The Definitive Guide to Camper Vans

If you are just beginning your RV research, the different “classes” can be the most confusing part. You have likely seen Class A, B, and C, but the Class B is often the most misunderstood.

Let’s clear up the single biggest point of confusion first. A Class B RV is a motorhome, not a trailer. It has an engine and a driver’s seat. You drive it. It is never, under any circumstances, towed behind another vehicle. Its small size is its greatest advantage, allowing it to be driven and parked much like a regular passenger van.

This guide will define the Class B, detail its key features, list its pros and cons, and—most importantly—clarify the confusing “Class B+” and “Small Class C” categories that often overlap.

What Is a Class B RV (Camper Van)?

A Class B RV, commonly known as a camper van, is a motorhome built entirely within the shell of a standard production van. Unlike other motorhomes, its body is not built separately and placed on a chassis. Instead, a manufacturer like Airstream or Winnebago takes a pre-existing van chassis—such as a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, or Ram ProMaster—and builds a complete, self-contained home inside that original van body.

This “van-body” construction is what defines the category. It includes a galley (kitchen), sleeping quarters, and often a bathroom, all engineered to fit within a space that is only slightly larger than a standard full-size cargo or passenger van. This makes it the smallest, most maneuverable, and most fuel-efficient class of drivable motorhome.

Key Features That Define a Class B RV

While models vary, a true Class B RV is defined by a specific set of features dictated by its compact size. These three elements are the category’s hallmarks:

• The Van Chassis: The entire RV is built *inside* the original, factory-made steel body of a van. This is the primary technical definition. The manufacturer cuts holes for windows, vents, and air conditioners but does not alter the van’s core profile.
• Multi-Functional Living Spaces: There is no room for single-use areas. A dinette (table and seats) converts into a bed. The driver’s and passenger’s seats swivel to become part of the living room. Beds often fold up (Murphy beds) or lower from the ceiling to reveal a sofa.
• The “Wet Bath”: To fit plumbing into a tiny footprint, most Class B’s use a “wet bath.” This is an all-in-one waterproof room that combines the shower, toilet, and sink into a single space. When you shower, the entire room (including the toilet) is designed to get wet.

The 3 Main Van Chassis Used for Class B RVs

The “feel” and features of a Class B are heavily influenced by the van chassis it’s built on. There are three main players in the North American market:

1. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: This is the premium option, known for its diesel engine, advanced safety and tech features (like MBUX infotainment), and optional 4×4, making it popular for off-grid “overlanding” builds.
2. Ford Transit: A highly popular and versatile chassis, the Transit is available with a powerful EcoBoost V6 gasoline engine and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option. It’s known for its driver-friendly handling and widespread service network.
3. Ram ProMaster: This chassis is a favorite for RV manufacturers because it is the widest van in its class, making interior layouts feel more open. It is front-wheel-drive, which gives it a lower floor (for more headroom) and solid traction in poor weather.

Popular Class B RV Models by Chassis

The best way to understand the category is to see which models define it. The models listed here are true Class B motorhomes, not trailers (like the Palomino Passport, which is a towable travel trailer).

Pros and Cons of a Class B RV

The “camper van” lifestyle is a trade-off. What makes it perfect for some makes it a non-starter for others.

Pros: The Advantages of a Camper Van

• Easy to Drive and Park: This is its #1 benefit. It fits in most standard parking spaces and can navigate city streets, drive-thrus, and national park roads where larger RVs are prohibited.
• Fuel Efficiency: A Class B will often get 15-22+ MPG, far superior to the 8-12 MPG of a Class C or the 6-10 MPG of a Class A.
• Acts as a Second Vehicle: Many owners use their Class B as a daily driver or a second “go-anywhere” vehicle for weekend errands, not just for camping.
• Higher Resale Value: Class B’s hold their value exceptionally well due to high demand and durable construction.

Cons: The Downsides of a Camper Van

• Extremely Limited Space: This is the biggest drawback. Storage is minimal, living space is cramped, and there is almost no counter space.
• High Cost Per Square Foot: The Class B is the most expensive motorhome *per square foot*. The complex engineering required to fit all systems into a van body makes them very costly.
• Small Tanks: The fresh, gray, and black water tanks are tiny. This means you must dump and refill your tanks every 1-3 days, making “boondocking” (off-grid camping) a challenge.
• Not for Families: With few exceptions (pop-tops), these are 2-person vehicles. They are not designed to travel or sleep a family.

The #1 Point of Confusion: What Is a “Class B+” RV?

A “Class B+” is a **marketing term, not an official RVIA classification.** There is no such thing as a “Class B+” category. This term was invented by manufacturers to describe a vehicle that is, by technical definition, a small Class C motorhome.

Here is the critical difference:

• A True Class B is built *inside* the original van’s steel body.
• A “Class B+” (Small Class C) is built on a van *cutaway chassis*. This means the manufacturer receives the van’s front cab and frame from Ford, Mercedes, or Ram, and then *builds a separate, wider living-area box* on the back.

If the RV’s body is wider than the driver’s cab and is often made of fiberglass, it is a Class C. The “B+” marketing name is simply used to imply that it’s “like a B, but with more room.”

Class B vs. “Class B+” vs. Small Class C: A Quick Comparison

To help you spot the differences when you’re shopping, use this quick-glance table. This is the clarity most dealers won’t provide.

Who Is a Class B RV Best For?

A Class B RV is the ideal choice for a specific type of traveler. You are a perfect candidate for a camper van if:

• You are a solo traveler or a couple.
• You value mobility and ease of driving above all else.
• You plan to be on the move frequently, exploring cities, and driving on scenic parkways.
• You are a minimalist who is comfortable with limited storage and space.
• You want an RV that can also serve as a second vehicle.

Who Should Avoid a Class B RV?

A Class B is the wrong choice for many buyers, and it’s an expensive mistake to make. You should look at other classes if:

• You are a family with children or pets. You will be happier in a Class C or a travel trailer.
• You are budget-conscious. A Class B is the most expensive RV per square foot. A small travel trailer offers 3x the space for half the price.
• You plan to stay in one place for weeks at a time (a “seasonal” camper).
• You are claustrophobic or need significant personal space and storage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Class B RVs

Do I need a special license to drive a Class B RV?

No. In the United States and Canada, a Class B RV can be driven with a standard driver’s license. Its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is well below the threshold that would require a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

What is a ‘wet bath’ in a Class B RV?

A ‘wet bath’ is a common space-saving design in camper vans where the toilet, sink, and shower are all located in a single, waterproof enclosure. This means the entire room is designed to get wet during a shower.

Can you live full-time in a Class B RV?

Yes, many people do, but it requires a minimalist lifestyle. The primary challenges are the limited storage space, small water tanks (requiring frequent refilling and dumping), and compact living quarters. It is best suited for solo individuals or a couple committed to minimalism.

Is a Class B RV the same as a conversion van?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there’s a slight distinction. A ‘Class B RV’ is a professionally manufactured motorhome certified to RVIA (RV Industry Association) standards, meaning it has systems for sleeping, cooking, and plumbing. A ‘conversion van’ is a broader term that can also include simple passenger vans modified for comfort or custom DIY builds that may not be fully certified as an RV.