New to the class B world and have a few questions

DWatson · 02-19-2013, 10:49 PM

Hello everyone, My wife and I are looking at buying a class B in the near future. We have heard that the fuel economy is much better than in class C or A motorhomes but we are looking at larger class B's in the 24ft range with a slide or possibly with out the slide. Something like this unit but with only one or no slides and around 24 ft as I said http://lazydays.com/RVs/Inventory/Coach ... rd/WU42779

What kind of fuel mileage can we expect with one of these in diesel and or gas? Also do any of you tow with yours and if so how much is mileage effected? We have a 6x12 enclosed with motorcycles in it.

Also, what are you likes and disliked of the class B vs others and are there any things we should look out for when shopping or any brands to avoid?

Thanks in advance!

markopolo · 02-19-2013, 11:26 PM

What you are looking at in the link above is actually a Class C http://www.coachmenrv.com/products/concord.aspx
I had a 30' gas engined 2004 Class C that got 8 mpg. You should be able to get 10 to 12 mpg with that diesel engine.
I base that on having owned a gas engined Class B that got around 14 mpg and now having a similar diesel engined Class B that gets a steady 17 mpg. (about 30% better) Both were/are Chevy's.

Class B's start their life as a van.
Class C's start their life as a cab and chassis.

Class B's, being vans, get better fuel economy. MPG would range from 12 to 22 mpg.

Class B manufacturers (alphabetical):

http://www.advanced-rv.com/
http://www.airstream.com/touring-coaches/
http://erarv.com/ (Winnebago)
http://www.greatwestvans.com/
http://www.leisurevans.com/
http://new-west.com/eng/
http://www.pleasureway.com/
http://www.roadtrek.com/
http://www.safaricondo.com/index_eng.php
http://www.sportsmobile.com/
http://www.westfalia-canada.com/EN/

Davydd · 02-20-2013, 01:22 AM

If you are looking for good fuel mileage you have to stick with a Class B that starts as a van. No matter what they might call a Class C or an RV built on a cutaway chassis and has slides, the fuel mileage is going to drop off to give you pause as to how much you might want to tour unless a budget is no concern to you.

Personally, I think there is a big difference between true Class Bs and those RVs marketed as a B+. A so called B+ doesn't give you that much of an advantage over a B but becomes burdensome to drive and park usually being an 8 feet wide box. That forces you from a touring mentality to a drive from point A to point B and park it mentality. They generally give you really nice bathrooms but very little water and waste storage over a regular B. That means to enjoy the bathroom you need to seek out expensive full hookup campgrounds. That's, to me, a park and live mentality. If that is your style, get something bigger and really comfortable.

One thing about Class Bs today based on the vans is that the converters that are actively engaged today are all making quality Bs. They are all keenly aware of their competition. There is not that wide a range in quality so that leaves you more to consider plan design, engine and amenities.

DWatson · 02-20-2013, 01:29 AM

Thanks for the replies. I was wondering where the line between a true B and a C was drawn. Thanks for answering that for me. Our concern is that #1 we have two little girls so I am afraid that a true class B on a van chassis may be much too cramped for 4 people. #2 we dont do a lot of "touring" right now. More of a drive 400-700 miles, stay for a few days and drive the same distance again so fuel economy is somewhat important being as gas prices here on the West coast are nearing $4.00 per gal. I have thought about going with a manual crew cab truck and a larger toy hauler but then there is much less comfort while traveling and then I'd be stuck pulling a huge trailer which I hate doing. Thanks again guys!

Rok · 02-20-2013, 02:30 AM

Yes, what you are looking at there is a "C". Bs are usually much smaller. Some of the newer Bs built from a Sprinter van are a lot larger and more well appointed than the older ones, but they still start out as a van.

We recently went through the process and decided on a Great West Van Legend SE that measures out at 22' 9". We are waiting with anticipation for it to be finished being built and delivered.

While there are quite a few quality Class Bs out there, and they are using the space better and better, they still can't compete with the As and Cs for size. The do compete with stealth, manueverability, ease of parking, etc. They also do much better on gas mileage. Strangely, some of the larger rigs cost less.

Good luck with your search.

........Rocky

Davydd · 02-20-2013, 02:23 PM

I see. Class Bs are really good for two people max, IMO. There are some that will sleep up to four but you strain the facilities and storage, and the two additional people would be small children at best, again IMO. That means as your children grow you will also grow out of your B.

You might want to look at something like this...Pleasure-way Pursuit

Not shown at that website, but they had a model at the Minneapolis RV Show with an over the cab bed. Leisure Travel Vans also make some small Cs worth looking at. I think the companies that make Bs also make good quality small Cs as they transfer a lot of their B knowledge and quality over.

gerrym51 · 02-20-2013, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWatson

Thanks for the replies. I was wondering where the line between a true B and a C was drawn. Thanks for answering that for me. Our concern is that #1 we have two little girls so I am afraid that a true class B on a van chassis may be much too cramped for 4 people. #2 we dont do a lot of "touring" right now. More of a drive 400-700 miles, stay for a few days and drive the same distance again so fuel economy is somewhat important being as gas prices here on the West coast are nearing $4.00 per gal. I have thought about going with a manual crew cab truck and a larger toy hauler but then there is much less comfort while traveling and then I'd be stuck pulling a huge trailer which I hate doing. Thanks again guys!

no rv gets good mileage. b's obviously get better than c's. say you get 5 miles a gallon better with b. thats the comparison to make-how much more a c
will cost you in mileage. if it's an extra 2000 a year say but a c far better fits your needs go for it

Karsty · 03-17-2013, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWatson

Thanks for the replies. I was wondering where the line between a true B and a C was drawn. Thanks for answering that for me. Our concern is that #1 we have two little girls so I am afraid that a true class B on a van chassis may be much too cramped for 4 people. #2 we dont do a lot of "touring" right now. More of a drive 400-700 miles, stay for a few days and drive the same distance again so fuel economy is somewhat important being as gas prices here on the West coast are nearing $4.00 per gal. I have thought about going with a manual crew cab truck and a larger toy hauler but then there is much less comfort while traveling and then I'd be stuck pulling a huge trailer which I hate doing. Thanks again guys!

Decisions, decicsions. It's not easy. I think you have already answered some of your questions and concerns. You will be travelling with 2 young children. You are going to spend time in campgrounds and not really travelling continuously. I think you have pretty much ruled out a true class B, in my opinion. It will NOT be comfortable for four sleeping unless you are planning to throw up a tent at night for the kids. I know that some of the B's advertise sleeping for four but that is by using the 2 front seats folded down to make what they jokingly refer to as a bed.

I bought my Class B because I want to travel and explore. I don't want to tow a vehicle or trailer. In a year and a half I haven't spent one night in a campground. I want to be free to stop when and where I want. But my situation is different then yours. Everyone's needs will be different.

May I suggest that you look at some of the offerings from Leisure Travel Van. They have a nice line up of what are referred to as Class B+ by some. Their Unity models are on the Mercedes Sprinter chassis and will offer better mileage than some of the gasoline engines. They have a larger bathroom than most B's and some floor plans will easily accommodate sleeping for four as well as a nice dining/seating area during the day.

http://www.leisurevans.com/unity/index.html

So many things to consider and so many choices ... makes for a hard decision sometimes. All the best in your deliberations.

shezonit · 03-21-2013, 05:57 AM

I have a nice Class B. I bought it for the ability to boondock and stealth camp. I lived out of it for 2 winters....and then bought a park model. Soon discovered I don't like being anchored, so have started shopping for a small class C. Then my friend showed up with her Leisure Travel 24 (25?) foot B+. OMG what a difference.... Headroom , dinette, 2nd bed, big refrig, spacious workable kitchen. Etc. I travelled with her in it for 2 days, with my 2 little dogs and it was a revelation. However it is a $100,000. revelation, so I am shopping the used market for a small, well built Class C. Probably a Lazy Daze.
For you, with 2 children, I think a Class B will grow small fast. Of course there is a website of a family of 4 living in a Rialta, so......anything is possible.

The main thing is to get out there!

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