To "B" or not to "B"

[RayUSMC]

Having read through the archives of the B RVs it seems that a false dichotomy has emerged with the introduction of Sprinter chassis' to C brands. An example: the Phoenix Cruiser 2400 is now available with a Sprinter chassis found on many B class RVs.

Why not get rid of the B and C classifications and just go to Large, Mid-size, and Small/compact Motorhome designation as the car industry uses? Or are the B and C designators just a marketing tactic?

[charles]

Amen brother D.

[Davydd]

Nick, I understand that in context to this thread and the definition of the B. I am one of the more vocal about the definition and the segregation of content in this forum and I know the long running RV.net B Rally is pretty strict about it too.

Yet, I have no problem with the BEE Socials (I've even hosted one), and two other forums (Class B Forum and Sprinter-Source Forum) that freely intermix the discussion of all types per the forum managers' desires, and the BEE Social Group on Facebook that is primarily Class B at its roots but not exclusionary.

However, I don't plan to go into the Class A forum here since I ordered a B 24 foot long Class B van or two foot longer than my father's original Winnebago Brave and attempt to tell them I have a Class A and then proceed to gloat on my decision and perceived advantages as so many Class C owners try to do here on about any inquiry about a B and then argue they have a B. Way too many I think and it gets kind of tedious. A Class B is a VAN "here" and everyone should get over it.

[charles]

Davydd, I understand the Bee Socials are for anything from a tent to a rented cabin but I was referring to the original question in the original post asking why not drop the letter designation and a few comments posted about segregation. Class A's are also often segregated by lengths and age to get into Class A only resorts.

Nick

[Davydd]

Nick,

We have actually had quite a few BEE Socials since 2008 with people who were almost the majority of the attendees at the last RV.net B Rally but it is a Wanna B, Have a B, Had a B, Like a B kind of group. So there have been tear drops to Class As in attendance in the past. Next up is July 9th at Melvern, KS. It was quickly organized about a month ago.

[charles]

One thing unique to class B's are their ability to participate in the annual class B rallies. Nomination time is getting close. Maybe someone will have a B+ rally but I doubt it.

Nick

[omjones]

I believe that the term 'B+' began when the gas prices started to really go up. Marketing people knew that B meant better mileage so they tagged them B+ to make people think they were getting more Rv than a B but better economy than a C without the negativity of the truth which is to say a small C.
Most of the Cs and B+s have 6 wheels, whereas most Bs have 4.
All good though, just don't bring your B+ to a B rally.... ;}
luvyall
john 'I am Canadian'

[Escargot]

BudJ wrote:
just what PSW said:
"it simply represents a C without the bed over the cab" with a length somewhere between 22 and 60 feet!
Bud

"C minus" would be more accurate then.

[Arizona_Kid]

There is a big difference between a conversion van, and a Class B. A B has a kitchen, toilet, bed, and is fully self contained. A Conversion Van is not a Class B until it has those things, and is fully self contained.

[applegater]

Actually I own a small C but previously owned a B and come to the B forum to stay current with B isses and as well as going to the C forum for similar reasons although most of the isses I am interested in are closer related to B's than they are to the large C's or the B+ subforum which is primarily Trailites. I don't recall "pissing on B's". But I do recall early in my B life having to endue endless discussions about pork sandwitches. 🙂

[Sebtown]

I don't think the term "Class B" existed when we converted our 76 Ford E-150 van. We still
refer to our Airstream Interstate as a conversion van which gives great definition even our non- rving friends understand. I too come to this forum to learn more about conversion vans and have little interest in the trials and tribulations of cut aways, busses or diesel pushers, but I really don't care what class others call their own.

[Arizona_Kid]

Why not just leave things alone and call them what RIVA , and RV.Net says they are.
Like I said it seems some just want to argue, like Gerry, or should I just say Troll.

[RayUSMC]

IF a class B is on a van chassis then why not call it a conversion van as they did in the old days?

[gerrym51]

it's whatever the manufacturer says it is. that's how it's officially counted

[Arizona_Kid]

BudJ wrote:
Some think that there is no such thing as a B+, but there is. When someone uses the B+ word, we know what they mean, just what PSW said:

"it simply represents a C without the bed over the cab" with a length somewhere between 22 and 60 feet!

Bud

Yea, they mean a Class C that some dealer decided to try and push off on a unsuspecting buyer as a Class B, because Class B's were/are hot sellers. They were trying to make buyers think they were getting the quality of a Class B, at a much cheaper price. It was pure marketing in 2002 and still is today. Just look at all the people who post here thinking they purchased a Class B, then get pissed off when someone here tells them they really bought a Class C, The difference between a Class C and a Class B is very well defined, but some people on here will argue up is down. :S

[Davydd]

It is not the purity of the definition but the abuse of the definition. You hit on one such difference right in your message about fixing leaks. That is generally a whole discussion typical of stick built Class Cs that are generally not true of Class Bs. I am not interested in reading about the repair and maintenance of rubber roofs for instance that could come up because someone with a stick built Class C thinks he has a Class B. OK, that is just one little example but to me they are entirely different other than someone saying some can be just as short or shorter and that is pretty much it.

A Class C (or B+ if you wish) is taller and is wider than most all Class B vans. They generally have full baths with separate shower. They are generally roomier. But then owners come into the Class B forum and tout those advantages at the same time pissing on Class B owners for putting up with their limitations. They are blind to all the sacrifices they compensate for and don't realize they are doing it. I don't think they realize how much touring freedom they gave up. I get together with Class B and Class C owners on a social basis. I've seen the change of habits and concerns those with Class Bs going to Class Cs have gone through. I've seen some come back to Class Bs on account of that. I've seen some move on and be happy about it. People do go through changing stages, desires and routines. That's why there are Class Bs, Class Cs, Class As, 5th wheelers, trailers, tear drops and tents.

They have a B+ Forum. I don't see Class B owners going there and bemoaning how too tall or too wide or too difficult to drive everywhere a Class B+ is in that forum. Hey, but we will be glad to do it here in our house. 🙂