The Best Class B Or Camper Van RV Brands To Buy In 2024

[@reevesproductions877]

I know this was a short list, we just got our first RV ever and got a used Pleasure way 2006 on the Dodge Sprinter chassis. What's funny is we didn't know much about Class B just that it would fit into any National Park and that's what we wanted. However, the build quality of the RV is superior even to many of today's Class B manufactures. I didn't know at the time but Pleasure Way was the first to start Class B back in 1986, Airstream started doing B's in 2004. Fast forward to the past few years everyone and their brother are building them now. Pleasure ways service repair rate (RV side) is less than 5%. Even though ours is 18 years old, you would never know by entering it or using any of the items. No creaks when driving or sounds like the entire back end is in an earthquake. We were lucky I feel as we went activistly looking, just came across it on a small county road in IL. We did however have the RV taken to a diesel repair shop to have it checked out and a mobile RV tech checked out the RV side, each said no issues and both were surprise by the build quality of the unit. Later we learned why their return service rates are so low, they only have 1 person that does the entire build on each RV, 1 builder/electrician/plumber no assembly line. Family-owned business, the father just passed it to his son a few years ago. No stockholders to answer too, just great build quality and super support even if you are out of warranty and not the original owner, a person's answers the phone and gets you to the correct person to assist. They have multiple rallies where everyone gets to meet and even a senior rep is there and personally walks around and meets everyone and asks if they have any issues, he can assist you with while you are at the rally. He even does the repairs or assists you, I have never heard of this type of attention of customer support from any manufacture. Yes the new units are high in price for even my budget, however unlike almost other manufactures this brand does retain resale value. Typically you have to wait for the build for new unit as they dont mass produce them. So thanks for the video and maybe in your next video on Class Bs you can speak to the build quality of models where price is not the only factor. 🙂

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your experience with Pleasure Way Class Bs. It's helpful for others to know. Have safe and happy travels in your RV!

[@pjt3887]

I'm so glad you had a good experience there's another nomadic RV or I watch and she bought my dream Pleasure-Way rig and within the first month the whole entire glass shower door shattered when it came loose from the lock. It took her 90 days define anyone who would service it in the United States since it's made in Canada. That could be why the repair rate is so low. Sheba's over in central part of the United States during this time and had a very difficult time getting pleasure way to help her and get it repaired. It's a good thing though that you got it repaired by numerous people so you knew exactly what you were buying I'm going to do the exact same thing. I love their Murphy bed model.

[@goneretired7030]

I had a class-A diesel pusher and got rid of it. I now have a Winnebago Travato (class-B) and love it. While the initial cost might be higher, they also tend to hold their price fairly good.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

It sounds like you have found your perfect RV. Have safe and happy travels in it!

[@davidlundy5007]

I actually built out my own Mercedes Benz Sprinter 170 WB dually. Queen size bed, kitchen, shower, portable potty, fridge and freezer. 300 amp hrs Battleborn lithium batteries. This was my retirement present to me. My widows are RV style rain tight even while opened. I looked all over for used class Bs back in 2015 before purchasing this 2016 cargo van new. I built what I wanted to my comfort desires. No way I could have done that in a Class B.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm sure that was a lot of work but its worth it if you can get the RV that fits you perfectly in the end. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jimmcfadden9865]

Spot on as usual Duane, we started looking at Class B until we saw the cost😮, plus cannot get beyond the “wet bath” concept. Settled on a 30’ A with plenty of basement storage and a 26”x 38” shower with glass door:) We call our Class A our rolling $100k bathroom😜 To each their own!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Jim. I understand how you feel. A lot of RVers just can't handle the all-in-one bathroom/shower concept. RVing usually means having a small bathroom anyway, but for many that's just going too far. Enjoy your Class A!

[@Expeditionmarc]

Great video. I came from a class A Motorhome and just purchased a new Leisure travel van Unity however it’s considered a class b+ with one slide quite the size difference from a class b. We are very happy with this style of camper. It’s nice to say (let’s pull over and check this out) with your Dutch Star 43 foot with Jeep in tow we couldn’t do that. Glad to experience the new RV.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

LTV makes some great RVs. And it is amazing how much having a slide helps with living space. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

[@anneburns2686]

I love your videos! Your knowledge and perspective is so needed. Thank you so much for educating me.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

It's my pleasure Anne. Your positive feedback is much appreciated!

[@cferdinandi]

Great video as alway! I'd love to see a video with your thoughts on truck campers at some point.

[@Chatterboxis007]

Me too

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll see what I can do. have safe and happy travels!

[@cferdinandi]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Excellent! You as well, Duane! Not gonna lie, I watch some of your videos on repeat simply because I find your voice and general demeanor so soothing! Keep up the great work!

[@philc.9280]

We recently purchased a new Winnebago Travato and so far, pretty happy with it. Other folks have mentioned the Ram Promaster is slightly underpowered compared to the Mercedes or Ford and we did notice that when in steep hills but fortunately that is rare for us. Love getting up to 17 mpg now. Storage is solved by having a large storage box on the hitch. Also noticed the driver's side seat rides very high. and sometimes I have to duck to see above the van when driving.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Phil. The Mercedes Sprinter may give you more power in the hills but the ProMaster doesn't come with all of the expensive parts and repair issues that the Sprinter often has. And you can get the ProMaster chassis issues repaired almost anywhere. Also, your storage box on the hitch is exactly what I had in mind when I mentioned in the video that there are ways around the storage shortage issue in these vans. Thanks for both watching and leaving a nice comment!

[@Rottingboards]

Thank you for this comment. I was thinking of getting a Travato.

[@philc.9280]

@@Rottingboards Just fyi... recently returned from a wonderful 2500-mile trip through 4 states seeing multiple national parks. The Travato did wonderful getting us 18.5 mpg and also did OK on the steep hills despite being a little unpowered. Overall, very pleased with the performance.

[@Rottingboards]

@@philc.9280 Thanks, for the real life insight.

[@josephquadros5290]

I, respectfully, disagree with you. While you named three well known manufacturers, you failed to point out that MOST manufacturers have poor Quality Control. I would argue Grech, Embassy, or Advanced RV far exceed quality standards of Airstream (Thor), Winnebago, or Entegra. Without the quality control, it’s just Lipstick on a Pig and you’ll end up living in the RV Service Bay!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I don't mind anyone disagreeing with me in a respectful and polite way. You are entitled to your opinion. Of course, the brands you mentioned are more low production manufacturers. And that's one of the reasons I didn't include them in this video as they are harder to find for the average RV buyer. And my personal new RV inspections show that quality control is definitely improving at this point among the higher production builders now that Covid is rapidly disappearing in the rear view mirror. And one final point. I actually did address the quality control issue when I recommended using a certified RV inspector to provide a thorough report on the condition of even new Class Bs before taking ownership of them.

[@ctbrodie]

I've had a Thor and a Winnebago Class B RV. The quality on the Thor was horrible so I ended up with a Winnebago. The nice thing is that it's a whole vehicle in its own right with an RV installed inside. Anyone who has ever had a fiberglass shell crack or delaminate knows this is an advantage.

[@Sandra-ts9ki]

Hello, I enjoyed your video and looking forward to seeing more due to at now 62 years old I’m ready to just get out into this world and travel ☀️. Thank you!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's awesome Sandra. There's lots of videos here on my channel where you can learn what you need to know before you start traveling. Enjoy the videos and thanks for watching!

[@DebraAW0224]

I appreciate this video even though I have the book. Takes me different mediums to absorb the information!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Debra. I'm glad the video was helpful. Thanks for watching it and I'll look forward to working with you and answering your questions when you've finished my guidebook and are ready to talk about it.

[@warrentutwiler8297]

This is all very new to me, but I am seriously considering purchasing a Class B for cross-country driving/living. This video was helpful in pointing out the pros and cons of this size RV, and I thank you for that! I have two follow-up questions: first, regarding the guides you offer, is the one mentioned in the video updated periodically? This video was from Feb 2024, it is now Sep 2024 and the new 2025 models are being introduced, so will the guide's information still be applicable even to the new models? Second, you mention getting an RV Inspector for a new or used purchase; would this be true even if purchasing from a RV dealer? Thanks again for the video!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

My current Class B and B+ guide was recently updated and covers the 2024 - 2025 model years. And I always recommend getting an RV inspection no matter who is selling the RV. I hope that helps.

[@michaelsykes6679]

Surprised Coachmen wasn’t on your list?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Michael. Coachmen is not on my recommended list of Class B RVs. I feel there are better choices overall for similar money. Thanks for watching!

[@robert-ne1835]

@@RVInspectionAndCare I can understand that there might be better choices than Coachmen when strictly looking at price, but doesn't Coachmen's cost reflect a better product? We have been searching for a fixed bed with just two front seats option (REALLY limits the field) and pretty much came up with either the Winnebago Era 70A or the Coachmen 24A. We found that Coachmen appears to have a higher quality build than Winnebago, with things like better built cabinets and better fitment of trim to wall panels. Coachmen also offers by far more options (well over a dozen) for things such as gas vs electric cook top, lithium batteries vs a generator, and separate cabinet and interior color schemes, whereas Winnebago just offers two interior color schemes and nothing else.. The Coachmen is also insulated (with options for an upgraded winter insulation package), where the Winnebago is not insulated at all. I may seem like a die-hard Coachmen fanboy, but I am just trying to be as informed as possible before making such a costly purchsae. So my questions is, if you take the price out of the equation, how does Coachmen compare to other brands as far as quality, customer service, and flexibility in design options? As an inspector, have you had an opportunity to inspect many Coachmen Class B units, and if so, how do those inspections compare with other brands? Are there more or less issues from the factory? Are you seeing those issues being dealt with by the dealer or factory any better or worse than other brands?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm not sure what Coachmen Class Bs you have been through, but in general I have not been very impressed with their overall quality. Of course, that doesn't mean that you can't get a good Coachmen Class B RV. It just means that I recommend other brands as a better a better choice to put the odds on your side that you will be happy with the RV over the long-term. And my thoughts on Coachmen are not just due to quality alone but also include their customer service and resale value as well.

[@robert-ne1835]

@@RVInspectionAndCare We looked at both the Coachmen Galleria and the Winnebago Era at an RV show beginning of 2023. I remember how distinctly surprised we were at the lower quality of the Winnebago compared to the Coachmen, specifically in the cabinetry and the fit of the interior. We then rented a 2022 Galleria 24Q through Outdoorsy and found a couple of minor issues that could be easily resolved (rear TV fell off onto bed because there were not enough screws to hold the bracket on - just needed more screws). We are about to take a trip in a 2021 Galleria 24A, which is our target floor plan. Where I am in the Northeast, the two closed dealers are about two hours away in opposite directions. One is a stand-alone dealership and another is a Campers Inn. I don't know if Campers Inn dealers around the country would support us as part of a "network", or if warranty repairs really just apply to the individual dealership. At this point, I am basically taking the approach that any RV I purchase is a gamble and I just need to be prepared to fix any issues myself.

[@janeschmidtke9739]

I lived the Coachmen Cross Travel E350. Great keg room in front cab and nice space between thos chairs to get into the back without going outside! Live that it can be a truly trailer for bikes or a small handicap scooter!!! The price is high

[@DingbadYoutube]

Looking at an Arc. Thanks for the video.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@Mike-te1xx]

First😊 thanks for the review!!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching!

[@mitsygaynor]

I would have picked Roadtrek way ahead of integra but it's not my video or book.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Sorry but Roadtrek is not on my recommended list for Class B manufacturers at this point.

[@randyw7185]

Appreciate the information!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@JustinOpinionChannel]

Would you put Jayco as synonymous with Entegra? They seem to be the same company behind the name plates.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Jayco owns Entegra. But Entegra is a step above the average Jayco product. And just because a company owns another one, it doesn't mean that they will put out identical products.

[@dannidunn9302]

Now that Thor owns Airstream, quality has suffered.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I hear that all the time. But the truth is that Thor has owned Airstream since 1980 and actually saved them from near extinction at that time. Also, some of the best years of Airstream's existence has been under the ownership of Thor. I agree that Thor has its own issues, but there is no credible evidence that the company has had any direct influence on the issues that Airstream has faced in the past few years. It's just unfounded negative hearsay that is so common in the RV world now.

[@dannidunn9302]

@@RVInspectionAndCare I have only heard about Thor quality issues with respect to their Class B vans.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@dannidunn9302 As I said there is no actual clear evidence that Thor has had any negative effect on Airstream. The past few years have been trying and difficult for all RV manufacturers, and it's mostly due to Covid-affected workforce issues and international supply chain problems, among other reasons as well. So I stand by my recommendation of Airstream.

[@dannidunn9302]

@@RVInspectionAndCare thank you, Duane. I really respect your opinion, so that is very good to know. I had a friend of mine who was going to buy an RV without an inspection and I said nope you have to get an inspection. She did and there were a few problems that were resolved before she took possession of the RV. So thank you for your wisdom.

[@brittanyjackson6432]

This was an excellent video, thank you! I'm trying to figure out an exhaustive list of Class B's that have a split bathroom or just a dry bath, in general, so I can do a comparison and choose one. Can you please help? Thank you and God bless you!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Brittany. The best suggestion I have is to download my guidebook to the best quality Class B brands and models and use that as your starting point to find the bathroom setup that you prefer. You can find the guidebook here - payhip.com/b/NvF4p

[@LASartor]

Curious about Thor? The price points of b vans keeps us just of reach for a Winnebago or Entrega. Thanks.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Sorry but Thor is not on my recommended list of Class B manufacturers for various reasons. My full recommended brand list for Class Bs can be found here - payhip.com/b/NvF4p

[@LASartor]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

[@jhors7777]

Thank you for posting this helpful video

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. And thanks for your positive feedback!

[@dp523]

What about rhe Ram engine and transmission, any problems?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

There are problems that can be experienced with any chassis or drivetrain. But I haven't heard of any major issues with the RAM ProMaster chassis that would be so severe that you should avoid it.

[@dedos33]

Hi, just found your channel. Thank you for all the great information. What do you think of Chinook Class B Rvs? Do you recommend the Chinook Bayside on the Ford Transit chassis? Thank you for all you response.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Honestly I haven't had much experience with modern Chinook Class Bs so I can't really recommend them. But I have heard good things about them though. They were an iconic brand from years ago that went out of business when the economic downturn took place in the 2000's. But the brand has been resurrected again, this time on a low production basis. So I haven't had much exposure to the new version so far.

[@dedos33]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Wow, thank you for the quick response. How about Pleasure Way Ontour? What's your opinion on quality and durability of the RV build? Thank you again, you're awesome! New subscriber!😁

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@dedos33 Pleasure Way builds a great Class B RV in my opinion. You will most likely be happy with that selection. And thanks for subbing and supporting the channel. It's much appreciated!

[@dedos33]

@@RVInspectionAndCare You're welcome. And thank you, we are learning a lot from you and the importance of having an RV inspector check the Class B we are considering buying. All the best, Ev and Ana 🤗

[@whitebirchtarot]

Thank you for this video. I would love it if you would do one for those of us who are chemically sensitive. I think you’ve convinced me that I want a class B. I’m starting from scratch! I know nothing. 😁

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad to hear that my video has been helpful and given you plenty to think about. That was its purpose. :-) I hope you find your dream RV!

[@chrise.cullen1902]

What kind/make of rv for single guy to live in 24/7

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's hard to say Chris because everybody's wants and needs are very different. There is no one RV that fits the needs of all single people. But I have made several videos about the pros and cons of every type of RV. So I recommend that you search for those videos on my channel and watch them to find the RV categories that seem to fit you best. Then you can start looking for RVs in that category to nail down the brand you want to buy. I hope you find the perfect RV for your needs!

[@chrise.cullen1902]

@@RVInspectionAndCare thank you,will do!

[@277kne]

I'm commenting to mention there are exceptions to your points. Winnebago ERA and Leisure Travel Vans both have a slide and that floor plan has many floor to roof cabinets. Both aren't made anymore.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Slides in a Class B are extremely rare. But thanks for mentioning these that do.

[@277kne]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Those 2 are the only ones. One dealer that is very popular on KZbin states Winnebago was first. But Leisure Travel made it in 2013. It's called Freedom SS. I was looking at these but I don't think I need all the cabinets. The price ranges around $79,000 to $119,000. Thank you for being an inspector.

[@haroldsmith5761]

Do you know which Class B's have the rear with doors/door that opens? Thanks

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Harold. Most of the Class B vans I know of have two doors that open in the rear. I can't really remember one that didn't. Safe and happy travels to you!

[@bobzawilski6086]

how about Panoramic RV😊

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Bob. Panoramic may be a very good quality Class B. But they are a very small company and I haven't had any experience with them thus far to be able to recommend them. But I'll keep an eye out for them in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@Bestdeal8888]

What about coachmen galleria sir ? What you think ? It’s that good class b rv ? Thank you 🙏

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Unfortunately, Coachmen is not on my recommended list of Class B RVs. You can find my full recommended list here - payhip.com/b/NvF4p

[@monicae67]

First, I appreciate your opinion so thanks for the information. Sadly, just because they have been around longer doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re going to be better. Quality has just been going down hill with brands that were thought to be the best. Airstream’s prices are ridiculously expensive and I just don’t think they are worth it. I’ve thought of the Winnebago 59K but then I came across the Entegra Expanse and love it! The materials used just look like better quality so that is the one we think we are going with. What is your opinion on the Entegra Expanse? I was also looking at the Coachmen. What is your opinion on that brand?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Monica. Entegra builds a very good Class B. I just went through a few this past week and was pleased with what I saw. I would definitely recommend it above the Coachmen products. Have safe and happy travels in your new Class B!

[@monicae67]

BTW, where can someone find an RV inspector and when do you involve them in the process?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Monica. Just visit nrvia.org and select "Find An Inspector". Then you can view all of the local inspectors on the map there and contact them about their availability. Any certified NRVIA inspector has the necessary training to provide a top quality RV inspection for you. I usually recommend choosing the one that you feel most comfortable with. It's best to line them when you start to get serious about an RV that you want. And don't take delivery of the RV until all of the major issues found on the inspector's report is repaired to your satisfaction.

[@monicae67]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you very much! I’m interested in the Entegra Expanse 21B or the Thor Rize or Scope 18M but I hear that Thor doesn’t have a great reputation for quality. The Entegra is more expensive and larger compared to the Thor 18M. We were looking at something small. This will be our first RV purchase so I need all the help I can get!!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@monicae67 I would definitely choose the Entegra over the Thor. There is a reason why it costs more.

[@monicae67]

@@RVInspectionAndCare That makes sense. Like the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. I’ll take your opinion seriously. I’ll stick with the Entegra. I’ll narrow it down to the Entegra Expanse 21B and the Entegra Ethos 20T, which is another model of theirs that I like but from what it appears to me, the Expanse 21B has higher end materials.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@monicae67 A lot of people like the fact that the Expanse is based on the Ford Transit chassis and the Ethos is based on the RAM ProMaster chassis too. This eliminates a lot of the issues that Class B RVers have been having with servicing their Mercedes Sprinter based RV.

[@meredithbrown6263]

Thank you

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

You're very welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@coris9503]

Hi! How do I find an inspector in my area? I am in the Los Angeles area. Thank you in advance.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Just visit nrvia.org and select "Find An Inspector". Then you can view all of the local inspectors on the map there and contact them about their availability. Any certified NRVIA inspector has the necessary training to provide a top quality RV inspection for you. I usually recommend choosing the one that you feel most comfortable with.

[@cynthiataylor2092]

You should show Pleasureway and Grech!! Cindy

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Those are both good brands but I can't include all of the brands on my recommended list in one video. Thanks for watching!

[@fasteddie51]

Wow, You missed the grandfather of the B Van, Road Trek. I’ve looked at the B for 3 years and done many many hours of research. I live in a 22’ Nash travel trailer and for 3 years travel full time. My desire is to be come more nimble. My research finding is hands down Road Trek is number 1 in quality, reliability and longevity. At a distant 2nd is Winnebago. In 3rd and that’s way way down the the line is the rest of them. My finding is only considering the B Vans. I’m not considering the B Plus Vans, as I have no interest in them.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm sorry, but on this point we'll have to disagree. Roadtrek is not on my recommended list at this point and they have to make some solid improvements to get there. Of course, that doesn't mean that you can't get a good motorhome from Roadtrek. It just mean that in my opinion there are better choices out there for similar money. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here though.

[@monicae67]

Airstream on the RAM chassis?! Really?! Which one are those? I never heard of any. Any Airstream Class B RV that I’ve seen were on the Mercedes Benz Sprinter chassis.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

You can read all about it here on Airstream's website - www.airstream.com/touring-coaches/rangeline/

[@monicae67]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Yes! I did google it and found it. There aren’t many models and I didn’t like the floor plan but thanks!

[@thereserveteamsc]

Not much of a list if you didn't have Leisure Travel Vans on it.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Not much of a comment if you didn't watch the whole video. If you had you would know that I said that the RVs mentioned in this video were not the only ones I recommend. And yes, LTV is on that list.

[@austinpatterson672]

Very overpriced

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

These smaller RVs are the most expensive per square foot that you can buy. But there is a lot of technology that goes into making all the amenities they provide fit in a small space. And a lot of RVers seem to feel that it's worth the price as they are some of the fastest selling motorhomes out there right now.