Thinking of downsizing

reppans wrote:
I think one the great things about a B, that is not often mentioned, is what you do with your RV when you are NOT on a trip or camping. I have an RT170 which has the footprint of a Suburban, and fits in a regular parking spot. As such, I use mine often as a second car, and prefer it where waiting is involved, as a base vehicle for day trips, when we want to take the dog, tailgate parties, outdoor events, etc.

If I owned a C or larger, it would get used for trips and camping, and then go into storage anytime were back home.

That's an excellent point. We used our B as a second family vehicle with a lot of handy cargo capability since the other one was a sedan. We were able to park it in our driveway at our former subdivision because vans were allowed by the HOA.

(At our current home, no vans or RVs permitted overnight and not enough driveway space anyway without blocking a sidewalk.)

Reppans is exactly correct and reflects our experiences. That is why we miss our B.

NCWriter has the real reason we bought a small C: life in a B can be pretty strenuous with a large,rambunctious doggie along on every trip. We love our Wonder Dog, but we will return to B World when she is gone. That is the reason for my presence on this forum occasionally...to keep up with Bs in preparation for the purchase of a new one.

I am sorry anyone that currently doesn't own a B is an officious interloper to a few of the members on the forum and I apologize if in my 35 years of RV experience I might offend current B owners by making some slight reference to something other than a B.

Paul

I think one the great things about a B, that is not often mentioned, is what you do with your RV when you are NOT on a trip or camping. I have an RT170 which has the footprint of a Suburban, and fits in a regular parking spot. As such, I use mine often as a second car, and prefer it where waiting is involved, as a base vehicle for day trips, when we want to take the dog, tailgate parties, outdoor events, etc.

If I owned a C or larger, it would get used for trips and camping, and then go into storage anytime were back home.

We bought a used 2006 B Sprinter, LTV like Asheguy's, and had numerous wonderful road trips in it, most lasting from 30 to 60 days, around the US and Canada, both summer and winter. It was just the two of us, unforgettable adventures.

The mileage was excellent, about 23-25 mpg (diesel) and we had minimal repairs, all easily handled without a Mercedes dealer. You just can't beat the nimble lifestyle and easy driving of a B. I loved how fast we could set up and depart, and the tight spaces we could navigate.

It's liberating to travel light, and just grocery shop or do laundry once a week or so. We used CG showers most of the time, and prepared almost all our meals - we eat out once a week at most. I worried about the size of the tanks but that concern evaporated in actual use. We had a propane generator. Our refrigerator was a 3-way which I liked...used 12-volt while driving, propane when parked without hookups and out exploring, and 120 while attached to shore power.

We traded for a small C because a large Labrador Retriever became part of our lives, along with her food, toys, meds, bowls, towels, shed fur, and sleeping accommodations. We needed a little more "living room" space where she can sprawl and sleep on her bed, without our having to climb over her. I must admit I'm also happy to have a bigger bathroom with shower stall and a larger refrigerator (still 3-way.)

If you are an organized, "place for everything" type person, and get along easily with your travel companion, it's a plus in a B, but that's probably the case in any RV.

you might want to go on Facebook and join "Roadtreking" and " Class B Camper vans". Lots of good info.

We bought our Class B new in 2005 and for similar reasons as yours although this was our first RV. We wanted to see the country up close (we had been in a lot of it before) and seldom spend more than one or two nights in one spot in our travels.

We have now had it for 11 years and have 130,000+ miles on it. We never considered anything larger than a class B and have never had any regrets about our choice. We love the access it gives us to any road or parking (except parking decks), good mileage and good handling.

Ours does have a 3rd bed ability up front so we have occasionally traveled with grandchildren. We have done several trips of six weeks, but that has been about the longest.

OP here. Yes, we are thinking of abandoning our Class C for a B. I am retiring in less than 5 months. Up to now, we have gone somewhere and camped for a week or two. After I retire, we are considering travelling for months at a time, more driving, less parking. We also no longer have kids along. That is why we are considering downsizing.

We don't mind "closeness." The Roadtrek Zion we are considering still has 2 separate areas, so we can get SOME space. The king bed/dinette in the back, and the driving seats/dinette in the front.

thriftydutch wrote:
I don't see anywhere in the question that the gentleman and his wife are asking for a comparison between a Class B and a Class C so why don't you Class C'ers stop running over here because you have nothing better to do.We B'ers can handle his question very well without your negative help.
We have a 1990 Class B 170 for 2 people and have plenty of storage but we leave our large double kitchen sink and our bath tub at home and carry no unnecessary item that we don't need and we are not the skinniest people but we like each other. We travel and camp for periods of extended time. We use campground washrooms even if they are not a 7 on the cleanliness scale because we don't rub ourselves up against the shower walls. I can park it anywhere a car can park and not have a fear of driving it through New York city or Chicago.
In my Class B opinion don't listen to the naysayers.

hey guy go read OP he is use to a C, thats why we are over here as u say, so back the bus up ok

I don't see anywhere in the question that the gentleman and his wife are asking for a comparison between a Class B and a Class C so why don't you Class C'ers stop running over here because you have nothing better to do.We B'ers can handle his question very well without your negative help.
We have a 1990 Class B 170 for 2 people and have plenty of storage but we leave our large double kitchen sink and our bath tub at home and carry no unnecessary item that we don't need and we are not the skinniest people but we like each other. We travel and camp for periods of extended time. We use campground washrooms even if they are not a 7 on the cleanliness scale because we don't rub ourselves up against the shower walls. I can park it anywhere a car can park and not have a fear of driving it through New York city or Chicago.
In my Class B opinion don't listen to the naysayers.

PSW wrote:
I seem to recall that the Zion was built for those that didn't want all the bells and whistles common on 190s? In any event it is now on the new RAM chassis...

Not true. It has all the same bells and whistles as all the Roadtreks. It has two lengths... plus a new more stripped down, cheaper version. What it gives you over the Chevy based RTs is space. With the straight up sides it is much roomier. It is front wheel drive and handles very well. It gets better mileage than the Ford or Chevy... and it is gas, unlike the diesel Sprinter.

I have had two B's and one C. Personally, if I was doing a lot of traveling and living in the rig for long stretches in the same place, I would go with a C. There is a large selection of lengths and floor plans. If I was the type to cover lots of area... and not spend much time in the rig, a B is great.

I'd try to hit a big RV show and check out different sizes to see what will fit best with your lifestyle.