Need B+ MPG, deciding between B & B+

One more thought...we started looking at the Rialta, and figured out I couldn't stand up in it. And, the bathroom was always going to be wet. So we focused on the B+. Love out unit (R-Vision/Holiday Rambler 213). It is great for 2 people and the dog. However, now we would like to bring a 3rd person along. Where to put them???

Upfront cost difference in, say, an ’05 B+ vs B will be such that for an extra 2-4 mpg, you would never justify the B based on $

Lately seen a lot of former B diehards switching to B+ on this C forum. (I love the Chinook from an earlier post, but it is an actual 19’ narrow rig w/ a wet bath, IIRC, and so a RT 210 would likely be bigger!)

A recent 1600 mi round trip showed our 40k mi ’05 22 ft big dry bath budget B+ that we picked after 6 yrs of research where Bs (and Chinook) were initially a strong contender…is loosening up and seems to be doing 11+ mpg regularly and did hit 12mpg on 1 tank of some good Illinois corn fed gas.

If you want to tour w/ no toad, enjoy a relatively roomy rig w/ a large dry bathROOM, and not be trading in a couple years, a 22-25 ft B+ wins hands down.

I had a 21' Chinook which is considered by some to be a B+. It was based on a Ford E350 with the V10. I got 11MPG no matter what I did - idle, in neutral, with tailwind falling downhill it would still get 11MPG. I traded for a Roadtrek 210 Popular with the 6.0L engine. The Roadtrek is a Class B. I've got 30,000 miles on it. Traveling at 65-70 on a recent 5000+ miles trip my overall average was 16.5 MPG. I've done two 2000+ miles trips dragging a Jeep Wrangler and on those trips I was averaging 12.5 MPG. All three of these trips were into or over the Rockies. Comparing the size, room and ride of the Roadrek to the Chinook - about the same size but the Roadtrek handles and rides a lot better. Interior room seems to be a bit more in the Roadtrek. If I was looking at another RV at this point I'd probably be looking at the new Leisure Van Free Spirit SS. It appears to have a better layout with full dry bath and a lot more storage, plus gets even better MPG,

Oh, the wet bath in the Roadtrek isn't all that bad if you're comfortable taking sit down showers. You do have the option of showering in the aisle, On two of my long trips I traveled with my GF. It was a bit cramped but we survived and didn't kill each other (yet).

pbarker3 wrote:
Do any of you that own a class B wish you had gotten a Class B+ or Class C instead?
I think I am mostly worried about the wet bath and the holding tank size. Is the shower really usable in the B? I want the conveniance of using the bathroom facilities in the rv instead of the campground.

My prior B, an '02 Roadtrek 190 on a Chevy Express 3500 (5.7 liter) got 13-14 mpg. I got 15 on one tank, but that was unusual circumstances. I drove it pretty hard, living in the SE mountains. On trips, I cruised at the speed limit or a bit over. I ran the generator a fair amount, and that's included in the mpg.

Most of the prior posts haven't said terrain, how hard they drive, how fast, or how much they run the generator. I think all these things are important in mpg discussions.

Jim, "The IRS; run it together, it spells, 'THEIRS'. Coincidence? I think not."

Have a 21' b+ get about 10 solo

I think the room and comfort in the B+ and C are really nice. I think you should go as big as you can, but stay in the length and size that would be comfortable getting around with fuel cost in mind. My wife wants the C and even the short A--hybrid. The ERA shower is tiny, and the tanks are small. It's usable, but you won't have that nice long hot shower feeling. I am already thinking of the B+.

Good bathroom facilities and main floor permanent bed(s) are typically high priority features for people/couples over 50. A few people don't seem to mind converting a couch into a bed, but that is not for us. Some couches like on the newest Phoenix Cruisers, have memory foam for claimed comfort sleeping.

I rarely read of class B+ and C owners going into a B. But from a B to a B+ or C is quite common.

Do any of you that own a class B wish you had gotten a Class B+ or Class C instead?
I think I am mostly worried about the wet bath and the holding tank size. Is the shower really usable in the B? I want the conveniance of using the bathroom facilities in the rv instead of the campground.

I'm a little dismayed about earlier comments regarding RV dealerships and sales people. I have been to lots of RV dealerships over the years and if I encountered overly aggressive sales people, I moved on. However, it has been my experience that RV salespeople tend to be much more relaxed than that. Speaking for myself, I am a very seasoned RVer whose only sales experience before February 2013 was a stint in the early 90s as an Army Recruiting Company Commander. I know at our Deep East Texas sales lot, every sales person is in fact, a seasoned RVer who continues to enjoy the lifestyle. We love to let folks wander our 1-acre lot and check-out the inventory. Mandy, Katie or I will be available to answer any questions a customer may have. Actually, we ask a lot of questions ourselves to determine each customer's needs and desires regarding features of a prospective unit. We want to get folks into the right unit for their needs today, recognizing that with experience, those desires may change. When we get a good fit, we treat folks well and thus enjoy a lot of repeat business. Sales lots are actually a good place to get information. If your sales person isn't an RVer, move on. There are plenty of us out here who are and genuinely want to help folks make a good RV purchase decision that gives them a great value for their money. Another good thing to do when you visit an RV dealership is to check out the service department. If they aren't up to your customer service standards, but you still want the rig, be prepared to do a lot of the work yourself or consider buying elsewhere.

Good luck in finding your freedom machine, but take your time and enjoy the process. If you run into high pressure, move on. Get the RV that works for you now and I hope to see you out enjoying the RV lifestyle soon. Blessings, Les

I bought a Winnebago ERA last May in 2012, and I get about 16-17 mpg loaded. I think it could get 18 if I drove more conservatively. I am far from retirement, but my wife, I, and 2 kids (4 and 6) have traveled quite a bit. Most of my friends think I am crazy for driving and RVing so much, but I no longer mind driving when you have your own bathroom and sleeping quarters. My wife also drives it easily without intimidation. (I have to tell her to slow down and take it easy.) We have traveled to Florida, Colorado, and San Francisco -- all from Houston. We tend to drive and just pitstop when we are tired. Then we stay with family once we arrive at our destination. That's why I bought the Sprinter--mostly for the commute. I do think however, that when the kids get older or to college, I will end up getting a bigger RV. When I retire, it would be nice to relax in a bigger unit for a 3-4 weeks at a time and sacrifice the fuel efficiency.

-Mike