Class C downsizing to Class B/camper van advice/thoughts?

[amarie1]

Just throwing this out there. If anyone here has downsized to a Class B or a camper van, can you share your experience? I'm seriously thinking of doing it because I think it'd be less stressful to drive, no slide to worry about ... just jump into the thing with some food and clothes and go. Easier to park, easier to sightsee in cities, but still comfortable enough that I can hang out in it.

Am I fooling myself?

What got me thinking was a recent group camping event at a campground near a state park. One day a few of my friends drove to the state park to go kayaking, and I hitched a ride in one of the pickups (most everyone was camping in towables). I was thinking, if I were here by myself, I probably wouldn't have wanted to strike camp and drive there in my Class C and hope for parking. If I had a *van* though or a Class B I more likely would. (Is this true for you?)

For many reasons, I can't tow or get a toad, mainly logistical (where I live). Thus I'm thinking of a Class B. Used, inspected, maybe a 2015-2020. I'm looking at Pleasure-Way or possibly a wayfarer build.

 

[rvlifer]

I havent done it because of the lack of interior storage but tgey are the coolest rv imo because of how much they fit into such a small space.

 

[Bearcatrp]

One thing about any drivable, if it breaks down, your stuck. Maybe consider a truck with a RV in the bed. You can unload them at your camping spot or just leave it on.

 

[Jubilee]

We went from a class A pulling a toad to a Roadtrek 21’ class B six years ago. Absolutely love it. Park anywhere. Same length as my crew cab long bed pickup. Wife always wants to drive.

Shower, 1/2 tub, refrigerator, microwave, furnace, range, generator, etc. Amazing amount of storage, good water, black and gray storage, 8000 btu air, 6’4 headroom plus 15+ mpg over 32,000 miles running mostly west. We’re in Colorado.

We’re in our mid eighties now, been married over sixty years and know how to get along. If you don’t how to get along with your significant other, I suggest you buy two class B’s. You still won’t be using any more fuel than a class A.

 

[Drf63]

Just throwing this out there. If anyone here has downsized to a Class B or a camper van, can you share your experience? I'm seriously thinking of doing it because I think it'd be less stressful to drive, no slide to worry about ... just jump into the thing with some food and clothes and go. Easier to park, easier to sightsee in cities, but still comfortable enough that I can hang out in it.

Am I fooling myself?

What got me thinking was a recent group camping event at a campground near a state park. One day a few of my friends drove to the state park to go kayaking, and I hitched a ride in one of the pickups (most everyone was camping in towables). I was thinking, if I were here by myself, I probably wouldn't have wanted to strike camp and drive there in my Class C and hope for parking. If I had a *van* though or a Class B I more likely would. (Is this true for you?)

For many reasons, I can't tow or get a toad, mainly logistical (where I live). Thus I'm thinking of a Class B. Used, inspected, maybe a 2015-2020. I'm looking at Pleasure-Way or possibly a wayfarer build.

I too, for several years was initially convinced that a Class B van conversion would be the ideal RV for my spouse our dog and myself.

Specifically, we looked closely at and were seriously considering a 22ft Coachmen Beyond built upon the Ford Transit chassis.

Sometime later, I stumbled across photographs of a 23ft Coach House Platinum 220TB, a unique Class B+ rig (Class C without over cab bunk), and was intrigued by the compact, non-slide out design.

Although only 12” longer than the Coachmen Beyond, it is also 12” wider …creating a much more expansive living area, with a hallway separating the shower from the dry bath.

The bathroom door can be used as a partition to close-off the rear bedroom from the front lounge …ideal for us, as we have ‘night owl vs early bird’ sleep/activity patterns.

The rig’s exterior/interior cargo storage is extremely generous …far exceeding the Beyond’s capacities.

We were sold on the advantages of this compact B+ and the Coach House manufacturer’s reputation for enduring heirloom quality construction …the search for a preowned unit resulted in our purchase of a 2020 model, in which we saved nearly $100K off the then, current year pricing.

The rig is nimble and it is RARE that I can’t locate a space in a typical business parking lot. I usually back into an area over landscaping, traffic island or unused sidewalk …yes, parallel parking is doable as well.

The cost of a preowned 2019-22 model year Beyond and Platinum 220TB are comparable, the major differences are AWD, engine, CCC (cargo carrying capacity), tow rating and MPG.

We retain the ability to easily tow a boat, motorcycle, jet ski, utility trailer and once fully loaded for a 6 week trip …we have literally, one TON of unused CCC remaining.

After we considered the ‘pros vs cons’ of each rig, the sole advantage of the Beyond was better fuel efficiency of the turbo V6 engine vs the V10.

For those whom are convinced an AWD drivetrain is a critical feature for all-season traction control …or to wander off-road for dispersed camping on BLM acreage/ national forest lands …a proper 4x4 drivetrain conversion and 6” suspension lift option is available on the Coach House Ford E-450 chassis.

I’ll try to attach photos of our rig after Ujoint Off-Road Colorado, completed the 4WD conversion w/ 6” suspension lift last December.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Have any pics of the interior? That looks like a great RV.

 

[Drf63]

Here are a few that I had taken that illustrate the adaptability of the floor plan allowing us to carry our bikes secure from weather/ theft.

One of the twin mattresses is removed and the custom ottoman allows the loveseat to become a third bed/TV lounge area.

Also, here’s link to factory photographs of Coach House Platinum 220TB. New 2025 Coach House Platinum 220 Motor Home Class B+

The versatility over Coachmen’s Transit 350HD van conversion and added cargo storage (while even in its stock, pre-4x4 conversion form) is a major advantage, when only 12” longer.

 

[rvlifer]

How much interior storage is in it? Every class b i look at has almost no interior storage

 

[PancakeBill]

I have seen the Coach House units over the years, and they are among the nicest out there. The 4WD and lift upped it another couple notches. Enjoy your adventures.

For the pickup and slide in suggestion, that is what we did. We had experience with these before, this on is #5. Lots to think about getting one of these between truck and unit. However the reasoning of taking it off at campsite and using truck? IMHO, not worth the hassle. I have done i both ways, leaving and driving it all.

 

[Drf63]

How much interior storage is in it? Every class b i look at has almost no interior storage

There is 48 cubic feet of interior storage and 13.5 cu ft of exterior storage. We’ve never used the full capacity available in the cabinets, drawers & shelves (let alone the storage behind/under loveseat & beneath twin beds.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Thanks for the pictures. That is nice. $220,000 from my research. Out of my reach but would consider if I won the lottery. Enjoy and have fun.

 

[Drf63]

Thanks for the pictures. That is nice. $220,000 from my research. Out of my reach but would consider if I won the lottery. Enjoy and have fun.

Sure, …you are most welcome!

I totally understand. A brand new purchase would have been out of reach for us as well! Thankfully, depreciation of a 3 year old model made it possible.

 

[Drf63]

I have seen the Coach House units over the years, and they are among the nicest out there. The 4WD and lift upped it another couple notches. Enjoy your adventures.

For the pickup and slide in suggestion, that is what we did. We had experience with these before, this on is #5. Lots to think about getting one of these between truck and unit. However the reasoning of taking it off at campsite and using truck? IMHO, not worth the hassle. I have done i both ways, leaving and driving it all.

I appreciate your kind remarks concerning the rig!

My dog and I enjoyed a cross-country adventure exploring several National & State Parks and did some backcountry boon-docking over six weeks this summer.

 

[rvlifer]

There is 48 cubic feet of interior storage and 13.5 cu ft of exterior storage. We’ve never used the full capacity available in the cabinets, drawers & shelves (let alone the storage behind/under loveseat & beneath twin beds.

Thanks. If i ever get to do another rv i will have these on my list. Looks ideal for what we want to do

 

[Kirk]

Am I fooling myself?

It is important to realize that while some people can be comfortable with minimal space, others find even the largest RVs too limiting. The key is to figure out where you fit.

 

[joelmyer]

So at age 76 in 2020 I bought a Ram Promaster Cargo Van and "converted" it. In 2021 I did a 10,000 mile 69 night trip around the US to all the places I had not seen yet. I love my van.

I have a bizillion pictures of the van parked here there and yon but no current interior pictures.

Here I am playing radio at some state park. Some of the coolest places I have camped are the North Rim Campground Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Rufus Landing Recreation Area - Rufus, Oregon.

It goes anywhere a front wheel drive car can go and can park anywhere a car can park.

It does not have all the creature comforts and storage of a large rv.

 

[Seilerbird]

I left my gf and her 39 foot diesel. I bought me a B van and kept it about 2 months then sold it and bought a 26 foot gasser. I hated downsizing. I had no problem unhooking it and driving it wherever I wanted to go.

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

I'm not sure there's a big difference striking camp and schlepping around no matter what class of rig - it's generally inconvenient. The exception to class/size would be off pavement adventures but I've done a number of those in my class A. Dashcam shot of my trip last week:

I guess I'm pretty comfortable taking and parking my RV pretty much anywhere. Tight parking lots and single lane roads can get interesting but the only time I've regretted it is parking in a small lot and other cars parking around me, boxing me in. The balance I would strike is living every day in a micro box vs occasional driving/parking challenges. Unless the places you go need clearance or 4WD I wouldn't downsize based on a perception.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Like Mark, I've piloted 36 ft Class A's into more than a few "off road" venues, especially in Alaska & British Columbia where we fished out-of-the way lakes & streams. Even camped in a dry river bed once. Obviously you have to be aware of clearance both underneath & overhead and a wise RVer scouts ahead to make sure you don't end up in a box with no way to turn around, but it's not at all impossible. I've found cities and even small towns to be just as challenging.

I'll give shorter RVs bonus points for being able to maneuver and park in tighter quarters, though.

 

[Kirk]

a wise RVer scouts ahead to make sure you don't end up in a box with no way to turn around,

Even in some campgrounds or county roads that can happen. My first class A, I once had to back it about a quarter mile in poor light in a campground. Just about 2 years ago we were leaving an RV park and at the intersection of the county road to the park and the state highway the road crew had a culvert out. They told me that there was a sign at the crossroad but not at driveways. I then backed a truck and travel trailer for a bit more than 1/2 mile! At least it was good road and daylight.