Community Forums

Bowser · 09-15-2012, 01:15 PM

This is bound to create controversy, and I assure everyone I don't mean to. It's simply an observation.

It seems to me that there are very few Class B folks here compared to the three large groups, A, C and 5th wheelers. I believe that's because of a fundamental difference between the classes. And it has nothing to do with right or wrong, good or bad, it's simply preferences.

I think the people in the larger class RVs are taking their home with them, sort of like going to a resort with your own suite. Less expensive, more convenient, makes sense.

I think, as a rule, the Class B folks are going places the larger RVs couldn't make it to, are more interested in areas which aren't the road more taken, and can get through roads on which the larger folks would high-center fairly rapidly. Or be unable to make the turns.

Now I know there are people who will claim to take their 5th wheeler anywhere, bigawd, and maybe they do. I don't see them. I have seen the carcasses of a few trailers which couldn't make it to a couple of lakes. Surprisingly, there's a sense of sadness about it, as if looking at a burned out house. Someone's home is gone.

And a lot of people use their Class Bs the way people use the larger RVs. But I know I can use mine to enjoy a more rural experience. It's more like backpacking.

Different strokes for different folks. But I just know when I see an A, C, or 5th wheeler we share a desire to roam, to either get the hell out of Dodge or get to Dodge. It's the destinations which may differ a bit, the motivations, but underneath it is an interest in traveling on our own terms..

And I know they aren't going where I'm going, usually.

Simply an observation, without any judgment. And it may be an inaccurate observation.

macantic · 09-15-2012, 02:14 PM

Sounds good to me,except for the part about Less expensive, more convenient,Yes on more convenient but not less expensive.maybe for a class B.

gripper · 09-15-2012, 02:40 PM

You sound like a youngster with a lot of energy and a desire to "rough it". I am most likely much older. To me, it's mostly convenience and comfort. I had a class B once (or close to it) it had a couch that made a small bed, a sink, some small cabinets, a port-a-potti, etc. but to relax and stretch out, I had to go outside. If it was raining or freezing outside, forget it. No airconditioning or heating, other than what the engine provided. However, now I am retired and want more of the comforts of home. I use RV parks that have aminities, that I prefer. I never boondock. If I want to go places that my RV can't go, I use my toad and return to the comforts of my Motorhome. I can no longer try to wind-up the day, making do, with less, after a day of site seeing. Getting older can do that to you. Remember the saying, "roughing it, is a Holiday Inn, with a black & white TV".

Fred and Bonnie · 09-15-2012, 02:41 PM

Yep, different strokes.

fred

GOLDWINGER2 · 09-15-2012, 02:50 PM

I have had the B, C, and now I have an A. The B and C were a lot of fun. The full bedroom is what I like about the A. The fit anywhwere is what I loved about my shorties. (22 ft.) I'm looking onto buying me another shorhty for quick trips.
J

Bowser · 09-15-2012, 04:36 PM

Gripper, I understand appreciating the luxuries of home. And I can't help it, I like things a bit tight. In the last 16 years I've climbed some serious mountains, Aconcagua being the most challenging and I dragged a full pack up Kilimanjaro and spent the night up there.

In the last 6 years I've done 3 thru-hikes of over 450 miles each.

I'll be 72 y/o tomorrow, and the only reason I'm not backpacking and still climbing is that my knees won't let me, and I'll be damned if I'll be tied up for as long as the operations require.

My Class B lets me stretch out and let's me stand up straight, but I do have to think a bit or I'll bang my head, again. And I understand wanting to live like a human being in the larger RVs.

I'm having a hard time figuring out how to have a large TV set and monitor and a place to comfortably work on a computer at the same time. It would be nice to have a desk, you are right. And stand up to take a shower. This has a regular toilet, I can leave my orange shovel at home.
Frankly, this Class B is heaven, but I'd rather be in a tent.
I trust all is well with you, and hope to see you.

wanderso · 09-15-2012, 04:59 PM

I wonder for your needs if a small class C (<24 foot) would give you still the option of mobility but a taller height. That said, there are lots of folks happy with different rigs for different reasons. For us, family of 4, having a small class C gives us a bed that is already set up and plenty of space for the kids while still being able to fit in any of the sites we've visited thus far.

We still tow a Chevy tracker from time to time if we want to do some trail rides and city drives.

After the kids are grown, this would likely satisfy our needs still but hmm... It's opened up a world for us to connect as a family. It doesn't pencil out financially, but memories last for a lifetime. I'd love to keep your energy when I'm in my 70s and have a good shot as my dad is 78 and he is climbing the great wall of China this weekend.

TXiceman · 09-15-2012, 05:03 PM

For us it is calls A or 5th wheel. We do not rough it well and want out spaces.

Ken

gripper · 09-15-2012, 06:35 PM

So, you are only 4 years younger than me! But Wow, a tent? NoNoNo! When we were at Mt. Rushmore, during a hailstorm, I wondered what those campers were doing, during the storm. Also, just last July, we were in Chesapeake, VA, we were in a rainstorm. My RV site was covered in 10ft. of water. Guess what the tenters were doing? Not me, but more power to you if that's what you want.

VSPA · 09-15-2012, 07:22 PM

No more tents for us either. Nothing wrong with a "B" if it meets your needs. The biggest complaint was from a friend using a rental with two kids and his complaint was just not enough room or storage space for the family on extended trips. A couple of owners I've met also use them as their second car and can get away with parking them in their driveways or on the street in from of their houses in lieu of having to rent storage.

Davdeb1 · 09-15-2012, 08:15 PM

I truly wish I could full time in a class "B". My oxygen machines would take up all the storage. 13 years ago we sold everything and camped in an AEROSTAR that I put a floor with compartments in, and screens in the window. We lived in for 4 months, went from Cleveland, to Key West to San Diego, all the way to Vancouver and back to Cleveland. We loved every minute of it.

Scarab0088 · 09-15-2012, 08:41 PM

I think the OP was making the point about number of B owners here vs. the other classes - yes?

That's because B's are not as plentyful as the other classes. I would think that B's are a pretty small group (no pun intended).

B's surely have a niche in the market, but like me, I think most folks jump right over B's - I did tents, a poptop, a TT, then an "A." And, I think if I was spending longer periods at each destination I would have stopped at a BIG TT or 5th wheel.

Just my 2 cents.

baraff · 09-15-2012, 08:57 PM

Seems to me "B's" are big with Canadians, more so than with Americans. Perhaps this is due to fuel cost in Canada vs the US. Or a European influence. Whatever. We have a B+/C which is really a C, but it is small enough to go to just about State or Fed campground and yet large enough to be comfortable. Just finished a week of boondocking and never really seemed like we were shorting ourselves of comfort. We also like the untraveled or lesser known path and only stay in RV parks when we really need hookups.
The really great thing about RVing and outdoor living is that anyone can do their thing and be happy. And that includes tenters and backpackers. Do what you want and be happy!

Bowser · 09-15-2012, 11:26 PM

A little clarification here. I would not expect anyone with a child to go Class B, nor would I expect couples to do it except to get from one place to the next. I'm a single man, one dog, and that gets crowded. People with special needs couldn't do it either, unless they were in a B+, which to me aren't really what is meant by "B". I sort of draw my line at being able to park in one space, legally, and have the folks on either side of me able to get in and out.

Now, were I married, I'd still have a Class B, but it would be a toad for me, and she can have her Newmar. About the only way to save the marriage. I would simply boondock behind her.