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Updated April 5, 2024
When others ask you how to describe Class B plus motorhomes, how do you start? Do you use statements like, “It’s like a Class C, but….” or “It’s like a Class B, but…”. Descriptions like this are somewhat helpful, but also vague. That’s why we created this complete guide to Class B plus motorhomes.
After reading through it, you’ll be able to accurately describe them, and you’ll probably want one too! So we’ve got a few top recommendations for you.
You’ll learn how they’re different from their sister categories, some history of their development, and whether or not Class B plus motorhomes are worth the money. We’ll also show you some great examples currently on the market that are the best of the B plus category. Let’s go!
What Are Class B Plus Motorhomes?
The B+ RV is an evolution of the Class B motorhome (a.k.a. Class B Campervan). It’s a self-contained motorhome built on a full-size van chassis with all of the features seen in drivable motorcoaches.
Class B motorhomes are the smallest class of drivable RVs followed by Class C RVs. Class C RVs are drivable rigs with a cutaway chassis or cab that kind of resemble a moving truck. The front seats are like what you’d find in a Class B van, but the back is much larger and more like a traditional camper.
Class B plus motorhomes fall right in the middle. It’s larger than your traditional camper van but smaller than a Class C. We’re talking more space to stretch out, including larger/more sleeping quarters and usually a full standup wet bath.
It will still be relatively cramped, but it’s a good option for those who want more space but aren’t ready to move out of the comfort of driving a van chassis.
How Does a Class B+ RV Differ From a Class B Campervan?
Class B plus motorhomes use two different types of chassis. The first type is the European-style vans that Class B RVs use. The three most popular chassis in the U.S. market are:
- Dodge Ram Pro Master
- Ford Transit
- Mercedes Sprinter
RV manufacturers order the chassis and driver’s area without the cargo shell. They build the coach area with wider sidewalls and a higher ceiling for added space. The added square footage allows for more prominent features and a more comfortable living experience inside the coach.
You’ll find Class B+ with dry bath floorplans. Sleeping space is still in convertible configurations, but the beds’ measurements will conform to residential queen or king mattresses. Kitchen features like the sink, stovetop, and countertop will have more overall space to work your “magic” when you’re preparing meals.
5 Best Class B Plus Motorhomes For 2024
If 2024 is your year to purchase a new Class B+ motorhome, but you are not confident about where to start, we offer you five great Class B+ motorhomes. In our list below, we offer a range of Class B+ motorhomes, each offering something that is ideal for every RV owner.
The five Class B+ motorhome models that we love for 2024 have tons of comfort features, space for up to four people, and all of the added extras that you want in a home away from home.
When you are considering a new Class B+ motorhome features that you will want to focus on are the drivability (especially if this is your first RV), storage space, and kitchen features. These are the model features that really define the differences in this class of RVs.
1. Thor Compass AWD
✅ All Wheel Drive, two televisions, full bathroom, heated water tank
❌ Bathroom door hits bed when the bed is down, toilet is high
- Sleeps: 2-3
- Length: 23′ 7″ – 25′ 10″
- Fresh Water Tank Capacity: 31 gallons
- Grey Water Tank Capacity: 25 gallons
- Black Water Tank Capacity: 18 gallons
The Thor Compass AWD is the perfect Class B+ motorhome for couples and families that like to have a bit of adventure. There is not a camping spot you will miss, with the standard all-wheel-drive Ford Transit chassis.
Making your adventures even more of a reality is the Compass’ 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine and ten-speed transmission. With this combination of power and functionality, you can easily travel to remote locations or just tuck your RV in that last, tiny campsite.
The Compass is also set for off-grid camping with a standard solar panel and conversion kit, a large awning with LED lights, and a Winegard TV/WiFi antenna.
Inside the Compass AWD, you’ll find three floor plans that meet the needs of a variety of campers. Whether you are a couple that likes to have a little extra space or a family that needs an extra bit of sleeping space. Each floor plan offers you a full bathroom and a spacious galley with all of the necessary amenities.
Each of the three floor plans has a slide-out that gives you more floor space in this compact class B+ motorhome. Features that we love include a roomy shower, large TVs, and three different sleeping arrangements, including two that are private.
2. Airstream Atlas
✅ Heated tanks, multiple touchscreen panels, luxury finishes
❌ Pricey, only comes in silver, only one floor plan
- Sleeps: 2
- Length: 24’ 9”
- Fresh Water Tank Capacity: 20 gallons
- Grey Water Tank Capacity: 31 gallons
- Black Water Tank Capacity: 27 gallons
For travelers who want to hit the road and still enjoy a bit of luxury, the Airstream Atlas is the perfect Class B+ motorhome. This 24-foot motorhome has all of the comforts of home, plus upgraded fixtures, beautiful interior finishes, and an automatic slide-out that makes this roomy coach, even more comfortable.
The Atlas has some of the Airstream features that we love the most. The large bathroom has a roomy shower and stainless steel sink with a large vanity. The bathroom also has a large wardrobe and added linen storage.
The galley is a bit small, but the large sink and two-burner stove are great for the couple that likes to cook. The slide-out turns a comfy reclining sofa into a queen size murphy bed, that opens and closes with the touch of a button.
The Atlas is set on the highly reliable Mercedes-Benz chassis. The Mercedes diesel engine is one of the best in class and provides excellent gas mileage even when traveling through mountains or on slower, winding roads.
3. Coachmen Cross Trail
✅ AWD, convection microwave, great solar and inverter, exterior entertainment center
❌ Lack of storage, only one floor plan with slide-outs
Sleeps: 2 to 4
Length: 24’ 1” – 29′ 4″
Fresh Water Tank Capacity: 30 gallons
Grey Water Tank Capacity: 27 gallons
Black Water Tank Capacity: 28 gallons
Coachmen is one of the most popular brands of RV on the market today. They offer such a wide range of products that it is virtually impossible to not find a Coachman RV to fit your needs. The Coachmen Cross Trail is a great example of the versatility of the Coachman line.
These Class B+ motorhomes offer a wide variety of floor plans, features, and sleeping arrangements for couples, small families, and even friends who just like to travel for adventures. The Cross Trail comes standard with all-wheel drive, so this is the perfect Class B+ coach for those who want to experience locations off the beaten path.
The Cross Trail comes in 8 floor plans, one of which offers slide-outs for more space. The available floor plans have features like private master suites with large beds and spacious bathrooms. The variety of sleeping arrangements that include bunks, Murphy beds, overhead bunks, and spacious queen beds are great for hosting up to four adults.
Even the smallest of the Cross Trail models has a functional galley with a large refrigerator, convection microwave, and plenty of counter space. Like other Coachmen products, the Cross Trail has tons of storage, though some of the smaller floor plans offer better external storage than internal storage space.
4. Thor Delano
✅ Extra sleeping room, 2 TVs, slide-outs
❌ Small dinette, tight kitchen
- Sleeps: 3-4
- Length: 25′ 8″
- Fresh Water Tank Capacity: 30 gallons
- Grey Water Tank Capacity: 38 gallons
- Black Water Tank Capacity: 38 gallons
The Delano from Thor is the ideal sprinter-based motorhome for small families. With four unique floor plans, each able to sleep 3 or more people, the Delano is versatile, while also offering tons of comfort in a compact footprint.
What makes the Delano stand out from other Class B+ options is that each of the models comes with a slide-out option. This simple feature increases your floor space, which can be a necessity for traveling families.
Each floor plan has an over-cab bunk that kids love! From there, you get a range of sleeping options including twin to king convertible beds or sofas that convert to queen beds.
Each Delano floor plan gives you a spacious bath with plenty of vanity space and a roomy shower. Two of the models have showers that are separate from the sink and toilet, which is great for some travelers but is not our favorite feature. Galleys feature larger refrigerators, two-burner stoves, and ample counter space.
All of these features are set on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, with a powerful 2.0L I-4 gas engine. This gives you both power and reliability for any adventure you can imagine.
5. Gulf Stream BT Cruiser
✅ Lots of storage, towing capability, good size galley
❌ No private bedroom, jack knife sofas can be difficult
- Sleeps: 2
- Length: 22′ 6” to 28’ 9”
- Fresh Water Tank Capacity: 41 gallons
- Grey Water Tank Capacity: 26 gallons
- Black Water Tank Capacity: 26 gallons
The Gulf Stream BT Cruiser is a line of Class B+ motorhomes that offer you versatility in not just floor plans but also in the chassis and engine that the motorhome is built on.
Gulf Stream offers 7 BT cruiser floor plans, set on either a Ford E350 chassis with a V-8 engine or a Chevy 3500 chassis with a V-8 engine. For many people, this ability to select a model with a Ford or Chevy base is a real selling point.
Inside the Gulf Stream BT Cruiser, you’ll find all of the amenities of home in a compact space. One of the best features of this line of Class B+ coaches is that they all have private bathrooms with spacious showers and plenty of storage. The 5240 model has a large wardrobe that is great for clothes, linens, and other necessities.
Galleys feature larger refrigerators, three burner stoves, and plenty of storage space. If you are looking for a Class B+ with more floor space, Gulf Stream offers 6 floor plans with slide-outs. This not only gives you more floor space, but these floor plans have versatility in their features including theater seating, Murphy beds, and dinettes.
How Much Do Class B+ RVs Cost?
Class B and Class B plus motorhomes can be deceiving when it comes to cost. People will walk into an RV show or dealership thinking that smaller means less expensive. But you’re looking at between $70,000- $200,000 for a brand-new B+ model.
You’re paying for the engineering and quality of the craftsmanship. The B+ motorhome is a fuel-efficient luxury-liner motorhome. RV manufacturers install almost all the features you’ll see in a Class A motorhome into them.
You’ll find that the materials used are of the best quality. Builders use the best technologies and greatest innovations to give you the ultimate camping experience a mini-mansion can offer.
Pros and Cons of Class B Plus RVs
You may be wondering if a Class B Plus RV is worth it. Every RV category has its pros and cons. We’ll show you what the experts and our RVBlogger friends have said about this category.
If you want more information, go ahead and check out our RV Camping For Newbies Facebook page to continue the category discussion with our followers.
Advantages of Class B+ Motorhomes
Until the Great American Outdoors Act renovations are complete, the average length limit for national parks is 30 feet for campsites. Some national parks have campsites that are 40 feet in length, while others have only 20-foot spaces. Most have spaces 30 feet in length that haven’t been modernized since the last Mission Act of 1966.
Class B Plus RVs balance features with fuel efficiency very well. The models built on the E-series have permanent beds and other furniture, so you don’t have to adjust things continually. If you’re ready to call it a day, you can walk to the bed and crawl in without having to change it from its daytime sofa or dinette position.
If you want a driving experience similar to your SUV or minivan but with the best features possible, this category is the right choice. We recommend taking an online RV driving course, but the driving experience won’t feel much different.
Disadvantages of Class B+ Motorhomes
Not everyone will enjoy the Class B+ camping experience. Smaller holding tanks and storage will give you enough dry camping time for a long weekend. If you’re a frugal camper, you may get a week out of your tanks before you need to cycle them.
Spending a lot of time inside the coach, you may find cabin fever slowly creeping in. If you want to enjoy the outdoor space with built-in entertainment, kitchens, and other features, Class A or C will better fit your camping lifestyle. The B and B+ categories give you a comfortable living space but are generally ideal for active people beyond the campsite.
The best fuel efficiency will come from a Class B campervan. B plus versions will be a close second, but the added weight will knock off a mile or two from the miles-per-gallon. The smaller Euro-styled vans with the V6 gas engines will have the best MPG over the 7.3L V8 E-Series chassis.
Should I Buy an Extended Warranty for My Class B+ RV?
Yes, but not from a dealership! Unfortunately, your odds of suffering a major mechanical breakdown go up with every passing year. Based on RV Warranty claims records, more than 3 out of every 10 RVs will need major repairs in only their second year on the road. This skyrockets to 8 out of 10 in their fifth year, and virtually ALL of them in their eighth year!
Today’s RVs are increasingly more complex, and with more things that can go wrong, the need to protect your investment is greater than ever.
Our RV Warranty plans also allow you to change your mind. If you want to sell your RV to a private party, you can absolutely transfer the policy to the new owner. Additionally, if you’re trading in your RV or getting out of RVing altogether, you can cancel your policy for a pro-rated refund.
We bought a warranty through Wholesale Warranties for several reasons:
- We can cancel the warranty at any time and get a pro-rated refund
- We can transfer the warranty to the new owner if we decide to sell our RV
- There are no mileage caps on our policy
- We can use repair shops all across the country
- We can use a mobile repair company right at our campsite
- The price is way better than most dealerships
- We could finance the cost of the warranty
- With parts and labor prices increasing all the time, we have peace of mind
You owe it to yourself to at least check out a warranty and get a free quote to see if it’s right for you. It just takes a few minutes, and you’ll learn a ton about protecting your investment. We only recommend products we use ourselves, and we highly recommend you get a free quote from Wholesale Warranties.
Final Words About Class B Plus Motorhomes
Class B+ motorhomes are a great option for travelers who want a compact footprint RV with a little more interior space. Many of these motorhomes stretch right up to the size of Class C motorhomes but still give you an easy-to-handle, sprinter van chassis, making them ideal for small campsites or traveling off the beaten path.
Class B+ motorhomes are often the ideal option for small families that want to enjoy time on the road but also want many of the comforts of home. If this sounds like you, we hope that our look at five great Class B+ motorhomes for 2024 has inspired your thoughts and guided you toward the perfect RV for your next adventure.
Related Reading:
– 7 Best Class B Floor Plans with Bathrooms
– 3 Best Class B RV Floorplans with Slide Outs
– Best Class B RVs that Sleep 4 People
– Best Campervan Rental Companies: US and Canada
Mike Scarpignato – Bio
Mike Scarpignato created RVBlogger.com over five years ago in 2018 to share all we have learned about RV camping.
Mike is an avid outdoorsman with decades of experience tent camping and traveling in his 2008 Gulf Stream Conquest Class C RV and 2021 Thor Challenger Class A motorhome.
We attend RV Shows and visit RV dealerships all across the country to tour and review drivable motorhomes and towable trailers to provide the best evaluations of these RVs in our blog articles and YouTube videos.
We are 3/4-time RVers who created RVBlogger.com to provide helpful information about all kinds of RVs and related products, gear, camping memberships, tips, hacks and advice.
Hello,
If .possible, could you tell me what is the narrowest Class B+ motorhome.
Thank you,
Tom Bratland
this sounds like the perfect RV but it can’t tow my 11,000 lb trailer. why is that? can it be modified? love the AWD & 23′ length .