You might’ve noticed the surge in demand of RVs recently. And it doesn’t take long to see why they are becoming a popular means of transportation and travel. From minimalist living to glamping, there’s an RV for every taste.
The different classes of RVs A, B, and C; each has its own features and optimal uses. And it’s not surprising to see the big price tags on the massive Class A motorhomes. However, the tiny Class B campers share that aspect as well.
So why are Class B RVs so expensive? Read on to find out all about it!
What Makes Class B RVs so Expensive?
Seven main reasons drive the price tag of Class B RVs upwards. The first, of course, is supply and demand. In recent years, many travelers opted to see the world from the windows of their own RVs. As opposed to long waits in airports, crowded buses, or pricey cruises.
RVs in general are finding new customers everyday, but Class B RVs seem to be getting more attention. The following are the main motivators.
They’re in Demand
Supply and demand have always shaped the market dynamics. According to Consumer Reports, there was an increase of 170% in RV sales in May 2019. With so many factors playing out in favor of class B RVs, it’s not a big surprise that their prices are yanked up.
Here are some of the reasons why Class B RVs are popular among consumers
- Economy of Gas consumption
- Optimal size
- Versatile usage
- Easy to drive
- Pass through narrow streets
- Usable on rough terrain
- Can be parked anywhere
- Full functionality
- Carefully designed
- Retrofitted in an auto frame
The Luxurious Amenities Inside Them
Mercedes and Ford are among the big players in the manufacture of Class B RVs. This might seem a bit like name dropping, and in this specific case, it is. But it’s all for a good cause, and that’s to demonstrate where the luxury is coming from.
As of 2021, RV buyers would get a new generation of everything in their motorhomes, from the suspension to the control panels. With significant safety features added to the rig. People often tie luxury to space-age equipment and glossy finishes. But the foundations of the vehicle are just as glam.
Safety is especially important as previous RV models were a bit deficient in that regard. Passengers weren’t always secure in their rear benches or other areas. This becomes more serious if there are children on board.
That’s why these new features are more than welcome, and the increase in price is often palatable when such options are listed.
They Have the Right Size
If you’re flipping the pages of an RV catalog, you’d probably daydream of a Class A RV, with full amenities. But as the real world starts interfering with that reverie, you’d think more along the lines of a much smaller but still practical motorhome.
The van-size motorhome can fit 6 passengers. Which is not the same as the rockstar-entourage capacity of a Class A RV, but it’s more than sufficient for a family. Once you realize that this compact size is not just practical, it’s also luxurious, you’d find going bigger not that justified.
Class B RVs could easily contain a bathroom with a shower, in addition to a King-sized bed, a dining area, and generous storage space. Travelers could enjoy the services of a fully equipped kitchen powered by a 400-watt solar generator. That’s seriously hard to overlook.
Parking Is so Easy
Class A RVs are BIG! Their lengths can be anywhere from 20-45 feet, with an average width of 8 1/2 feet. Parking that kind of vehicle needs special arrangements and plenty of space.
Class B RVs are pretty much like a regular van that averages 18 feet in length and 7 feet across. It’s not hard to see the versatility of parking this type of motorhome.
Class B RVs are also built to take on a rough road. That helps when riders head for a festival or a boondocking area that’s off-road. Also, imagine what happens when an RVer drives all the way to a remote spot, then finds it too crowded. A smaller RV owner would definitely be a happy camper.
It’s Just Like Driving a Van
Most Class B RVs are either vans retrofitted into motorhomes, or RVs sized along the lines of vans. There’s none of the extra skills needed for steering a bus-sized vehicle or driving a truck towing a trailer.
It’s much easier for first time RV owners to drive a class B van. There are no special preparations involved, and no sad experiences with trying to rear a vehicle of humongous proportions.
The seating arrangement around the driver’s seat, the controls, and the mechanics are all familiar as well. Who doesn’t like a setup like this?
More Hygienic Than Hotel Stay
The Covid-19 pandemic had a noticeable effect on that regard too, with the total lockdown on travel venues. This left road travel as an excellent way to travel, especially when it comes in a luxurious package.
Many families realized that they get to travel cross country, see sites worth visiting and experience breathtaking nature. Without violating the precautions of lockdown. Staying at home all the time is wise, but taking responsible vacations in the open air is a brilliant idea.
RV-travelling is clearly in line with social distancing and hygiene, compared to staying in hotels or motels. All while maintaining a safe distance with other campers. Families would use their own bathroom and cook their food in their kitchenette.
They Save a Bundle on Gas
Massive vehicles gobble up gas by the mere fact that they are heavy, and dragging them along uses up plenty of energy.
The normal gas consumption of a 30,000-pound Class A RV could average 5 miles to the gallon. While a 7000-pound Class B RV could use up 12 miles to the gallon. There are other variables, of course, that could change these values, but none too much.
If you do a little more math, you’d find out that where gas is concerned, the smaller camper costs less than half the expenses of a large motorhome. This could translate to hundreds of dollars per day for long trips, and thousands by the end of the month.
To Sum Up
At first sight, Class B RVs seem to be asking for a lot of your hard-earned cash. After all, they are tiny motorhomes.
Further investigation often shows that the high price tag is often justified. These compact RVs are the Goldilocks pick for motorhomes. They have the right size for luxurious traveling, providing all the necessities, without the extra bulk.