Hi all--long-term A and C class driver here. Considering buying a B class and would like to know about driveability and handling. Plan on getting rid of the C class and the cars and using the B class as my all around vehicle. Does a B class drive like any other van or do you feel the extra weight? Would you consider using the RV like a car? We are retired and full-time, but have a rig we leave in Pennsylvania for the summer and another that we leave in Florida for the winter. We only use the C class to go back and forth between the two spots, but don't think I want to drive the C class all the time. Planning on selling the C class, and both our PA and Fl cars and using just the B class. What say you?

I think my mother had a class C and I absolutely hated driving it. I love my RVan, a converted conversion van which drives easier than my Miata or Protege. But you know, why not find a dealer and give it a test drive? Pick a windy day.

my class B weighs about 8500 pounds.( 2006 Pleasure-way Lexor TD)stopping and turning take longerit is hauling around alot of weight and city driving piles on more wear than just cruising on the highway at steady speed.each bump will take it's toll on the cabinetry and the systems.so I use my van to traveland I have a car for local use.while some of the brochures tout "daily use" the van's are not really well suited for that and will wear faster.Mike

I loved both of my Class Bs. I bought the first one used, modified it, and put 100K more on it. The second one was bought new, and put 70K on it. In both cases, these were my daily drivers.The obvious downside is the lack of room when using it as a camper. But being able to go most everywhere was a big plus. Parking garages with limited head room were sometimes a challenge, but they often have an overflow or RV lot.Ultimately, I sold both due to rust here in FL. Started with holes in the rain gutters, progressed from there.Still would consider buying another someday. Very comfortable to travel in, and corrosion on vehicles in the past decade seems to be under control. Not so much in 1995.

How long does it take you to get from one "home" to the other? If only a couple days, then why not just keep a car and stay at hotels along the way the two times a year you switch?I think you'll get tired of a large van for daily driving when you have no need for the "camping" portion other than a couple days per year.The other option is to go low tech and just get a minivan, etc. and set it up so you have a comfortable bed at night. It won't have the height issues that a true B will have, it will do well for daily use, and it will provide you with your own bed at night.

B class driveability? | Good Sam Community

drsolo
Nomad
Jun 09, 2015
I think my mother had a class C and I absolutely hated driving it. I love my RVan, a converted conversion van which drives easier than my Miata or Protege. But you know, why not find a dealer and give it a test drive? Pick a windy day.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Jun 09, 2015
sounds like a plan to me.
bumpy
mkguitar
Explorer
Jun 09, 2015
my class B weighs about 8500 pounds.( 2006 Pleasure-way Lexor TD)

stopping and turning take longer

it is hauling around alot of weight and city driving piles on more wear than just cruising on the highway at steady speed.

each bump will take it's toll on the cabinetry and the systems.

so I use my van to travel

and I have a car for local use.

while some of the brochures tout "daily use" the van's are not really well suited for that and will wear faster.

Mike
2manytoyz
Explorer
Jun 09, 2015
I loved both of my Class Bs. I bought the first one used, modified it, and put 100K more on it. The second one was bought new, and put 70K on it. In both cases, these were my daily drivers.

The obvious downside is the lack of room when using it as a camper. But being able to go most everywhere was a big plus. Parking garages with limited head room were sometimes a challenge, but they often have an overflow or RV lot.

Ultimately, I sold both due to rust here in FL. Started with holes in the rain gutters, progressed from there.

Still would consider buying another someday. Very comfortable to travel in, and corrosion on vehicles in the past decade seems to be under control. Not so much in 1995.
toedtoes
Explorer III
Jun 09, 2015
How long does it take you to get from one "home" to the other? If only a couple days, then why not just keep a car and stay at hotels along the way the two times a year you switch?

I think you'll get tired of a large van for daily driving when you have no need for the "camping" portion other than a couple days per year.

The other option is to go low tech and just get a minivan, etc. and set it up so you have a comfortable bed at night. It won't have the height issues that a true B will have, it will do well for daily use, and it will provide you with your own bed at night.
drsolo
Nomad
Jun 09, 2015
As a retired person I can say that I much prefer my RVan for the little driving that I do and it is a pleasure. And altho we have a little trailer for taking stuff to the dump, etc I find it easier to just take my van for picking larger items up rather than drag the trailer out of the garage.
Of course I dont know how much travel the OP does, but even with my campsite in Florida for the winter I plan to travel around and see things while I am down there so nice to have my camper with me for overnights and when I am visiting people.
toedtoes
Explorer III
Jun 09, 2015
I agree that if you are using the van for other purposes, that it would be a good option.

But if the only need for the sleeping capability, etc., is for 4 nights a year, a car could be a better option.
stan909
Explorer
Jun 09, 2015
If you decide to get a B , wait on selling your other rigs. You may not be cut out for it. Others cannot know how you feel and experience things. I have Class A for when we take the kids and a Class B for when just my wife and I go. We do use the B for family day outings to beach or museums. Nice to have a restroom and kitchen with us. Parks and drives great. What about renting for a couple days?
My_Roadtrek
Explorer
Jun 09, 2015
He's not selling his other RV's, he's selling his cars.
jjrai
Explorer
Jun 09, 2015
We take our class B everywhere. It is 22 feet and we have never had a parking problem though it does take a bit more effort than a car. Stopping is fine. We hardly use our cars anymore.

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