Are you shopping for a Class B RV? There are some good and some not-so-good models out there. Before investing in one of these RVs, know what you’re getting yourself into.
Today, we identify what to avoid in a Class B RV and reveal our five least favorite models currently on the market.
Let’s dig in!
What Is a Class B RV?
A Class B RV is the smallest of all types of motorhomes. It’s sometimes referred to as a camper van. It’s compact and ranges from 16 ft to 25 ft in length overall.
The most common models sit on a Mercedes Sprinter van, Ford Transit, or Ram Promaster chassis.
What Are the Benefits of a Class B RV?
A Class B RV has many benefits. The most obvious is the size. Since it’s a short RV, it’s easy to parking, maneuver, and backup. The driveability is better than Class A and Class C motorhomes, especially when going long distances.
You’re likely to get much better gas mileage compared to larger RVs. In addition, a Class B will be able to get you places other RVs won’t.
Another benefit of a Class B RV is versatility. There are a lot of models on the market, including custom-made camper vans. As a result, you have a greater chance of finding a layout that works for you than with most types of RVs. However, if you’re traveling with more than two people, your options are more limited with a small motorhome or camper van.
Pro Tip: Unsure if a Class B RV is right for you? We uncovered Why You Should Choose a Class B RV?
Why Would You Want to Avoid Certain Class B RVs?
While we recommend Class B RVs, there are specific models to avoid. Let’s take a closer look at five components to look out for.
Cheap Materials
RV manufacturers that mass produce their products are more likely to use cheap materials to meet the demand for units needed to get to the dealerships. Be on the lookout for cheaply made interiors. The last thing you want is to drive off the dealer’s lot with cupboards falling apart.
Odd Layouts
Some Class B RVs just have odd layouts. They’re compact, and some designs lack user-friendliness. When shopping for an RV, consider how you go about your day. Will you be sleeping, working, cooking, and more? Will you be taking weekend trips or longer? If you’re traveling for lengthy periods, you’ll likely want a stationary bed versus a Murphy-style bed.
Lack of Storage
A Class B is compact from the start. So any amount of storage space is precious. Unfortunately, some models seem to disregard storage more than others. Think through how much storage space you’ll need for everything from clothes and shoes to tools and outdoor gear. Don’t underestimate the amount of storage you’ll need.
Poorly Constructed
Quality construction is essential for an RV going down the road from 60 mph to 70 mph. Research the brand or manufacturer you want to purchase from. Check on reviews to gauge if they have a good reputation. Poor construction can lead to long-term problems, so you want to avoid a product from manufacturers that don’t live up to their marketing promises.
Lousy Warranty
A warranty is a must when purchasing a new RV. At the very least, you want a good manufacturer’s warranty. A new Class B RV might have some issues within the first year or two that can be under warranty. We recommend avoiding models that don’t offer a warranty covering the engine, chassis, and the house portion of the RV.
Pro Tip: Not all Class B RVs are bad! In fact, these are the 5 Best Class B RV Brands.
Our 5 Least Favorite Class B RVs This Year
To give you examples of Class B RVs you may consider avoiding this year, we rounded up our five least favorites. We give an overview of the RV and tell you why we’ll pass on the unit.
#1. 2022 Winnebago Boldt 70KL
About: The Winnebago Boldt 70KL is a 22-foot 11-inch long Class B RV. It’s on a Mercedes-Benz® Sprinter chassis and has a diesel engine with optional 4WD. The van has a wet bath with a regular toilet and a grey and black tank. The floorplan also includes two twin beds, two wardrobes, a kitchenette, and captain’s chairs that swivel to face the back.
Why We’ll Pass: We’ll pass on this model due to the twin beds and lack of outside storage. If you want space to socialize, the beds need to be couches during the day and beds at night. This can be a pain. The RV also lacks outside storage since the wet bath is along the rear. We would rather have the beds at the back so we can raise them for garage space underneath that can be accessed from the rear doors.
#2. 2022 Roadtrek Play
About: The Roadtrek Play is on a Ram Promaster chassis and is 20 ft 9 in long. It comes in two different floor plans. One has two twin beds in the rear, and the other has a couch that converts into a king-size bed. In addition, they both have a wet bath and kitchenette.
Why We’ll Pass: Roadtrek missed the opportunity for under-bed storage accessible from the rear doors with unraised beds. They do have overhead storage in the bedroom area, but it will be effortless to hit your head due to the small space. The bathroom placement also seems awkward, as it’s directly behind the driver’s seat. It’s slightly tricky to utilize both captain’s chairs as seating areas when the RV is stationary.
#3. 2022 Chinook RV Bayside
About: Chinook RV’s Bayside offers a full bathroom in the rear, a kitchen, a sleeper sofa, and a wardrobe. The compact Class B RV is on a Ford Transit high roof chassis, and it’s 21 ft 11 in long. It has large holding tanks for a small motorhome with a 30-gallon capacity for the freshwater, 24 gallons for the grey, and eight gallons for the black tank.
Why We’ll Pass: The layout in the Chinook is odd. The full bathroom is nice, but it takes up the entire rear of the van, which could have been better utilized for some garage space or a stationary bed. The pull-out sleeper sofa comes up against the kitchen counter when it’s extended, leaving a challenging walk to the bathroom or use of the kitchen.
#4. 2022 Coachmen Beyond 22C
About: Coachmen’s Beyond 22C is on a Ford Transit 350 HD chassis, and it’s 22 ft 2 in long. It has an open concept floorplan with a sleeper sofa, jump seat, kitchenette, and wet bath with a toilet, shower, and sink. The RV also features a retractable screen door on the sliding van door.
Why We’ll Pass: Coachmen have been criticized on online forums for their poor quality. We’ll pass on this Class B motorhome because the company could improve on the construction. The lack of high-end features and conveniences steer us away from the Beyond 22C.
#5. 2022 Jayco Swift 20A
About: The Jayco Swift 20A has two additional captain’s chairs behind the driver and passenger seats. It also has a wet bath, kitchen, and a sleeper sofa. The Swift 20A is 20’ 11” long and sits on a Ram Promaster chassis.
Why We’ll Pass: We’ll pass on the Swift 20A due to its layout. While having four captain’s chairs is nice for entertaining and transporting four people, their position takes up too much room. The space would be better used for kitchen space, storage, or to maximize sleeping space.
There’s only a pull-out sofa, so there’s no room for four people to sleep.
These 2022 Class B RVs Aren’t Worth It!
We’ll avoid the five Class B RVs on our list, but maybe they will work for you. Let us know if you have one. We would love to hear how you like it.
Don’t let our list drag you down. There is plenty of excellent Class B RVs on the market. Remember, start by determining your travel style and what layout and features are most essential. Then go RV shopping with your checklist!
What’s your least favorite Class B RV? Tell us in the comments!
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