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Class B RV manufacturers have a difficult job. Taking production vans and turning them into rolling apartments is no easy task.
Class B RVs combine all the great things about different RV types into one of the most popular RVs. The maneuverability of a small RV, amenities, and features of large RVs, and of course the drivetrain to power your journey.
As mentioned Class B RV manufacturers use production chassis and drivetrains and manufacture the living space of the RV. Each manufacturer puts their own touches on these RVs and choosing a favorite can be tough.
4 Things That Make A Great RV Manufacturer
There are a few things that define an excellent RV manufacturer from others. Let’s take a look at the factors that make Class B RV manufacturers great.
1. High-Grade Materials
Using high-grade materials is one of the most important things for a quality RV that lasts for years. While many value-oriented RV manufacturers use acceptable materials, great RV manufacturers go a step further by selecting the best available.
Besides just overall quality building materials, great RV manufacturers also use top-of-the-line appliances and fixtures.
2. Pride of Craft Workmanship
Quality materials are worth it, but they won’t help you much if the RV is crafted with shoddy workmanship. Great RV manufacturers build their RVs with experienced, well-trained teams who have a commitment to high quality.
Pride of craft workmanship, combined with quality materials, gives you a high-quality, durable, and all-around great RV. A great RV manufacturer won’t accept anything less.
3. Quality Control
Even with quality materials and workmanship, things can still go wrong. A great RV manufacturer will have an in-depth quality control process to make sure that only the best RVs make it to their customers.
A strong quality control process consists of thoroughly inspecting every part. RV companies subject their coaches to tests such as:
- Road obstacles
- Simulated thunderstorm rain
- Extreme temperatures
- Plumbing and propane line pressure
- Electronic wire and fuse
- Joint and hardware
4. Great Customer Service
Whether you run into a problem or just have a simple question, a great RV manufacturer will have stellar customer service to help you out. RV manufacturers may “pass the buck” to dealerships or other third parties, but the best ones spend a lot of money on their customer service department for their customers’ benefit.
RV companies will train their staff and have in-depth database resources so their courteous staff can answer your questions as best possible.
Top 5 Used or Late Model Class B RV Manufacturers
Now that we know all about great Class B RV manufacturers and what to look for in a quality Class B RV, let’s take a look at the top 5 Late Model Class B RV manufacturers.
1. Roadtrek
Roadtrek is a Canadian Class B RV manufacturer that started in 1974. Jac Hanemaayer designed camper vans for a company that he later purchased and renamed Roadtrek in 1980. His own designs created the unique aerodynamic extended roof the company is known for and it quickly flourished.
Roadtrek joined the European RV giant Groupe Rapido in 2019 (VW Bus fans know one of their founding brands, Westfalia). Together, they manufacture a full line of Class B RVs built on Mercedes Sprinter and Ram ProMaster chassis.
What Makes Roadtrek So Great?
Roadtrek is well-known for its quality workmanship, with camper vans that are well built and durable. Their RVs are all made in-house and go through an in-depth quality control process involving an assembly audit and inspection, plus rain, road, and humidity tests.
Roadtrek camper vans are well equipped and designed for maximum comfort, with attractive modern interiors. Plus, every Roadtrek van comes with a comprehensive 2-year warranty with no mileage limit, plus 2 years of free roadside assistance.
Roadtrek’s Top Model
Roadtrek produces 4 different models.
- Agile
- Chase
- Play
- Zion
Both the Play and Zion come with 3 variations, the first being the standard floor plan. The Slumber variation has a pop-top loft to sleep more people. The SRT is shorter in length but offers more daytime seating. Overall, the Roadtrek Play is the top-selling model.
Roadtrek Play
The Roadtrek Play is one of the most popular models from Roadtrek. This model is designed as an entry-level Class B RV that’s practical, reliable, and easy to service.
- Engine: Chrysler 3.6L V6 Pentastar Gas
- Length: 20.9 ft.
- Tow Capacity: 3,500 lbs.
- Chassis: Ram ProMaster 3500
- GVWR: 9,350 lbs.
- Sleep: 2-5
The Play offers standard features like:
- Power awning
- Outdoor shower
- Magnetic bug screens
- 11,000 BTU air conditioner
- Kitchen with stove, microwave, and fridge
- A full wet bath
- A variety of interior layouts
The Roadtrek Play SRT is extremely similar to the Play model, but uses a standard length, rather than extended, Ram ProMaster as the base. The SRT has fewer layout options than the Play and is also a bit cheaper.
The Play Slumber is identical to the Play, but with the addition of a pop-out rooftop tent, plus an upgraded 13,500 BTU air conditioner.
2. Pleasure-Way
Pleasure-Way is another Canadian Class B RV manufacturer that’s been family-owned and operated since 1986. They offer a full line of Class B RVs, which they manufacture in-house at their facility in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Pleasure-Way has a strong dedication to quality and to their customers. Owners of Pleasure-Way RVs can enroll in their Pleasure-Way Ambassador Crew and receive special rewards as a part of their membership. People love their Pleasure-Way RVs so much they operate Pleasure-Way owner’s clubs across the U.S. and Canada.
What Makes Pleasure-Way So Great?
There’s a lot that sets Pleasure-Way apart from the rest.
For one, they’re 100% family-owned and operated and have been from the start. Instead of a giant corporation, The Rumpel Family continues to treat Pleasure-Way owners like family members.
Plus, Pleasure-Way RVs are well constructed, featuring welded steel construction for extreme durability. They offer a wide variety of Class B RVs, including a fully-equipped adventure van.
To top it all off, Pleasure-Way has great customer service and they’re available and ready to help whenever you need them.
Pleasure-Way’s Top Model
Pleasure-Way has 5 different models, and two of them have different versions:
- Ascent TS
- Ontour 2.0
- Ontour 2.2
- Plateau FL
- Plateau TS
- Rekon 4×4
- Tofino
The Ontour 2.2 is longer than the 2.0 and has a dual twin bed. The Plateau FL offers separate living spaces and the TS has a more traditional Class B motorhome floor plan. The Tofino was one of the first camper vans in North America to offer a pop-top loft and still does today. Pleasure-Way’s best seller currently is the Rekon 4×4.
Pleasure-Way Rekon 4×4
The Pleasure-Way Rekon 4×4 is a fully-equipped adventure van designed to handle extensive off-grid living and take on any terrain.
- Engine: Mercedes 3.0L V6 BlueTEC Turbo Diesel
- Length: 19.5 ft.
- Tow Capacity: 5,000 lbs.
- Chassis: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 4×4
- GVWR: 9,050 lbs.
- Sleep: 1-2
The Rekon 4×4 comes standard with features like:
- Removable 70” x 72” murphy bed system
- Galley kitchen with portable fridge/freezer and portable induction stove
- Wet bath with shower and cassette toilet
- 4 x 100Ah Eco-Ion Earth Smart Lithium batteries
- 400W Go Power solar panel package with an MPPT solar controller and 2,000W inverter
- LED perimeter lighting
- Exterior shower
- Toyo all-terrain tires
- 11,500 BTU furnace
The Rekon 4×4 has everything you need to go off-grid and stay there. It’s fully four-season, so even cold weather won’t stop your adventure.
3. Sportsmobile
There’s a good chance you’ve heard of the Class B RV manufacturer Sportsmobile. They’re one of the oldest van conversion companies in the U.S. The company started all the way back in 1961 in El Paso, TX. Since then, they’ve expanded to three locations, with facilities in Austin, TX, and Fresno, CA.
Sportsmobile’s dedication to quality and high customer satisfaction has helped them survive for over 60 years – with no signs of stopping. They deliver fully custom van conversions on a variety of platforms:
- Mercedes Sprinter
- Ford Transit
- Dodge ProMaster
- Chevy Express
- Ford E-Series
What Makes Sportsmobile So Great?
One thing that makes Sportsmobile so great is its extensive history of quality. No other van conversion company can boast so many years of quality work. They have over half a century of manufacturing Class B RVs!
Sportsmobiles are beloved and highly rated by their owners, thanks to their superior high quality. They have industry-leading safety in all their RVs, with a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty. They’re also the only company that can add a pop-top to the Sprinter without voiding the manufacturer warranty.
Another great thing about Sportsmobile is the versatile options for van conversions they offer. They do full, partial, and non-camper conversions. Besides camper vans, Sportsmobile makes vehicles for the disabled, ambulances, rescue vehicles, vans for show dogs, and more.
As a Sportsmobile owner, you’ll be in great company. Thanks in part to the popularity of Sportsmobile, you can find plenty of owners all across the country and beyond. And as a Sportsmobile owner, you can attend Sportsmobile Rallies to make friends and have fun!
Sportsmobile’s Top Model
Most Sportsmobiles are custom-built, and they offer a huge variety of options. But they do have one build that stands out from the rest: The Sportsmobile Classic 4×4.
Sportsmobile Classic 4×4
The Sportsmobile Classic 4×4 is its heavy-duty adventure van. Starting with the Ford F-350 chassis, the company adds a steel-reinforced fiberglass shell and 4×4 drivetrain. The Classic 4×4 is made tough to handle whatever you throw at it.
- Engine: Ford 7.3L V8 Triton Gas
- Length: 17.7 ft.
- Tow Capacity: 10,000 ft.
- Chassis: Ford F-350
- GVWR: 10,050 lbs.
- Sleep: 1-2
Sportsmobile uses only the strongest, toughest components to make the Classic 4×4, with more clearance, tighter turning, better braking, and much more. Inside, you can choose from a variety of floor plans with a fully equipped galley kitchen, dinettes, and a variety of bed options. You can upgrade your Classic 4×4 with features like extra storage, a nerf bar, a winch, and an air compressor, just to name a few.
4. Winnebago
Winnebago needs no introduction. This Class B RV manufacturer’s history goes all the way back to 1958.
In addition to full lines of RVs in every class, Winnebago produces 6 models of Class B RV, plus a 7th Class B specifically designed for disabled RVers.
What Makes Winnebago So Great?
Winnebago has endured through the years because of its high-quality vehicles that are loved by owners. In fact, they’re commonly regarded as one of the best Class B RV manufacturers, as well as the most innovative since their 2009 rebranding.
Winnebago backs up its great products with top-notch customer service as well. Their representatives are responsive, knowledgeable, and eager to help with any question or concern you have.
When you buy a Winnebago, you become a part of the huge community of Winnebago owners. As a Winnebago owner, you can join the Winnebago International Travelers Club to get access to activities, discounts, and special members-only gear.
Winnebago’s Top Model
Winnies 7 Class B motorhomes include:
- Boldt
- Era
- Revel 4×4
- Roam AE
- Solis
- Solis Pocket
- Travato
The Solis and Solis Pocket have a few commonalities, but the standard Solis uses the Ram ProMaster 2500 while the Pocket maximizes the space in the ProMaster 1500. The top model Class B RV from Winnebago is the Travato.
Winnebago Travato
The Winnebago Travato is North America’s best-selling Class B RV, and for good reason. Energy-efficient, fuel-efficient, and packed with features, the Travato is a great choice for anyone who wants a camper van.
- Engine: Chrysler 3.6L V6 Pentastar Gas
- Length: 21 ft.
- Tow Capacity: 3,500 lbs.
- Chassis: Ram ProMaster
- GVWR: 9,350 lbs.
- Sleep: 1-2
The Travato is based on a Ram ProMaster and packs in features like:
- Power awning
- Wet bath with shower and toilet
- Eco-Hot water heater
- Coleman-Mach 10 NDQ air conditioner
- Fully equipped kitchen with fridge, propane or induction cooktop, and microwave
- 24” HDTV with Bluetooth soundbar
You can make your Travato even better with the optional Pure3 Energy Management System. This system gives you over 9,000 watt hours of usable power or over 12,000W with the optional energy pack. You’ll also get a dedicated auxiliary alternator and a 3,600W inverter with a Bluetooth control module.
5. Chinook RV
The history of the Class B RV manufacturer Chinook RV goes all the way back to 1938, when they debuted as Mair & Son, Inc. They’ve long been an innovative leader in the RV industry, and they were one of the first to use fiberglass in their designs.
Sadly, Chinook RV fell on hard times in 2005 and was closed by the next year. Thankfully, that wasn’t the end of the story, as former owner Gary Lukehart kept all the original equipment in storage until the right time came. That time came when the brand was purchased and revived in 2013.
Today, Chinook RV has a full line of luxury RVs of nearly every kind, with travel trailers, toy haulers, Class C RVs, and of course – camper vans.
What Makes Chinook So Great?
Chinook RV makes super high-quality luxury RVs that are equipped with everything you could want. If you want the most comfortable and well-equipped RV available, you’re in good hands with Chinook, who bills their RVs as “the sports cars of motorhomes.”
All Chinook RVs come with more standard features than any other RV on the market and have attractive, modern interiors. They have lots of great optional features such as all-wheel drive and entertainment options.
Chinook’s Top Model
Currently, Chinook produces 6 towable trailers, a B plus, and 2 camper van models. Between the Bayside and Countryside Class B motorhomes, Chinook’s top seller is the Bayside.
Chinook Bayside
The Chinook Bayside features elegant interior design, state-of-the-art technology, and plenty of seating. It’s perfect if you need a daily driver or a van that’s ideal for events like tailgate parties. Thanks to features like all-wheel drive, it can also take on your big adventures.
- Engine: Ford 3.5L V6 EcoBoost Gas
- Length: 21.11 ft.
- Tow Capacity: 5,000 lbs.
- Chassis: Ford Transit
- GVWR: 11,030 lbs.
- Sleep:1-2
The Bayside includes standard features like:
- All-wheel drive
- Kitchen with fridge, microwave, and induction cooktop
- Flush toilet
- Interior shower
- 13,500 BTU air conditioning
- 10’ awning
You can choose from optional features like a 630Ah lithium-ion battery system and onboard wifi. Also, you can opt for the “adventure package” that includes a roof rack, side ladder, molle plate, and off-road DR/PS steps.
Why Are Class B RVs So Expensive?
The world of recreational vehicles is exciting and filled with options catering to every type of traveler. In the middle of this spectrum, you’ll find Class B RVs, often referred to as camper vans.
Their compact size, luxury amenities, and versatile design make them popular among RVers. But why are Class B RVs so expensive?
Manufacturing Process
Unlike their Class C counterparts, Class B RV manufacturers don’t just add living space to an existing truck chassis.
Instead, they modify van bodies to create a custom-built, fully integrated vehicle. The process is more complicated and takes more time, which leads to an increase in cost.
Target Demographic
Another factor contributing to the higher price tag is the target demographic. Manufacturers design many Class B RVs with singles or couples in mind.
Manufacturers often incorporate high-end finishes and luxury amenities to appeal to this audience.
From quality woodwork to top-of-the-line appliances, these premium features offer comfort and convenience but come at a cost.
Market Demand
The strong market demand for Class B RVs also affects their pricing.
As more people discover the joys of road travel, the demand for these compact yet luxurious vehicles continues to grow.
Prices can increase when there is a high demand for a product or service, but the supply is limited.
Final Words About Class B RV Manufacturers
Opting for a Class B RV can be an excellent choice for those who want to live a minimalist lifestyle.
Although their expense may be higher than other RV classes, it is worth it for individuals or couples prioritizing mobility and practicality.
With their compact size and ability to navigate tight spaces, Class B RVs make it easier to travel to remote locations and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Plus, with advancements in technology and design, these vehicles now offer many of the same luxuries as larger RVs.
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About the Author
Jennifer and Kendall are avid RVers and part-time van lifers who share their years of experience both as full-time RVers and nomads through writing.
Jenn and Kendall have explored Canada, the USA, and Mexico while RVing and living full-time in all 3 countries.
They have been fortunate to work not only as part of the RVBlogger team but also with RVLife, DIY RV, Camper Report, RV Magazine, Rootless Living, Vanlifers, and more.
They have also shared their RV experience through DashboardDrifters.com and are the founders of RVSpotDrop, a web service for full-time RVers.