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If you’re looking for the cheapest Class B RV, you might be pleasantly surprised by some of the affordable options available. While the prices aren’t anything to balk at, you don’t have to break the bank to buy a new Class B RV.
You can find plenty of high-quality vehicles on the market ready to take you on exciting adventures. However, finding the perfect vehicle for your needs and budget can be challenging.
Today, we’ll explore seven of the cheapest Class B RVs you can buy new and see which fits you best. Let’s explore!
What Is a Class B RV?
Class B RVs, also known as camper vans, offer a compact and convenient way to travel.
These vehicles sit on a standard van chassis and get converted by an individual or professional into a livable space. They provide almost all of the amenities of a larger RV, except in a smaller package.
Camper vans work best for solo travelers or couples who prefer a more intimate camping experience.
Some come equipped with lift kits, four-wheel drive, and beefier tires to help the driver access remote locations. This can allow for increased comfort during travel.
Is Class B the Smallest RV?
Class B RVs are the smallest motorized and self-contained recreational vehicles.
They typically offer all the basic amenities for living on the road, including a bed, kitchen, and bathroom. Though small, they’re not the smallest RV.
The title for the smallest RV is in the towable category. You can find various teardrop trailers that are much smaller than camper vans. While these aren’t self-contained RVs, they still fall into the category of recreational vehicles.
How Much Do Class B RVs Cost?
Costs for a Class B RV vary and depend on the brand, size, features, and amenities. If you want a new Class B RV, you can expect to pay anywhere from $90,000 to over $200,000.
However, if you have a tighter budget, you can buy some older used camper vans for between $20,000 and $80,000. You can expand your options by being a bit more flexible with a vehicle’s age, condition, and features.
Some brave individuals purchase vans and do the conversions themselves. Doing so can help save money. However, you need to know about electrical and plumbing systems.
Additionally, finding adequate insurance coverage for DIY conversions can be challenging as insurance companies can’t be sure you did an adequate job.
Are Class B RV Prices Dropping?
Over the last several years, the entire market has seen increased prices.
However, 2022 was the first time we’ve seen prices drop in several years. Unfortunately, the demand for Class B RVs is still very high. As a result, we have yet to see a similar price adjustment for these units.
The #vanlife trend is still strong and attractive to many adventurous people looking to embrace a nomadic way of living.
Additionally, Class B RVs are one of the best types of campers for retaining their value. This means you likely shouldn’t expect prices to drop for used units anytime soon.
Pro Tip: Before you settle on an RV, learn about the Difference in Motorhome Classes!
7 Cheapest Class B RVs
Want to join the #vanlife movement but don’t want to break the bank? We’ll share the seven cheapest Class B RVs we found that you can buy new. Let’s dive in!
Pleasure-Way Tofino
MSRP: Starting at $94,250
Length: 17 feet 9 inches
GVWR: 8,550 pounds
Features: This is one of the cheapest Class B RVs on our list. The Pleasure-Way Tofino has a pop-top roof that increases headroom and sleeping space. You can upgrade to 200 Watts of solar mounted on the roof to run the fridge and charge your devices while on the road.
Use the roof rack to store up to 200 pounds of gear and equipment. And the side roll-up screen makes it easy to enjoy the view and increases air circulation without letting bugs and other pests into your living space.
The Pleasure-Way Tofino is a tough and capable Class B RV. The minimalistic design makes the space seem spacious but still provides everything you need to live comfortably during your adventures.
Two 100Ah lithium batteries and a 2000-Watt inverter help keep your devices charged while enjoying off-grid camping. While this unit embraces minimalism, it still includes useful features like a touchscreen control panel and amperage meter.
Thor Motor Coach Rize 18M
MSRP: Starting at $114,380
Length: 17 feet 11 inches
GVWR: 8,550 pounds
Features: The Thor Motor Coach Rize 18M has many features that provide a very residential look and feel. You’ll feel right at home with a rear wet bath, a pull-out bed, and residential vinyl flooring.
Thor outdid itself by cramming all it did into the Rize 18M. It sits atop a Ram ProMaster 1500 chassis, and its powerful V6 engine produces 280 horsepower.
While it only sleeps two, the front seats swivel, allowing you to host friends comfortably. If you want to enjoy #vanlife in comfort and style, the 18M is one option you don’t want to overlook.
Thor Motor Coach Gemini 23TE
MSRP: Starting at $159,300
Length: 23 feet 7 inches
GVWR: 11,000 pounds
Features: The Gemini 23TE is another exceptional motor coach from Thor. This is an all-wheel drive Class B RV with a 5,000-pound trailer hitch, which means you can bring your favorite toys. Some of the favorite features users love include the spacious rear bath and the sofa that converts into a Murphy bed.
The Gemini 23TE sits on a Ford Transit chassis and uses a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine. This allows for easy driving and maneuverability. It has a spacious layout with a rear bathroom and a queen-size Murphy bed.
Thor went above and beyond to create a comfortable space for enjoying life on the road that’s perfect for solo and couples who want to travel.
Gulf Stream BT Cruiser 5210
MSRP: Starting at $124,869
Length: 22 feet 6 inches
GVWR: 12,500 pounds
Features: The Gulf Stream BT Cruiser 5210 is one of the few Class B RVs that can comfortably sleep four. It features two Jack Knife sofas that fold out into beds. Additionally, the removable table provides plenty of space to host a large meal inside your tiny home on wheels.
You can easily maneuver this cheap class B RV, and it has room for guests. The Cruiser 5210 sits on the Ford E350 or E450 chassis and uses reinforced construction to keep you and your family safe.
You’ll have a 4-kilowatt generator to power any devices you might need when camping outside of an established campground. The stainless steel appliances give the interior a smooth and modern look.
Leisure Travel Wonder 24RTB
MSRP: Starting at $168,970
Length: 24 feet 9 inches
GVWR: 11,000 pounds
Features: The Leisure Travel Wonder 24RTB is a spacious Class B that offers a rear bedroom space with a convertible twin bed. You can combine the two into one mega-bed if you want a larger space.
Additionally, many owners love the three-piece lavatory that includes an enclosed shower and a galley unlike any you’ll see in any other rig. When it comes to traveling in comfort and luxury, it doesn’t get much better than this RV.
The 24RTB features a pass-through exterior garage. It can fit a bicycle or a cargo slide, giving room for your gear and equipment.
This beast sits on a Ford Transit cutaway T-350 chassis with 16-inch heavy-duty aluminum wheels. The 24RTB is a great example of traveling in style while enjoying the comforts of home.
Winnebago Solis Pocket
MSRP: Starting at $140,374
Length: 17 feet 10 inches
GVWR: 8,550 pounds
Features: The Winnebago Solis Pocket features versatile living space for camping in any season. The galley offers tons of flexibility to change the space to accommodate any need.
Whether working from the road, hosting a meal, or expanding your culinary skills, you can do it comfortably. The multi-use storage proves that Winnebago still knows what users need most from their RVs.
You can also enjoy amazing panoramic views with the back doors that open, allowing you to get to your storage or bed.
The Solis Pocket is the most affordable campervan Winnebago offers. They created it so you can go where you want when you want. If you wish to camp in a campground with your friends or head off to a remote private campsite, the Solis Pocket can take you there.
It sits on a RAM ProMaster chassis with a 136-inch wheelbase. The open living space and overhead storage compartments ensure no space is wasted.
Jayco Swift
MSRP: Starting at $145,050
Length: 20 feet 11 inches
GVWR: 9,350 pounds
Features: The Jayco Swift doesn’t hold back when it comes to the features it offers. Jayco showed off its skills at maximizing the design to spotlight the kitchen, bath, and storage options.
And it has various floorplans in the lineup that sleep up to four. We love that Jayco includes a 200-Watt roof-mounted solar panel and prepares you for off-grid adventures.
The Jayco Swift is ready for whatever adventures you can imagine. The JRide handling package will help ensure you have a smooth ride. It uses Hellwig helper springs and a heavy-duty suspension.
Additionally, if you prefer city adventures, the park assist system can help you squeeze into any tight spots. The Jayco Swift has everything you need, including a wet bath, to enjoy your adventures.
Keep in Mind: Jayco is well known in the RV industry, but do they make Quality RVs? Let’s take a look!
Are Cheap Class B RVs Worth It?
As you can see, some manufacturers cram quite a bit into their Class B RVs. They’re perfect for solo travelers and couples who want to hit the road for a cross-country road trip or live out their #vanlife dreams.
These slightly more affordable options offer various floorplans, sleeping arrangements, safety packages, and power. Each will have unique features that may appeal to different types of campers. Some prefer more rugged camping, while others prefer stylish and luxurious travel.
Take your time and research to select the Class B RV that fits your travel style and is within your budget.