Tell us about your Class B ownership

[Griego]

My story with Class B motorhomes began in 1973 when, like many others, I came out of the military. Before my time in the U.S. military, I was a Boy Scout and a former Young Marine. This background sparked my love for the great outdoors.

Growing up in Florida during the 1950s and 1960s, it seemed like everyone around me was a fisherman. We would often earn 25 cents for holding a boat at the dock while the owner parked their truck and trailer. That quarter would buy us an RC Cola, a bag of peanuts, and a Moon Pie on those hot Florida days after a baseball game.

Camping outdoors was my first love. My dad owned a pop-up camper, and he would take us camping at Hillsborough County State Park, located just off State Road 301. After my military service, I found an old Ford van and converted it into a small camper long before van conversions became trendy. I later sold that van and bought a new one as van conversions started to catch on. We enjoyed many trips to the Texas beaches in Corpus Christi with my wife at the time and our daughter.

Today, my daughter and her kids seem to enjoy camping and fly fishing as much as I do. My wife of over 40 years grew up as a farmer's daughter, so she knows a lot about camping, cooking, and selecting wood for a good campfire in our various Class A motorhomes, trailers, and now on our fourth, Class B motorhome. Since 2020, we've loved driving and stopping at roadside rest areas for snacks or lunch. I have come to truly appreciate our little 19-foot Grech, as it is a well-made machine that is thoughtfully designed in every way and worth every cent we have invested in it.

I noticed that my old group of Young Marines will soon be turning 70 years old in 2029. I would very much enjoy being at that celebration or reunion if they had one. As I approach my 80s, we avoid flying due to health issues, including bad knees and a long list of medications. Our Grech makes traveling simple; we often stop at hotels, and the Grech fits right into any parking space. However, I do have to be a bit concerned about its height, as it stands at 10 feet.

I would love to hear your feedback on your Class B motorhome and the many uses you have for your van, regardless of the model.

A. Where have you traveled in your van?
B. Any roadside stories?
C. Snowbird trips to the south and north?
D. What did you like best and least about your van?
E. Where do you find the most feedback or ideas for using your van?
F. Have you taken your children on any trips, and how did it work out for everyone using a Class B van?
G. What repairs have you had to make, good or bad, to get you back on the road?

Feel free to respond to one or two topic questions, as I truly would love to read your feedback. Perhaps you have insights I haven't considered. Please share with us your stories!

We are Dusty and Jan,

[scenic route]

Hey, Dusty. I'm hoping for lots of responses for you. I'm toying with the idea of downsizing to a 'B'...something in the 24' range with double beds and that is not a Mercedes.

I have not gotten 'kitchen clearance' on this idea but it would be interesting to see how B owners are using them. This would be a super downsize for us and may be a moot point if there's a possible divorce situation involved.

Lots of Bs and B+s out there so I'll be following your thread. Thanks.

[petec]

For us: popup 1988-1994. 5th wheel (2) 1994-2003. No RV 2004-2011. Class B Roadtrek 2011-present. With just the two of us the B has been great. Travel most anywhere; many places we could never have gone with bigger RVs, such as some National Parks,remote trailheads, beaches... Have traveled from Virginia to west coast (twice), Maine, Great Lakes, Florida every winter. Many 500-1000 mile trips. Most every July 4 we go to fireworks somewhere; go back to RV and watch a movie until the traffic thins out. Having bathroom readily available has been very handy, especially as we age through our 60s. So much more to say, but once we got over the smaller living space, we have enjoyed it much better than a larger camper.

[Griego]

Originally Posted by petec

For us: popup 1988-1994. 5th wheel (2) 1994-2003. No RV 2004-2011. Class B Roadtrek 2011-present. With just the two of us the B has been great. Travel most anywhere; many places we could never have gone with bigger RVs, such as some National Parks,remote trailheads, beaches... Have traveled from Virginia to west coast (twice), Maine, Great Lakes, Florida every winter. Many 500-1000 mile trips. Most every July 4 we go to fireworks somewhere; go back to RV and watch a movie until the traffic thins out. Having bathroom readily available has been very handy, especially as we age through our 60s. So much more to say, but once we got over the smaller living space, we have enjoyed it much better than a larger camper.

======
You make some good points which we have also come across. We owned a Few Class A motorhomes and like you stated they were too large as we kept stepping down inside due to parking availability and getting in close to small towns for some delightful, good home cooking. Repeatedly we had to pass and, in some cases, some RV Parks had a limit on the size of the motorhome. Now we never owned a Class C and this is our 4th Class B and this one we have today is by far the best, for parking anywhere, getting into small towns and seeing what the local foods have to offer. I'm a huge fan of NC, SC and LA food dishes and one little place we came across in VA. Denver, CO and Seal Beach in CA had some outstanding Mexican food selections.

We have been checking out the roadways in Canada and asking questions about RV Parks and their foods all while making notes as to the best place to cross and getting info on crossing the border and track across. But we are up into our 70s and still enjoy meeting folks and talking with fellow RV'ers on travel ideas and things to see and do before we can't. I'm still a kid at heart loving and looking forward to every road trip. A few months ago we had to put our last PET down, which was hard but harder on her as she had gotten so old, and getting any pet at this point would I'm sure outlive us. But we loved and enjoyed everyone. Most were good travel companies, and a few were not so much.

But I have come to look at ownership of any RV as to what YOU TRULY NEED for any given trip. Our little 19.6-foot Grech RV Has it all and then some things that just make the trips so more enjoyable. Good Feedback

Also driving a smaller Sprinter you don't have the local folks blocking you into a parking spot with their vehicles. The POLICE don't seem to watch your every maneuver checking out your RV handling skills as they seemed to in our 40-foot motorhome. But if you like all eyes rolling in your direction then GO BIG and a Bigger trailer in tow and then have to call someone to change the tire. But hey each their own. I think I paid more for this Class B than I did for two of our Class As, but to each their own.

[USMCRET]

Dusty, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. It took me back to a time that unfortunately, is gone forever. I had no idea the Young Marine program had been around that long.

My camping experiences as a lad centered around the Boy Scouts and my parents’ weekend trips to state parks in WV. Our extended family had a converted Ford pickup bed that was used as a utility trailer. It was available to whomever needed it. Dad would pick that thing up and load it to the gills. Then we’d set out for a weekend of real camping under canvas with a white gas fueled Coleman stove and a campfire fed with an all-you-can carry armload of firewood that cost .25 IIRC.

That was a long time ago. I got married at age 46 to a lady who declared on our first date that “she doesn’t camp, so don’t even ask.” I had an interest in class A motorhomes, so after I showed her there were places to plug in a hairdryer, her defenses weakened and she warmed to the idea.

In 2011 we purchased our first Newmar and toured with it until 2021 when we got our current Dutch Star.

In ‘23, we decided we needed a class B to bring along with the Newmar to afford us more flexibility for sightseeing and weekend excursions whilst snowbirding in either FL or AZ. So far, it has offered us everything we thought it would. It’s different for sure, and I wish my body had the same flexibility it had a couple of decades ago, but we make it work.

If I could get a do-over, I would forego the Winnebago for a Grech. Little things make a difference, and Grech has them in spades.

Thanks for your post and thanks for stirring some old memories. I hope my ramblings are true to the spirit of this thread.

[gatorb8]

I have a “Wanna” B! It’s a 19’ 11” long 7.5’ wide Class C. We love the ability to park anywhere and have everything we need. Many times we will stay near a destination and head out early for the day into the area with everything we need for the day. Even in a park like Yellowstone we can drive up to any attraction or nestle into uncrowded pull outs with incredible views.

Had a 63 VW van (in 70’s), a 18’ Tioga C, a 28’ Minni Winni C, a 33’ A. We went full circle back the the 20’ Wanna B

We often rent a house for extended periods and use the Wanna B for 1-4 day trips into towns and campsites that a larger RV would not be allowed or practical.

When home in our stick & brick home we often use it to park at the beach in the winter and just enjoy the Gulf of Mexico view. Read a book, take a nap

We have all the comforts of home. Double SS sink, propane oven, 3 burner propane stove, microwave, propane fridge, propane heat, AC, two beds, large wet bath, solar power, and a quiet 2800 inverter generator. We can even tow a jeep on long cross country trips so we have two vehicles for our stay.

Hopefully this one lasts the rest of our lives! Wanna B Life

[Griego]

Originally Posted by USMCRET

Dusty, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. It took me back to a time that unfortunately, is gone forever. I had no idea the Young Marine program had been around that long.

My camping experiences as a lad centered around the Boy Scouts and my parents’ weekend trips to state parks in WV. Our extended family had a converted Ford pickup bed that was used as a utility trailer. It was available to whomever needed it. Dad would pick that thing up and load it to the gills. Then we’d set out for a weekend of real camping under canvas with a white gas fueled Coleman stove and a campfire fed with an all-you-can carry armload of firewood that cost .25 IIRC.

That was a long time ago. I got married at age 46 to a lady who declared on our first date that “she doesn’t camp, so don’t even ask.” I had an interest in class A motorhomes, so after I showed her there were places to plug in a hairdryer, her defenses weakened and she warmed to the idea.

In 2011 we purchased our first Newmar and toured with it until 2021 when we got our current Dutch Star.

In ‘23, we decided we needed a class B to bring along with the Newmar to afford us more flexibility for sightseeing and weekend excursions whilst snowbirding in either FL or AZ. So far, it has offered us everything we thought it would. It’s different for sure, and I wish my body had the same flexibility it had a couple of decades ago, but we make it work.

If I could get a do-over, I would forego the Winnebago for a Grech. Little things make a difference, and Grech has them in spades.

Thanks for your post and thanks for stirring some old memories. I hope my ramblings are true to the spirit of this thread.

Oh yes, the "YOUNG MARINES" in Clearwater, Florida, was formed by former U.S. Marines who served during WW2, and in Korea. I understand the Young Marines is still alive and well today. However, the group/detachment I was with had decided to rename ourselves the Morris F. Dixion Detachment of Young Marines, as one of our own was killed in Vietnam.
Here is a link, about his USMC Service. https://clearwaterhighschoolalumnias...class-of-1959/ up on a I was much younger and knew him for a short time in the Young Marines. But today, the Young Maines will be coming up 70 years. as there are detachments across the United States. https://youngmarines.org/public/page/AboutUs

My detachment transitioned into the Clearwater High School ROTC Group, but I was not part of that changeover. My brother served in the U.S. Army Special Forces and worked in Army Intelligence—if the U.S. Army truly has any! (Just joking.) He convinced me not to join the Corps and suggested I get something back for my four-year investment. I did enjoy being a Young Marine as I learned leadership skills, cooking, and setting up tents. And digging holes, as the advisors would set off fireworks at night as if we were under attack. Once we returned home, we slept well. I worked my way up in the detachment to the 2nd highest before stepping off. After my military service in the USAF during Vietnam, I joined the Army National Guard as an MP. I am still shocked today to learn that many have no idea there are detachments of Young Marines from ages 14-18, as I was. But I was happy to learn a wide range of outdoor skills, becoming a hiker and tracker, and the RV is a love and enjoyment that I don't think words can get some outdoors. I still recall sleeping in a tent in the backyard of our home with my brother and the cool night air as I must have been 7 or 8 years old. Today, you will find me on the road, packed outside a hotel and for one or two nights in an RV park where many people like me find it so adventurous or along a roadside boondocking. I still love food off the grill, Morning and night. The wife is a farmer's daughter who grew up on a cattle ranch and was horseback camping before she could walk in Florida, as she is the 8th generation of her family in Florida to do so. She tells me coffee was in her bottle, which I think may have been a way to make the milk last longer. As many morning RV park walkers have told me, I make a great pot of Cowboy coffee. One early morning, I surprised a group of RV walkers club with coffee and donuts on their morning stroll. Some enjoyed my Bacon dipped in chocolate. Happy RV'ing, and enjoy the Dust wherever it takes you.

[John Hilley]

We have a 2016 Winnebago Travato 59K, we also have a 2003 Winnebago Adventurer 38G. We lease a lot at Rover's Roost near Casa Grande, AZ and use the Travato to go between North Dakota and Arizona and other short trips.
We travel with a small Rat Terrier.