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suzago's avatar
suzago
Explorer
Dec 27, 2020

Comparing 3 Class Bs

I am researching new-to-me Class Bs. 65 year old woman, traveling solo with a dog. Long weekends and summer trips up to 2-3 weeks at a time. Handy with tools but limited automotive experience, but I anticipate getting a Good Sam's (or other?) membership. Budget: around 25k.

Current available candidates, all in apparently good condition and in my budget, in my area are:

1) 2001 Kodiak VXL 2000 (22 ft) 40k miles

2) 1999 Chinook Premier, 20 ft, 78k miles, owner says no solar but I thought they all came solar-ready?

3) 2004 GulfStream BT Cruiser (double-slide, so not really a Class B) (25 ft) 80k miles (giant compared to the other two)

I plan on having anything checked out by a RV mechanic, and aside from asking about leaks, repairs, generator usage, what else do I really need to know? I anticipate I will have to fix and upgrade things. Appreciate any advice!

Thank you in advance!
Class B

19 Replies

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  • Trail-Mate's avatar
    Trail-Mate
    Explorer
    Dec 28, 2020
    The Kodiak I would consider it a B but when made it was considered a small C. Kodiak Is on Van Chassis and has custom Fiberglass House. No over head Bed area and Wet Bath. This is why I consider it a B.
    I will be purchasing a 2003 Kodiak in a month or so. VXL2000 26 foot. so it you decide on the Kodiak I may be able to help with information once I get mine.
  • steveh27's avatar
    steveh27
    Explorer
    Dec 28, 2020
    See if you can find an Xplorer 230 Class B. They were made until 2004 (I think). I have had a 1997 Xplorer 230XL since 2000 and love it. I usually travel alone and it is more than enough for me. It's 21' long. It is on a Dodge van chassis and is easily worked on. Mine has 190,000 miles and is in good shape. I did have to have some rust work done, but I do not drive it in the winter unless I am heading to FLA.
  • suzago's avatar
    suzago
    Explorer
    Dec 27, 2020
    Thank you for your helpful advice and support. These three were listed as class Bs and I knew the GulfStream wasn't, but I thought the Kodiak was, until I looked closer. (And I still think the Chinook is a Class B - or maybe B+?) Anyway - appreciate the responses.

    The Kodiak is still top of my list. Looks perfect for me. I'll have it checked out and ask a lot of questions. Thanks!
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Dec 27, 2020
    magicbus,

    I agree on the huge price difference between B and C. Having a beer budget I can't justify a B vs C. Certainly if the OP wishes to full time a C may be a better choice.
  • magicbus's avatar
    magicbus
    Explorer II
    Dec 27, 2020
    The reality is that all three of the vehicles that she has listed are small Class C rigs. None are B's.

    So perhaps she needs to go over to the Class C board to find people who are familiar with these rigs.
    This really is the best advice. Through no fault of the original poster who is new to RVing, the listed “B” RVs aren’t actually class B but really class C. Having moved (happily) from a Class A to a B I can tell you that a B and C are quite different.

    That said, given the description on how it will be used I think the OP might want to consider a true class B. The problem there is that true class B units cost more “per square foot”.

    Dave
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Dec 27, 2020
    suzago wrote:
    I anticipate I will have to fix and upgrade things. Appreciate any advice!

    I tell this to everyone looking at an older RV. If it is over 10 years ASSUME you are going to need a full replacement roof. Not just a rubber membrane replacement, but a tear off the plywood and examine and replace rotten roof supports.

    Now if it is a true Class B, with either the original metal roof or a fiberglass raised roof, you just need to inspect for cracks and seams. (As stated by mumkin, those are all small Class C.)

    Windows are another issue. Aftermarket windows may have to be removed, edges cleaned and reinstalled.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Dec 27, 2020
    Take off your list any that don’t meet your bathroom needs including fresh water and waste tank capacities. Water is the limiting factor with RVs. Have a pro inspect the unit but even then all those you mentioned are 20+ years old.
  • mumkin's avatar
    mumkin
    Explorer
    Dec 27, 2020
    pianotuna wrote:
    Hi,

    May I respectfully suggest looking at small class c units. There is a lot more bang for the buck and a shower that is much more easily used. They come as small as 22 feet, with 26 feet being the ideal size as far as wheel base to length ratio goes.

    The reality is that all three of the vehicles that she has listed are small Class C rigs. None are B's.

    So perhaps she needs to go over to the Class C board to find people who are familiar with these rigs.

    BTW Suzago, there was no solar on rigs back in '99 so you won't find anything solar ready of that age. My first rig with a solar option was the 2015. Not that a good solar company couldn't add it.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Dec 27, 2020
    Hi,

    May I respectfully suggest looking at small class c units. There is a lot more bang for the buck and a shower that is much more easily used. They come as small as 22 feet, with 26 feet being the ideal size as far as wheel base to length ratio goes.

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