What is a Class B RV? The Ultimate Guide to the “Camper Van”

When most people hear the term “RV,” they picture a massive, bus-sized vehicle (a Class A) or a boxy cab-over design (a Class C). But in recent years, the fastest-growing and arguably most versatile segment of the RV market has been the Class B motorhome.

So, what is a Class B RV?

Simply put, a Class B RV, also known as a camper van is a fully self-contained motorhome built within the original shell of a cargo van.

Unlike its larger siblings, a Class B doesn’t have a separate “house” portion built onto a chassis. Instead, the manufacturer takes a high-roof van chassis (like a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, or Ram ProMaster) and, through incredible feats of engineering, fits a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom inside its metal walls.

The result is the most agile, drivable, and versatile type of motorhome you can buy. It’s a vehicle that blurs the line between a daily driver and a cross-country adventure home. For the right person, it’s the key to ultimate freedom.

Class B vs. Class A vs. Class C: The Key Differences

To truly understand the Class B, it helps to know what it’s not. The RV industry divides motorized (drivable) RVs into three main categories:

• Class A Motorhome: The largest of the three. This is the “bus” style. They are built on a heavy-duty bus or truck chassis and offer enormous living space, multiple slide-outs, and luxury amenities.
  
  • Pros: Enormous space, luxury, huge storage.
    
  • Cons: Difficult to drive, terrible gas mileage (6-10 MPG), restricted from many roads and campsites.
    
• Class C Motorhome: The “in-between” model. It’s built on a truck or van chassis, with a separate, wider living box constructed behind and over the cab. That “bubble” over the driver’s seat is the classic Class C feature, usually housing a bed
  
  • Pros: More space than a B, often better for families, more affordable than a Class A.
    
  • Cons: Still a large vehicle, less efficient (10-14 MPG), and not as easy to park as a van.
    
• Class B Motorhome: The “camper van.” It’s built inside a standard van. This is its defining characteristic.
  
  • Pros: Incredibly easy to drive, parks in regular parking spots, best-in-class fuel economy (15-22+ MPG).
    
  • Cons: The least amount of interior space, very expensive per square foot.
    

The primary trade-off is simple: Class A and C models offer more living space, while the Class B offers more driving freedom.

The Core Appeal: Why Choose a Class B?

People are flocking to Class B RVs because they offer a style of travel the other classes can’t. The appeal comes down to a few key advantages:

1. Maneuverability and Drivability: This is the #1 reason. A Class B (typically 19-24 feet long) drives just like a large SUV or a work van. It’s not intimidating. You can navigate city streets, pull into a grocery store parking lot, or confidently snake up a winding mountain road.
   
2. Versatility: A Class B can often serve as a second vehicle. You can use it to run errands during the week and then head out to a national park on Friday evening with zero prep.
   
3. Efficiency: With modern diesel or gas engines, Class B’s get the best fuel economy of any motorhome, often double that of a Class A. This makes a 3,000-mile road trip far more economical.
   
4. “Stealth” and Access: Because it just looks like a tall van, a Class B can “stealth camp” in urban areas far more easily. More importantly, it can access remote boondocking spots, rustic campgrounds, and height-restricted areas where larger rigs are forbidden.
   
5. Simplicity: Arriving at a campsite is as easy as “park and camp.” There are no complex slide-outs to extend, no fifth-wheel to unhitch, and no massive rig to level.
   

The Reality Check: The Downsides of a Class B

To be a useful guide, we have to be honest. The compact nature of a camper van is its greatest strength, but it’s also its greatest weakness.

• Space is Extremely Tight: This is not a vehicle for families. It is a “hallway with furniture.” You are living in a space of about 80-100 square feet. You must be a minimalist and be very comfortable with your travel partner.
  
• The “Wet Bath”: To fit a bathroom, most Class B’s use a “wet bath.” This is an all-in-one waterproof room where the toilet, sink, and shower are all in the same small space. It’s an ingenious solution, but it’s not a luxury bathroom.
  
• The Cost-Per-Square-Foot: This is the big one. Class B RVs are shockingly expensive. It’s not uncommon for a new model to cost more than a Class C that is twice its size. Why? Because you are paying for the engineering. Safely and skillfully fitting all the systems (plumbing, electrical, heating, propane) into such a tiny, mobile space is a specialized, high-cost process.
  

The Foundation: The “Big 3” Van Chassis

All Class B motorhomes start as an empty van. In North America, three chassis dominate the market, and each has a different personality:

1. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: This is the “luxury” standard. Known for its powerful and efficient diesel engines, high-end interior cab, and the availability of a true 4×4 system, it’s the premium choice for many builders. Its high price tag and specialized (and more expensive) maintenance are its primary downsides.
   
2. Ram ProMaster: This is the “practical” choice. It’s the only front-wheel-drive van in the group, which gives it a lower floor (more interior height) and better handling in some slick conditions. It’s also the widest van, making interior layouts more flexible. It’s generally the most affordable chassis.
   
3. Ford Transit: This is the “balanced” contender. The Transit has rapidly gained popularity for a few key reasons. It’s available in a powerful, proven EcoBoost gas engine that is far easier and cheaper to service than the Sprinter’s diesel. Any Ford dealership in any small town can work on it. It’s also available with a very capable All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. This versatility is why so many people who want a balance of reliability and modern features find their ideal Ford Transit camper to be the perfect middle ground.
   

Inside the Box: Common Layouts and Features

The “best” layout is a matter of intense debate and personal preference. Because the space is so small, every decision is a major trade-off.

• The Kitchen (“Galley”): Expect a small sink, a 12-volt refrigerator, and a two-burner cooktop (either propane or induction). Counter space is the most precious commodity.
  
• The Bathroom: As mentioned, this is almost always a “wet bath.” Some larger “B+” models (a hybrid between a B and C) may offer a “dry bath,” where the shower is separate from the toilet.
  
• The Bedroom: This is the most significant layout choice.
  
  • Rear Sofa/Bed: The most common layout. A power sofa in the back converts into a large bed at night. This gives you a dedicated “living room” space during the day.
    
  • Fixed Bed (or “Garage”): A bed (often running east-west) is fixed in the back. The space underneath becomes a massive “garage” for bikes, climbing gear, or storage, accessible from the rear doors. This is popular for serious adventurers.
    
  • Twin Beds: Two smaller beds run lengthwise, with an aisle in between. This is great for two friends traveling together or couples who prefer separate sleeping spaces. They can often convert into one large king bed.
    

The only way to know what’s right for you is to walk through them. It’s highly recommended to explore different Class B RV models at a dealership or RV shop. What looks good on paper might feel completely different when you’re standing inside it.

Who is a Class B RV Really For?

The Class B motorhome is the perfect tool for a specific kind of traveler. This vehicle is for:

• Solo travelers and couples who are comfortable in a small space.
  
• Active adventurers who need a “base camp” for hiking, skiing, biking, or climbing.
  
• Long-distance road-trippers who prioritize the journey and want to drive and park with ease.
  
• Minimalists who value experiences over possessions.
  
• Weekend warriors who want to leave town at a moment’s notice.
  

It is not for families on a two-week vacation or full-timers who like to collect souvenirs.

In conclusion, the Class B RV is not just a smaller motorhome. It represents a different philosophy of travel—one centered on agility, freedom, and simplicity. It’s the ultimate “go-anywhere” machine that packs all the essentials of home into a footprint you can park almost anywhere.