FAQs About Class B Camper Vans

Class B camper vans—which have become synonymous with van life and are sometimes simply just called camper vans—are the smallest of the motorized RV types. Built on an automotive van or panel truck chassis, most Class B camper vans fall somewhere between 19 and 24 feet long. Unlike some of the other motorized RVs on the market, Class Bs do not normally come with slideouts but many have kitchens, bathrooms and dedicated sleeping spaces. Many Class B RVs also come equipped with four-wheel drive, solar panels and an auxiliary generator, making them ideal for dry camping or boondocking. Class B RVs are relatively easy to drive and can fit in most places, allowing them to double as an everyday vehicle. These camper vans also have the best gas mileage of all the RV types, averaging anywhere from 18 to 25 miles per gallon.

Class B camper vans give you all of the comforts of home in a small, compact and highly-mobile space. Class B RVs are also extremely versatile—they are great for day trips as a primary vehicle, or full-time RVing as a home on wheels. Despite their smaller size, most Class Bs have all of the features and amenities of a much larger RV, including a small bathroom and kitchen. Plus, they can fit in more places than most other RVs. Some of the top reasons to purchase a Class B camper van are:

• Smaller size allows you to travel and park almost anywhere
• Good gas mileage compared to other RV types
• Can serve as your primary driving vehicle
• Minimal time spent setting up and taking down at camp

Yes, you can live in a Class B camper van full-time and many people do. Class Bs are ideal for solo travelers or couples. They can also comfortably accommodate two adults with pets or a young child. However, if you have a large family or multiple children, a Class B camper van might not be the best fit and you may want to consider something with more space. Unlike some larger RV types, Class B camper vans don’t have luxurious amenities like a washer and dryer or a full-size refrigerator. However, a Class B with a kitchen, bathroom and ample power provides everything you need for minimal, full-time living.

Class B RVs have a lot of features packed into a small space. Most camper vans have an area to lounge or sit, a dedicated sleeping space, a small kitchen with a microwave, and a wet bath (the shower and toilet share one space). Some newer Class B models also have extra power and charging options, including additional batteries and on-board solar panels. Both of these are ideal for people who are interested in boondocking and getting off-the-grid. To help extend the living space of a Class B, many camper vans come with outdoor showerheads, electric awnings and exterior storage racks for things like bikes or kayaks.

Since Class B camper vans have less storage space compared to other RV types, you’ll need to be efficient with your packing. Class B RVs are thoughtfully designed to utilize every square inch of space, so it’s really important to only bring the things that you absolutely need. Here are some tips to help maximize storage in a Class B RV:

• Utilize collapsible bins, bags or hanging nets to keep things organized inside the RV
• Invest in roof racks or rooftop cargo boxes to help add more exterior storage space
• Use velcro strips or suction-mounted baskets to hang things and free up counter space
• Store bulky items, like blankets or pillows, in the shower or bathroom when you’re not using them
• Store extra kitchen supplies in the microwave or sink when you’re not using them

While most Class B camper vans can comfortably sleep two adults, there are additional features that allow you to sleep even more people. Some camper vans now come with a pop-top roof that adds additional sleeping space overhead. There are also some aftermarket bedding inserts that can turn the front driving area into a single bed. In most Class B RVs, the main sleeping space is either in the very back or is converted from seating in the middle of the RV.

Yes, you can use a Class B RV as your everyday vehicle. Class B camper vans are small and mobile enough to easily fit into everyday life. You can park a Class B in normal parking spaces, drive it on narrow roads and easily take it through major cities. You don’t need a special license to drive a camper van and you can park it in your driveway or on the street. Class B RVs are the perfect vehicle to load all of your outdoor equipment for an adventure or do a grocery run with your kids.

A general rule of thumb for Class B camper vans is that they can be parked just about anywhere a standard car can be parked. However, the one thing to be mindful of with a camper van is its height. Some Class Bs are ten feet tall or higher, making it difficult to park in a coverage garage or places with low clearance, so always be mindful of your surroundings. There is also a difference between parking your camper van and staying in your camper van overnight. Most public places do not allow you to park overnight, unless it is specifically stated. Even if your camper van can fit, parking in a restricted area may result in fines, towing or further legal action, so double check the city’s parking rules online or ask local law enforcement.

Due to their smaller size and easy handling, Class B camper vans are great for getting you off the beaten path. Many camper vans come equipped with features like four-wheel drive that make off-roading easier. Here are a few additional considerations if you want to take your Class B off-roading:

• Equip your camper van with all-terrain or off-road tires (and bring a spare)
• Get a lift kit added to your camper van
• Add undercarriage protection, such as skid plates
• Be mindful of weight, as this can add extra strain to your camper van and tires

Yes, it is possible to tow with your Class B. Most camper vans can tow anywhere between 3,000 to 5,000 pounds. Discuss towing needs with your dealer before purchase, there are many factors that can affect towing capacity. Seeing that Class B camper vans can go just about anywhere a standard vehicle can, you won’t typically find a Class B towing another car. However, camper vans are great for towing things like ATVs, jet skis, golf carts, or small boats.

The cost of a Class B RV can vary greatly, ranging anywhere from $60,000 to $275,000. The price difference really comes down to two major things: the chassis and amenities. A camper van built on a Mercedes-Benz chassis will typically cost more than a Ford or Ram chassis. The same goes for amenities—a camper van with a bunch of features and high-end equipment will also cost more than something simpler and more bare bones. Here are some amenities and features that can impact overall price:

• Bathroom and type of bath (toilet only, wet bath or dry bath)
• Various power options, including solar and battery size
• Materials used on both the interior (leather, wood) and exterior (fiberglass)
• Entertainment systems and on-board technology
• Tankless water heater

The best place to buy a Class B camper van is from a certified RV dealer. Some people opt to buy a van and convert it into a camper van themselves, but there are a lot of benefits to buying a new, pre-built Class B from a dealership. First of all, the wiring and plumbing requires a lot of technical skill, so it’s best to let a professional handle the intricacies. Plus, all camper vans built by an RV manufacturer must go through a detailed inspection before they hit the dealer’s lot, so you’re less likely to have mechanical or technical issues. Additionally, RV manufacturers can leverage economies of scale to produce well-appointed camper vans at close to the same cost it would take for someone to build their own. Warranty and maintenance support are also included when you buy a new Class B camper van, which makes fixing any problems much easier and less costly. And lastly, buying a Class B through a certified dealership also gives you various financing options. RV dealers will work with various lenders to put together a payment plan that can fit your exact budget and lifestyle. 

A Class A motorhome is a very large RV, more akin to the size of a bus. Class As are typically built on bus or semi truck chassis, while Class Bs are built on van chassis. With their much larger size, Class A RVs have some benefits that you can’t get in a Class B camper van, including a full-size refrigerator, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, and more storage space. Class As often come with slideouts, whereas most Class Bs don’t. However, Class A motorhomes are bigger and, therefore, require a bit more practice to drive compared to a Class B camper van. 

Class C RVs fall in between Class A motorhomes and Class B camper vans—a Class C is smaller than a motorhome but larger and wider than a camper van. Class C RVs are distinguishable by the overhead sleeping quarters or storage space that sit above the main cab, which most Class Bs do not have. While a Class C RV isn’t as nimble as a Class B, they do offer robust storage space, slideouts and full bathrooms.