Our Dilemma : Class C vs. Class B

When we first decided to sell our house to buy an RV and travel full time, we imagined a Class C would be our Goldilocks: not too big, not too small -- just right. We even incorporated a Class C RV into our branding! Since then, we've agonized over making the right choice, flipping back and forth between Class C and Class B coaches.

An RV 'class' primer

There are 5 main classes of RVs:

• Class A -- These are the largest of the motorhomes, which includes buses converted into motorhomes.
• Class B -- Often called camper vans, these are the smallest of the motorhomes.
• Class C -- A mix of both worlds, Class Cs combine the luxuries of Class A motorhomes with the manuverability of a Class B.
• Travel Trailers -- Pull these behind a vehicle; TTs include pop-ups, Airsteams, and 5th wheels.
• Truck Campers -- Put this into the bed of a truck, and BAM, you have an RV.

Class C vs. Class B

We love the living space and storage Class Cs offer, but on the downside, they are low to the ground making it difficult to access more remote areas (or even gas stations with a slopped entrance) and get lousy fuel economy with an average of about 10mpg or less. Most people tow a car behind to run an errand or see the sights because Class Cs cannot be parked in a standard parking space. It can also be a pain to unhook the utilities every time you want to leave camp.

The maneuverability of a Class B combined with its wonderful fuel economy (up to 20 mpg), make it easy to consider buying one. The main downside is the lack of living space and storage. Since we'll be living full time in the RV with a dog who is fetch obsessed, a smaller van simply won't do.

Our list of must haves:

• A full-time rear bed (many smaller RVs rely on converting a sofa or dinette into a bed, but that will get old fast)
• A full bathroom (a more spacious "wet bath" could suffice, which places the toilet inside the shower to save space)
• A full refrigerator
• Sufficient living space for 2 adults, a dog, and an occasional guest
• Enough storage for all our possessions
• Space to add solar panels
• Space for computer work

Nice to haves:

• Diesel engine
• Outside shower (Kimbo can get filthy)
• Roof access for additional storage
• Captains chairs that swivel to the living area
• Over the cab sleeping/storage area
• Space for art projects
• Leather seats
• Counter space for a coffee pot
• Oven

Our ideal models

Over the past weeks, we've honed in on two base models for each class we're considering. Both use a Mercedes diesel engine on a Sprinter chassis.

Class C: Winnebago Navion 23J (also sold as View 23J)

This is my absolute top choice. It's got everything we could want and more. Because it's built on a Sprinter chassis, it has better fuel economy than larger Class Cs, averaging in the high teens. There's even a built-in bike storage! The downside? It's expensive!

The Navion 23J is just 24 feet long and is built on a powerful and fuel efficient diesel Sprinter chassis. Photo courtesy Lichtsinn RV



The Navion 23J is the smallest in the line of Sprinter-based Class C chassis offered.  It's got just about everything we could need for living full time in an RV. Courtesy Winnebago

A bonus feature: bike storage! Photo courtesy Truck Trend

Class B: MB Cruiser

Something like this has most of what we need and even quite a few of the extras we want. The big downside, of course, is the tight space.

The MB Cruiser combines a slick coach with compact living. It, too, is built on a diesel Sprinter chassis. Courtesy Stream RV LLC

The MB Cruiser requires converting the rear dinette into a bed, but the front area can remain an eating area while parked. Unfortunately, there isn't a bed  for a guest. Guess someone's sleeping on the floor.

We'll post the results of our search and explain why we picked the RV that will be our home for the foreseeable future.