Class B+ RV Archives - Page 2 of 2

Class B RVs are one of the most popular and fastest-growing segments in the RV industry, thanks to their small compact size and improved fuel efficiency. But if you're someone that likes to camp year-round, Class B RVs are often not the best choice. As most Class B RVs are not four-season campers or capable of winter camping, without first being fully winterized. Which greatly reduces the functionality of the campervan, as the kitchen and bathroom will no longer be fully operational. However, there are few Class B RVs capable of extended camping, and a handful that offers four-season capability. So to make it easier to find all the best Class B RVs for extended and winter camping, we've highlighted the 10 best Class B RVs for winter camping below. Best Class B RVs for Winter Camping (Least to Most Expensive) Make/Model Season Rating Bathroom Price 1. Vandoit Adventure Vans LIV 4-Season Modular $76,900 2. Winnebago Solis Pocket 36A 4 Season Toilet Only $80,000 3. Sportsmobile 4X4 Sprinter Van 3/4-Season Modular $90,000 4. Winnebago Travato 59G 3-Season Wet Bath $108,000 5. Thor Sanctuary 19P 3-Season Wet Bath $145,000 6. Winnebago EKKO 22A 4-Season Wet Bath $165,000 7. Coachmen Galleria 24A 3-Season Wet Bath $170,000 8. Jayco Terrain 19Y 4-Season Wet Bath $185,000 9. Winnebago Revel 44E 4-Season Wet Bath 190,000 10. Airstream Atlas 24MS 3-Season Dry Bath $245,000 1. Vandoit Adventure Vans LIV Quick Specs Price: Starting at $76,900 Season Rating: 4-Season Chassis: Ford Transit Sleeping Capacity: 2 Bathroom: Modular (Dry Flush Self Contained Toilet and Optional Shower) One of the best ways to ensure that you're Class B RV is capable of winter camping is to have a van conversion company like Vandoit build a custom campervan for you. As this allows you to design and build out a campervan from the ground up, to ensure that it's winter-ready and four-season capable. Which might sound cost-prohibitive at first, but in reality is often more affordable than production four-season campervans. As you'll usually be working with a smaller company with much less overhead. That will allow you to simplify the build-out and cut costly features that you don't need or want, which will reduce the overall cost of the campervan. And if you think this sounds too complicated or involved, not to worry, as most large van conversion companies will have standardized built-outs like the LIV package from Vandoit that you can then customize to your specific needs. Why It's Great for Winter Camping Moisture and Mold Resistant Ceiling and Floor Insulation Espar Airtronic B4 Furnace that Taps into the Vehicles Gas Tank 6 Gallon Interior Removable Water Tank with On Demand Water Pump Removable Self Contained Kitchen Pod Dry Flush Battery Powered Removable Self Contained Toilet For more information on the Vandoit Adventure Vans LIV and to find out how to order one, check out Vandoit's website by clicking here. To see other Class B RVs built on the Ford Transit chassis, check out our article "Ford Transit Class B RVs: The Complete List". 2. Winnebago Solis Pocket 36A Quick Specs Price: $80,000 Season Rating: 4-Season Chassis: RAM Promaster Sleeping Capacity: 2 Bathroom: Thetford Porta Potty The cheapest production Class B RV capable of winter camping is the Winnebago Solis Pocket 36A, which has an average price of $80,000. Designed with the outdoor adventurer in mind, the Solis Pocket is a simpler and more stripped-down version of the standard Winnebago Solis. As it lacks a permanent two-piece dry bath and has a much simpler plumbing system with no water heater. Which is one of the main reasons why the Solis Pocket is a four-season camper. As its more limited plumbing system is all above the floor, which means as long as you keep heat inside the van you won't run into any freezing issues. Because of this simpler plumbing system though, the Solis Pocket is not going to be for everyone, as it lacks a shower and only offers a removable Thetford porta-potty as a bathroom. Why It's Great for Winter Camping Truma Gold Standard Cold Weather Certified Truma® VarioHeat™ System with Extensive Proprietary Insulation Heavy Zippered Window Coverings Water Control Panel, Control Valves, Connection Points, and Exterior Wash Station Located Inside the Van All Tanks and Plumbing Lines Located Above the Floor For more information on the Winnebago Solis Pocket, be sure to check out Winnebago's website by clicking here. 3. Sportsmobile 4X4 Sprinter Van Quick Specs Price: Starting At Around $90,000 Season Rating: 3 or 4 Season (Depending on How It's Optioned Out) Chassis: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Sleeping Capacity: 2 to 4 Bathroom: Modular (Multiple Self-Contained Toilet Options and Shower Systems) Sportsmobile is one of the largest and most well-established van conversion companies out there, as they've been producing top-notch conversion vans since 1961. Perhaps best known for their 4x4 conversion vans, when you're looking to get off the beaten path, Sportsmobile vans are one of the best options available. And just like Vandoit Adventure Vans from above, Sportsmobile makes a wide variety of highly customizable conversion vans, with one of their most popular being the 4x4 Sprinter Camper Van. Which can be built for extended and winter camping, by focusing on insulation and heating and ensuring that the plumbing system and all holding tanks are insulated and protected from the cold. Why It's Great for Winter Camping Ability to Customize the Design and Build-Out for Cold Weather and Winter Camping Espar Diesel Furnace that Taps into the Vehicles Gas Tank Aritic Cab Window Panels Well Insulated Throughout with Optional Extreme Insulation Package Optiontional Self-Contained Standard Porta Potti, Electric Porta Potti, or Cassette Toilet with Several Shower Options 4x4 Capability for Harsh Winter Road Conditions For more information on the Sportsmobile 4x4 Sprinter Camper Van and to find out how to design and build your own, check out Sportsmobile's website by clicking here. 4. Winnebago Travato 59G Quick Specs Price: $108,000 Season Rating: 3-Season Chassis: RAM Promaster Sleeping Capacity: 2 Bathroom: 3-Piece Wet Bath While the Winnebago Travato is not a four-season camper, it is capable of extending camping thanks to its ample roof and sidewall insulation, heated tanks, and optional dual-pane acrylic insulated windows. However, as is the case with all three-season campers capable of extended camping, when the temperature drops below freezing, you will need to full winterize the van in order to prevent freezing and damage to the plumbing system. As the plumbing system and components on the Winnebago Travato are not designed to function or work in below-freezing temperatures. With that being said though the Winnebago Travato is still a very capable cold-weather camper, which is one of the main reasons why it's so popular with RVers. As the Travato allows you to easily extend your camping season into early spring and late fall, without any issues, thanks to all of its cold-weather features. Why It's Great for Extended Camping Powerful Truma Combi® Eco Plus Heating System with Two 850-watt Heating Elements Heated Holding Tanks Robust Roof and Sidewall Insulation Insulated Rear Window Zipper Coverings Optional Dual-pane acrylic windows Heated Drainage System For more information on the Winnebago Travato 59G, make sure to check out Winnebago's website by clicking here. 5. Thor Sanctuary 19P Quick Specs Price: $145,000 Season Rating: 3-Season Chassis: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Sleeping Capacity: 2 Bathroom: 2-Piece Wet Bath The Thor Sanctuary 19P was designed with outdoor adventurers in mind and built to rival the super popular Winnebago Revel (#9 on this list) but at a fraction of the cost. As the Thor Sanctuary has a very similar look and feel compared to the Winnebago Revel, is built on the same 4X4 Sprinter chassis, and offers many of the same features, while costing on average $45,000 less. However, as you might expect, the Thor Sanctuary 19P doesn't have the exact same features as the more expensive Winnebago Revel 44E. As Thor did have to sacrifice some features and capabilities found on the Revel 44E in order to accommodate the Sanctuary 19Ps lower price. Most importantly for this article, it's four-season capability, as the Sanctuary 19P is only a three-season campervan. However, the Thor Sanctuary 19P still offers many cold-weather features, making it a great choice for extended seasonal camping. Why It's Great for Extended Camping Cassette Toilet with No External Black Tank Robust Insulation Throughout 14,300 BTU Truma® Combi Eco Furnace and Water Heating System 4x4 Capability for Harsh Winter Road Conditions Heated Holding Tanks For more info on the Thor Sanctuary 19P, be sure to check out Thor's website by clicking here. 6. Winnebago EKKO 22A Quick Specs Price: $165,000 Season Rating: 4-Season Chassis: Ford Transit Sleeping Capacity: 4 (With Optional Roof Top Tent) Bathroom: 3-Piece Wet Bath While the Winnebago EKKO 22A falls more into the Class B+ category, due to its rear cutaway body, it still definitely deserves a spot on this list of best Class B RVs for winter camping. Thanks to the Winnebago EKKOs true four-season capability. Which allows you to camp with the EKKO year-round and right through winter. Thanks to all its cold-weather features, including extensive all-season insulation in the roof, walls, and floor, dual-pane acrylic windows, and interior plumbing lines and holding tanks. And because the Winnebago EKKO offers a larger rear cutaway body similar to a Class C, the EKKO is able to offer features and amenities just not possible on smaller Class B RVs and campervans. Including more interior and exterior storage capacity, two fixed twin beds that be converted into a large fixed queen bed, more interior space, and a three-piece wet bath. So if you're looking for a four-season Class B RV with a little more interior space and amenities, you might want to check out the slightly large Class B+ Winnebago EKKO 22A. Why It's Great for Winter Camping Extensive All-Season Insulation in the Roof, Walls, and Floor All Holding Tanks and Water Lines are Above the Floor and Inside the Coach Dual-Pane Acrylic Windows Truma® VarioHeat™ Comfort Furnace Self-Contained Cassette Toilet with No Black Tank Multiple Insulated Exterior Storage Compartments Standard All-Wheel-Drive for Harsh Winter Raod Conditions For more information on the Winnebago EKKO 22A, be sure to check out Winnebago's website by clicking here. To see other Class B RVs capable of sleeping four, check out our article "10 Amazing Class B RVs that Actually Sleep 4". 7. Coachmen Galleria 24A Quick Specs Price: $170,000 Season Rating: 3-Season Chassis: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Sleeping Capacity: 2 Bathroom: 3-Piece Wet Bath While the Coachmen Galleria 24A is not a four-season campervan, it's another great example of a three-season Class B RV that's capable of extended camping. As the Galleria 24A goes well beyond standard Class B RVs in regards to cold weather protection. Allowing you to comfortably use this high-end Class B motorhome in early spring as well as late fall. Thanks to numerous cold-weather features and upgrades such as a Truma Combi furnace and water heater system, standard R-15 insulation, and R-38 reflective insulation in the floor. Why It's Great for Extended Camping Powerful Truma Combi Furnace/Water Heater System Extensive R-15 Insulation R-38 Reflective Insulation in the Floor Upgraded Optional Cozy Wrap Insulation for Even More Cold Weather Protection Optional Polar Package Plus Heating Pads Optional 4x4 Capability for Harsh Winter Road Conditions For more information on the Coachmen Galleria 24A, make sure to check out Coachmen's website by clicking here. 8. Jayco Terrain 19Y Quick Specs Price: $185,000 Season Rating: 4-Season Chassis: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Sleeping Capacity: 2 Bathroom: 2-Piece Wet Bath Similar to the Thor Sanctuary 19P (#5 on this list), the Jayco Terrain 19Y is Jayco's answer to the popular Winnebago Revel 44E (#9 on this list). As the Jayco Terrain 19Y is designed to be a true go-anywhere off-grid adventure van, thanks to its upgraded 4x4 Sprinter chassis, high ground clearance, aggressive BFGoodrich® All-Terrain T/A® KO2® tires, and solar off-grid power. And like the Winnebago Revel 44E, the Jayco Terrain 19Y offers numerous cold-weather protection features as well that allow you to camp year-round and in the winter with this rugged campervan. Including an interior mounted freshwater tank, a heated gray water tank, dual-pane acrylic windows, and a Hydronic heating system to name just a few. Why It's Great for Winter Camping Heavy Duty Insulation Throughout the Campervan Interior Mounted Freshwater Tank Heated Gray Water Tank Dual-Pane Acrylic Windows Hydronic Heating System Cassette Toilet Eliminates Need for Black Water Tank 4x4 Capability for Harsh Winter Road Conditions For more info on the Jayco Terrain 19Y, be sure to check out Jayco's website by clicking here. 9. Winnebago Revel 44E Quick Specs Price: $190,000 Season Rating: 4-Season Chassis: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Sleeping Capacity: 2 Bathroom: 2-Piece Wet Bath While the Winnebago Revel is often imitated, there is only one Revel, which has been an industry leader in off-road and off-grid camping since its release in 2017. Thanks to its numerous off-road and off-grid features, including its upgraded 4x4 Sprinter chassis, optional performance wheels, and BF Goodrich® T/A® KO2 all-terrain tires, and built-in solar power with two 125-amp hours LiFePO batteries. But it's not just its off-road and off-grid capability that makes this rugged campervan ideal for outdoor adventures, as it also has some of the best all-weather and cold-weather protections available on a Class B RV. Including such upgraded cold-weather features as a Hydronic heating system with LED touchscreen, tinted dual-pane euro acrylic windows with cassette shades, and an insulated and heated gray water holding tank. Allowing you to camp year-round and in the winter with this Class B RV from Winnebago. Why It's Great for Winter Camping Extensive Insulation Throughout the Campervan Hydronic Heating System with LED Touchscreen Tinted Dual-Pane Euro Acrylic Windows with Cassette Shades Insulated and Heated Gray Water Holding Tank Cassette Toilet Eliminates Need for Black Water Tank 4x4 Capability for Harsh Winter Road Conditions For more information on the Winnebago Revel 44E and to see its available color options, make sure to check out Winnebago's website by clicking here. To see other Class B RVs great for off-grid camping, check out our article "10 Best Class B RVs for Boondocking and Dry Camping". 10. Airstream Atlas 24MS Quick Specs Price: $245,000 Season Rating: 3-Season Chassis: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Sleeping Capacity: 3 (When Equipped with Optional Cockpit Bed) Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath Like the Winnebago Ekko 22A (#6 on this list), the Airstream Atlas 24MS can be more accurately classified as a Class B+ as opposed to a Class B, due to its rear cutaway body. However, we felt that it was still worthy of a spot on this list, due not only to all the similarities that it shares with a standard Class B RV but also, due to all of its cold-weather features and upgrades. As the Airstream Atlas 24MS is built on the popular Sprinter chassis like many Class B RVs and is not much larger than a standard Class B, with a length of just 24 feet 9 inches and a width of only 7 feet 11 inches. In addition, the Atlas 24MS also features numerous cold-weather features, including an oversized 16,000 BTU furnace, roof-mounted AC with heat strips, plenty of insulation, and heated fresh, gray, and black water tanks. And like the Winnebago Ekko, the Airstream Atlas also offers many features and amenities that are just not possible on smaller Class B RVs, thanks to its rear cutaway body. Including a full slide-out, full-size murphy bed, a large wardrobe, and one of the few three-piece dry baths available in a Class B RV. Why It's Great for Extended Camping Oversized 16,000 BTU Furnace 11,500 BTU Roof-Mounted AC with Heat Strips Robust Insulation Heated Fresh, Gray, and Black Water Tanks For more information on the Airstream Atlas 24MS, check out Airstream's website by clicking here. What to Look For When Choosing a 4-Season Class B RV While finding a true four-season Class B RV capable of winter camping can be challenging, it's not impossible, if you know what to look for. As there are 5 main things to look for including: 1. Heated and Insulated Holding Tanks In most Class B RVs the holding tanks, including the fresh, gray, and black water tanks will be below the van floor, which means they will be exposed to the elements and freezing temperatures. Because of this, the holding tanks of a Class B RV will often be one of the first items to freeze causing the plumbing in the RV to stop working and potentially causing costly damage. So for a Class B to be four-season all holding tanks need to be either above the floor in the heated interior of the van or they need to be heavily insulated and heated to prevent freezing. 2. Interior Water Lines Like holding tanks, the water lines of a Class B RV can be very susceptible to freezing and damage if they are not located on the inside of the van, where they can be warmed by the furnace. Because of this, for a Class B RV to be winter-ready, all water lines need to be on the inside of the van, and I do mean all, as just one exterior water line can be the downfall of the entire plumbing system. 3. Non-Exposed Dump Station An item that often trips up RVers looking for a winter-ready campervan is the dump station on the RV, as most Class B RVs have dump stations that hang down underneath the van unprotected. This means that just like the holding tanks, the dump station can easily freeze in cold weather causing damage to the plumbing system if it's not insulated and heated. Because of this, the dump station and any piping leading to it should be in a heated and insulated compartment to prevent freezing. 4. Powerful Furnace or Hydronic Heating System All Class B RVs will come with some sort of furnace. However, if you're planning on camping in the winter, it's important to look for a campervan with a powerful furnace or hydronic heating system. As you will need this to not only keep the interior of the van comfortable during freezing temperatures but also to keep plenty of warmth going to the plumbing system, whether through the ambient temperature on the inside of the van or ducted heat on the outside. 5. Robust Insulation All Class B RVs will have some level of insulation, however, the level of insulation can vary greatly from one Class B to the next. As more budget-friendly Class B RVs will usually have minimal insulation, while more expensive Class B RVs will usually have more robust and extensive insulation. So when looking for a Class B RV capable of winter camping, you want to make sure the campervan has robust and extensive insulation throughout the campervan, including on the floor, in the walls, and on the ceiling. Things to Keep In Mind When Camping with a Class B RV in the Winter All Class B RVs are capable of winter camping, even if it's not a four-season campervan, as long as you winterize the plumbing system first. All RV plumbing systems have their limits when it comes to freezing temperatures and this includes four-season Class B RVs. Non-Winterized three-season campervans will usually run into freezing issues at or just under 32° Fahrenheit Non-Winterized four-season campervans will usually run into freezing issues at or just under 0° Fahrenheit. Four-season campervans are only four-season as long as you maintain heat inside the van. This means four season Class B RVs still need to be winterized when not in use. Can You Use a Class B RV in the Winter? Most Class B RVs are not four-season campers, which means you'll need to fully winterize the RV beforehand, to prevent freezing and damage to the plumbing system, while winter camping. However, there are a handful of four-season Class B RVs, such as the Winnebago Revel, Jayco Terrain, and the Winnebago Solis Pocket, that are capable of winter camping without being winterized. As these four-season Class B RVs have internal holding tanks and plumbing lines as well as robust insulation and powerful heating sources.