Why Does B+ Cost More Than Std. C?

Referring to some units as B+ is sort of a marketing ploy, 'cause as far as I can tell they are really Class C (cab and chassis rather than van based) without the overhead bunk space. Anyway, they are more streamlined and generally have fewer joints, thus requiring larger one or two-piece body molds. Since they are more streamlined, it adds to the molding and fabrication costs of the RV.

Guys, I wasn't talking about a Class B, I was referring to a B+, which is a Class C that is a little narrower and not as tall as a Traditional Class C! To me, a B+ doesn't have the Cabover sleeping area, but has a more aerodynamic area over the cab and typically are 94-96" wide and less than 11' tall. To me the difference is very small, but the price is $15-25K more! What gives?

mostly people will pay it,

As an architect, I tell (told) clients that the price often goes up (per SF) as the size of the home gets smaller. There are often the same number of features in a smaller home that need to be fit into a smaller footprint. . . construction is more difficult, takes more time, and often compact appliances and equipment are more expensive.

It's pretty easy to slam components into a big box than it is to craft it like a piece of furniture.

I think it would be the manufacture that is selling the units is charging more for the units. I know that one manufacture makes really high end RV's such as Coachman is charging more because they take more time to make them right.

Other manufactures, such as Lazy Daze will spend a lot of time engineering a class C, and it will also command a higher price. It is a very well made unit.

Just because they do not have the cabover area, it will not reduce the overall price significantly. And like stated above, if custom smaller sinks and such are used, that will increase the prices a small amount.

One manufacture with primary sales just as rental units, they build everything really low costs, for the rental RV market. Those units are something to stay away from! 'But the cost is low to buy it!'

Most of the price increases are due to the higher end manufacturing. And if they include a Diesel sprinter chassis, that base price is much higher than the 2015 Econoline dually chassis with gas engine.

Good luck on your RV search.

Fred.

Hi,

It's hard to make a statement for all B's and C's (and A's too, for that matter). But I'll try. :)

I think the price differential, in some instances, is because of the limited space in some B's. They may use smaller sinks/stoves/etc. than the full size C's and A's. Since they don't make as many B's, there is an additional cost even though what you're buying is smaller. Plus the construction techniques might have to be different than the traditional C's and A's. Again, less space to work in may require additional time to build, which creates additional labor charges.

We noticed that when doing our research over 12 years ago. We could buy a full size C for less than a small B. Heck, the 36' Class A we eventually bought was in the same price range as the higher end 21' B's.

I think in our current culture, we expect smaller to be cheaper. Just look at consumer electronics (cell phone/computer/TV) evolution. Early units were larger and more expensive. But for something which isn't mass produced on the same scale as consumer electronics, it actually costs more in labor to build things in compact spaces. For instance, electrical and plumbing need to be well thought out and placed in very specific areas. Not as critical when there is lots of space.

Or...it's just marketing!!! LOL :)

~Rick

Why do some B class units cost more than a Class A? Mostly marketing.

Sharp sales people.

Hi--B class has always been more expensive than the rest for what you get. I too question why? Seems like supply and demand is at work right now with the renewed interest in downsizing. The B class seems to be filling a need which seems to be popular presently.