing less than a Ford or Ram truck chassis with a good diesel engine. At Hershey, I found these heavy duty Type C units selling for only $135K with a Powerstroke or Cummins engine, which is pretty much the same money as some B or B+ models. My favorite Type C is the 4x4 shown below.
Ultimately only each owner - Will determine which chassis will work best for them. If you’re considering a new van for camping and concerned about the room, a B+ might be a good choice since it offers extra convenience when camping, plus can still be used as a second vehicle.
If you happen to be Shopping - For a new B or B+ RV, be extra careful since the pricing of RV’s are now off the scale. Possible the biggest rip-off of any B+ RV made, is hands down the Airstream Atlas, this B+ RV is built on a $35K Sprinter chassis, retails for $250K + and sells for an insane price of $200,000 - yet almost identical as other B+ RV’s selling for half the price.
Regards - Mike Mas
..........
