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?

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...

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

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

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.

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!

Definition of a Class B vs Camper Van? | Good Sam Community

Ballenxj
Explorer II
Jun 27, 2017
Heapie wrote:
Hi Folks,
I once owned a VW Vanagon. I considered it as a camper van. I had a 13 inch high portapotti, a sun shower, and kitchen which was part of the Vanagon. I now have a Roadtrek 190V with all the bells and whistles. The VW was much more fun and cheaper to operate. Might go back.
Heapie

Thanks for your insight on the subject. :)
Heapie
Explorer
Jun 25, 2017
Hi Folks,
I once owned a VW Vanagon. I considered it as a camper van. I had a 13 inch high portapotti, a sun shower, and kitchen which was part of the Vanagon. I now have a Roadtrek 190V with all the bells and whistles. The VW was much more fun and cheaper to operate. Might go back.
Heapie
Ballenxj
Explorer II
Jun 03, 2017
mikegt4 wrote:
Various state laws governing registration can muddy the waters as well. When I did a work van to camper conversion years ago the state had a list of 6 options (bed, sink permanent cooking facilities, toilet etc.), if I had any 4 then it was a class B in their eyes.

Yes, good idea to check with your state. Along with the basic fixtures, toilet, sink,cooking, and bed, it seems Idaho also requires that it have a high top that allows you to stand up in?
curious, can you list those options and state? Thanks.
Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Jun 03, 2017
mikegt4 wrote:
Various state laws governing registration can muddy the waters as well. When I did a work van to camper conversion years ago the state had a list of 6 options (bed, sink permanent cooking facilities, toilet etc.), if I had any 4 then it was a class B in their eyes.

Thanks for that tip!
mikegt4
Explorer
Jun 03, 2017
Various state laws governing registration can muddy the waters as well. When I did a work van to camper conversion years ago the state had a list of 6 options (bed, sink permanent cooking facilities, toilet etc.), if I had any 4 then it was a class B in their eyes.
Naio
Explorer II
May 23, 2017
Yeah I just call mine a camper van or a van rv, depending on context.
Ballenxj
Explorer II
May 23, 2017
rjf7g wrote:
Unless someone is a camper nerd (like me), the various classes are meaningless. When I am talking to a lay person about our class B, I call it a "van camper with everything you need in a house." Folks seem to get that.

Haha, GOOD ONE!
rjf7g
Explorer
May 23, 2017
Unless someone is a camper nerd (like me), the various classes are meaningless. When I am talking to a lay person about our class B, I call it a "van camper with everything you need in a house." Folks seem to get that.
My_Roadtrek
Explorer
May 22, 2017
Here is RVIA (Recreation Vehicle Industry Association) consumer site. Go RVing

"Features
Nimble and easy to drive, Type B Motorhomes are easy to park and maneuver, even in downtown settings.
Home-like conveniences are standard, including bathroom, sleeping, dining and kitchen facilities as well as storage.
Full stand-up room is achieved by raising the roof and sometimes by the use of dropped floors, for extra interior headroom."

This definition is what Insurance Companies use, as well as most HO Assn. to classified an RV.
Naio
Explorer II
May 22, 2017
My Roadtrek wrote:
If a van has a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, it is an RV, and classified a
Class/Type B. If it is missing any of the above it is considered a Camper Van.

I think a lot of rv parks use this definition, maybe due to local laws. I always call ahead to ask if my home brew is ok (usually is), and i tell them, 'it is a minivan with a bed, toilet and fridge'.

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Definition of a Class B vs Camper Van?

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