What is a Class B Motor Home?

A Class B motor home is essentially a van conversion.   They are sometimes called a "camper van".  While many units will have a "bubble top" or "pop top" for additional headroom, typical Class B motor homes are built within the confines of the regular van body. The driving characteristics, mileage, and performance are very close to those of an ordinary passenger van. Class B motor homes may be self-contained, meaning they have full bathroom facilities and holding tanks, but some smaller units or less expensive only offer a Port-a-potty if that, and have no shower. The fresh water and holding tank capacities of those that are self contained are necessarily limited. Because of size and weight limitations, Class B motorhomes can but don't usually have an on board generator.

                                                             

A couple camping without children or even a small family may fit comfortably in a Class B motor home, but plan to bring extra water and make frequent stops to dump holding tanks (if so equipped) as there is not much room for large fresh water or holding tanks on these vehicles.   My first commercially built motorhome was a Class B with a pop top and it served our little family of 4 well until we out grew it when child number 3 came along. 120 Volt generators, typical on many larger motor homes, are optional and uncommon in Class B units. Some owners opt for a portable generator to power roof A/C and other 120-volt appliances when boondocking, but where to carry it in route and where to put it when you're not in camp can be a problem.  A convenient although somewhat expensive alternative is an engine driven 120 volt generator like those used on ambulances. 

Class B units offer maximum maneuverability and can sometimes be used as a second car. Water, propane, and holding tanks are usually small, so you may need to bring along additional supplies for extending boondocking. They are fun to drive and can pretty much go just about anywhere a car can go. If they don't have a high, extended roof, they can usually fit in a standard garage as well as any ordinary full size van.

If you need a 4-wheel drive motorhome, you'll find more choices among Class B units than other categories because they can be built on a 4WD van chassis.

"B" happy in your Class B!