Bigger Isn't Always Better: Understanding Class C RV vs. Class B Vans

[@robinsonkw44]

Love my class B (Beyond). It's perfect for me and my Great Dane. We're seasonal travelers - not full timers. I love the drivability and the fact that I can park it in my driveway!

[@strangerpalooza]

Thanks for the feedback and congrats Kathleen

[@HowToHaveFunOutdoors]

Enjoyed this video! Great job Lola and Hank. Great seeing Nick.

[@wildernessdisneydad1621]

One of your best videos, thanks for this! One reason b vans are more expensive = more valuable, is because their shell is produced by automated machines into one integrated unit v. most b+ and c’s which are built by hand combining separate floors, walls, and roofs. The stability and quality of B’s are naturally superior resulting in fewer headaches down the road. What is interesting is Wingamm’s plan to drop a one piece she’ll onto a cutaway chassis…this best replicates the B structural soundness and it’s where I hope the direction of B+/small c manufacturing is headed.

[@strangerpalooza]

YW, thanks for the Kudos...yeah the Wingamm is going to be interesting to see although its going to be just as expensive as class b's

[@jjcastleberry3662]

I'm sold on the Promaster 2023 refresh. It has all the safety equipment that this senior needs to keep on the road. I'm an oddball here I'm a conversion van man.

[@keithfoulks2657]

Hey,,,, also,, how about a meet up for your fans at the RV Museum in Elkhart this June? We can all see the KYD Bird. Whatcha think?

[@JohnSeitz]

I can’t give you two, enough praise- amazing video!!! Keep up the great work

[@bikeama]

The only big surprise to me was how much less the cost of the cut a way was. Almost 50% less.

[@strangerpalooza]

Yeah it was for me to Bill...It really makes me wonder if people ever try to order the cutaways and build their own out of that? I know it sounds crazy, yet I'm curious

[@bikeama]

@@strangerpalooza That is going to be a great video.

[@KentFleshman]

In 2023, Promaster is coming out with a super high roof (a bit higher than a Transit) and a new front end.

[@strangerpalooza]

I'm probably more interested to see what happens with the Promaster than the new Sprinter I think Kent

[@traveldreamer4616]

Great information. Thanks!

[@strangerpalooza]

Glad you liked it 👍

[@RealCujo]

I know this might be a dream especially for the constraints of technology but I would love to see a van with the necessary amenities for a wheelchair person. I know I know but 30 years ago the thought of a electric car that goes over 100 miles and charges in less than 24 hours was a pipe dream.

[@strangerpalooza]

I don’t think it’s a dream…I think at least Winnebago is working on it and we’ll probably see that in the next few years…it’s just been tough for the industry (from what I ahead) to get parts and keep up with the demand

[@traveldreamer4616]

Winnebago is creating the Roam. Last I looked, it was not built with a lithium component. Guess they assume that Winnebago doesn’t think those of us in a chair like to boondock. Just my thought. Maybe they will put it as an option in the future.

[@RealCujo]

@@traveldreamer4616 I wonder why they wouldn’t. With fuel prices so high and the ability to store and trickle charge with solar panels it seems like a no brainer

[@keithfoulks2657]

I have built a Sprinter self built for a total of $55k, (not nice enough). Bought a used class C with 2 closets, Walk in shower. (to big for stealth). We now own a Pleasure Way Excel, E350 Ford 5.4 motor. 15mpg. 21 foot. Perfect. Class B is the way to go for us, like you and Lola. See you at a Cracker Barrel near you.

[@jofrazier-hansen4097]

This is vrey helpful information, great job!👍

[@deelore2930]

For full-time RV living -> B+. More storage, no need for external bike rack making it more secure, separate shower, ducted HVAC, and larger water tanks.

[@strangerpalooza]

Yeah for sure there’s benefits to sizing up!

[@kimberlykessing4551]

Is either safer? Same safety standards?

[@dldean]

I like class B+ and class C

[@strangerpalooza]

Understood

[@JohnSeitz]

Each their own. C or C- (there isn’t a b+ it’s not a van) I personally find a C or any box build out too cheap feeling. Where as a B Van is stronger and much easier to use every day.

[@RollosReviews]

Very informative video. I would love to see a diesel Ford or Promaster. I would like to have the tow capacity of the Mercedes and the better fuel economy.

[@larrygray1557]

While I like both, it is the limiting size of the B and interior compromises that have me leaning towards the C/B+. Great discussion on wheelbase, and yes the largest wheelbase that Ford makes for the B is 144", thus limiting the size. I understand that. But shifting to the cutaways and extended chassis is manufactured by Ford but manufacturers are stuck with the 156" chassis. Using Coachmen Cross Trail, the smallest models use the 156" WB, but when they go to a longer floorplan shift away from Transit and use an E-Series chassis rather than Transits 178" chassis. Other than LTV, virtually no major manufacturer uses the 178" chassis. For reference, Mercedes Sprinter is 170" WB and a much weaker engine than Transit. With Ford upping the GVWR/GCWR to virtually match Mercedes, building out with the longer wheelbase (Prism floorplans??) with AWD and the stronger powertrain, It could be a Mercedes killer with a lower pricepoint. Seems like an opportunity for manufacturers.

[@shekharmoona544]

I wonder if they are going to start selling Canoo vans when they start manufacturing.

[@strangerpalooza]

I'd be interested to see what happens with Canoo's vans

[@mannybairos9182]

Class B👍

[@strangerpalooza]

I'm with you Manny

[@iupn]

I like watching videos about how things start out or made.if only American patriot sd had the two side beds that reclined like the couch does,any way nice vid thanks

[@strangerpalooza]

Thanks Marc, I appreciate it…I think once we do see an actual slow down in demand that more companies will have new features in the vans their building

[@iupn]

@@strangerpalooza didn't really think about things slowing down but your right.when I seen you and nick do the video at sunshine state of the 22'american patriot and how the couch stopped at an incline for sleeping sold me on the brand well and the ability to be able to wash my hands someplace other than the kitchen sink

[@strangerpalooza]

@@iupn cool, glad we were able to get that video out there...2 sinks is always a plus

[@jimmyp7082]

I like the gm custom vans cause you can tow 10000 pounds or close to it

[@matt.docondor6099]

... Interesting ! There is almost no Ford Transit Class C or Camper Van with rear wheel drive in the european rv scene. Most Transits Class C are front wheel drive and there are no more V6 engines and no gas engines available.The transit is only available as a 4WD with manual transmission and diesel engine as camper van versions. Even the Sprinter with the gas engine is not on the european market. For the USA, the promaster gets the Ducato Front with all the high tech features, and the very popular Promaster Superhightop Versions will available in the USA soon. That offers room for new floorplans. Mercedes has in europe still large delivery problems, customer wait and wait, and nothing is comming. The delivery situation at the Ducato/Promaster with 9 speed automatic is very poor too, over here in Europe. More and more RV Manufacturer switch to ford transit, because the order and delivery situation is a lot better. The USA RV Marked is a bit more independent from the crisis, than the rest of the world.

[@strangerpalooza]

Hey Matt, I think one reason for the disparity could be that here the Transits are being made in Kansas...and I'm assuming what you''re getting in Europe is being made over there somewhere

[@juliatodhunter6454]

Great video! Thanks!

[@keithfoulks2657]

I have built a Sprinter self built for a total of $55k, (not nice enough). Bought a used class C with 2 closets, Walk in shower. (to big for stealth). We now own a Pleasure Way Excel, E350 Ford 5.4 motor. 15mpg. 21 foot. Perfect. Class B is the way to go for us, like you and Lola. See you at a Cracker Barrel near you.