Why do class b's cost the same as class c's?

[4x4van]

The reality is that they cost the same because they are the same.

Initially, a class B was an actual van body with a slightly raised roof. Then they started to add expanded sides as well. Those are true class B's.

Eventually, they started using a cutaway van chassis (identical to a C) with the only real difference being a very small or non existent overhead bunk area. Some claim that these are class B+. I disagree.

I don't consider a 29' class C with a small overhead entertainment center instead of a bed a class B (or even a B+). It is a class C. So again, they cost the same because they are the same.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Price a 4 cubic foot fridge vs an18 cubic ft fridge ...How many leather couches fit in a van....? 1 tenth the flooring , counter tops and cabinets. Cheaper drive train,brakes and suspension . Less air conditioners. Basically less of everything except price

I would dispute most of those items. We aren't comparing a 20 ft van to a 45 foot DP because the prices are not in the same ballpark. Even the luxurious American Patriot Class B sells for around $125k, so it's more comparable to a 30 ft class A, which means one a/c, 8 cu ft fridge, maybe 2x the floor space, etc. And the drive train is actually quite close in price. Have you priced a new full size van or pick-up lately?

But the real point is that a smaller fridge doesn't really cost less, the engine and tranny are fairly close, and stretching out the chassis for more space doesn't add much at all to the cost. Again, have you priced a new full size van or pick-up lately? A basic E350 cargo van starts at around $32k and escalates quickly if you add a nice driver cab space or increased cargo capacity.