We’ve all seen the picturesque Instagram photos extolling the virtues of van life. They feature bare legs and feet through wide-open van doors overlooking a gorgeous seaside sunset. Who wouldn’t want that? But are there any cheap Class B RV camper van options that make the dream attainable?
If you’ve looked at the iconic Sprinter vans, you might have lost all hope. But fear not; there are affordable van life options. We know of several options under $100,000.
First, let’s break down why a Class B RV (or a campervan) costs so much in the first place. Then we’ll dive into how it can be affordable and identify some of the best cheap Class B RVs on the market!
Let’s dive in!
What Is a Class B RV?
A Class B RV is a self-contained RV on a van chassis. It typically ranges between 16 to 25 feet in length and has ample space for comfortable living quarters with limited storage. It’s an excellent option for folks looking for an affordable and hassle-free way to travel. This motorhome features all the amenities you need, including a bed, kitchen, bathroom, and possibly some outside seating.
The Class B RV is perfect for those who like the convenience of home, the flexibility to explore the outdoors, and not being overly concerned with finding a place to park.
How Much Does a Class B RV Cost?
If you’ve spent any time perusing cheap camper vans, you won’t have too much sticker shock when we tell you the cost of a Class B RV. They frequently range in MSRP from $100,000 to upwards of $200,000. Dealer pricing can get you below $100,000 if you know how and where to look.
Many factors come into play when determining the price of a Class B RV. It comes down to what you want and what you’re willing to sacrifice when you land on a final price.
Pro Tip: We crunched the numbers to figure out Why Sprinter Camper Vans Are Still So Obnoxiously Expensive.
Why Do Class B Campervan RVs Cost So Much?
Class B RVs can cost more than larger RVs and motorhomes primarily due to their compact size. Despite being smaller, they often come with all the amenities of a more extensive vehicle, including a bed, kitchen, bathroom, and other appliances. It takes more time and effort to fit these features into a small, smartly designed package.
They are also on a van frame (typically Mercedes, Ford, or Ram) that determines a good chunk of the cost, plus the included creature comforts. It can take more creativity and expensive components for everything to fit within the available space than in a larger rig.
Additionally, camper vans often come with the latest technology and amenities like solar panels for power generation and backup batteries for AC power when camping off-grid.
How Can You Save Money On a Class B Camper Van?
The obvious way to save money on a Class B camper van is to buy it used. Aside from rare and collectible models, this will be the case with most purchases. But what about buying new ones?
MSRP Vs. Dealer Pricing
If your search starts with the manufacturer’s website, you might think you don’t have the budget. However, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) often differs from what you’ll find at an RV dealership.
What the dealer pays for an RV is typically much less than the manufacturer’s suggestion. The difference between what the dealer pays and what they ask customers to pay is the markup. In the RV industry, we estimate that a dealer’s markup could be from 20% to 40% depending on the model RV and features.
This markup gives dealers room to negotiate. The closer the dealer’s price is to the MSRP, the more wiggle room you may have to bargain.
Some dealers offer discounts. Generally, they do this when a model year is phasing out or near the end of the month when bonuses and incentives might cause the dealer to be more aggressive on pricing.
Add-Ons Vs. Standard Models
The features that you require can also make a difference in the cost. Unfortunately, the more bells and whistles, the more expensive the camper van will be. If you are content with a Class B RV close to the standard model, you’ll pay less.
Additionally, it is crucial to know what you want, what you can live without, and your bottom line. Armed with this information, you can narrow your options and be firmer with the dealer.
Shop Nationwide for the Best Deals
Once you know what you want, do an exhaustive search. Dealers in different regions are subject to unique economic climates that can affect how much they bargain. It could save you thousands of dollars to buy an RV out of state, but consider taxes and fees when comparing dealers from different regions.
We’ve personally bought all of our RVs out of state because the deals were so much better in other regions. We bought our fifth wheel in Tennessee, our truck camper in California, and our Class A motorhome in Arizona. The savings was worth the cost of travel numerous times over.
6 Cheapest Class B RV Camper Vans
We’ve located at least six of the cheapest Class B RVs around. However, just because you should find these camper vans for under $100,000 doesn’t mean they skimp on amenities. Even with standard options, these vans provide the perfect combination of comfort and navigational flexibility. They’ll take you almost everywhere you want to go with all the necessities of home.
Pleasure Way Tofino
Price: Approximately $86,995 to $108,260
About: The Pleasure Way Tofino is a 17-foot, 9-inch long camper van on a RAM ProMaster 1500 chassis. It has a 3.6L V6 gasoline engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. One layout sleeps four, including a 16-gallon fresh water tank and an 8-gallon gray water tank, but no toilet.
Notable features: The Tofino comes standard with a sofa that converts into a queen bed. A pop-top adds a 49 by 72-inch overhead bunk, and there’s a kitchenette with an induction stove, sink, and refrigerator. It also has two 100-amp lithium batteries, a 2,000-watt inverter, and a touchscreen control display with a real-time amperage meter. The RV also comes with a furnace and plenty of rear cargo storage.
Winnebago Solis 59P
Price: Approximately $91,989 to $139,967
About: The Winnebago Solis 59P is 19 feet, 9 inches long, on a RAM ProMaster chassis. It has a 3.6L V6 gasoline engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. This cheap Class B RV has one floorplan that sleeps four. It includes a 20-gallon fresh water tank and a 20-gallon gray water tank.
Notable features: The Solis 59P comes standard with a Murphy+ bed and a pop-top sleeping area. It has a galley kitchen with a two-burner range, sink, spice rack, and refrigerator. It also has a wet bath with a flexible shower head and a cassette toilet. Additionally, the Solis 59P electrical system includes two AGM lead-acid batteries, a 2,800-watt generator, and a 220-watt flexible surface solar panel. It also comes with a heating and cooling system.
Winnebago Solis Pocket
Price: Approximately $78,997 to $143,568
About: The Winnebago Solis Pocket is probably the most economical van option right now with options available below $80,000. It is 17 feet, 10 inches long on a RAM ProMaster chassis. It features a 3.6L V6 gasoline engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. This cheap camper van has one floorplan that sleeps three. It includes a 20-gallon fresh water tank and a 20-gallon gray water tank. In other words, it is more or less a compact sibling to the Solis 59P.
Notable features: The Solis Pocket comes with a Murphy+ bed and a multifunctional, convertible dinette that can serve as a loveseat, sofa, daybed, or sleeping bed. It has a galley kitchen with a two-burner range, sink, and refrigerator. The RV doesn’t have a bath but includes a portable toilet that stores under one of the dinette seats. The Solis Pocket electrical system incorporates two AGM lead-acid batteries and a 170-watt solar panel. A heating and cooling system is standard equipment.
Pro Tip: While they aren’t cheap, Volkswagen Camper Vans Are The Quintessential Van Life Vehicle.
Thor Scope
Price: Approximately $80,545 to $135,256
About: The Thor Scope is 17 feet, 11 inches long, on a RAM ProMaster 1500XT chassis. It has a 3.6L V6 gasoline engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. There are three floorplans: two variations with a rear wet bath and a third with a rear pull-out bed. However, each variation sleeps two. It includes a 19-gallon fresh water tank, an 11-gallon gray water tank, and a 5.5-gallon black tank.
Notable features: The Thore Scope comes standard with a pull-out bed and a wet bath with a cassette toilet. It has a kitchenette with a two-burner gas cooktop, sink, refrigerator, and overhead microwave. Furthermore, the electrical system includes two AGM lead-acid batteries, a 2,800-watt generator, a 190-watt solar panel, and a 1,000-watt inverter. A furnace and air conditioner are also standard equipment.
Thor Rize
Price: Approximately $83,973 to $134,932
About: The Thor Rize is 17 feet, 11 inches long, on a RAM ProMaster 1500XT chassis. It features a 3.6L V6 gasoline engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. Like the Scope, there are three floorplans: two variations with a rear wet bath and a third with a rear pull-out bed. Each variation sleeps two. Additionally, it includes an 18-gallon fresh water tank, a 20-gallon gray water tank, and a 4.75-gallon black water tank.
Notable features: The Thor Rize comes with a pull-out bed and a wet bath with a cassette toilet. It has a kitchenette with a two-burner gas cooktop, sink, refrigerator, and overhead microwave. The electrical system includes two AGM lead-acid batteries, a 2,800-watt generator, a 190-watt solar panel, and a 1,000-watt inverter. A furnace and air conditioner are also standard equipment.
Thor Twist 2AB
Price: Approximately $97,776 to $152,159
About: The Thor Twist 2AB is 21 feet, 1 inch long, on a RAM ProMaster 3500XT window van chassis. It has a 3.6L V6 gasoline engine, 9-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. The 2AB is a unique Twist featuring a rear bedroom, a dinette, and a wet bath. This cheap camper van sleeps two and includes a 19-gallon fresh water tank, an 11-gallon gray water tank, and a 5.5-gallon black water tank. The Twist 2JB and 2LB are slightly different floorplans that you can sometimes find for under $100,000.
Notable features: The Thore Twist 2AB has a pull-out bed, while the 2JB and 2LB have sleeper sofa variations. All three models include a wet bath with a cassette toilet. They also have a kitchenette with a two-burner gas cooktop, sink, refrigerator, and pop-up outlet. The electrical system includes two AGM lead-acid batteries, a 2,800-watt generator, a 190-watt solar panel, and a 1,000-watt inverter. A furnace and air conditioner are also standard equipment.
Can You Custom Build a Camper Van for Less Than $100K?
If you’re not sold on dealer models, or you want to have more of a personal touch in your camper van, it’s still within reason to do this for under $100,000. Depending on how much of the work you are willing to DIY, it could cost relatively less.
Generally, the most expensive part of the process is the initial purchase of a van. A Sprinter chassis will be at the upper end of the spectrum. The Ford Transit and RAM Promaster are much less expensive. Either way, you should buy a van for less than $70,000, depending on the brand, length, and upgrades you require.
From there, it’s not unreasonable to have a professional build-out your camper van for $30,000 or less. Again, this keeps things realistic with a standard layout and no significant customization. Don’t expect marble countertops, but you should expect something like a well-insulated build, a bed, a bathroom, a kitchenette, an electrical system with solar power, a freshwater holding tank, and other standard amenities.
Pro Tip: Get some inspiration for decorating your new camper van from these 5 Best Minivan Camper Conversions That Will Blow Your Mind.
Are Cheap Camper Vans Worth It?
As long as you do your research, a cheap camper van is worth it. If you’re looking for the perfect mix of flexibility without sacrificing your must-have creature comforts, there is no better way to travel.
A cheap Class B RV can get you to almost all the places you want to go. It can make it to many more off-grid locations than Class A or Class C motorhomes and is much easier to drive through towns and cities.
Take your time, look everywhere, and you can find a cheap camper van that will meet all your needs at a reasonable price.
Which of the models on our list suits your needs? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
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Penny Leisch
Saturday 13th of May 2023
I wish you would discuss how to calculate OCC and what the OCC is for these smaller vans. I've seen a lot of RVs that had unreasonably low capacity. How can they use a 1500 chassis and have anything left? The worst part is I've been to the manufacturer's site and can't find it either for the new ones. That used to be standard. We are 30-year RV people and have had two trailers, a class b gas Roadtrek, and a class c. I'm afraid of what new RVers will load in these small versions.