Class B vs. Class C, of same length?
Preface: I am not talking about class B vans, but the larger class B. I have included an image of the type I am looking at. Not this exact model, though. Just a reference. Hi guys, I am plann...
Forum Discussion
I've looked at both with great detail. A Winnebago ERA and a Winnebago Trend are good examples of a "B" and a "C" of the same length.
MPG-wise, the "B" will be better, mainly because it has better aerodynamics, and about a foot narrower than a "C". It also will weigh less because vans use unibody construction (no frame) while "C"s use a ladder frame construction, which is heavier, especially with the additional framing for the box area.
Width can be an issue. There are roads I drive on to and from for dry camping which are two lane, or really 1.75 lane. Two cars can pass by each other, so can two pickup trucks or vans. A wide-body "C" is going to mean one vehicle has to pull off into the dirt (no shoulder), risk smacking mirrors, or worse.
A "C" also has no stealth. A "B", you can get away with parking on a side street and taking a nap.
However, that being stated, once the vehicle is parked, a "C" is far more livable, especially with a slide-out. This is especially noted when you have two or more people. For a day of inclement weather, a "C" is a lot nicer for space.
"C"s also offer more space for customization. For example, if I wanted to replace the converter on some "B"s, I am limited to using a Magnum Energy "dogbone" inverter/converter due to the lack of space. With a "C", there is more room available, and I can go with an converter/inverter... or just with a decent, five-stage converter only.
"C"s also tend to have bigger tanks, generators, etc. Nexus RV offers a 24 foot "C" with the option for two A/Cs, 50 amp circuit, and a 5500 watt Onan. Sounds like overkill, but in 110 degree Texas heat or 120 degree Arizona heat, it would do the job at a CG with no shade available. Tank size on a "C" can be pretty good, which is important for boondocking trips.
Both are good RVs. I'd recommend looking around at individual ones to get a feel for them, especially with two or more people. Some people can find a "B" very cramped, while others are happy with it.
MPG-wise, the "B" will be better, mainly because it has better aerodynamics, and about a foot narrower than a "C". It also will weigh less because vans use unibody construction (no frame) while "C"s use a ladder frame construction, which is heavier, especially with the additional framing for the box area.
Width can be an issue. There are roads I drive on to and from for dry camping which are two lane, or really 1.75 lane. Two cars can pass by each other, so can two pickup trucks or vans. A wide-body "C" is going to mean one vehicle has to pull off into the dirt (no shoulder), risk smacking mirrors, or worse.
A "C" also has no stealth. A "B", you can get away with parking on a side street and taking a nap.
However, that being stated, once the vehicle is parked, a "C" is far more livable, especially with a slide-out. This is especially noted when you have two or more people. For a day of inclement weather, a "C" is a lot nicer for space.
"C"s also offer more space for customization. For example, if I wanted to replace the converter on some "B"s, I am limited to using a Magnum Energy "dogbone" inverter/converter due to the lack of space. With a "C", there is more room available, and I can go with an converter/inverter... or just with a decent, five-stage converter only.
"C"s also tend to have bigger tanks, generators, etc. Nexus RV offers a 24 foot "C" with the option for two A/Cs, 50 amp circuit, and a 5500 watt Onan. Sounds like overkill, but in 110 degree Texas heat or 120 degree Arizona heat, it would do the job at a CG with no shade available. Tank size on a "C" can be pretty good, which is important for boondocking trips.
Both are good RVs. I'd recommend looking around at individual ones to get a feel for them, especially with two or more people. Some people can find a "B" very cramped, while others are happy with it.
