5 Best Class B RV Motorhomes

Choose the top Class B RVs for your perfect camping getaway.

03/20/2023 03:53 AM

If the woods are calling your name, you may be on the hunt for one of the best Class B RVs. The maneuverability and compact size of these camper vans make them excellent options for people who enjoy spending time in nature.

We looked at the industry’s best RV manufacturers and have narrowed our research to identify the best Class B RVs. Read on to learn about top motorhome models and their layouts, average costs, and standard features.

What Is A Class B RV?

A Class B motorhome, also known as a camper van, is an RV built on the chassis of a van. Class B RVs have soared in popularity recently due to the van life trend, along with the relative affordability of owning one.

Whether you’re looking for an outdoor escape or a full-time lifestyle, a camper van makes for a compelling choice. The best Class B RVs are easy to drive, generally fuel-efficient, and much more spacious than most would expect.

How Long Are Class B RVs?

Class B RVs tend to range between 15 and 20 feet in length. While this may seem unbearably small, camper vans are carefully designed to make the most of every square inch. There’s rarely much room to spare even in the best Class B RVs, but people learn how to manage the space.

If you’re searching for additional square footage, consider Class C RVs or the best Class A motorhomes, which are even larger. These options provide extra breathing space.

Other choices to consider include the best small RVs and the best fifth-wheel RVs, which are travel trailers towed by another vehicle. You may save money by choosing these options, though they may not be the best choices if you plan to live in your motorhome.

Class B RV Pricing

The best Class B RVs generally cost between $75,000 and $200,000 when purchased new. The exact amount drivers spend varies based on a motorhome’s quality of workmanship and how upscale its features are.

At first glance, the price per square foot for the best Class B RVs seems unreasonably high. Camper vans come at a premium because it takes a huge amount of work for manufacturers to convert such small vehicles into livable spaces.

It’s worth noting that the best Class C RVs cost a similar amount to camper vans but offer significantly more living space. On the other hand, these larger vehicles are usually trickier to drive and less fuel-efficient.

Best Class B RV Models

It can be difficult to find a camper van with exceptional use of space for a reasonable price. After careful research, we discovered five of the best Class B RVs that combine both benefits in one compelling package.

Thor Motor Coach Sequence: Best Overall

If you’re looking for a cost-effective camper van with standout features, don’t overlook the Thor Motor Coach Sequence. Built on a gas-powered Ram ProMaster 3500 van chassis, this model is the best Class B RV for combining the outdoor concerns of boondockers with the day-to-day needs of full-timers.

The Thor Motor Coach Sequence spans 21 feet, giving the camper van a relatively spacious living space. It’s also among the cheapest Class B RVs available, and this comes without sacrificing either build quality or a strong set of features.

Expect a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and added perks such as solar panels, a wet bath, and a sizable freshwater tank. The floor plan of the Thor Motor Coach Sequence is also quite impressive, with plenty of storage space and a comfortable sleeping area.

The Thor Motor Coach Sequence earns an average of 3.8 stars out of 5.0 from users on RVInsider.

Thor Motor Coach Sequence Warranty

Each Thor Motor Coach Sequence comes with a two-year limited warranty that covers the majority of drivers’ repair needs. While this may not seem like much, it’s standard compared to protection from some of the other best Class B RV manufacturers.

Roadtrek Zion: Best For Dry Camping

While many of the best Class B RVs are built for both camping trips and day-to-day life, the Roadtrek Zion focuses on the former. Few camper vans can compete with the intentionality behind the design of the Roadtrek Zion, which provides ample storage space for everything from bicycles and kayaks to tents.

Built on a Ram ProMaster chassis, the gas-powered Roadtrek Zion can only sleep up to three people but offers ingenious use of space. Instead of being family-friendly, this 21-foot Class B camper van is meant for those who enjoy an adventurous RV lifestyle. Twin beds and a large sleeping space are traded in for abundant storage spots to pack your outdoor gear into.

RVers who are ready to go off-road or enjoy off-grid camping should consider the Roadtrek Zion. This camper van provides all you could need and more while spending time outdoors, from its retractable power awning and accessible hookups to its huge windows and range of safety features.

The Roadtrek Zion has an average rating of 4.5 stars from reviewers on RVInsider.

Roadtrek Zion Warranty

The Roadtrek Zion has a two-year comprehensive warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This is relatively strong coverage compared to the warranties offered by many other Class B RV companies in North America.

Pleasure-Way Plateau: Best For The Van Life

If you’re looking for a camper van that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or room for maneuverability, choose the luxurious Pleasure-Way Plateau. This 23-foot model built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis contains just about all the bells and whistles you could desire.

RVing is a breeze in this model, which has features such as the following:

A sophisticated power system and heating system
Swivel captain’s chairs
A water heater
An 80-amp lithium charger
A 2,000-watt inverter

Additionally, you’ll find premium cabinetry and countertops in the Pleasure-Way Plateau that will certainly make your RV stand out in the campground.

The Pleasure-Way Plateau has a diesel engine, which makes it somewhat more fuel-efficient than most gas-powered motorhomes. The vehicle only sleeps three people, but it’s one of the best Class B RV choices for those looking to start the van life.

On RVInsider, the Pleasure-Way Plateau receives an average of 4.3 stars.

Pleasure-Way Plateau Warranty

Every Pleasure-Way Plateau camper van comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile diesel engine limited warranty, and roadside assistance for 3 years/36,000 miles. This warranty protection is far greater than the industry average and would be quite difficult to top, even among the other best Class B RVs.

Winnebago Solis: Best Price

Drivers receive a spectacular value when they opt for a Winnebago Solis. Among the best Class B RVs, this model offers an impressive array of benefits without going far past $100,000. The 20- to 21-foot Winnebago Solis comfortably sleeps four and is built on a gas-powered Ram ProMaster chassis.

Despite its smaller size, the Winnebago Solis packs plenty of features into its design, most notably its pop-up top. A well-appointed dinette, a smartly designed water system and cassette toilet, and a Murphy bed all join the pop-top as excellent features.

The Winnebago Solis is an altogether family-friendly and affordable choice for the best Class B RV. This camper van offers something for everyone, even if its furnishings aren’t as polished as those in other models.

The Winnebago Solis doesn’t have any customer reviews on RVInsider.

Winnebago Solis Warranty

Don’t expect much from the Winnebago Solis warranty, as it only offers 1-year/15,000-mile protection. This is among the lowest amount of warranty coverage in the industry, which can be worrying since Winnebago isn’t always known for the best build quality.

Coachmen Galleria: Best Build Quality

The Coachmen Galleria comes in four designs that are built with intentionality and close attention to detail. From adding a clean and fuel-efficient turbo-diesel engine to including a WiFiRanger, the designers of the Coachmen Galleria didn’t cut corners.

This 24-foot model is built on the chassis of a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, which offers above-average fuel economy. It’s also powered by Mercedes’ BlueTEC^® engine, which makes the Coachmen Galleria more environmentally friendly than most.

The Coachmen Galleria comes with a 5,000-pound tow hitch, which is far larger than what comes standard with many of the best Class B RVs. This powerful and sustainable camper van offers luxury and quality materials, but it also comes at a higher price point–nearly $200,000.

According to those on RVInsider, the Coachmen Galleria deserves an average of 4.5 stars.

Coachmen Galleria Warranty

The Coachmen Galleria comes with a 1-year/12,000-mile limited warranty, along with 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain protection from Mercedes-Benz. Especially considering the cost of this motorhome compared to other Class B RVs, the warranty is disappointingly short.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Class B RV worth the money?

While the best Class B RVs are pretty expensive, their maneuverability and relatively strong fuel economy make them popular options. Camper vans are easy to live in full-time and offer enough space to enjoy when on a trip.

What is the average cost of a Class B RV?

Class B RVs have an average cost of $75,000–$200,000. The amount you pay depends largely on how many luxuries you’re looking for in the motorhome.

Why are Class B motorhomes so expensive?

Class B motorhomes are so expensive because it’s both difficult and pricey for manufacturers to pack all of a person’s living needs into such a tight space. That’s why Class C motorhomes, which are much larger, tend to cost about the same.