Why are Class B RVs so expensive? (a complete guide)
Why are Class B RVs so expensive? We will discuss the pros and cons of Class B RVs and explain how to find the true value of an RV and how to choose the best one according to your expectations.
Why are Class B RVs so expensive?
Class B RVs are more expensive than Class A or C motorhomes because there aren’t so many models on the market and they are often made from more expensive materials. Class B motorhomes are compact and shorter when compared to Class A. They look like equipped vans, giving the B-Class the nickname motorhome or conversion van.
Class B’s are much bigger and taller than a typical full-size pickup, allowing for living and sleeping space. Classes B are usually the smallest and offer the fewest number of features when it comes to the different classes of motorhomes.
The advantages of class B motorhomes and the explanations why are they so expensive:
- Size and manoeuvrability: Class B motorhomes are the smallest motorhomes. While this may sound negative, it offers several unique benefits. Classes B is mobile and manoeuvrable. This means that even someone who is inexperienced in driving a motorhome can get used to it even after a few miles.
- Easier to park: A smaller size also means that the B-Class can go anywhere standard vehicles can occupy and will often only occupy one parking space. If you came to your campground and remembered that you forgot the ice, it’s not a big deal as you can go back and drive to the local store.
- The costs: Don’t get us wrong; Class B is more expensive than a standard pickup, but they are less expensive compared to other motorhome options. Class Bs are cheaper at the pump as they are lighter and can have much better fuel economy than other types of motorhomes, resulting in fewer costs for the road!
Why choose a Class B RV?
If you like to take short and frequent trips, but get carried away by the idea of making all the travel arrangements, the Class B motorhome is a good option to consider. B class RVs are a modified version of the cargo vans with a top roof and sometimes wider sides.
The appeal of these vehicles is that they come equipped with facilities for the basic necessities of life. By choosing a Class B motorhome, you are avoiding a problem that is often the bone of contention and a burden on your finances – accommodation.
- Why do you want to buy an RV? Class B motorhomes are good for short trips during the weekend or short vacations. Check how many people will be travelling on these trips, use this information to decide the size of your vehicle
- What size RV is right for your needs? Class B motorhomes vary in their dimensions, with the general length from 16 to 21 feet. Look at the specifications and photos of the different models. Smaller vehicles are easier to drive and park, but it can be overwhelming when it comes to living space and storage.
Use space as your main criteria because crowded conditions don’t make for a big party. Although you can spend less time in the caravan than outside, you will have to stay in if the weather is bad. Fine-tune the choice of two or three options. Find and write down details of dealers that sell the models you are interested in
- Pay a visit to the dealerships. Take a look at the models you are interested in. Examine the interior carefully to see the space allocated for sleeping, cooking and eating. Pay attention to toilets always – it should include properly mounted water reservoir tanks. Visualize what it will be like when all the people travelling occupy the vehicle.
- Choose wisely. Striking a balance between size and drivability. Larger vehicles are comfortable, but they also mean difficulties in driving, parking, and higher toll rates. Decide how much you are willing to pay for the Class B motorhome, factor in fuel costs, and take into account the likelihood of repairs over time.
Other questions you may be interested in
Why does Class B Cost More Than Class C?
Living fulltime in a Class B RV
How to find the true value of an RV?
Finding a reasonable price or market value for an RV is important, regardless of whether you are the buyer or the seller. Buyers want to be sure that they are receiving quality products and not being taken advantage of.
Sellers want to make sure that they get the maximum possible value from their property. Determining the fair value of a recreational vehicle or RV can be a bit more difficult for an RV than it is for most vehicles, simply because of the many options, an RV can have. However, following a few simple steps can help.
- Determine what the fuel source is. This can be a very important part of the process since most RVs are classified not only by their size but their fuel source. In general, the two most common options are gasoline and diesel fuel.
- Note options or improvements. RV owners are often proud of their vehicles and make substantial improvements, with new generators or other systems that may not be apparent and can increase the value of the unit.
- Find the National Value Blue Book Auto Dealers Association in print or online. This is one of the most respected secondary vehicle valuation sources and is used by both buyers and sellers. Although no source can be comprehensive and cover all situations, this one comes close.
- Check the sale prices of similar models. PPL RVs and eBay are recommended as places to find fair prices for RVs (see reference 1). Both of these websites list the sale prices of the various RVs that have recently been sold, making it easier for the buyer and seller to do a quick comparison.
- Always check more than one unit when buying an RV. It could be that the buyer or seller has a good deal on an individual transaction, but that cannot lead to public opinion and most buyers or sellers cannot expect such exceptions to be readily available.
- Negotiate the best price, if you are thinking of buying a new or used RV. Even for new vehicles, the dealer profit margin can be as high as 30 per cent on the sale of an RV. Many dealers may be willing to accept substantially less than if this means an easy sale for a qualified buyer.
The bottom line
Class B motorhomes are the smallest type of RVs. They range from 18 to 24 feet in length, sleep up to four at a time, and often start around $ 50,000. Class B’s are easy to park, use less fuel than Class A motorhomes, and make air travel (free parking) and dry camping easier for adventurers looking to travel off the beaten track.
If you have an older family or friends who want to travel with you, a B-Class is not going to do the job when it comes to a comfortable space to travel.
Please feel free to share your opinions on Class B RVs, whether you have found a model that you like or if there is anything else that you want to share with our other readers.
FAQ on Why are Class B RVs so expensive?
What is the best-selling caravan?
The brand that sold the most caravans last year was Sterckeman, with 71 units, followed by Caravelair (41), Adria (34), Hobby (21), Weinsberg (21), Knaus (19), Burstner (12), Across (8), Fendt (6) and Dethleffs (5)
What is the smallest caravan on the market?
The Hitch Hotel Traveler is the smallest caravan in the world, but it can accommodate up to three people. Caravans and motorhomes continue to hold a high market share.
What does a motorhome have?
A caravan, mobile home or motorhome is a type of closed trailer vehicle that includes basic furniture inside as a home or mobile home, usually with the aim of using it as a home during trips, using as an element tractor, for its displacement, a car.
