What is a Class B+ RV?

The Class B+ RV has become a popular in-between category that combines the versatility of a Class B van with more interior space. While it’s technically a Class C, B+ RVs don’t have a bed over the cab of the chassis like traditional Class C motorhomes.

TL;DR: B+ vans are essentially a Class B van without any of the van’s original body behind the front passenger seats – similar to how smaller U-haul trucks are just vans with a box on the back.

Class B, B+, and C chassis compared

Most Class B vans, B+ RVs, and C motorhomes are built from van chassis like the Ford Transit, RAM ProMaster, Mercedes Sprinter. The difference is in whether they’re built using the van maker’s frame/chassis or ordered without it (called a cutaway chassis).

Class B examples

RV makers will order a completed van chassis from a van manufacturer, then choose where to cut out certain parts of the body to add windows or panels for utilities (like water hookups, a water heater, or a refrigerator vent).

Winnebago uses the RAM ProMaster to build their Travato line of Class B vans. Notice how it retains the rear sliding door as provided by RAM off of the assembly line.

Class B+ example

A B+ RV will begin as a cutaway chassis like the Ford E-Transit. The RV manufacturer will then weld the coach body to the chassis. Here’s a before/after of how Jayco builds its Granite Ridge B+ van.

Before

After

Class C motorhome example

A Class C will be built either from a van cutaway chassis or from a more heavy-duty truck chassis, depending on the weight of the finished product or their planned towing capacity.

Many Class C’s are still (in 2025) being built on the Ford E-series frame, which uses a front grill that was retired on Ford’s trucks back in 2016, giving it a dated look.

Heavier duty Class C motorhomes, known as Super C’s, are built on top of truck chassis like the Ford F-series. These can come with sizable engines, all the way up to an F-750.

This is how Super C’s start:

And here’s what a Super C will look like in the end:

But back to Class B+ RVs…

Why buy a B+ van? Well, it strikes a perfect balance between portability and interior space. It feels less like you’re in a van and more like you’re in a motorhome, while still maintaining the ability to park in a single parking spot.

In fact, here’s a previous RV I’ve owned, parked in a supermarket parking lot without taking up two spaces. (At 24 ft in length, it hangs over the rear of the parking space.)

While it’s small enough to fit in a parking spot, it can still take advantage of special perks designed for larger vehicles.

Clearwater Beach has dedicated parking for large vehicles like RVs. To legally park in this space, you must be 24 ft or above.

Because of the custom box frame in a Class B+ RV (which, remember, is derived from a Class C), it can support a slide out, meaning it can offer even more interior space when expanded. It also drives more like a van than a true RV.

Here's an example of a slide out in a Class B+ RV:

So in summary, the 24 ft Class B+ RV is a sweet spot between space and portability. It’s great if you want the conveniences of a true RV without sacrificing the driving experience. And since most B+ vans have a 1-ton chassis, they offer plenty of power, even when fully loaded.

Popular B+ vans

Class B+ vans offer some creative floor plans you won’t find in a true Class B van. Here are some of the top layout options:

• Class B+ RV with rear twin beds – converts to a King bed

• Class B+ RV with rear dry bath – a bathroom with direct access from the outside

• Class B+ RV with split bath – offers a dry bath

• Class B+ RV with Murphy bed – usually offers more storage for toys

• Class B+ RV with garage – usually a rear bed on an electronic lift with storage space below

Note: The list above includes all Class C motorhomes with the feature listed above. To find B+ vans, add a length filter (like a max of 25 ft) and sort by length.

Explore more

Not sure if a Class B+ RV is right for you? Visit the advanced search page and start by filtering to Class B vans and Class C motorhomes. Then apply filters from there – like features or length.