Class B RV or Class C: Which One is Right for You?

Recreational Vehicle

In the world of recreational vehicles, or RVs as they are commonly known, the shopping and comparison process is quite different from the automobile realm. While considering the right car for your family may include many factors such as fuel economy, two- or four-door body styles or what type of oversized alloy wheel would look best, the important elements for an RV buyer run a bit of a different gamut. These shoppers consider everything from weight-hauling capabilities to everyday living quarters and available amenities. Once a prospective buyer has chosen to drive their motor home instead of tow it, he or she then must choose between a Class A, B or C RV. For those interested in a smaller size motor home, a Class B or C can make all your travel adventures convenient and comfortable.

Motorhome for Sale: Class B RVs

Unbeknownst to many, the differences between Class B and Class C motorhomes are related mainly to size. Like nearly every other commodity purchase, the larger a motorhome, the more it costs to buy and ultimately fuel. Class B RVs tend to run on the smaller size, representing a more economical approach are often labeled as “camper vans” or “van conversions” perhaps for good reason. These RVs are built atop a van chassis, exhibiting the overall appearance of a van but with the difference being they boast a raised roof to allow passengers to stand completely upright. As mentioned, Class B motorhomes are smaller than Class C, but feature a bathroom and kitchen in addition to a shower (albeit one that is sometimes positioned directly over a stainless-steel toilet to save on valued space). In comparison to the more luxury-laden Class C types, Class B motorhomes are devoid of beds or entertainment centers within what’s known as a “cabover,” the area over the driver and passenger’s seats. 

Motorhome for Sale: Class C RVs

Smaller Class C motorhomes build their foundations on cutaway van chassis characteristics while larger Class C variants, oftentimes referred to as Class “C+,” are built on a Chevrolet, Ford, International or Freightliner truck chassis. While Class C motorhomes are larger than Class B types, they’re smaller than Class A homes and can be, in a general sense, distinguished from Class Bs by an overcab sleeping area. Indeed, many larger Class C motorhomes boast a separate bedroom, where in that variant the overcab is often transformed into an entertainment system. 



When considering a motorhome for sale, prospective buyers have a few factors to balance if the choices have come down to deciding between a Class B and Class C type. In 2010, the average starting price of the smaller Class B motorhome was $50,000 with luxury models going up into the $130,000 range, while Class C motorhomes started around $55,000 and topped out in the $450,000 range. When additional amenities are taken into consideration, these bottom lines can rise as much as $10,000.

Just like everything else that’s for sale, both of these types of motorhomes have their pros and cons. Class B variants tend to handle in the vain of a minivan or full-size van, thus making them a bit easier to drive; they also return better gas mileage numbers as compared to Class C motorhomes. Conversely, Class C motorhomes often boast overhead sleeping areas, providing extra room for a living area with kitchen, a bigger bathroom and oftentimes a separate bedroom. Due to this benefit, Class C motorhomes can sleep six or more passengers, making them ideal for larger families. On the flip sides of these coins, Class B homes can seem extremely small and cramped inside, normally sleeping just two or three without much storage space. Class C homes, meanwhile, return low gas mileage numbers and are more awkward to maneuver than Class B variants making them difficult to park in typical driveways or small parking spaces.

Should you Consider a New or Used Winnebago?

​

Mention the word, Winnebago and most people immediately think of a motorhome. The Winnebago brand has been so popular over the years that its name has become synonymous for motorhomes. However, when the company first formed in the mid-1950's, it was a desperate move to revive the economy of an Iowa farm town. 

While the rest of the United States enjoyed a post-war boom, Forest City, Iowa was on the brink of a recession. The local economy was based on farming, which held little attraction for young people. They were leaving the town to look for manufacturing jobs that provided better pay and more security. An astute businessman named John K. Hanson decided to make a bold move. He thought if he could attract a manufacturing plant to the area, it would revive the economy.

In 1958, he successfully negotiated with a travel trailer factory based in California to open a plant in Forest City. In 1960, this plant became known as Winnebago Industries. For the next six years, the company created innovative designs such as insulated sidewalls and custom-made furniture. In 1966, the American consumer saw the first Winnebago for sal​e​.

Winnebago Industries was not the first company to produce motorhomes. Inventors tinkered with the idea from as early as 1909. They would take existing cars, such as Ford’s Model T and try to convert them into living spaces, complete with outhouses. What made the Winnebago model stand out was that it was designed as a complete motorhome from start to finish. This allowed the company to include features that the conversion models lacked.

The first Winnebago for sale included four bunks and a dinette set, which folded down to make two more bunks. There was a complete kitchen and separate bathroom. Inside storage included cabinets and closets. A family of six could travel quite comfortably in this RV. These classic models can still be purchased at used RV sales. In fact, the very first model that Winnebago Industries ever made, was recently sold through an eBay auction.

Although the basic design has remained the same, Winnebago has changed the features to keep up with advancements in technology. They have improved everything from fuel efficiency to comfort features. New models include king-size beds, entertainment spaces, increased storage and even fireplaces. They also include satellite radio systems, DVD players and televisions.

Winnebago Industries has also worked to increase fuel efficiency to help RV-lovers cope with fluctuating fuel prices. They developed “Minnie Winnies”, which are smaller and more streamlined than the traditional models. They have also developed both gas and diesel engines to improve the mileage. The only innovation that did not work was when they tried to incorporate a French engine into the Winnebago. Although it was very fuel efficient, it simply did not have the horsepower that was necessary to carry the weight of the motorhome.

The Winnebago still enjoys popularity at used RV sales dealers. This is not only due to its craftsmanship but also to its iconic position in American pop culture. Winnebago RVs have been featured in such films as “Escape to Witch Mountain”, “The Blues Brothers” and “Lost in America” to name a few. It will always be a beloved part of American transportation history.