Class B questions from a single Joe

[breeves2245]

Got an E-Pro 19FD travel trailer (20ft) and 1/2 ton Ram truck. I had a 27' travel trailer before it with a 3/4 truck. The larger setup felt "too big".

So much less stress with my current smaller setup. But I can't help wondering if my traveling style would be better served with a Class B.

I don't care to sit in a campground with a bunch of trinkets spread out, cook outside, build a fire, etc. I have found after a few years of RV'ing, my style is more of a mobile hotel. I rarely stay in one spot more than two to three days, mostly an overnight.

So many times I pass through a small town and want to stop and walk the square but finding a place to park keeps me from stopping.

Questions - After a day of doing whatever, I prefer to chill with watching TV, read a book, whatever. Can one stretch out and relax in a Class B? I know it depends on layout, but most I have seen don't seem to have a decent area for that. I don't expect a full size recliner, but something other than being propped up in the bed.

Does getting to a campsite and then using the van to explore become a negative vs a travel trailer that can be dropped and tow vehicle used for local travel?

Towing a trailer brings a lot into play. Hooking up, unhooking, proper weight loading distribution, weight distribution hitches, etc. Seems Class B's are a bit more simple generally speaking.

[KidzBox]

Originally Posted by breeves2245

Got an E-Pro 19FD travel trailer (20ft) and 1/2 ton Ram truck. I had a 27' travel trailer before it with a 3/4 truck. The larger setup felt "too big".

So much less stress with my current smaller setup. But I can't help wondering if my traveling style would be better served with a Class B.

I don't care to sit in a campground with a bunch of trinkets spread out, cook outside, build a fire, etc. I have found after a few years of RV'ing, my style is more of a mobile hotel. I rarely stay in one spot more than two to three days, mostly an overnight.

So many times I pass through a small town and want to stop and walk the square but finding a place to park keeps me from stopping.

Questions - After a day of doing whatever, I prefer to chill with watching TV, read a book, whatever. Can one stretch out and relax in a Class B? I know it depends on layout, but most I have seen don't seem to have a decent area for that. I don't expect a full size recliner, but something other than being propped up in the bed.

Does getting to a campsite and then using the van to explore become a negative vs a travel trailer that can be dropped and tow vehicle used for local travel?

Towing a trailer brings a lot into play. Hooking up, unhooking, proper weight loading distribution, weight distribution hitches, etc. Seems Class B's are a bit more simple generally speaking.

A class B certainly gives you a lot more maneuverability and given its size you can stop/park pretty much anywhere. Breaking camp to explore is also easy. Just unhook electrical and water (cable and sewer if connected) and you're off. You do need to make sure you stow anything in the van you've taken out so it doesn't go flying.

For a single person hanging out inside is probably ok but it is a small, confined space. The drivers and passenger seats swivel so that does give you a couple of comfy seats to watch TV and chill from.

When I see class B's at campsites the owners do seem to spend more time outside under the awning with a couple of chairs. You don't have room to carry a lot of trinkets so life is much simpler.

[NanaBean]

Originally Posted by breeves2245

Got an E-Pro 19FD travel trailer (20ft) and 1/2 ton Ram truck. I had a 27' travel trailer before it with a 3/4 truck. The larger setup felt "too big".

So much less stress with my current smaller setup. But I can't help wondering if my traveling style would be better served with a Class B.

I don't care to sit in a campground with a bunch of trinkets spread out, cook outside, build a fire, etc. I have found after a few years of RV'ing, my style is more of a mobile hotel. I rarely stay in one spot more than two to three days, mostly an overnight.

So many times I pass through a small town and want to stop and walk the square but finding a place to park keeps me from stopping.

Questions - After a day of doing whatever, I prefer to chill with watching TV, read a book, whatever. Can one stretch out and relax in a Class B? I know it depends on layout, but most I have seen don't seem to have a decent area for that. I don't expect a full size recliner, but something other than being propped up in the bed.

Does getting to a campsite and then using the van to explore become a negative vs a travel trailer that can be dropped and tow vehicle used for local travel?

Towing a trailer brings a lot into play. Hooking up, unhooking, proper weight loading distribution, weight distribution hitches, etc. Seems Class B's are a bit more simple generally speaking.

I live in my 33' Class A MH and pull my Camry along on a dolly... and YES, that's a lot to deal with for travel. This is great to park and stay seasonally, but I definitely want something smaller for road-trip travel.

My 83 yr old mother has an old Roadtrek that she, her 80 yr old travel partner and two rat terriers take all over the country. I've used it some and it is perfect for what you describe.

2 years ago I visited them while they wintered in Texas and stayed in it for 2 1/2 months. It's not so great for living in, but it was comfy.

Roadtrek is priced way out of my reach, even old ones, but I keep one eye open for a similar rig for traveling... I'd LOVE to take a couple of years or however long it takes to tour the whole country, but that is just not feasible in the rig I full-time in.


HA! I get so excited talking about traveling, I should have started this years ago!

[gatorb8]

Or a small C? Mine is under 20, has great space, lots of amenities, and was about 1/3 the price of similar vintage B when I bought it.
fits in a city parking space too, just watch for low bridges

[robertj1979]

We started with a travel trailer then to a 5th wheel and just sold a class A about a year ago. We purchased the class B (Tellaro) and have gotten more use out of it than anything we have had. It has 19000 miles and is a 2022 less than a year old. By far the class B is the simplest and easiest to use. We don't have to even plug in or hook up for a short one or two night stay and are able to use it to explore. I would not want to live in it for more than a few nights at a time but we will stay in a hotel if we want a break.
The class A was by far the most comfortable but was a lot of trouble with maintenance and the entire process. My wife and I travel with a large dog and use the van to sleep in and not "hang out". You can watch TV and be comfortable but we don't use it for that very often. From your description it sounds like it could be a good fit.

[jsfarnrsw]

Originally Posted by KidzBox

When I see class B's at campsites the owners do seem to spend more time outside under the awning with a couple of chairs. You don't have room to carry a lot of trinkets so life is much simpler.

I agree, but would clarify that we don't spend more time outside because we own a Class B. Rather, we own a Class B rig because we want to spent more time outside. And even when we're inside, we can open up the rig while screening off the two rear doors and the large side door so that we're getting far more ventilation than a Class A rig.

I'm good with the fact that there's not enough room for a billiard table inside. If we feel the need for a game, we can park on Main Street right in front of the billiard hall. Much easier to parallel park a Class B than any of those other rigs.

[capt who]

Our travel style is like yours. We started out with a class B then a class C after that a 17' fiberglass trailer and then a 25' Airstream and F250 diesel to pull it. All in all they were good but we now are back to a class B as it fits our style best. There are just 2 of us, no pets, and we take what we think we need. It is small and things need to be put away when not in use. At 9' 5" high it fits in my garage (10' door ) and gets pretty good MPG. Our floor plan has a rear power sofa that can be reclined part way and used as a recliner. The shower is very small but can be used if needed.