Now that you know your As, Bs, and Cs, let’s learn about the Class B+ RV camper van. We’ll study the differences between these types of motorhomes and shine a spotlight on a few of the best in this class. Let’s dive in.
What Is a Class B+ RV?
You might assume from the name that a Class B+ motorhome is simply a larger version of a Class B RV. And that would be pretty close! However, it’s a little more complicated than that. They really fall somewhere between a class B and class C RV.
Class B+ RVs have a van-style cab with a living space behind it. However, they don’t have a large “cab-over” space that overhangs in front of a Class C. Instead, the Class B+ RV has a small, more aerodynamic cap over the cab that you can usually use for storage or your entertainment center.
Most Class B+ motorhomes are built on van chassis, but like a Class C, the body is constructed separately and not part of the original vehicle manufacturer.
The Benefits of a Class B Plus RV
A Class B Plus RV can usually fit into a standard-size parking space like the Class B. This makes them great for urban areas and camping in smaller sites or remote places. In fact, some experienced RVers will go with this class when they want to downsize.
Class B+ rigs are not “conversions” from a van and are built as RVs originally. With this intent, they are almost always wider and offer more space.
Because they have a little more space than a Class B, you have more room to stretch out, and they can accommodate more amenities. Some Class B+ RVs can fit a full bathroom, with a separate shower area, instead of a wet bath.
Additionally, they typically have a full kitchen with a two-burner stove and a convection microwave. You can drive and maneuver them easily, and they get better gas mileage than larger Class Cs.
What’s the Difference Between a Class B and Class B+ RV?
To get a little more technical, Class B motorhomes are vans with their original interiors outfitted as living spaces, commonly called camper vans or conversion vans. A Class B+ sits on a cutaway van chassis. These look more like delivery trucks and moving vans.
You’ll often see them made from a Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, or Ram ProMaster. While Class Bs range between 16 to 21 ft long, the Class B Plus RV maxes out at around 25 ft. In addition, some Class B+ models have slide-outs to give you a little more living space.
Pro Tip: Learn more about the differences between the different RV classes with our guide on What Do RV Classes Mean?
How Much Does a Class B+ RV Cost?
With the extra room and amenities, the Class B+ is probably the most expensive RV style per square foot.
You can find a used one for less than six digits, and maybe a new one if you do some savvy shopping. Most fall within the $100,000 to $250,000 range, but premium models can cost even more.
6 Best Class B+ RV Motorhomes for Convenient & Comfy Travel
These five B+ models have the right combination of comfort and craftsmanship to earn our highest marks. We’ve listed the suggested retail prices for base models. However, prices can rise significantly depending on what options you choose.
1. Airstream Atlas
About the Atlas: Airstream calls the Airstream Atlas their most luxurious touring coach. Built on a Sprinter chassis, the 24-footer has automobile styling, sleeps two, and seats up to four people.
It has a retractable Murphy suite bed plus a convertible cockpit bed. Additionally, it has a power slide-out on the driver’s side and a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
Favorite Features: Some of our favorite features include a powered armless awning, a hideaway 40-inch Samsung smart TV, and an Onan diesel generator.
The kitchen has a deep sink, refrigerator, freezer, and convection microwave. The bathroom has a shower with teak inlays, Kohler stainless steel fixtures, and a closet and storage drawers.
MSRP: The MSRP of the Airstream Atlas is approximately $273,273.
Pro Tip: Want to test run an Airstream before you buy? Find out Where Can You Get the Best Deals on an Airstream Rental?
2. Coachmen Cross Trail 20XG
About the Cross Trail: Coachmen Cross Trail 20XG plays up its ability to stay off the grid. To accomplish that, the 24-ft “eco-friendly” coach has a 400 amp-hour AGM battery or an optional 800-amp lithium battery.
Its 3,000 W inverter has enough juice to run the roof A/C without a generator. The Ford Transit has a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost turbo engine, and you can get an all-wheel-drive version.
Favorite Features: A raised double bed leaves storage space below that’s large enough for a few toys. Overhead storage cabinets run the length of the kitchen and dining area.
Plus, it has a 14-ft powered armless awning and a smart TV in the cab-over space. Capacities include 30 gallons of fresh water and 68 lbs of propane.
MSRP: The MSRP of the Coachmen Cross Trail 20XG is approximately $110,648.
3. Thor Gemini AWD 23TW
About the Gemini AWD: Built on the Ford Transit chassis, Thor’s Gemini 23TW comes standard with all-wheel-drive and has a 100-watt solar panel.
It has a full bath with a tankless water heater, counter space, and a medicine cabinet. It also has a convertible dinette area, a full kitchen, and a powered patio awning with LED lighting.
Favorite Features: Some of the best features include a flip-up queen bed in the rear with cushioned seating underneath and USB ports built into the nightstand. This model has two 32-inch smart TVs, one in the bedroom and another in the dinette area. And it has a built-in skylight in the front.
MSRP: The MSRP of the Thor Gemini 23TW starts at around $131,850.
4. Phoenix USA RV Cruiser 2100
About the Cruiser: The Cruiser 2100 has high-end features like genuine leather furniture and solid-wood cabinet doors built on a heavy-duty Ford E-450 chassis. This model measures 21’ 7” long with an interior height of 6’4” with a single slide.
The exterior has standard full-body paint, and you can add solar power and lithium batteries. The spacious living room has a full-size bed and a single bed that converts from the dinette.
Favorite Features: The electric tri-fold sofa becomes a bed at the push of a button. The refrigerator, freezer, and pantry have wooden door fronts that match the cabinets. An exterior trunk for storage extends across the width of the RV, and an outdoor shower offers quick rinses.
MSRP: The MSRP of the Phoenix Cruiser is approximately $115,500.
5. Leisure Travel Vans Wonder
About the Wonder: Based in Winnipeg, Canada, Leisure Travel Vans come in seven colors and four floorplans. The Rear Lounge model has a sectional sofa and two lounge chairs with built-in footrests.
Three windows provide great views and lots of natural light. The Ford Transit chassis has the turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.
Favorite Features: Sleek, curved cabinetry gives it a classy modern feel throughout. You can control the lights and other settings from the master bedroom. Plus, it has pass-through exterior storage and a cargo slide big enough for two bikes.
MSRP: The MSRP of the LTV Wonder is approximately $129,285.
6. Winnebago EkKKO
About the Ekko: The Winnebago EKKO is a small Class C motorhome built on the Ford Transit van chassis. It has a full kitchen, a dry/wet bath with a pivoting lavatory wall, and a sleep capacity of 4. The flexible twin bed setup in the back can convert to a 60 x 80 RV queen bed. It measures 23 feet long and 7’2.5″ wide.
Favorite Features: We love that this Class B Plus is 4-season ready, has tons of garage storage in the back, and has the optional add-on pop top. This small camper gives you the maneuverability and convenience of a campervan without sacrificing space and amenities on the inside.
MSRP: The MSRP of the Winnebago EKKO starts at $188,017.
What Is the Best Class B+ RV For Full-Time Living?
The best Class B Plus motorhome for full time living is going to be one that suits your travel style, your lifestyle, and have certain features that are important for full-time RV life. The best RVs for full-time RV living are going to have more quality and durability, while also having convenient amenities.
For choosing the best Class B+ RV, we recommend considering size, construction, drivetrain reliability, tank sizes, and more premium appliances like RV tankless water heaters. You’re already looking at our top choices for Class B+ campers, so we recommend digging in, touring them, and ultimately finding the model that feels most like home.
Is a Class B Plus RV Worth It?
These plus-sized beauties have a lot going for them. They’re nimble, have innovative, efficient designs, and generally don’t require much maintenance. They may feel a little cramped if you spend too much time in them.
Full-timers who don’t have a minimalist mindset may want to put their money into something bigger. On the other hand, if it feels just right for you, you may find a price to match. A Class B+ RV can make the perfect road tripping RV.
Do you own a Class B+ RV? Drop a comment below!
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Kathryn Hare
Wednesday 14th of December 2022
We both fell for our Gulfstream BTouring model 5245 back in 2018. Plenty of room for 2 maltese, the 2 of us and an occasional sleepover grandchild. We only manage a couple trips a year and ours is just the right size.
Windy
Wednesday 14th of December 2022
I have a Coachman concorde 30 ft class B+. It has 3 slideouts and provides plenty of living space. All the features of my old class a but maneuverability of a van. Missing is the lge storage space of a class a, inside and outside. It is ideal for weekend trips.
Jody
Thursday 20th of January 2022
Hi guys,
I love your news letters, but I’m wondering why for the LTV Wonder, there was no mention of LTV’s MB Unity Models? Is there a biased in writing this article? Really disappointed! A proud LTV 2017 Unity IB owner.
Ed Bugash
Friday 16th of December 2022
@Jody, I totally agree with you re. a "biased" opinion against the LTV brand. I've noticed this also. LTV probably makes the finest in quality & design of any of the class B+ RVs. All anyone has to do is simply do a side-by-side comparison & the LTV will always win out. True, they are very expensive, but they have the highest resale value & the quality is outstanding. I have a 2006 LTV class "B" Free Sprit LSS which I installed all LED lights, new vinyl flooring & other upgrades. Where ever I go, someone wants to buy it from me because of its reputation. I'm sorry that LTV stopped making the class "B" line but their Unity & Wonder models are the best.