Class B camping involves camping in a Class B RV — often otherwise known as a sleeper van or camper van. These relatively small and nimble vehicles can unlock a lot of flexibility for campers, whether you’re looking to get out there in an off-road boondocking scenario or try out urban camping.
However, Class B camping also comes with its own considerations, the main one being an extremely abbreviated living space. For instance, Class B camping might not work for any but the smallest families (two adults and one very young child). It’s often best suited for adventurous solo travelers, close-knit couples, or trips where the great outdoors will serve as your secondary living space.
Below, we’ll get into everything that makes Class B camping special, as well as considerations to keep in mind. Plus, we’ll talk about how to rent a Class B RV, what to look for in the listing, and expert camping tips specifically geared toward these smaller RVs.
Seatbelts buckled? Let’s go!
Class B Camping: At a Glance
We’re just about to dive into all the details below, but here are the basics about Class B camping (as opposed to camping trips with other RV classes) at a glance.
| Camping Consideration | Class B RVs | Class A RVs | Class C RVs |
| Living space | Small, but can be luxuriously appointed | Large and usually luxurious | Mid-sized to large, can be modest or more luxurious |
| Versatility (for narrow roads and small campgrounds) | Best versatility of driveable RVs; can be taken to remote areas down unpaved roads or fit into urban camping scenarios | Low — large size means careful attention must be paid to routing and campsite size | Medium, depending on the size of the Class C |
| Affordability | Purchase prices range, but can be more affordable in terms of fuel cost and campsite fees | Expensive and expensive to fuel | Can be affordable to purchase but still often don’t get great mileage |
| Driveability | Highly driveable vehicles; if you can drive a van, you can drive a Class B | While most campers can learn to drive a Class A, these often have the largest learning curve (and can be most intimidating to newbies) | Medium — larger vehicles, but they’re built into truck chassis so most drivers can find them more approachable |
What Makes Class B Camping Special?
Class B camping really is like no other RV camping experience. Here are just a few of the things that make these agile little vehicles stand out.
- They’re easy to drive. For many would-be RVers, nervousness about driving a large RV is one of the main worries before they get started. Because they’re built into regular van chassis, Class B campers can make for a shallow learning curve on this front.
- They fit just about anywhere. Whether you want to camp on a streetside or get deep into the woods and boondock, campervans unlock the largest number of possibilities when it comes to where you’ll sleep — and also storage.
- They actually get decent gas mileage. Fuel costs can really add up with a larger RV. Traveling in a Class B means you can go farther for less.
- They can simplify your camping life. There’s simply no physical way to overpack with a sleeper van. You’ll have to think seriously about what you actually need on the trip, which can make your experience a lot better.
- They encourage you to get outside. Even the coziest van can feel pretty small — which is great for a camping trip. After all, the whole reason you’re traveling is probably to get outside and explore, not stay on the couch and watch TV. (And yes, some vans have couches and TVs.)
- They allow for easy camping set-up. You just park, hook up, and you’re usually set to go, whereas larger RVs can have more to do every time you’re getting ready to settle in.
What Are the Drawbacks of Class B RVs?
Like everything in life, Class B RVs also have their drawbacks to consider! While they make for excellent camping experiences for all the reasons listed above, here are some of their limitations:
- They’re small. Like, really small, usually capping out at about 20 feet. As we said above, they’re best suited for solo adventurers, couples, and small families. If you’re looking for a group camping experience with any kind of privacy, you’ll likely want to look elsewhere.
- They can still be quite expensive. While there are affordable models on the market, Sprinter vans, for instance, are regularly over $100,000. Many RVers looking to own might be more willing to invest that much in a larger vehicle.
- Limited bathroom facilities. Many vans do have an onboard toilet, but you may not get a shower — or may be showering in a tiny wet/dry compartment that can get old.
- Daily setup requirements. Although setting up camp can be easier as far as pop-outs and leveling goes, you may still need to set up the bed each day, for instance, or otherwise convert onboard furniture.
- Inability to “drop camp.” If you’re traveling in a larger RV with a tow vehicle (or towed/toad vehicle), you can leave your camp set up while you hop in the car to run an errand or explore. If you’re traveling in a van, you’re taking everything with you every time you drive somewhere. (Many van campers travel with bikes or another form of alternative transportation to avoid this problem.)
What About the Other RV Classes?
In order to better understand what Class B camping is like, let’s take a quick look at the other RV classes.
- Class A RVs are the large, rectangular models you might associate with a musician’s tour bus. In fact, many of them are built into bus chassis. They are usually among the most luxurious models, and the largest, ranging up to about 45 feet long and decked out with extras like fireplaces, bath tubs, and slide-outs.
- Class C RVs are built into truck chassis, and are recognizable by their iconic over-cab “attic” area (often storage or sleeping quarters). These RVs are often a good starting place for families, because they offer a Goldilocks combination of relatively easy driving, ample living space, and affordability.
- Travel trailers come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from massive fifth-wheel trailers to little pop-up campers and everything in between. What knits them all together is the fact that they need to be towed by a secondary vehicle, usually a pickup truck or large SUV.
In most cases, the main experiential difference between these RVs and Class B RVs is living space. However, each RV has its own benefits and drawbacks, too, as explored in the guides linked above.
Type A vs Type B Camping
Many RVers are curious about the main differences between Class A and Class B camping. Frankly, these two experiences couldn’t be more different!
Class A RVs are among the largest and most luxurious rigs on the market. Many have a separate master bedroom and possibly even two separate bathrooms, along with luxury extras like leather upholstery or onboard laundry facilities.
Class B RVs, meanwhile, have extremely limited space. Even the ones that are luxuriously appointed can’t make up for the very real difference of camping in a 45-foot bus versus a 15-foot van.
On the other hand, Class B RVs have much more agility and flexibility. You can take a Class B RV to campgrounds down narrow, unpaved roads without worrying about what happens if you need to turn around, which is impossible in a Class A rig. Class B RVs are also far stealthier than their Class A cousins, not to mention much easier to drive.
Class B RVs might make the most sense if you:
- Are traveling solo or as a couple
- Want to explore offroad locations or tiny campgrounds with size restrictions
- Are interested in urban camping
- Spend a lot of time outdoors or exploring on your trips.
Meanwhile, a Class A RV might be a better fit if you:
- Are traveling with a large family or desire privacy in your camping group
- Need more space for storage or simply to stretch out
- Plan to travel primarily to resort-style or private campgrounds with ample space for larger rigs
- Simply want to have all the comforts of home along with you for the journey
Is Class B Camping More Affordable?
Smaller vehicles do come with one very strong benefit above their larger counterparts: in some ways, they can be a lot more affordable to operate.
Class B RVs often get pretty decent mileage, sometimes on the order of what you’re used to in your regular vehicle. Given the high prices of fuel these days, that can spell a whole lot of savings when it comes to an RV trip where you’re traveling long distances.
It’s also easier to go class B camping in smaller public campgrounds, which may have low fees (or no fees), as compared to Class A camping where you probably need pull-thru sites with concrete pads (usually found only in privately owned, resort-style spots).
However, as mentioned above, some Class B RVs can still cost a pretty penny if you’re planning to buy. They can be well worth it, but still, it’s worth looking carefully at your budget ahead of time.
How Do You Rent a Class B RV?
Ready to try out Class B camping for yourself?
Renting a Class B RV isn’t always as straightforward as renting a Class A or Class C rig. Many large, traditional RV rental companies only offer these larger motorhomes.
However, the peer-to-peer market has made it easier than ever to find Class B RVs and camper vans for rent. Here at RVshare, a large portion of our rental vehicles are Class Bs!
Finding a Class B RV rental on RVshare is simple. Just navigate to the home page, and then:
- Enter your rental pickup location, travel dates and the number of guests
- Narrow your search specifically to driveable RVs
- Click “Search All Driveable RVs”
- On the next screen, click on the highlighted “Driveable” drop-down menu, and select only “Travel Van;” click “Apply”
- Voila! You’re looking at camper vans and Class B RVs available for rental for your upcoming trip!
Class B Camping: Tips and Tricks
Here are some insider tips to help you make the most of your Class B camping experience.
- Check the listing carefully. Most of the time, you’ll be renting a Class B RV from a peer-to-peer rental site like RVshare rather than a traditional rental company. Each RV owner can have their own policies and fees, so be sure you understand everything thoroughly before booking.
- Remember: Think small. This isn’t the kind of RV trip where you can bring everything and the kitchen sink (though you likely will have a tiny kitchen sink onboard!). When looking at your packing list, consider cutting anything extraneous and keeping it to only what you truly need. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a cluttered basecamp.
- The world is your oyster! Remote off-grid boondocking sites, campgrounds with teeny-tiny slots, and narrow unpaved roads shouldn’t present a problem for your adventurous vehicle. Do be sure you understand the vehicle’s clearance and whether or not it’s an AWD vehicle before heading down steep or rough roads, however
Class B Camping: Frequently Asked Questions
A Class B RV is a small camping vehicle usually built into a van chassis. They’re sometimes also known as camper vans or sleeper vans. They’re usually between about 12 and 20 feet long and can range from very simple VW conversions to luxurious Sprinter vans.
Yes, Class Bs are among the smallest RVs, and are usually the smallest driveable vehicles. There are also some very small travel trailers, such as pop-up campers and teardrop trailers, too.
Yes, you can drive a Class B RV with a regular driver’s license in all 50 states, just like a van.
Class A RVs are large, luxurious motorhomes that are often 40 to 45 feet in length. Class B RVs are tiny sleeper vans that are almost never more than 20 feet in length. Both can be luxuriously appointed, but Class A motorhomes offer more living space while Class B RVs offer more versatility and easier driving.
Class C motorhomes are mid-sized RVs with an over-cab “attic” space. They’re usually built into standard one-ton truck chassis. Class B RVs are smaller vehicles that are usually built into van chassis. They offer less living space, but more agility for narrow roads and small campsites.
The best way to rent a Class B RV is on a peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace, such as the one at RVshare. While some rental outfits specializing in sleeper vans are popping up across the U.S., renting from a peer-to-peer network gives you the greatest variety, no matter where you are.
Key Takeaways
- Class B RVs are among the smallest RVs, but they offer unmatched versatility and agility for small spaces, easy storage and narrow roads.
- Class B RVs do have limited living space, however, and may not be the best choice for families or camping groups desiring privacy.
- Class B RVs are available for rent through peer-to-peer networks like the one here at RVshare.
- When Class B camping, be sure to avoid overpacking — and consider the outside world your secondary living space.
Ready to get your own Class B RV camping trip ready? Find your perfect vacation vehicle on RVshare today!
