How to Pick an Rv: A Dream Car for the Dreamer
Class B Motorhomes have many names. You’ll hear them referred to as conversion vans, camper vans, B vans, and Class B RVs. Despite the name confusion, these small motorhomes are beloved by RV users everywhere, and here are our 7 reasons why we chose the Class B RV.
In the Recreational Vehicle (RV) world, there are travel trailers, fifth wheel, and motorhomes. Motorhomes can be further broken down into Class A, B, and C subcategories. The most apparent differences between the three classes are the lengths and weights. Check out the following table for the different lengths and weights for the different Classes:
RV Class Length (in feet). Weight
Class A. 21-45′. 13,000- 30,000 lbs.
Class B. 17-19′. 4,000- 9,000 lbs.
Class B.+. 20-30′. 7,000- 12,000 lbs.
Class C. 20-31′. 10,000- 13,000 lbs.
The following RV manufacturers carry multiple classes for you to check out.
Winnebago (https://www.winnebago.com/), Thor Motor Coach (https://www.thormotorcoach.com/), Airstream (https://www.airstream.com/), Coachmen (https://coachmenrv.com/) Tiffen (https://tiffinmotorhomes.com/) and many others.
If you are looking for a used RV, check out this awesome website, https://www.rvtrader.com/Class-B/rvs-for-sale?type=Class%20B%7C198068.
Now to our 7 reasons why we chose the beloved Class B (Winnebago Revel).
Accessibility
Living in California, where the weather is perfect year-round, it is not surprising to see the large population of people who explore the outdoors. More so now than ever, due to the global pandemic and the need to be active and outdoor for mental health, more people are into outdoor activities and hobbies. One such hobby that had a huge spike is camping and Rving. It allowed family and friends to still be around each other and safely social distance. With more people trying RVing for the first time (sleeping in a tent on the ground can be painful and uncomfortable as you age and become less limber), RV sites can be very limited. With certain RV parks having size limits to certain sites and limited availability, you will be without a spot if you don’t book many months in advance.
Luckily for us, the Class B being no more than 19 feet long, can fit in any regular parking spot a passenger truck and van can fit, which is most. That means you are not restricted to only RV parks. If you have family and friends who do not have an RV and book a regular campsite such as Lake Berryessa in Napa County, you can also book a site there that can easily accommodate a Class B. While there, you can decide if you feel spruce enough to pitch a tent or stay in the living space of your Class B and enjoy its amenities. Also, with many Class B being 4×4 capable (which STAN is), you can enjoy dispersed camping (such as National Parks and Bureau of Land Management Land) in public land, which you may travel off-road or off the beaten path.
Fuel-efficient
Class B is the lightweight of the RV classes that provides the best MPG. Our Class B Winnebago Revel (diesel engine) with bigger tires and wheels gets about 15-16 mpg going about 70-75 mph, compared to Class A (diesel engine), which gets roughly between 7-12 mpg. This allows you to enjoy more by being able to travel more and being light on the pocketbook.
Used as Daily Driver or 2nd vehicle
If it were up to me, STAN would be my daily driver, but being so popular and frequently rented out, its main use is my 2nd vehicle between rentals. With its very thought-out floor plan, the Class B comes with enough seating for a little family and contains many amenities for simply being so practical for going anywhere. Need to make a Costco run with the kids and not have to rush back home? Easy, load up all your very perishable items in the Nova Kool refrigerator and still be able to take a detour to the nearby park to take advantage of the beautiful weather. Little Johnny or Susie having stomach problems and needing a restroom stat? STAN got that covered with its easy-to-use and empty Thetford cassette toilet.
Mobility
The Class B RV being the smallest among the RV classes makes it the most agile, and if also 4×4 equipped, it makes it the most capable RV to explore the great wilderness. With its smaller size, the Class B can be driven by anyone. No specific driving license is required. When traveling on the highway, you do not have to struggle to stay in your lane (STAN takes up as much room as a standard full-size pickup truck). When you need to stop at a local Walmart or supermarket to reload the pantry, the Class B only takes up a single parking spot with room to spare.
Unexpected Events
Living in California, we are always worried about when the next big earthquake will strike. An earthquake can only take a minute to render a family homeless. Substitute the type of natural disaster for any area, and we will never know when it will occur and never be fully prepared for it. Being self-contained with its features and technology, a Class B, or any RV, can be the refuge for anyone in need of shelter. STAN equipped with a sink, bathroom/shower, refrigerator, microwave/induction cooktop, lithium battery, and solar can make you feel like you’re in another home.
Cost-Efficient for Family Events
When you travel to visit family or have kids in competitive traveling sports teams, a Class B RV with its above-listed mobility allows a cost-efficient way to travel. Instead of going through the stress of locating a rental vehicle big enough for the family and equipment, you have your Class B RV already equipped to transport everyone in comfort. Instead of scouring the internet for a deal on room and board, your Class B RV already has that covered with its many sleeping arrangements (depending on your make and model). You will be saving at every corner with your Class B RV when traveling long distances since it covers two costs (transportation and housing) in one.
Looks Cool
The Class B wins in the looks category compared to the other classes. Not too long or too wide, but just right, the Class B ticks off many boxes being just the right size for a small family. When you add on some nice shoes (wheels and tires) and accessories (roof racks, boxes, lights), you can win the best dress and gain in functionality. Our STAN gets many heads turning and compliments as it traverses California’s highway. It even has its own Instagram, Facebook, and website (@STANadventurevans, STANadventurevans.com)!
We love STAN, our Class B Winnebago Revel, but whatever Class RV you choose, just remember to enjoy the journey and safe travels!