Which is right for you?
Seeking the thrill of a road trip? Finding the right vehicle to suit all of your travel needs can be quite overwhelming in a market with so many options. Ability for exploration, comfort, space, economy and easy mobility are all criteria to be considered when making a selection. With a long list of recreational vehicles; Class B, Class C, Class A motor home, camper van, truck camper, popup camper, travel trailer, teardrop trailer, hybrid trailer, fifth wheel trailer, etc… doing the right research can ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Class B motor homes can be an all inclusive package depending on your road trip needs. Combining the comforts of a larger motor home into a compact and easy-to-drive van, Class B motor homes, or travel vans, are an appealing choice for a family or outdoor enthusiast travel vehicle. With a raised roof to create mobility for its passengers, a lowered floor and typically a three-section floor plan, the Class B offers the best of both van and recreational vehicle. Luxurious interiors and entertainment customizations are readily available for many vehicles.
Class B motor homes generally weigh 6,000 to 8,000 pounds and are about 17 to 19 feet in length and commonly provide cooking facilities, a refrigerator, heating, toilet, showers and water tank. Depending on the model, they can usually sleep up to 4 people (Class B+ which is wider and longer than the typical Class B can sleep up to 6). Savings on fuel costs and vehicle storage compared to traditional motor homes is another bonus for the Class B van.
Class C motor homes are built on truck chassis with an attached cab section and are quite large in size. They can weigh from 10,000 to 12,000 pounds and stretch from 20 to 31 feet in length. The driver compartment is similar to a van with a large box in the back that can be used as a living area. Class C units usually provide cooking facilities, restrooms, showers, refrigerator, heating and air. They can sleep up to ten people depending on the floor plan.
Class A motor homes are the largest of the recreational vehicle family and weigh anywhere from 15,000 to 30,000 pounds and stretch from 30 to 40 feet in length. Constructed on a 3 to 10 ton chassis, Class A motor homes can provide very large living spaces and are commonly used as homes. Class A motor homes commonly provide cooking facilities, refrigerators, heating and air conditioning, toilet, showers and a full array of appliances. Most models can sleep up to eight people.
A truck camper is a unit that temporarily sits on the bed or chassis of a pick- up truck. Truck campers often appeal to hunters, fishermen and backwoods travelers as these units can usually only house a single person. Limited appliances and facilities are compatible, however customizations can be made.
A popup trailer is a lightweight housing unit with pull- out bunks and tent walls that collapse for storage and towing.
Travel trailers are units designed to be towed by a larger vehicle with a frame hitch or bumper. They can contain limited facilities and appliances based on the owners’ needs and customizations.
Teardrop trailers are lightweight, compact trailers that give the appearance of a large teardrop. They are mainly used for storage; however they can also sleep a single person or couple.
Fifth-wheel trailers are designed to be towed by a medium duty truck equipped with a fifth wheel coupling hitch. They are similar to larger travel trailers, but they include an extension on the front of the box that covers the back of the towing vehicle, which is typically a larger pickup. They can contain cooking facilities, refrigerators, heating and air conditioning, restrooms and showers. They can sleep up to six people.
| Truck/Chassis needed | # of people it Sleeps | Amenities/Space | Storage | Difficulty Parking | Fuel Costs | Vehicle Costs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class B | Not needed, constructed on a van, also a conversion van | 2-6*(classB+sleeps up to 6) | Very spacious, many amenities | Can be stored easily in a driveway | Easy to handle and park | Much lower than Class C/A | $40-$100,000 |
| Class C | Truck chassis | Up to 10 | Very spacious, many amenities | Alternative storage may be needed | Some difficulty parking/handling | Considerable costs | $50-$150,00 |
| Class A | Custom truck chassis | Up to 8 | Very spacious, many amenities | Alternative storage usually needed | Some difficulty parking/handling | Considerable costs | $100-$500,00 |
| Truck Camper | Truck needed | 2-6 | Can be spacious and have amenities | Can be stored easily in driveway | Easy to handle and park | Moderate costs | $5000 to $30,000 truck required |
| Pop-up Trailer | Truck needed | Up to 2 | Limited space | Can be stored easily in driveway | must take pop-up unit down while in travel | Not significant costs | $4000 to $25,000 truck required |
| Travel Trailer | Truck needed | Up to 8 | Spacious | Alternative storage may be needed | Some difficulty parking/handling | Moderate costs | $ 15,000 to $150,000 truck required |
| Tear Drop Trailer | Motorcycle/ truck needed | 1-2 | Limited space | Can be stored easily in driveway | Easy to handle and park | Not significant costs | $1000- $5000 Truck/Motorcycle required |
| Fifth- Wheel Trailer | Truck needed | Up to 6 | spacious | Alternative storage may be needed | Some difficulty parking/handling | Moderate costs | $15,000-$150,000 Truck required |
Hopefully this side-by-side comparison proves helpful to those looking for their new recreational vehicle or trailer. If you enjoy some of the comforts of home while exploring the great outdoors, motor home camper vans such as the Class B offer an economical and dependable way to reach your destination with ease and comfort.
We invite you to browse our inventory of Class B camper vans, and continue browsing our blog and information center for more about this versatile travel option. And please feel free contact us with any questions.
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