Why Does B+ Cost More Than Std. C?
The chassis, usually the Ford E-450 cost the same and the width & height on a B+ is typically 3-5 inches less, so why the higher purchase price? Bags.
Forum Discussion
I have owned Class Bs, Class Cs and the misnomer Class B+. B+ is a marketing/trade name and not recognized by RVIA. A "B+" is a Class C pure and simple. The folks on the Class B forum get real jumpy when anyone refers to B+....too jumpy IMO. Most folks don't know the insignificant differences and don't care. Bs have a cult like ownership and those that have them love them. We loved our three Bs and fully understand the feeling. They are wonderful touring vehicles more than camping vehicles and they work well for singles and couples, not large families.
Now, it costs a ton to make a B because you do it on a much more intensive manufacturing basis. It is a modification of a van and that modification is much more customized than several Ford 450 or 350 chassis going down a production line. Everything in a B has to be redesigned for the extended, lowered and raised van it started from and most of the van is left intact. Thus the structural integrity is often superior to a C.
"B+" is simply a C that has no bed over the driver's area, really. It has storage and an entertainment center up there and is more shallow, thus allowing the front nose cone to be shaped and not a sloped box. Often, this design is carried through with shaped sides and rear panels, whereas most conventional Cs are straight panels and much easier/less expensive to manufacture.
Finally, some of the "B+" manufacturers offer a pretty high end product. Carriage House, BornFree, Phoenix Cruiser are examples. This style may be also used by the larger manufacturers as well.
Some of these makers are really custom manufacturers. For example, we own a Phoenix Cruiser. They are factory direct only. You can modify, choose, add or subtract, upgrade whatever you want. We bought ours used (one year old) and the guy had gone to the factory, had custom entertainment systems installed, upgraded cherry wood, wooden floors, ultraleather seating and a bunch of other stuff. You want it, they will make it for you.
That is the reason they cost more.
Paul
Now, it costs a ton to make a B because you do it on a much more intensive manufacturing basis. It is a modification of a van and that modification is much more customized than several Ford 450 or 350 chassis going down a production line. Everything in a B has to be redesigned for the extended, lowered and raised van it started from and most of the van is left intact. Thus the structural integrity is often superior to a C.
"B+" is simply a C that has no bed over the driver's area, really. It has storage and an entertainment center up there and is more shallow, thus allowing the front nose cone to be shaped and not a sloped box. Often, this design is carried through with shaped sides and rear panels, whereas most conventional Cs are straight panels and much easier/less expensive to manufacture.
Finally, some of the "B+" manufacturers offer a pretty high end product. Carriage House, BornFree, Phoenix Cruiser are examples. This style may be also used by the larger manufacturers as well.
Some of these makers are really custom manufacturers. For example, we own a Phoenix Cruiser. They are factory direct only. You can modify, choose, add or subtract, upgrade whatever you want. We bought ours used (one year old) and the guy had gone to the factory, had custom entertainment systems installed, upgraded cherry wood, wooden floors, ultraleather seating and a bunch of other stuff. You want it, they will make it for you.
That is the reason they cost more.
Paul
