Class B vs. Class C RV: Which Is Best for You?

Class B camper vans and Class C RVs are vastly different. 

On the one hand, you have something incredibly compact compared to other RVs, easy to maneuver, and often custom-built or constructed just how you like it. 

On the other, you have greater living space, comfort, and storage.

Both have big pros along with distinct cons and knowing which works best for you comes down to what you want and need.

To help you figure out which type of RV is best for you and meets those needs and wants, we’ve broken down Class B vs. Class C RVs, including a high-level overview and more detailed pros and cons.

Class B vs. Class C RV: What Is the Difference?

Class B motorhomes are small camper vans, the smallest motorhomes available. They typically use one of these van chassis as a base:

• Ford Transit
• Ram Promaster
• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
• Nissan NV200

They’re popular for their compact size, which gives them the easiest drive of any RV class.

You can purchase Class B RVs pre-built, but another popular option is to purchase one of the above vans as a base, strip the interior and other elements, then build it up however you want it. 

This makes a Class B camper van a great option if you don’t need a ton of space and the ability to custom build your RV’s interior is something you’re interested in. 

Learn more about the best vans to convert into a camper here.

A Class C RV is a mid-sized motorhome built on a truck chassis, typically around 25-30 feet.

They offer a great balance of size and maneuverability with interior space, being comfortable on the inside for a couple or small family as well as small enough to fit virtually anywhere in terms of clearance. 

If you’re looking for something that has the right balance of features, RV size, interior space, and storage, you can’t really go wrong with a Class C. 

Class B vs. Class C RV: Quick Comparison

Next, here’s a quick comparison of both Class B and C RVs in terms of specs and other details.

Class B camper vans are:

• Price: $50,000+
• Length: 18-24 feet
• Smallest RVs, best fit for solo travelers or couples
• Fewest amenities, typically having just one bed, a wet bath
• Least amount of maintenance, making them the easiest RVs to manage
• And being the smallest RV, they have the highest fuel efficiency at around 15-25 MPG

Class C motorhomes are:

• Price: $65,000+
• Length: 25-33 feet
• Moderate amount of interior space, quite a bit larger than a Class B camper on average. Fit for groups of families of 4-8
• Wide range of amenities that widely depends on the brand and how much you’re willing to spend
• Moderate fuel efficiency, typically ranging from 10-15 MPG

Class B RV: Pros and Cons

Next, let’s dive into the major pros and cons of Class B camper vans:

(When you’re done, be sure to check out our latest buyer’s guide: 5 Best Class B RVs of 2024.)

Pro: Carefree drive

Camper vans are by far the easiest RVs to get around in. Effectively just a large van, they fit anywhere a large SUV would from gas stations to parking lots.

Most RVs are a bit of a hassle, with everything from parking to pulling into camp being additional work. But with a camper, you’re small, agile, and carefree. 

Pro: Customizability

While you can technically customize any RV, Class B’s are easier to modify. They’re so commonly done that you can find companies who will do it for you professionally. 

Whether you do it yourself or hire someone, the ability to custom-build your camper makes them incredibly flexible despite their small interior space. 

Pro: Can be driven without a special license in some states

A minor benefit but worth mentioning, in many states you need a special license to drive certain RVs. 

In some of those states, Class B RVs are the only type of RV that don’t require a special license due to them being classified as vans. 

Con: Very small interior

The main con of Class B campers is their smaller size and lack of storage space compared to other RV types. By far, camper vans are the smallest RV there is.

With that said, Class B’s tend to make the most of their available space compared to other RV classes with creative floor plans and other creative (see: Winnebago Class B’s). 

Con: Not many amenities

An extension of the last point, with the minimal interior space of a camper van, even the nicest pre-built models don’t have nearly as many amenities as larger RVs like an equivalent Class C.

They can surprise, however, with build quality, creative interior designs that offer more space than you’d expect, and an overall comfortable interior experience for solo travelers and couples.

Class C RV: Pros and Cons

Next, let’s dive into the major pros and cons of Class C RVs:

(When you’re done, be sure to check out our latest buyer’s guide: 5 Best Class C RVs of 2024)

Pro: Ample space

Class C RVs provide ample space for most families, typically fitting anywhere from 4-8 passengers.

If you’re an average-sized family (or smaller), you’ll likely find a Class C gives you all the space you need as well as storage.

Perfect? Maybe not depending on the size of your family, but definitely comfortable enough. 

Pro: Good price for what you get

Compared to all possible RV classes, considering their size Class C RVs typically offer a great deal.

When you consider that much smaller Class B campers tend to be around the same price, the roughly 2-3x interior space is a big pro. 

Pro: Lots of options

Class C RVs are the most common on the road, which means there are countless RV manufacturers and Class C styles out there for you to choose from.

There are smaller and more compact C’s all the way up to the Super C RV which are larger motorhomes nearly rivaling Class A RVs in size and features. 

No matter what kind of RV experience you’re looking for, there’s a good chance that there’s a Class C out there that can give you what you’re looking for. 

Con: More difficult to drive than Class B’s

A con specifically relevant when compared to Class B campers, Class C RVs are much larger and harder to navigate. 

In general, you won’t have to worry about clearance or getting into any camp (unlike something like a Class A or trailer of some kind). 

However, they are much larger than vans and can be difficult to drive.

Con: Lower fuel efficiency

If you’re really trying to budget, don’t need much space, and plan to travel full-time, a Class B could be worth considering for the cost savings in fuel alone. 

The difference in MPG isn’t massive between the two, somewhere from 10-15 MPG for most Class C’s and 15-25 for camper vans, but that can really add up if you’re on an already tight budget.

Is a Class B or Class C the Right RV for You?

There are many different types of RVs out there, but both Class B and Class C RVs offer some of the greatest flexibility and maneuverability if you’re looking for something easy to pick up and go and great for full-time RVing.

Both have their pros and cons, with Class B camper vans being easier to drive and with better fuel efficiency while Class C’s have much more interior space and features.

So, which type of RV is a better fit for you?

A compact, possibly custom, camper van with high maneuverability and decent MPG? Or a mid-sized Class C with ample interior space, storage, and decent maneuverability?

No matter what you decide, we hope this guide helps you make an informed decision about which type of RV is best for you.