You’ve probably heard of class A, B, and C motorhomes, but how about the class B plus?
New things always crop up wherever we go, and class B+ RVs are just the latest and hottest campers that landed in the market―for many good reasons!
Let’s uncover the hype behind the newest class of motorhomes: class B+.
What is a Class B+ RV?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock or gone off-grid, there isn’t a reason why you wouldn’t hear of class b+ campers.
This motorhome has been stealing the spotlight and is a popular choice among young campers for its luxury and comfort. Class B+ RVs offer all the basic living amenities and more.
When it comes to the class B+, you get a little extra of everything―extra space, extra storage, and extra comfort that you CAN’T have with just a SMALL camper van.
But, what exactly is it?
Class B+ RV is the fusion of the traditional class B and C motorhomes. It combines the easy drivability of a class B and the space and width of class C, making it one of the best compact yet coziest camper vans there are.
Think of it as the midway point of the two motorhomes. Simply, the best of both worlds!
Understanding the Class B+ Motorhome
Here’s where it gets a little confusing. Ready?
Class B+ is actually a class C motorhome.
A lot of people had the wrong idea too, don’t worry!
Although it looks and offers the same comfort as a B camper, by design it’s very much a class C type.
How so? Class B+ models have an attached cab or what we call a “cab-over” or cab chassis to include outdoor set-ups and tow travel trailers. This is a feature BORROWED straight from Class C RVs.
Fun Fact: Class B+ is a made-up term by smart marketeers to introduce a bigger camping van. Because it’s widely used, the name stuck.
That aside, what you need to know are TWO things: what the class B+ motorhome can offer and whether it’s for you.
That’s why we’re breaking it down by comparing B plus to other RV types. Scroll down!
What is the difference between Class B+ RV and Class B RV?
Now, here’s one that’s not hard to tell and is easy to explain.
The Main Difference Between Class B Motorhomes and B+ Motorhomes Is Size
- Class B RV is the smallest camper van you can drive and is built on a van chassis, which makes it a great choice for weekenders and touring coaches, but not the best living space.
- At 17 feet to 23 feet long, class B is a tight squeeze!
- On the other hand, a B+ offers more space. Typically, its length is 23 to 25 feet, giving you MORE SPACE to move around.
Since Class B+ RVs are wider, taller, and longer, it’s only natural there would be more storage. There’s a large difference between the amount of storage space between the two:
- Class B motorhome owners, who are used to tiny living, tend to get a little creative with where they store their things, but with a class B+, it’s NOT a problem at all.
- Class B+ motorhomes come with an outdoor storage for mountain bikes, kayaks, and all the huge stuff. There’s no need to stash them under the bed or shove them at the rear of the van.
- The cab-over feature of class B+ RVs allows you to bring along extra entertainment for the weekend with a cab-over.
Another Difference Is the Bathroom
- A huge advantage that a class B+ RV has over the traditional class B camper is its dry bathroom.
- Unlike the wet bath that most B camper vans have (and in SOME cases do not), the shower, the sink, and the toilet each have their own properly segregated space.
- Comparing the two, we think that wet baths can be messy and slippery.
In Terms of Mileage, Both RVs Are Fuel-Efficient
With 10 to 25 miles per gallon, the motorhomes go far.
However, class B+ brings the extra punch, because they’re also a Recreational Utility Vehicle (RUV), somewhat similar to a sports vehicle.
Between class B and class B+, the former is the smaller class.
What Is the Difference Between Class B+ RV and Class C RV?
At first glance, class B+ and Class C RVs have a lot in common. They’re both wide with tall interior heights, have slide-outs, full bathrooms, and an obvious extension over the cab.
So, what’s the difference?
Let’s start by its length, one of the more obvious distinctions:
- Class C RVs can be anywhere from 27 to 32 feet, however, there are some that span over 39 feet.
- Between the two, class C motorhomes are the LARGER class.
- Class C models have more sleeping areas (including a bunk bed), passenger seats, and seat belts to go with it.
- A typical class C could sit as much as 8-10 people and sleep a family of 4-5, a far cry from class B+ motorhomes which only sleep 2 and sit a maximum of 4.
- Class C RVs are also built on a truck or van chassis.
However, due to its sheer hugeness, class C RVs are difficult to drive, an advantage that smaller vehicle like a class B has over:
- Class B+ RVs are slightly smaller and are therefore EASIER to drive and bring everywhere.
- Class B motorhomes can easily fit in parking lots and national parks without having to pull out the necessary paperworks or pay extra fees that come with larger RVs.
But a good thing about class C RVs is they’re usually way cheaper than class B+ and class B motorhomes.
Aside from those, there isn’t really much of a big difference between class C and B+ motorhomes. Class B+ motorhomes are nimble and more compact than a class C RV.
What to Expect in a Class B+ Motorhome
All things clear?
Now that you know that class B+ RVs have more space, storage, sleeping area, and even tank capacity let’s take a look at what can be found inside the camper.
Oh, and please manage your expectations! Class B+ are just that cool!
Just a warning, this is what a typical B+ motorhome looks like and what it should have. But, ultimately the models would vary on the manufacturer and floor plans available
- Length: 23 to 25 feet
- Interior Height: 6’3″ to 6’5″
- Weight: 7,000-12,000 lbs
- Sleeps: 2
- Bed: Folding sofa/ queen bed/ Murphy bed
- Bathroom: Full Bathroom
- Kitchen: pull-out kitchen table
- Full-size appliances: 2-burner cook stoves, microwave, fridge
- Storage: closets, cabinets, exterior storage sections
- Power Supply: propane generator, inverter, solar panels, large capacity batteries
- Fuel: Diesel
- Low Mileage
- Water Heater: Yes
- Hitch/ Cab-over for towing a smaller vehicle or travel trailer
- LED Lighting
- Extras: rear and side mirror cameras, parking sensors, security system, pop-up roof, slide-outs, flat-screen TVs, swivel seats, theater surround sounds
Note: Of course, not all class B+models would have all the amenities. Again, it would depend on the floor plan. So, choose wisely.
How Much Do They Cost?
The big elephant is the price tag.
If you’ve been paying close attention, you might already have an idea of how much it can cost you.
Hint: It’s not a small number (sadly).
Although the prices vary according to floor plans, expect to pay at least $100,000 to $500,000 for class B+ RVs.
It’ll hurt your wallet, sure, but it’s the price you pay for having to fit more room and more amenities in one place. There’s no better way to travel in comfort than with a class B+ motorhome.
Advantages of Class B+ RVs
Class B+ RVs have a lot to offer, definitely, and these are three of the main reasons why it’s a good deal despite its hefty price tag.
More Storage
Comparing it to class B, there’s no sure winner than the B plus.
With a wider design, there are many hidden spots where you can store your personal things and even have a mini-garage like this Wonder Rear Twin Bed model.
Fuel Economy
Whenever the B+ RV is talked about, fuel economy will always bring itself up.
Because motors are heavy, their engines need to be tough enough to pull itself and fuel is its food. Lucky, that the B plus, despite its size, has one of the best mileage among the different types.
Easy Travel
Not as large as class C but not as small as class B, the B plus is just the perfect size to travel. It’s easy to park, it’s not bulky, and you don’t have to pay extra fees!
It lets you enjoy your leisure time.
Downsides of Class B+ RVs
Compact, spacious, and fuel-efficient, it’s nearly everything that a camper needs in a motorhome to survive the wild. Keyword: nearly.
While class B+ RVs have many cool features, it has its downsides.
Not Enough Space
“There’s plenty of room,” NO, there isn’t.
Tiny living is still tiny living. Even though the RV type is bigger than the typical class B motorhome, it’s still not large enough to fit a family of 4.
At most, it can only sleep 2, 3 if you don’t mind bumping into each other often. Because typical of this motorhome type is a Murphy bed or pull-out bed.
We do recommend it, however, to young couples who want to see the world.
Also, another alternative is you can opt-out for a travel trailer or fifth wheels to add more living space.
Weight
When you’re traveling across states, you’ll be lugging around more than 10,000 pounds of metal and aluminum, along with the rest of your life inside and maybe a trailer too.
Because of its slide-outs and size, A class B+ RV pack an extra camper weight compared to the class B type.
Overpricing
Here’s the part that we really hate: manufacturers who overprice.
Since class B+ RV is fairly new and there’s a lack of a clear definition of it, a lot of companies are pricing their models way too high, some even more expensive than class B campers.
A good price point would be the Thor Gemini 24TF, one of the cheapest class B+ motorhomes with just enough space and functionality at $128,000.
Or, if you’re interested check out this video on the best class B+ motorhomes of 2021.
Is Class B Plus for you?
A class B motorhome is the perfect RV for couples and retirees, surprisingly.
It’s a go-to motorhome that you can take out for the next trip.
