Definition of a Class B vs Camper Van?

[Ballenxj]

I have seen a lot of different ideas on class B motorhomes/vans.
The old Dodge Explorer I think was the first factory purpose built van meant to be used for camping and traveling that comes to mind. Some even have fiberglass wide bodies on a cut away van chassis, while others seem to have regular van bodies, some with high tops and other without.
My question is, where is the cut off between camper van & B? Can you build your own B, and if so, how many here have done this?
I have seen some really nice van conversions.
Also, what might be the advantage of one over the other?

[Naio]

Yeah, that's the difference in my mind.

There is also the impression the a B tends to be built commercially, and a camper van is more likely to be homebrew.

There are a LOT of homebuilt van-based RV's, with and without showers and black tanks. Not many on this site, but check out Expedition Portal, Cheap RV Living, and Sportsmobile's forum (they have a home brew section).

[Ballenxj]

I think wildtoad has brought up a good point. "Facilities."
Toilet and at least a sink?

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

wildtoad wrote:
My opinion is that Camper Vans don't include showers or toilets. My 2000 VW EuroVan Camper had a sink and water supply but no facilities. A B class will have a toilet and some form of a shower.

I like this definition! I've been describing our soon-to-be project van as a "rolling tent where you can brush your teeth"....LOL!

[wildtoad]

My opinion is that Camper Vans don't include showers or toilets. My 2000 VW EuroVan Camper had a sink and water supply but no facilities. A B class will have a toilet and some form of a shower.

[Lwiddis]

There has been "flux" in RV labels/definitions for years and it will continue. Marketing kids...

[Lwiddis]

There has been "flux" in RV labels/definitions for years and it will continue.

[mumkin]

I consider the terms interchangeable. I think Camper Van was the original term... and RVIA created the idea of Classes for commercial production. I'm just speculating...