Are you in the market for a small motorhome, otherwise known as Class C or Class B+ ? Here is our list of 9 models to check out for 2022.
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 campervans, 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. 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, then behind that are just the rails and wheels without walls. This back portion of the cutaway chassis is where the RV portion is built by the RV manufacturers.
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 B Class 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.
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 doesn’t have 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.
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The Best Class C and Class B Plus RV Models
Now that you know the fundamental differences between the classes, here’s a list of nine Class C and Class B Plus RV models for 2022.
1 – Leisure Travel Vans Unity B Plus RV
This is a model for which we can personally vouch since we had previously owned a Leisure Unity.
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.
And our opinion is that we love this van, built on the Mercedes Benz Sprinter. It’s luxurious, comfortable, and safe.
Under the hood boasts a 3L V6 BlueTEC diesel engine, giving us a smooth yet powerful ride with fuel economy in the 16-18 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
- Attention Assist
- Cruise control with Active Distance Assist Distronic
- Active Brake Assist
- Active Lane Keeping 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 even available in five floorplans, which is typically more than other companies offer.
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 $150,160.
2 – 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. Tiffin gives you a choice of six exterior paint jobs.
As for the interior, there are four different floor plans you can 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.
3 – 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, auto start-stop, 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
- side wind stabilization
- 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 Wonder. The Unity on the Sprinter chassis typically delivered a little over 14 mpg.
Like the Tiffin Wayfarer, 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 $129,285.
4 – 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. By 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.
5 – 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 easier than its competitors. There’s extra insulation, with all tanks and water lines inside the coach above the floor.
The Ekko starts at $171,845.
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 available lithium smart batteries), and a 2,000 W inverter.
The 24 foot Winnebago View has an MSRP of about $183,438 and The Navion starts at about $180,734.
7 – 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 $260,260, making it perhaps the most expensive Class B Plus RV on the market.
8 – Regency's Ultra Brougham
Another luxury Class B+ can be found in Regency's Ultra Brougham. This 25’1″ comfortable travel van is built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. A Texas company has been building these chassis since 2014, so they're a proven design.
There seems to be a floor plan for everyone based on sit and sleep arrangements. You can choose based on four different bed configurations:
- Murphy bed: seats 4 and comfortably sleeps 2
- Twin bed slide: seats 4 and comfortably sleeps 2
- Twin bed: seats 4 and comfortably sleeps 3
- Island bed: seats 4 and comfortably sleeps 3
Everything you'd expect to see in a residential-type Class B+ travel van is here.
And when looking for a price for these, almost every place said to call for pricing – which means it's going to start closer to $188,000. Even the used market for these are priced high.
9 – Regency's Ultra Continental
This one has all the luxury of its sister, the Ultra Brougham, and its various features. It even has the same four different floor plans (murphy, twin bed slide, twin bed, and island bed).
So what's the difference? The biggest difference is that the Continental is built on the Ford Transit Chassis instead of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis.
Like the Brougham, most dealers say to call for a price but it's likely around $180,000. So it may be the more affordable Ultra model, but you'd have to contact dealers for current pricing to be sure.
RV Buying Guide
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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!
July 11, 2023at5:42 pm, Mollie Driscoll said:
What are best mpg Rvs ? Is it transit vans
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.
May 30, 2022at6:53 pm, Peg Sanchez said:
Where did you find your rv?
November 28, 2021at10:04 am, Frank Anthony said:
Nice vehicle selection, but wow are the prices high. Insurance cost likely a premium as well.
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.
November 28, 2021at8:10 pm, Mike Wendland said:
It’s all-wheel drive but, yes, that definitely is a factor. Good point!
November 28, 2021at8:30 am, Deb Mowry said:
Phoebus Cruiser, great workmanship. Good size… lots of storage. Pricing is more economical.