DW and I are shopping for a Class B, as in Van Camper. A little background, we always take two scooters. We boondock and like to make unplanned stops to look at things. RV 1: 5th wheel which was cumbersome to pull, setup, park, could not take the scooters, and so. RV 2: toy hauler which was cumbersome to pull, setup, park, and so on. Each of those required a 3/4 ton HD truck. Which we no longer have. RV 3: 32' motor home which we liked the freedom of movement while on the road but it had a very large foot print, which was cumbersome to park, setup, maintain, pay the fuel, and really made unplanned stops a night mare.RV 4: I built a toy hauler from a 14' cargo trailer, it has proved to meet most of our camping needs, however the bathroom is a little small, and we miss the freedom of movement while on the road.We do not want a class C, too large.We have been rving for many years and I know a very lot about the above class of rv's. I know almost nothing about class B's. Thus the reason for the question.What is a quality class B.Thanks Johnnie

I hate be the bearer of bad news, but you just asked the the question that will get you a hundred answers that really won't give you what you wanted. Everyone has the best B. you need to decide what floor plan works best for you. There are a lot of variations and every one of them has different compromises.Start with the truck itself and drive some different vans, even if they aren't rv's. They all drive different. You didn't say if you were looking for new or used, gas or diesel. Some new chassis are coming out with turbo gas engines and factory high roof, long wheel base. Sounds like you do some of your own maintenance many don't and are concerned about finding someone to service the van. You will get some very strong opinions on which brand is best, which chassis is best, and frankly, it gets very confusing to some and annoying to others. I was one of the first to buy a Sprinter and was told it's 154 hp turbo diesel was not going to work in a heavy van. Wrong. My van was converted by Gulf Stream, Roadtrek, Pleasure way, or some other van was best, frankly I got the floor plan that I wanted and it was only offered by GS,. So, my advice is start looking and deciding what will suit you best and take the rest of the advice on the rest with a grain of salt.

I like my Winnebago Travato very much. It's not a premium class RV by any means, but it's functional, and very attractively priced. With the flip up bed, you should be able to carry two scooters just fine, but they'd have to come out for sleeping. I got a hitch mount swing away cargo box to put all my "junk" in like grill, folding chairs, hoses, etc., so that I can keep my cargo area free for a bike and kayak.

We just bought a new class B last year after a considerable amount of research. We found the overall quality of all units to be high. Sure interior trim quality, etc varied, but overall all units seemed to be well built.That being said, IMHO the most important factor is the floor plan. That is important in all RV's, but even more so in a class B. Whether it is a gasser or diesel will not be important if you don't like the interior.Another point about B's is that we have found that overall height, usually ~ 10' and length, usually ~ 20-24' are not particularly important but width is. Get a B or B+ as they are often called and the width can be as wide as a class C. Ours is normal van width which is appreciated in cities, tight parking areas, and construction zones. Some folks go on about anything over 20' as hard to park. Ours is 24' and never has been a problem.The two things about B interiors that seem to get the most attention are the bedroom and bathroom. Some like separate showers and toilets and are willing to sacrifice floor space for it, and some like the compact design of a "wet" bath. Some like fold out combo beds/couches, some like separate beds that can remain made up and do not require climbing over each other to get in/out. IMHO the bedroom is the more important of the two. You spend 1/3 of your trip in bed, so we felt that should be exactly what we wanted. We spend little time in the bathroom, so gave that less consideration.Dollar for dollar, the Winnebago ERA is the lowest priced diesel unit out there now. That is changing with the Dodge Promaster and Ford Transit chassis coming on line, so lower priced units will soon become more available.Diesel or gasser is your choice, we have had both and they each worked well.Do your research, do a thorough walk thru, have fun, and good luck!

Almost any class B will handle two scooters, so pick your RV first and then get the scooter racks.Rear rack clickyMore for backFront carrier

Have to agree with George that floor plan matters a lot because of the tight quarters. I was sold on the idea of a B, but walked away for a couple of years after seeing inside a cave-like layout chopped up by lots of low-hanging cabinets.Did a complete turnaround (after shopping every class RV) when I saw a much more open layout with plenty of windows for light. Sitting up in bed, I like that I can see straight through to the windshield in front (and also have windows to the back and both sides - nice when you are in especially scenic areas.)There are some nice features that newer Bs have like built-in screen doors. A plus to me is a refrigerator that is raised off the floor, so I don't have to bend over to reach in.One factor to consider is how many passengers you might want to transport. We have strictly two seats with belts, which is fine for our purposes. Some units have additional seating with seat belts.

Want to buy a Class B, What Model? | Good Sam Community

k1hog
Explorer
Aug 14, 2014
So much to think about, thanks All for the info.

Johnnie
gerrym51
Explorer II
Aug 10, 2014
I readyour design flaws. you say it's a great rv but your flaws would be to much for me and the wife to accept.

to each his own
bspurling
Explorer
Aug 10, 2014
The Winnebago Travato is great! We've done over six months full-timing in ours. Check out all the details here: travato2014.wordpress.com
tatest
Explorer II
Aug 09, 2014
One of the things you have to figure out is whether you want a van camper (like the good old Westfalia, or PW's Traverse), a miniature luxury motorhome for one or two people, or a multi-person travel vehicle with some kitchen facilities and sleeping space.

I am making this distinction because you did say "van camper" and while you can still buy those and have them built, most of what is being sold today is for the other two target markets. Some manufacturers make all three.

And you have to figure out what you mean by "quality" because sometimes that means expensive luxurious fittings and other times it just means stuff is well put together.

I got to the stage of looking at what was on the market, looking at what could be custom built, and moved on to buying a one-ton van to modify for my travel needs, because I am not looking for a very small luxury motorhome, more of a multi-purpose vehicle with purposes including camping, but not living in it as if it were a house. I have a larger motorhome for that purpose, which I'll keep because it is paid for and useful.
Kimbopolo
Explorer
Aug 08, 2014
I love my Roadtrek but think I might have been equally happy in any of the Bs. Because, as you said - no towing, no aggravating set-up, no 8 MPG.

The payoff for lack of storage space is - FREEDOM!!!!
TentsHurt
Explorer
Aug 08, 2014
I have just started researching class B vans but I dont think 2 scooters are safe on a van. You might have to only bring one scooter or a small dual sport and ride two up.

Also what kinda scooter as some are heavy and others are light.

Here are some hitches that I think will work for 1 bike.
http://www.fatzusa.com/tow-hitch.htm

http://magnetatrailers.com/receiverhitchaccessories/motorcycletowcaddys.html

I never searched for a double carrier but it might be out there.

I might be setting myself up for class be failure but the model I end up with is dependent on finding a lower mile deal in the price range of around $12,000.
gypsyhounds
Explorer
Aug 07, 2014
When I went shopping I decided my needs first.
Road clearance under van, bed in rear, kitchen , fridge and awening off passenger door. Oh and price limit. There are a lot of very nice B's and small C's out there. Then looked at floor plans and photos on line. Then looked at actual rvs and did the walk thru test like every one here explains. My bathroom is unimportant to me. So kept it small. It is usable no problems.
I am single but travel with 3 large dogs.
Once on a very rainy day I gave lunch to 6 people plus me plus 3 big dogs...surprisingly to all of us we fit and had a great 2 hours til the rain quit.
B's are tight. But the ease of travel is very nice.
2112
Explorer II
Aug 05, 2014
wincrasher65 wrote:
I'd call it the "can you wipe your butt" test.
That's the test that failed.
wincrasher65
Explorer
Aug 05, 2014
Hyundai and GM have Euro-vans, but have made no announcements whether they will be released for the North American market.

Unless you are going to do your own custom conversion, you are probably going to only have choices between Sprinter, Transit and Promaster. The jury is still out on whether you'll really have choices between Transit and Promaster - most manufacturers will probably only use one or the other, not both.
Don___Carolyn
Explorer
Aug 04, 2014
Topless, you said, " Some new chassis are coming out with turbo gas engines and factory high roof, long wheel base. "

Is there anything coming out besides the Ford Transit and the Dodge Promaster? When will these be out?

Thanks,
Don