Over the years RVs have gotten bigger and better, but do you really need an RV that big? Find out what the right size RV is for you and your family.
Right-Sized RVs
If you were born before the first moonwalk — we’re talking the planet, not Michael Jackson — you probably remember custom vans of the 1970s: shag carpeting covering every interior surface (including a bed), far-out paint schemes on the exterior and the iconic bubble windows near the back. Well, we’re relieved to say that scene has changed dramatically — the custom van has gone much more upscale and is now properly referred to as a motorhome — a Class B motorhome, to be precise. Class B RVs are built on large van chassis such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Dodge ProMaster. These smaller, right-sized units are more maneuverable and easier to park than larger RVs, but still provide all the amenities of home. Here’s a look at some excellent examples of Class B motorhomes — all quite a bit cooler than that 70’s van.
Airstream Atlas
Airstream Atlas
MSRP: Starting at $238,071
Airstream secured its stellar reputation creating iconic silver aluminum trailers and high-quality luxury RVs, and the new Atlas is no exception. This Class B+ RV gets built on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, and with its clean diesel engine the Atlas won’t struggle for power but can still achieve an estimated 18 mpg. For those who want to take big toys on their travels, the Atlas can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Airstream Atlas
Like other Airstream models, the Atlas makes excellent use of interior space. Ideal for the empty nester, this unit can seat four but sleeps only two. The comfortable sofa features two powered recliners and is positioned for a perfect view of a 40-inch LED smart TV that rises out of its cabinet via remote control. Driver and passenger seats swivel to provide two additional seats in the living area. When it’s time for sleep, rather than unfolding the couch into what would often be an uncomfortable bed, the couch folds flat and a powered slideout expands the space, lowering a Murphy bed over the sofa for a convenient, comfortable sleep.
Airstream Atlas
The Airstream Atlas also features a full kitchen with a 2-burner gas stove, a convection microwave, a slideout pantry and refrigerator / freezer. One of the most attractive features of the Atlas is the bathroom, which spans the entire width at the rear of the RV. With room to move around, the bath area has a mirrored vanity and sink, a proper shower with teak inlays, and a conveniently-located closet for easy dressing after a shower. The entire section has a single door for maximum privacy.
Airstream Interstate Nineteen
Airstream Interstate Nineteen
MSRP: Starting at $161,099
For those seeking Airstream quality in a smaller package, the company offers the Interstate Nineteen. At a mere 19 feet long, this Interstate Class B motorhome fits into a typical parking space or driveway, making it much more flexible wherever your travels might lead. However, the Interstate Nineteen’s small size doesn’t mean it skimps on the niceties expected of an Airstream RV.
Airstream Interstate Nineteen
Like the Atlas, the Interstate Nineteen is built on Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis with power coming from a 3.0-liter diesel V6 engine teamed with a 7-speed automatic transmission. For added versatility this Airstream is available with all-wheel drive, letting more adventurous folks extend their camping — geographically as well as seasonally. It may be on the small side, but the Interstate Nineteen doesn’t skimp on interior amenities. The living area features two seats and a couch, which fold down to create a large, comfortable bed. Driver and passenger seats swivel to face the cabin for additional seating.
Airstream Interstate Nineteen
The Nineteen is also equipped with a bathroom/shower, a 2-burner gas stove, a stainless-steel sink, a refrigerator/freezer, a convection microwave, and a slideout pantry. A powered outside awning, window shades, and interior lighting are all controlled via an integrated display.
American Coach Patriot MD4
American Coach Patriot MD4
MSRP: Starting at $148,940
The Patriot MD4 from American Coach is built on a long-wheelbase Sprinter chassis, which provides a surprisingly spacious interior. Although the Patriot MD4 sleeps only two, there are enough seats for about 10 people to sit and relax. Up front are four seats, consisting of two bucket seats behind two front captain’s chairs — the latter swivel to face the second-row seats; a removable table can be placed between, creating a four-top. The Patriot can be equipped with an LED TV mounted in front of the second-row seats, as well as one in the lounge / sleeping area.
American Coach Patriot MD4
The MD4 can be configured a couple different ways. With a loft bed option, the rear section of the Patriot features two couches and a table with a bed lofted above. At night (or nap time) the bed can be lowered down for use, then raised out of the way in the morning.
American Coach Patriot MD4
The Patriot can also be set up with a lounge area at the rear — one large couch at the back flanked by two smaller couches with a table in the middle. These can all be folded down to create a bed. Patriot is well equipped for spending time away from home with a furnace and air-conditioner, a refrigerator, an induction cooktop, a bathroom with a shower, a microwave and plenty of storage.
Coach House Arriva V24
Coach House Arriva V24
MSRP: Starting at $161,610
This family-owned and operated business has been making high-quality custom RVs for more than 30 years, and the Arriva is the company’s latest Class B offering. Like many others on this list, the Arriva is built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis and incorporates all of the German company’s advanced safety features including cross-traffic alert and blind-spot warning — handy features when driving a large vehicle such as this.
Coach House Arriva V24
The Arriva features a power-operated awning as well as outdoor 110 outlets and a television mounted behind the sliding door for viewing while enjoying the great outdoors. Inside, the front seats swivel toward the rear with easy access to a foldout table/desk. The kitchen features a two-burner stove and large sink with an extendable counter. There’s also a refrigerator with separate large freezer and convection microwave. Dimmable LED lighting adds to the ambience.
Coach House Arriva V24
At the back of the Arriva 24 sit two couches that can be used as separate twin beds or folded out to form one large bed, providing additional sleeping flexibility. The Arriva stands out from many Class B RVs with its full bathroom located at the back of the unit. This includes a separate toilet, enclosed shower, vanity and additional storage.
Coachmen Nova
Coachmen Nova
MSRP: Starting at $120,000 (est)
The Nova is a new model from Coachmen RV, built on a Ram ProMaster 3500 long-wheelbase chassis. Power comes from a 3.6-liter V6 engine sending 280 horsepower to the front wheels. Designed for adventure, the Nova can be equipped with a rear bike rack as well as a roof rack with ladder at the rear for access.
Coachmen Nova
Inside, the Nova has solid hardwood cabinetry with multiple storage locations lining the ceiling on both sides of the coach. The galley is equipped with a single-burner stove, a sink, a microwave and a refrigerator. A foldout counter extends the workspace.
Coachmen Nova
The living area of the Nova features two twin beds / couches with an adjustable table that can be positioned between the beds or folded out of the way. A television is mounted at the back for viewing from the beds or the kitchen. At the rear is a wet bath, meaning that the toilet and shower are in the same space with a drop-down sink. Additional storage can be found in the bathroom — the non-wet part.
Fleetwood IROK
Fleetwood IROK
MSRP: Starting at $100,000 (est.)
The only Class B motorhome offered by Fleetwood, the IROK brings a high level of luxury to the Class B space. With the Ram ProMaster chassis as its foundation, the 280-horsepower IROK can tow up to 3,500 pounds to bring along a few extra toys. A power awning with LED lights and an outdoor shower are also available.
Fleetwood IROK
The IROK works well in a campground or off the grid. An integrated LP gas generator and rooftop solar panels keep the power on even if camping in the middle of nowhere, and there’s a 28-gallon freshwater tank. Screens are available for the sliding side and rear doors to better enjoy the great outdoors without letting it into the cabin. The kitchen features a single burner induction cooktop, a refrigerator, a microwave and a sink.
Fleetwood IROK
Fleetwood IROK
The IROK offers two options for the living area — two longer couches along the sides, or a couch at the back and two smaller seats for a more lounge-like setting. A table can be set up in the middle of the seats, or all can be folded down to create one large bed. An HD LED TV with a DVD player provides entertainment in the back. An optional loft bed can be lowered from the ceiling to provide additional sleeping space.
Leisure Travel Vans Serenity
Leisure Travel Vans Serenity
MSRP: Starting at $147,690
Founded in the late 1970s, Leisure Travel Vans began building conversion vans. In 2002 the company built its first Class B RV based on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and now the company is producing the Serenity, a luxurious Class B+ RV, still based on the Mercedes Sprinter. As a Class B+, the Serenity features a wider body that provides a roomier interior than a typical Class B.
Leisure Travel Vans Serenity
Directly behind the front seats — which swivel to face the rear — sits a dinette with a corner seat and a foldout table. Next to the dinette is a large sink, a 2-burner cooktop and a surprising amount of counter space. The refrigerator / freezer and microwave are on the opposite side of the coach. The interior has a luxury feel with hardwood cabinets, available leather trim and Corian countertops.
Leisure Travel Vans Serenity
A rear corner of the coach features a window-rich sleeping area that can be outfitted with either a bed or a couch that folds down into a bed at the touch of a button. The folding dinette table can be moved to this area for a more private desk or eating space. The sleeping area also has a wall-mounted TV. A full bathroom is opposite the sleeping compartment with a separate shower and toilet with a sink and additional closet space.
Pleasure-Way Plateau FL
Pleasure-Way Plateau FL
MSRP: Starting at $150,735
Based in Saskatchewan, Canada, Pleasure-Way has been making Class B RVs since 1986 in a wide range of offerings. At the top of the range is the Plateau FL; like many of the RVs on this list, it is built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform with an efficient diesel powertrain. The Plateau FL comes equipped with a 2.5 kW Onan LP generator and Dual 100Ah Eco-Ion Earth Smart Lithium (LiFePO4) coach batteries.
Pleasure-Way Plateau FL
In the Plateau FL, the front seats swivel to face the rear, creating a front lounge area. This area has a TV as well as a small countertop with a 110-volt outlet and USB port; a table can also be set up between the seats. The TV is on a monitor arm that can be adjusted for viewing throughout the cabin or outside through the entry door. Both the side and rear doors have screens with magnetic attachments for easy ingress and egress. Two doors open to the wet bath complete with extra sink and handheld shower.
Pleasure-Way Plateau FL
In the galley of the Plateau FL, the kitchen counter extends in front of the door offering a nice view as well as additional working space. The galley also has a dual-burner gas stove, a stainless-steel sink, a convection microwave and a refrigerator / freezer that runs on propane, 110 power or 12-volt DC. Soft-close drawers are a nice touch. The sofa at the rear is covered in ultraleather and can be power operated to fold flat into a bed. With two additional seats, this can create two twin beds or a center section can be added to form a coach-wide bed.
Regency Ultra Brougham
Regency Ultra Brougham
MSRP: Starting at $150,000 (est.)
With an expanded RV body on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, the Regency Ultra Brougham feels more like a proper RV than a custom van. The wider body does not add much to the coach’s overall size, so it makes a very roomy and versatile interior. The kitchen features a large refrigerator / freezer, and a 2-burner cooktop and deep stainless-steel sink are set in an L-shaped counter for additional food-prep space.
Regency Ultra Brougham
There are several standout features on the Ultra Brougham, but our favorite is the true queen-size Murphy bed. Housed within a slideout section of the RV, the bed folds down over the lounge area with space to maneuver around it. With the Murphy bed up and hidden in the wall, two luxurious lounge chairs flank a sizable table. On the opposite wall a large LED TV rises out of its cabinet.
Regency Ultra Brougham
At the back of the Ultra Brougham, a spacious bathroom can be closed off with a pocket door for privacy. Inside is a residential-size shower, a toilet, a vanity sink, a wardrobe and a linen closet. Also included is a laundry chute with access from the outside to easily grab items before heading to the laundromat.
Roadtrek RS Adventurous
Roadtrek RS Adventurous
MSRP: Starting at $151,510
The RS Adventurous is one of several Class B Motorhomes available from Roadtrek. Built on the popular Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, the RS Adventurous is available with all-wheel drive to venture a bit farther off the beaten path. Towing capacity is rated at 5,000 pounds for pulling additional gear or toys along for the ride. The RS Adventurous is also available in an extended-length version that adds cargo space at the rear of the vehicle.
Roadtrek RS Adventurous
Unlike many Class B RVs, the RS Adventurous has seating for up to 7 passengers for a day trip with two bucket seats behind the front seats as well as space for three on the rear couch. Once parked, the four front bucket seats can be swiveled to face a centrally-located table. An additional table can be positioned in front of the couch and side seats. A 2-burner stove and large sink area with a surprising amount of counter space are centrally located, with a 3.6 cubic-foot refrigerator and microwave positioned below.
Roadtrek RS Adventurous
At night the front table of the RS Adventurous can be removed and two single beds set up on the right and left sets of bucket seats. At the rear, the powered couch folds down into a large bed for additional sleeping for two. There’s also a bathroom with a shower and a toilet, so no need to venture out at night.
Sportsmobile Classic 4X4
Sportsmobile Classic 4X4
MSRP: Starting at $90,000 (est.)
For those looking for a bit more adventure in their van-based RV, take a look at the Sportsmobile Classic 4X4. This company has been around since 1961 and the Classic 4X4 is one of the most capable van-based RVs on the market. Built on a Ford Econoline chassis, the Classic features a heavy-duty 4X4 system with custom suspension and a 6-inch lift kit that provides enough space for 35-inch off-road tires and 16.5 inches of ground clearance. With a big 6.8-liter V10 engine under the hood, the Sportsmobile can tow up to 10,000 pounds.
Sportsmobile Classic 4X4
Inside, the Sportsmobile is quite spacious thanks to the pop-up penthouse top. The Classic has seating for up to five (with seat belts) on two front seats and a couch at the rear. The couch easily folds into a bed; an additional bed can be set up in the penthouse to accommodate sleeping up to four.
Sportsmobile Classic 4X4
The Sportsmobile is more about adventure than luxury, so it is not as lavishly equipped as some other Class B RVs on this list. That said, it can be equipped with basics such as a microwave, a small refrigerator, a sink and a stove. A porta-potty stores in a small cabinet to avoid those late-night trips outside, and there’s a connection for an outdoor shower at the rear. The Sportsmobile Classic has lots of storage throughout, and the cabinet attached to the side door works well as outdoor storage when the door is open, or as a platform for a portable stove.
Thor Motor Coach Sequence
Thor Motor Coach Sequence
MSRP: Starting at $91,875
Built on the Ram ProMaster 3500 XT Window Van chassis, the Thor Sequence offers great drivability with the amenities expected of a proper Class B RV. Motivated by a 280-horsepower V6 engine sending power to the front wheels, the Sequence has a small turning radius for excellent maneuverability. Thor has worked with Thule to offer custom bike racks, roof rack and a foldable ladder to reach the roof.
Thor Motor Coach Sequence
The kitchen of the Sequence contains a 2-burner stove and a deep stainless steel sink — both can be covered to create a large workspace. The cooking area also has a pullout cutting board as well as a pop-up power strip with both 110 outlets and USB ports. A microwave and refrigerator reside below the sink, and near the floor is a pullout drawer with food and water dishes for four-legged guests. A sliding screen door adds to the open feeling of the layout.
Thor Motor Coach Sequence
At the rear, the Sequence has two couches with tables that can be mounted in between, creating a large space for eating meals or playing games. A 24-inch television mounted on a swivel arm provides additional entertainment. The couches can be folded down into two individual beds, or the space in the middle can be filled in to create one large bed. A full-width wet bath with a shower and a toilet, as well as a wardrobe with drawers, is located at the back of the coach.
Winnebago Boldt
Winnebago Boldt
MSRP: Starting at $198,614
An all-new model from the legendary Winnebago brand, the Boldt is built on the latest version of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. This means Boldt is equipped with some of the latest Teutonic technology, from blind-spot monitoring to wireless phone charging. With available all-wheel drive, double-layer insulation and decent ground clearance, the Boldt is built to handle four-season RVing.
Winnebago Boldt
This Class B Winnebago is easy to access via wide running boards with LED lighting as well as a powered sliding door. The ingenious interior starts with a flip-out table behind the driver; with the seat swiveled to the rear this works great as a compact workstation. An additional swivel table can be attached behind the passenger seat or placed between the couches in the rear. The couches fold down into two single beds or one large bed. A JBL home theater system provides entertainment options in the rear lounge area. Also located aft behind the beds is a wet bath with a fixed sink, as well as a roomy wardrobe for additional storage.
Winnebago Boldt
Winnebago outfits the Boldt with plenty of storage locations including covered bins overhead on both sides, as well as additional storage under the beds. The kitchen area has an induction stovetop and a deep sink with plenty of counter space between for kitchen prep. Below is a refrigerator and microwave as well as more storage. With the Boldt’s side door open, the kitchen remains light and airy even with the roll-down magnetic screen in the doorway.
Winnebago Solis
Winnebago Solis
MSRP: Starting at $100,667
While many of these Class B RVs are lavishly equipped, the Solis is more camper van than a motorhome. That said, this Dodge Ram ProMaster-base model is well equipped with seating and sleeping space for up to four people. The extra sleeping space is possible thanks to two standout features of the Solis — the pop-up penthouse and Murphy bed. The Solis is the first pop-top RV ever offered by Winnebago and the brand’s lowest-priced Class B motorhome. A folding ladder inside provides access to the penthouse bed, which has screened windows for a cozy sleeping area.
Winnebago Solis
The Solis makes great use of space with two dinette seats positioned behind the front seats, which swivel to face rearward. A swivel table can be positioned between the front and dinette seats or removed and stored out of the way. The galley sits just inside the side door to the left, with a 12-volt refrigerator positioned at the end of the island for easy access from outside through the side door. There is a 2-burner LP stove and a large sink as well as a large slideout countertop extension. The freshwater tank level is conveniently displayed below the sink. Across from the galley is a wet bath with a shower and a toilet. A heat vent in the bathroom keeps it warm in cold weather and also makes a great place for airing out wet clothes.
Winnebago Solis
At the rear of the Solis, a second table can be unfolded for additional kitchen space or as a desk with a view out the rear doors. Also back there is a Murphy bed that drops down into a full-size sleeping space (creating a garage space underneath). There is additional storage space below the van floor as well as in overhead bins. The Solis also features a simple makeshift rear annex — an aluminum pole spans the two open rear doors; it can be used for hanging wet clothes or as a blackout curtain for private outdoor showering.
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