What is a Class B Motorhome?

You might have heard it dropped into conversation with your fellow travellers, but just what is a class B motorhome? Well, if you’re drawn to the nimble handling of a van but are craving the amenities of a motorhome, a class B might be your perfect match. In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of class B motorhomes, telling you about their standout features and why you might consider one. 

At Auto Finance Online, we understand that choosing the right recreational vehicle is a significant financial investment. That’s why you can rely on us to secure your motorhome finance and start your next big adventure. 

Ready to learn all about class B motorhomes? Let’s dive into it… 

So, What is a B Class Motorhome? 

A class B motorhome is the smallest type of motorhome available, and they’re also widely known as camper vans or conversion vans. A class B van is generally built on an automotive van chassis and has all the necessities that you’d need for your travels, including comfort and storage. Despite their slightly smaller size, this allows them to access a wider range of campsites and parking spaces and they are a popular choice among solo travellers, couples, and those who prioritise mobility and flexibility. 

Thanks to being fairly smaller than class A and other motorhomes, a class B motorhome will fit into a regular garage and will actually be a lot easier to drive. The actual size of a class B motorhome will range from between 18 to 24 feet in length, and because of its smaller size, it has greater fuel economy than other classes. 

Typical Characteristics of a Class B Motorhome

Although a bit smaller, class B motorhomes still have plenty of luxury amenities on offer. These campers are usually well-equipped for journeying and even feature the latest technology that will help you save time when setting up. Some other great features of a class B motorhome include: 

• Size – Most class B motorhomes fall between 18-24 feet long and about 7 feet wide. However, this can vary across brands and manufacturers, so keep your eye out for a motorhome that prioritises space. 
• A designated sleeping area – A class B motorhome will comfortably sleep 2 people, with some offering beds for up to 4. Most class B motorhomes won’t have slide-out beds or innovative sleeping features. 
• A small kitchen area – It is very common for a class B motorhome to come equipped with a complete kitchen space that features a sink, counter, fridge, and a stove. This will make cooking delicious meals in your van that bit easier. 
• Fuel efficiency – This type of motorhome is more fuel efficient than any other, giving you better mileage and means that you can travel for more miles per gallon. 
• Storage space – When it comes to storage, a class B motorhome is not at the top of the list. However, it will still have enough room to accommodate the necessities for your trip. 
• Life span – A class B motorhome typically has a lifespan of around 20 years or approximately 20,000 miles, depending on how well it is maintained or how frequently it is used. 

A class B motorhome is one of the best choices for people who are just getting started with camping and want a motorhome that will have essential storage space for their hiking gear, clothing, kitchen ingredients, and whatever else is on their campervan trip checklist. 

Why are Class B Motorhomes So Popular? 

Class B motorhomes are becoming increasingly popular and for all the right reasons! Thanks to their smaller size, driving and manoeuvring are much easier. This also means that they can fit into most regular parking spaces, making them even more convenient. A lot of class B motorhomes come with the latest technology and an array of other features such as a bike rack, a small kitchen, a double bed, gear storage, and plenty more. 

Advantages of Class B Motorhomes

As well as these usual amenities, class B motorhomes come with plenty of advantages. These include: 

• Superior manoeuvrability – Because of their van-based design, you’ll be able to navigate city streets, windy roads, and tight parking spaces with ease and confidence as they drive similar to a regular vehicle. 
• Enhanced fuel efficiency – Compared to larger RVs, class B motorhomes generally offer significantly better fuel economy, which could help to save you money on travel costs and allow you to enjoy some of the most beautiful campsites across Scotland and England. 
• Lower maintenance costs – Because class B motorhomes offer a minimalist approach to travel, they are easier to maintain and won’t require complicated work or upkeep. 
• Simplified setup – Setting up your motorhome and camping environment will be much quicker and easier, saving you time and meaning that you can enjoy your travels without a complicated setup.

Disadvantages of Class B Motorhomes 

However, due to their more compact size, they may come with some features that don’t quite catch your eye. Some disadvantages of class B motorhomes include: 

• Limited living space – The smaller interior of a class B motorhome could start to feel cramped, especially if you are travelling in a bigger group or taking an extended trip. 
• Restricted amenities – Compared to larger motorhomes, class B motorhomes typically have smaller kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping areas. Tank capacities for fresh water are also smaller, requiring more frequent refills and dumping. They also lack internal storage space meaning that you have to be light with what you pack. 
• Limited sleeping capacity – Because of their smaller size and limited living space, they’re also going to be hard to accommodate sleepers. They’re therefore best suited for solo travellers or couples. 
• Weather limitations – Due to their smaller size and less insulation, extreme hot or cold weather can be more challenging to maintain than in a larger and better insulated RV. 

Find Your Dream Motorhome With The Help of Auto Finance 

Hopefully, this blog has answered your question: ‘What is a class B motorhome?’ As we’ve discovered, class B motorhomes are the smallest class of motorhomes. These compact RVs are a lot cheaper than a class A and class C motorhome but still offer you enough room and space for all of your travelling needs. If you’re after versatility and easy driving, then a class B motorhome might be just the perfect companion for you. 

Looking for more information? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch. A member of our team will be more than happy to get back to you. We understand just how important budget and finance are when it comes to buying your dream motorhome – use our budget calculator to find out how much you’ll need to pay back each month for as long as you desire. 

Class B Motorhome FAQs

How Much Does it Cost to Insure a Class B Motorhome? 

Typically, a class B motorhome will cost anywhere between £250 and £500 to insure per year, with the average price at around £350. However, this can all change and will depend on your motorhome’s value, driving record, which insurance provider you use, the age of the driver, and coverage level. 

What is a B Class Motorhome? 

Class B motorhomes tend to be a lot smaller than class A and class C options, and will occupy the same footprint as a large transit van. They’re perfect for couples and singles, with bigger families finding it a bit more of a squash. Class B motorhomes, however, are the easiest to drive of the motorhome ranges and are the most economical when it comes to fuel. 

What is The Shortest Class B Motorhome? 

Currently, one of the smallest class B motorhomes on the market is the Wingamm Oasi 540.1. This measures at 17’10” long and is built on a Ram ProMaster chassis, being one of the most small and luxurious B-class motorhomes that you can get.  

Most class B motorhomes are between 18-24 feet long and about 7 feet wide,  but this can obviously vary from one manufacturer to another. 

Do You Need a Specific License to Drive a Class B Motorhome? 

In the UK, you can drive a motorhome with a standard (category B) driving license if it has a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of 3,500kg or less. If the MAM is more than 3,500kg, then you may need a Category C1 or Category C license. Find out how to get a C1 driving license here. 

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