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11 Best Small Class C & Class B Plus RV Models (2024)

| Updated Feb 3, 2024

Are you in the market for a small motorhome, otherwise known as Class C or Class B+? Here is our list of top models to check out this year…

Sometimes, a large motorhome isn’t the most feasible option. Luckily, these smaller models have the convenient, accessible size of a van with the tricked-out features of a typical RV. 

Vans are easier to maneuver than their motorhome counterpart, making them more convenient for certain kinds of trips. For example, it’s far easier to run errands and park in one of these than in a typical Class A full-size RV.

Class B motorhomes are known as camper vans due to their van body, with the RV features built and formed inside its walls. Despite its deceptively smaller size, you can still sleep inside but may want slightly more room. 

This is where Class C and Class B Plus sizes come in. But what is the difference between these classifications? 

Class B vs. Class C vs. Class B Plus RV

In terms of size, a regular Class B has the body of a van and is thus often called a camper van. (You can see the best camper vans here.) Comparatively, a Class C is built on what’s called a cutaway chassis. 

What’s a cutaway chassis? It consists of the engine and cab, and behind that are just the rails and wheels without walls. The RV manufacturers build the RV portion in this back portion of the cutaway chassis. 

Think of the RV part as a box attached to rails with outriggers to that cutaway chassis. This box is a bit bigger and has more living room than the Class B van. 

More room in the Class C also means more amenities than Class B. The biggest advantage of this bigger size typically means a better bathroom.

A Class B bathroom has to be small, so it usually has a shower that shares a space with the toilet and sink. Class B Plus and Class C vans more typically have a separate shower from the rest of the bathroom.

As for the Class B Plus model, people prefer this size when Class C is just a bit too big. The Class B Plus is pretty much the same as a Class C, with one key difference… no cab overhang (that's typically used for a bunk bed.)

Class B+ Is a Marketing Term

A Class B Plus (or B+) RV is an unofficial industry classification that refers to a Class C size in terms of chassis and body, minus the cab overhang at the front. This cab overhang portion is typically used for sleeping on Class Cs. 

Regardless, their size and amenities are close enough that registration and insurance counts Class B Plus as a Class C.

The Class B Plus term is really just a marketing invention. “People said, ‘Well, I want something that doesn't have that overhang,’” said Dean Corrigal, Territory Sales Manager, Leisure Travel Vans. “And so [the industry] came up with the name Class B Plus RV.”

Because of the overhang, it’s possible to sleep three or four people in Class C. Without the overhang, the B Plus may be ideal, as it can sleep two.

To sum up, if Class B is a bit too small and lacks enough amenities, Class C and B Plus are level-ups. The slight differences in size give buyers the wiggle room they may need when investing in their travel vehicle. 

To learn more, read The Class B Plus RV: Maneuverable and Roomy Motorhomes, Perfectly Sized.

The Best Class B Plus RV Models

Now that you know the fundamental differences between the classes, let's start off with the best Class B+ RVs on the market today.

1. Leisure Travel Vans Unity

class b plus
Leisure Travel Vans Unity B Plus RV

This is a model for which we can personally vouch since we previously owned a Leisure Unity. And our opinion is that we love this van built on the Mercedes Benz Sprinter. It’s luxurious, comfortable, and safe.

Full Disclosure: Jennifer and I paid for this RV as well as our current Wonder RV (described later) ourselves, and neither brand has editorial control over what is said here. Our opinion is our own.

Under the hood boasts a  2.0-L Turbocharged I-4 Diesel, giving a smooth yet powerful ride with fuel economy in the 14-18 miles per gallon range.

The Unity also comes standard with the all-new MBUX multimedia system with a 10.25″ touchscreen. In addition, it has:

  • Heated electric driver and passenger seats
  • Traffic Sign Assist
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Cruise control with Active Braking Assist

The Unity is available in eight, European-inspired full-body paint options. Each Unity is painted using LTV's five-coat process, and the company says this will help your vehicle “look great for years to come.”

The Unity is available in a whopping six floorplans, including the new Corner Bed floorplan.

We really enjoyed the Unity. To see why we sold that unit for our current Wonder model, check this story. In our book, the Unity is the top-of-the-line, best all-around Class B Plus (small Class C RV) on the market today considering value, amenities, and reliability.

The Unity starts at $191,570.

2. Leisure Travel Vans Wonder

Photo of our Leisure Travel Vans Wonder on the road class b plus
Leisure Travel Vans Wonder B Plus RV

The Wonder is our current RV, powered by the Ford Transit — a powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6 gas engine. 

Features such as advanced driver-assist technology and electric power-assisted steering make driving the Wonder a pleasure. 

The new Ford Transit chassis also includes many notable safety features including: 

  • forward collision warning
  • pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking
  • post-collision braking
  • lane-keeping system
  • and more

All of these features add up to a smoother, quieter ride than the Mercedes Sprinter.

The gas-powered Wonder is often preferable since gas is typically better priced than diesel and easier to find. The Mercedes Sprinters have diesel sensors and engines which can be costly to fix. You also need Diesel Exhaust Fluid every 4,000-6,000 miles.

With the Transit, you can opt for higher octane gas. I go with 89 octane on hard-driving trips. Although gas is cheaper, the miles per gallon favors the Sprinter slightly. I get about 12.5 mpg in our AWD Wonder. The Unity on the Sprinter chassis typically delivered a little over 14 mpg.

The Wonder has a choice of four floor plans. We have the one with the rear twin beds that don’t need to be set up or pulled down when it’s time to turn in. They can easily be pushed together to make a queen size.

The highlight for us is the Wonder Rear Twin Bed model's pass-through rear garage that can hold two bicycles. More storage is available underneath the beds.

The Wonder starts at $182,810.

3. Coach House Platinum III

class b plus
Coach House Platinum III B Plus RV

Like the Wonder, the Platinum III also uses the Ford Transit chassis. This engine has 306 horsepower and has all the above-mentioned safety standards.

What distinguishes this Coach House version is its one-piece hand-laid fiberglass body. While other Class B or B Plus RVs are assembled with multiple pieces merged together, the Platinum III is all one piece.

The advantage to having a one-piece shell is that it’s more durable, quieter, and safer. Being one-piece also means there is less to fix in the long run.

The downside to the one-piece is that there is less flexibility in terms of floor plan. Two center twin beds are in place, and you only have the choice of a sofa or dinette up front.

Amenities are customizable though. You can add a satellite dish, convert to a king bed, and many other options to upgrade.

MSRP is $228,355.

4. Coach House Platinum IV

11 Best Small Class C & Class B Plus RV Models (2024) 1
Coach House Platinum IV B Plus

Coach House earned another spot on this list with the Platinum IV model. It has the same one-piece body construction as the Platinum IV but is built on a Ford E-450 Cab Chassis.

The E-450 is a Super Duty chassis Super Duty chassis with the highest GVWR in its class at 14,500lbs and a GCWR of 22,000, a brand new 7.3 Liter V-8 gas engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.

It has three floor plans to choose from, each with a few sofa configuration options. Plus, plenty of decor and upgrade options to choose from.

MSRP is $264,485.

5. Winnebago EKKO B Plus RV

class b plus
Winnebago EKKO B Plus RV

Also using the Ford Transit chassis, the Ekko boasts enhanced capability of All-Wheel-Drive. It combines the efficiency of a camper van with the capacity of a Class C coach.

The EKKO has a massive heated pass-through gear garage, large enough to store bicycles, inflatable kayaks, and other outdoor gear. It even has a large living, sleeping, and cooking space. 

With all this space, Winnebago calls The Ekko an adventure vehicle with some great off-the-grid and four-season capabilities. The 50-gallon freshwater tank plus proportionately large waste tanks make extended boondocking stays possible.

The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 delivers 310 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, while the 31-gallon fuel tank greatly extends the EKKO's range compared to other Class B Plus RVs. All the standard safety features are included, plus the Winnebago-added Blind Spot Monitoring system. 

It comes with three solar panels that pump out 455-watts, with a second alternator dedicated to charging the batteries while driving. The lithium-ion batteries are standard to provide further energy independence.  

Winnebago says it can camp in cold weather more easily than its competitors. It has extra insulation, and all tanks and water lines are inside the coach above the floor. 

The Ekko starts at $207,707.

6. Winnebago View B Plus RV and Navion B Plus RVs

photo of winnebago view class b plus rv
Winnebago View B Plus RV

These other Winnebago offerings are similar, so I combined this entry into one.

The View and Navion are both built on the diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis and have advanced safety features like active brake assist and lane-keeping assist. They even have a touchscreen infotainment system with an interactive voice interface, navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, and more.

Cross-coach storage holds larger items, while the above-bed storage stows necessities. Roof port wiring access simplifies accessory wiring, and the wide running board with a pet loop keeps your pet close by. 

Like the Ekko, these Winnebago models are quieter and better insulated than most RVs on the market thanks to thermal and acoustic insulation. 

They come with standard 200W solar, Group 31 batteries (or optional Lithium Ion Smart Batteries), and a 2,000 W inverter. 

Both models have an MSRP starting at $217,555.

7. Airstream Atlas B Plus RV

airstream atlas class b plus
Airstream Atlas B Plus RV

The Atlas Touring Coach is a very luxurious 24 foot Class B Plus by Airstream. It’s built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van chassis and inspired by the Airstream Interstate series.

It is larger than Winnebago's Class B Interstate, with a power slide-out, high-end features, and finishes with sleek automotive styling from grill to bumper.

8′ 3″ wide, it seats four and sleeps two with a Murphy Suite Bed and a floor plan similar to the Leisure Travel Vans Unity.

The 15,000 BTU Air Conditioner is ducted, providing even cooling throughout the coach.

But with any Airstream, it’s the design factor that is most appealing. It comes with an optional Tommy Bahama-style interior upgrade. The bathroom is even residential in style, with LED accent lighting. The water heater is tankless so the shower offers continuous hot water.

The starting price for the Atlas is $310,400, making it perhaps the most expensive Class B Plus RV on the market.

8. Chinook RV Maverick

11 Best Small Class C & Class B Plus RV Models (2024) 2
Chinook RV Maverick

The Chinook RV Maverick is known for its compact but feature-rich floorplan and convenient rear entry. It's on a Ford Transit 350HD chassis with AWD, 3.5L Eco Boost twin-turbo gas engine, and a 10 10-speed transmission.

Safety features include blind spot detection, collision warning, lane keeping system & sidewind stabilization.

For power, it comes standard with a Xantrex 3000-Watt Inverter with a 400-Watt Merlin solar panel system. Plus, a Cummins Onan Gas Generator (STD on non-Lithium models only) and AGM house batteries with 800 Amp Hours.

The Maverick has three floorplans, though they are quite similar to each other aside from sofa/dinette and bed options.

Starting price is around $230,000.

The Best Small Class C RVs

Now that we've covered that long list of great Class B+ RVs, we'll take a look at a shorter list of small Class C RVs. The following are our top choices for those needing that extra overhang space above the cab.

9. Tiffin Wayfarer Class C RV

class b plus
Tiffin Wayfarer Class C RV

Tiffin is one of the most trusted brands in the RV business, known for quality and comfort. Tiffin’s Wayfarer is their Class C model, using a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. Its powerful 3.0 6 cylinder Turbo Diesel engine enables a 5,000-pound hitch capacity.

This kind of chassis also has several safety features built-in using modern technology that exist on current luxury cars. This includes attention assist, lane-keeping assist, collision prevention assist, and load adaptive electronic stability. 

One of the best things about Tiffin is its customizability.

For the interior, there are four different floor plans to choose from. Each has a layout that prioritizes certain needs over others, depending on your tastes.

Then, once you pick a floor plan, you have several decor options for the walls, cabinets, and more. Tiffin enables you to tailor this home away from home to really feel like home.

Starting price is $205,900.

10. Coachmen Cross Trail EV

11 Best Small Class C & Class B Plus RV Models (2024) 3
Coachmen Cross Trail EV & XL Class C RV

The eco-friendly Cross Trail is on a Ford Transit chassis with 3.5L Ecoboost engine. It has best-in-class tank capacities, including 41 gallons of fresh water, 68 lb. of propane, and over 2,000 lb. of cargo carrying capacity.

So, it allows you to take your adventure where most motorhomes cannot, and for longer.

Like others on the list, the Cross Trail has additional driving safety features, like a lane-keeping system, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and more.

The Cross Trail EV had three floorplan options that are quite different from each other.

The Cross Trail also comes in an XL model with four floorplans, but the focus of this article is small Class Cs. So, that's why we've selected the EV. Although, two of the XL floor plans are similar in length to the EV, which is 24'1″.

Pricing starts around $185,000.

11. Phoenix Cruiser

11 Best Small Class C & Class B Plus RV Models (2024) 4
Phoenix Cruiser 2552 Class C RV

Like the Coach House Platinum IV, the Phoenix Cruiser is built on the Ford E-450 Cab Chassis with a 7.3 Liter V-8 gas engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.

It has A LOT of floor plan options, including a rear kitchen series, twin bed series, corner bed series, and queen slide out series. You also get several color options and multiple interior finish options.

The long list of popular options includes a Battle Born lithium battery package upgrade. If you've followed us for any amount of time, you'd know we're big fans of Battle Born batteries. You can read why in this article: RV Upgrade That’s Actually Worth It: Battle Born Batteries.

So, if you like to have lots of options to customize your rig, the Phoenix Cruiser is a good place to start. With all of the options and floor plans, prices on the Phoneix Cruiser range quite a bit. But, you can expect them to start around $200,000.

NOTABLE MENTION: Gulfstream BT Cruiser Model 5210 

The BT Cruiser Model is one of the smallest Class C motorhomes on the market. It is only 22.5 feet long and a tour of it on the We're The Russos YouTube Channel attracted OVER 1 MILLION views!

Class C Still Too Big? Check Out the 17 Best Camper Vans

17 Best Camper Vans 2024 (New Class B RVs Available!)

If these small Class C and B+ RVs are more room than you need, you should check out our list of the best camper vans. It includes long-time favorites, new models, and European models now available in the U.S.! Go to the best camper vans…

What's Your Favorite Class C or B+?

Do you have any recommendations for a Class C or B Plus RV? Is there anything else buyers should know about any of the above models? Let us know in the comments!

Our RV Buying Secrets

11 Best Small Class C & Class B Plus RV Models (2024) 5

Next to your home, an RV is most likely the 2nd most expensive thing you'll ever purchase.

We get questions every day of other RVers wondering. “How do you buy a new or used RV?”

So we created a 75+-page downloadable digital guide to help you understand the nuances that come with purchasing an RV, where you can save thousands of dollars in the buying process, what the right questions are to ask dealers, what things to look out for, how to select the right unit, amenities, warranties, and so much more!

This ebook is designed to help make your purchase process as smooth as possible. And to teach you step-by-step exactly what to do so you can start your RV Lifestyle today!


Mike Wendland

Published on 2024-02-02

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

7 Responses to “11 Best Small Class C & Class B Plus RV Models (2024)”

July 11, 2023at5:42 pm, Mollie Driscoll said:

What are best mpg Rvs ? Is it transit vans

Reply

November 28, 2021at10:39 am, John Williams said:

We found an almost new Jayco Melbourne built on the Sprinter Diesel Chasis that would be most similar to the View but with a 25’2″ length and the 24L has a whole side sized slide that really expands the interior space for those who prefer even more room. Good owner support group too.

Reply

May 30, 2022at6:53 pm, Peg Sanchez said:

Where did you find your rv?

Reply

November 28, 2021at10:04 am, Frank Anthony said:

Nice vehicle selection, but wow are the prices high. Insurance cost likely a premium as well.

Reply

November 28, 2021at9:06 am, Anker Bell said:

Mike, I think you do a disservice to your Wonder when you quote your gas mileage and don’t mention it’s a 4 wheel drive. Our 2 wheel drive 2020 Transit (2021 LTV Wonder) got 14.5 mpg over its18,000 miles.

Reply

November 28, 2021at8:10 pm, Mike Wendland said:

It’s all-wheel drive but, yes, that definitely is a factor. Good point!

Reply

November 28, 2021at8:30 am, Deb Mowry said:

Phoebus Cruiser, great workmanship. Good size… lots of storage. Pricing is more economical.

Reply

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