Thoughts on best class B

[New2RVing]

Hi everyone. I am new here. I have been looking at Class B units for about a month. I am most interested in RVs that are about seven to 10 years old. It will be for a 15,000 mile trip, by myself (a very experienced tent camper), through northwest canada and alaska. I would love to hear thoughts on the best overall class B for a trip like this.

 

[Neal]

Hello @New2RVing - I don't have any experience with the Class B's but just wanted to welcome you to the site. Thanks for joining.

 

[New2RVing]

Thanks neal! I should say i am also a mechanic by trade, so comfortable with all things mechanical and electrical

 

[RSKDSK]

We looked at and test many different B class ... and just could not see enough of a difference to adjustify the huge variations in price. So in the end we purchased a 2021 Thor Tellaro because we liked the layout and we could get it new for $85K. Here we are two months in and have no regrets ... yet.

 

[New2RVing]

We looked at and test many different B class ... and just could not see enough of a difference to adjustify the huge variations in price. So in the end we purchased a 2021 Thor Tellaro because we liked the layout and we could get it new for $85K. Here we are two months in and have no regrets ... yet.

Thank you! Great info! I am looking at everything...i suspect much as you did. You have helped!

 

[RSKDSK]

I did a quick video of some equipment we bought and a few things I do not like if that helps:

 

[leachjrj]

I am new to this forum but have been camping for over 60 years, from tent, popups, travel, Class A, and now a Class B (oops, just dated myself).

When evaluating our B ... I ...

1st started with the layout ... does it make sense to be in there for an extended time.
In this section, I wanted an inductive cooktop (reducing propane inside the coach), a compressor-style frig, and a better water heating system.

2nd, do you want to make a bed every night? It doesn't take but 3-5 minutes so that was not a big deal for me.

3rd, as storage space is somewhat limited, organize your thoughts first where things would go (relates back to step 1)

4th, I have owned many personal vehicles (new to antique) ... which chassis do you feel most comfortable with? My son is a Mercedes mechanic, and as well "documented" as they are ... they have some design issues. Ford, is well received but also has its "issues". Dodge has been reported to have some steering concerns (although I cannot confirm and will let others jump in on that). To the others that might respond ... I do not like to point out problems ... but rather concerns or issues ... as they all have some.

5th, WARRANTY ... yes, it is key. Most of the manufacturers provide a 1-year coach warranty ... investigating further, these are usually NOT transferrable.

Finally ... we chose an American Coach Patriot MD4 because it offered legal seating for 7 ... the bed can be made up each night. While happy with our choice. I might have gone with Pleasure-Way (we just couldn't locate one that met our needs).

 

[Retired]

The used Class B market is pretty tight.

We looked at a BT Cruiser and a Lexington.. Both were priced in the upper-30s used,

Take a look at Cruise Americas used Thor 19G.

 

[RSKDSK]

I also tried the used market and just could not stomach the smells, the lack of cleanliness, and so many issue (broken stuff) ... and they still wanted big money. No Thank You, I would rather take a 25K (79k-25k = 54K estimate sale in 2 years) hit on my New Thor Tellaro in a couple of year than to deal with the above stuff.

 

[New2RVing]

I am new to this forum but have been camping for over 60 years, from tent, popups, travel, Class A, and now a Class B (oops, just dated myself).

When evaluating our B ... I ...

1st started with the layout ... does it make sense to be in there for an extended time.
In this section, I wanted an inductive cooktop (reducing propane inside the coach), a compressor-style frig, and a better water heating system.

2nd, do you want to make a bed every night? It doesn't take but 3-5 minutes so that was not a big deal for me.

3rd, as storage space is somewhat limited, organize your thoughts first where things would go (relates back to step 1)

4th, I have owned many personal vehicles (new to antique) ... which chassis do you feel most comfortable with? My son is a Mercedes mechanic, and as well "documented" as they are ... they have some design issues. Ford, is well received but also has its "issues". Dodge has been reported to have some steering concerns (although I cannot confirm and will let others jump in on that). To the others that might respond ... I do not like to point out problems ... but rather concerns or issues ... as they all have some.

5th, WARRANTY ... yes, it is key. Most of the manufacturers provide a 1-year coach warranty ... investigating further, these are usually NOT transferrable.

Finally ... we chose an American Coach Patriot MD4 because it offered legal seating for 7 ... the bed can be made up each night. While happy with our choice. I might have gone with Pleasure-Way (we just couldn't locate one that met our needs).

Thanks for the details! I have been looking at pleasure way and winnabego. I will be driving to alaska, so i think mercedes is not the chassis for me—i need to be sure someone there has tools and understanding of the equipment. Your point is well taken.
Thank you!

 

[New2RVing]

The used Class B market is pretty tight.

We looked at a BT Cruiser and a Lexington.. Both were priced in the upper-30s used,

Take a look at Cruise Americas used Thor 19G.

Will do! Thank you!

 

[New2RVing]

I did a quick video of some equipment we bought and a few things I do not like if that helps:

This is a great video!! Thanks! I had not thought of the two electrical adapters.

 

[RSKDSK]

I also create a couple videos on my likes and dislikes ...

 

[RSKDSK]

btw, I will also be doing a video on the interior stuff I purchased for camping and my spare tire solution very soon.

 

[dbarnes]

You need to be very mindful of the time of year that you travel. Many B or conversion vans are not all that well equipped for extreme weather temps.
Your tank sizes, whether they are heated or insulated and so on can be a big determination between models.
Are you expecting AWD?
Many people don't take enough into consideration and then become disenchanted and move to another model or even class.
Road conditions in the great northern regions will test an inexpensive version and can be hard on most any vehicle.
Make sure you have a spare, or even 2.

 

[New2RVing]

You need to be very mindful of the time of year that you travel. Many B or conversion vans are not all that well equipped for extreme weather temps.
Your tank sizes, whether they are heated or insulated and so on can be a big determination between models.
Are you expecting AWD?
Many people don't take enough into consideration and then become disenchanted and move to another model or even class.
Road conditions in the great northern regions will test an inexpensive version and can be hard on most any vehicle.
Make sure you have a spare, or even 2.

Good points. Thanks! I am a mechanic so a breakdown may not be as impacting to me as it might be to others, but it still means lost time. I will be heading north, to alaska in fact, so your comments regarding area of use are valuable considerations. Thank you!!

 

[emmett322]

This is a great video!! Thanks! I had not thought of the two electrical adapters.

Great video we are trying to decide between a B and a B+ so this is great! Thank you

 

[Keywest42]

Hi everyone. I am new here. I have been looking at Class B units for about a month. I am most interested in RVs that are about seven to 10 years old. It will be for a 15,000 mile trip, by myself (a very experienced tent camper), through northwest canada and alaska. I would love to hear thoughts on the best overall class B for a trip like this.

Coach house Arriva, Cretch and the Patriot get high marks. Beware the price!

 

[Kannon]

Coach house Arriva, Cretch and the Patriot get high marks. Beware the price!

I am researching B's and those are the ones on top of my list.I have not contacted any of the sellers but am afraid there is a long waiting list for newer models.

 

[mrbenje]

I am new to this forum but have been camping for over 60 years, from tent, popups, travel, Class A, and now a Class B (oops, just dated myself).

When evaluating our B ... I ...

1st started with the layout ... does it make sense to be in there for an extended time.
In this section, I wanted an inductive cooktop (reducing propane inside the coach), a compressor-style frig, and a better water heating system.

2nd, do you want to make a bed every night? It doesn't take but 3-5 minutes so that was not a big deal for me.

3rd, as storage space is somewhat limited, organize your thoughts first where things would go (relates back to step 1)

4th, I have owned many personal vehicles (new to antique) ... which chassis do you feel most comfortable with? My son is a Mercedes mechanic, and as well "documented" as they are ... they have some design issues. Ford, is well received but also has its "issues". Dodge has been reported to have some steering concerns (although I cannot confirm and will let others jump in on that). To the others that might respond ... I do not like to point out problems ... but rather concerns or issues ... as they all have some.

5th, WARRANTY ... yes, it is key. Most of the manufacturers provide a 1-year coach warranty ... investigating further, these are usually NOT transferrable.

Finally ... we chose an American Coach Patriot MD4 because it offered legal seating for 7 ... the bed can be made up each night. While happy with our choice. I might have gone with Pleasure-Way (we just couldn't locate one that met our needs).

2+ years later… I have a question! I’m looking at this American Coach. Looks super nice. Do you have any feedback on your experience?

2019 American Coach MD4