We need advice

[Buyb]

Hello everyone, we live in a gated community that will allow Class B units to be parked on the driveway. The only catch is, the maximum length allowed is 18 feet, bumper to bumper. Is anyone aware of a 17 or 18 foot manufacturer?

[mkguitar]

the older roadtrek popular 170



I'm sure the HOA came up with that limitation on purpose


Mike

[rowiebowie]

Welcome to the forum Buyb!

I searched unsuccessfully for another recent thread that touched on this subject. Choices are very very limited at that length, but someone mention a short Promaster van is within the length requirement you have. So a Promaster (perhaps a custom build) will be about your only choice for a new class b. And in such a small package, functionality will be severely compromised.

I have to agree with Mike that your HOA basically makes it impossible. Probably on purpose.

[TheMatrix]

The Carado Axion was built on the Promaster 1500 chasis which is 17' 9". Might be a challenge to find one for sale. Your best bet would be as the above poster mentioned a Roadtrek 170. We owned a Roadtrek 170 Popular and could easily put it in our driveway. They are about 18' with the spare tire in the back.

[themexicandoctor]

Understanding the fickle nature of HOA's, you would be wise to plan for the day they change the length restrictions to 16 feet, 11 inches & or change it to a height restriction...

[mkguitar]

Originally Posted by TheMatrix

They are about 18' with the spare tire in the back.

an RV dodge is to remove the spare to make vehicle shorter...


We remove our spare when in Santa Monica so we can meet the 20' limit without an "oversize" parking permit.
It goes into the MiL's carport


I've read of people on ferries removing the spare when they charge by the foot


mike

[Buyb]

Thank you, everyone, for your ideas. The spare tire does not count, just bumper to bumper. By the way, what is the average height of a smaller class b?

[Buyb]

I’m sure you are correct about the HOA.

[mumkin]

Check out this thread... someone else looking for a short rig.

https://www.classbforum.com/forums/f...ass-10749.html

[jrobe]

Then the question will be - do you even want an RV that is limited to the 18' limit. We have a short Sprinter Class B. There is no way we could live with it if it was 18-24" shorter. For example, if you need 6' just for the bed there isn't much room left for the seats, engine, kitchen, storage, etc. etc. etc..

[themexicandoctor]

I think you definitely need to rent a unit for a good week or so & see if you can live in such a compromise.

Unfortunately they don't really rent the small units.

Maybe the seller could let you use it for a week.

Even a big RV gets really small at times ...

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by Buyb

Thank you, everyone, for your ideas. The spare tire does not count, just bumper to bumper. By the way, what is the average height of a smaller class b?

Here's a recent thread on class b height. Basically they fall between 9-10 feet.

[GaryBIS]

Hi,
We have a ProMaster 136 inch wheelbase that is just under 18 ft long. We converted it from a cargo van to RV.

We like the length, and definitely would not want anything longer. It drives and parks just like a car. As a bonus, we regularly get 20 MPG. We owned 4 RVs prior to this one over the years and this 18 footer is our all time favorite.

There are even people who use the short wheelbase (118inch wheebase) for RV conversion and who love them. Its all a matter of your personal preference.

If you can't find a class B based on the 136 in wheelbase ProMaster, Wayfaer (https://wayfarervans.com/select-a-van/) will do a simple conversion of your cargo van. I'm sure Sportsmobile would also do such a conversion.
A directory of van conversion outfits -- might be one near you that would convert the 136 ProMaster: https://explorevanx.com/

Our van is 8 ft 7 inches including a roof fan.

Gary