Living the RV lifestyle is excellent, but the cost of entry can be far too high for some people. Many RVs are pretty pricey, with some of them costing as much as a small house!
Fortunately, you don’t have to sell a kidney or other body parts to become an RVer. The cheapest Class B RV can be plenty large enough to be comfortable on the road.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top five cheapest Class B RV models around. Whether you’re new to the world of RVing or you just want to downgrade to something smaller and more affordable, these small RVs are fully-loaded and budget-friendly.
What is a Class B RV?
When comparing different RVs, there are three primary class levels. Class A motorhomes are the top-tier option, with some models rivaling five-star hotels on wheels. Class C RVs are a bit smaller and more maneuverable, and many of them have the classic pickup truck cab with a bed over it.
An affordable Class B motorhome also goes by another name – camper vans. These rigs are the smallest option, which is why they are so cost-effective.
That said, you can find some spacious rigs that allow you to stretch your legs a little, even when camped for the night. Here are a few reasons to invest in the cheapest Class B RV.
- Cheaper Maintenance – Because these vehicles are smaller, they have better gas mileage. Massive Class A rigs can burn through fuel, adding to your overall travel costs. You will also dispose of less waste with a Class C RV.
- Easier Customization – We’ll get into this later in the article, but you can get a custom-built Class B motorhome for relatively cheap. In fact, you can spend a lot less than you would for a standard, “off the rack” model in many cases.
- More Travel Options – One problem with Class A rigs or travel trailers is that they are hard to maneuver. Usually, you will want to bring a smaller vehicle for day trips and shopping. However, with affordable class B RV models, you can go anywhere and park in most spots without any problems.
Overall, an affordable Class B motorhome can be a lot of fun to use and enable you to travel in style to many more locations.
While larger rigs can be hard to maneuver or park, Class B RVs are almost like driving a big minivan. In fact, some models are built on a minivan chassis.
As long as you know what to expect, you can have some incredible adventures in the affordable Class B RV models we’ve selected. Let’s check them out.
If you want something just a bit bigger, but not quite a Class C, check out this post on the new Class B+ designation for RVs!
Cheapest Class B RV Models [New]
Pleasure-Way 2021.5 Tofino
- Price: $74,000
- Dimensions: 17′ 9″ L, 8′ 2″ H
- Amenities: Mini Fridge, Blackout Shades, Induction stove , Stainless Steel Sink, Pop-Up Roof, Swivel Front Seats
One challenge you can face inside a Class B motorhome is moving around. While some models are high-top vans that give you plenty of headroom, others like the Tofino allow you to raise the roof – literally.
A pop-up section in this affordable Class B RV not only opens the interior but will enable more natural light inside. Best of all, you can fit another bed up there, giving you even more space for sleeping. If you prefer to stay on the ground, you can convert the rear sofa into a bed.
As one of the cheapest Class B RV models, you can afford to travel the country in style. The Tofino lets you choose from one of three eye-catching colors, and its slim profile allows you to explore uninhibited.
Inside, the design of this small RV is modern and polished, with faux granite countertops and a subtle gray and black palette.
If you want to make your camper van even more versatile, you can add solar panels or a solar generator to charge your various appliances. You can also add a rolling screen, enabling you to keep the side door open without letting nature inside.
Learn more about the Pleasure Way Tofino here.
Winnebago Solis
- Price: $107,000
- Dimensions: 19′ 9″ L, 9′ H
- Amenities: Pop-Up Top, Rear Roll-Up Screen, Convertible Murphy Bed, Under Floor Storage, Swivel Front Seats, Dual-Burner Stove
Although this isn’t the cheapest Class B RV, it is still much more affordable than other models we’ve seen, including others from Winnebago. However, considering that this brand is virtually synonymous with RVing, we couldn’t exclude it from the list. Winnebago offers several camper vans, but the Solis is the cheapest Class B RV option.
This rig is a bit longer than most Class B motorhomes, giving you more room inside to move around and relax. You can choose from two different designs – one comes with a rear folding sofa bed, while the other has a Murphy bed. If you’re traveling with more than two people, a Murphy bed is ideal. Otherwise, having a rear sofa is often the better choice.
When it comes to amenities, this affordable Class B RV has everything, including a decent-sized bathroom, secondary sleeping in the pop-up section, and a dual-burner stove.
Another feature we like about the Solis is its abundance of storage, including a massive compartment underneath the floor.
Learn more about the Winnebago Solis.
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2021 Roadtrek Play
- Price: $104,000
- Dimensions: 20′ 9″ L, 9′ 5″ H
- Amenities: Built-In Driver’s Table, Outdoor Shower, Dual-Burner Stove, Convertible Sink and Stove, Retractable Power Awning
When comparing the cheapest Class B RV models, you should write a list of “must-haves.” So far, we’ve seen rigs with pop-up sections, additional sleeping quarters, and full showers.
However, if you want to scale down, you can choose something like the Roadtrek Play, which doesn’t have either of those things. Instead, when washing yourself, you have to do so outside. Don’t worry, you can put up a privacy screen, but you’ll have to be aware of the weather report.
Inside, this affordable Class B motorhome comes with the usual refinements, including front swivel seats. This unit also has a built-in table so that the driver or passenger can eat or work without having to go into the back section.
Counter space is always in short supply inside a small RV, but the Play enables you to cover the sink and stovetop with plastic panels. This way, you get extra space without having to sacrifice essentials.
There are two sleeping options for the Roadtrek Play. You can get either three twin beds or a king-size bed in the back, depending on the number of travelers you plan to bring.
Learn More about the Roadtrek Play.
BT Cruiser Affordable Class B+ RV
- Price: $80,000-$100,000
- Dimensions: 22′ 6″ L, 10′ 6″ H
- Amenities: Built-In TV, Three-Burner Stove w/Oven, Overhead Storage, Interior Shower, Built-In Closet, Full-Size Refrigerator
At first glance, this might look like a Class C rig, but it technically falls into the B category. Depending on where you buy your model, this can be one of the cheapest Class B RV options.
Typically, purchasing a used vehicle will save you tons of money. Fortunately, there is a considerable aftermarket industry where you can find used RVs like this one.
Thanks to its increased size, you get some incredible amenities inside. This is one of the few affordable Class B RVs with a stove and an oven, allowing you to cook more frequently while you’re on the road. Even better, the BT Cruiser comes with a full-size refrigerator so that you can store plenty of food between stops.
When it comes to entertainment, the BT Cruiser Class B motorhome has you covered with a built-in TV. Most camper vans don’t have a TV to save on space, so this is a distinct advantage.
Finally, this rig has a built-in closet to help you keep your clothes organized and wrinkle-free.
Learn more about the BT Cruiser.
Coachmen Nova
- Price: $90,00 – $110,000
- Dimensions: 20′ 11″, 9′ 4″
- Amenities: Swivel Front Seats, Removable Front Table, Dual Twin Beds, Swivel TV, Wet Bath
Coachmen is another well-known brand, and the Nova is the simplest and most affordable Class B RV option available. Depending on where you buy it, you can get it for under $100,000.
This Class B motorhome has two distinct layouts, the 20RB and 20C. What makes the RB ideal is that it comes with two twin beds so that you and your travel partner have some room to spread your legs.
You can even swivel the middle table and use it in your lap while in bed, making it even more versatile.
One unique element of the Nova cheapest Class B RV is its wet bath. Rather than having a separate shower and toilet, the wet bath allows you to do both in the same space. All you have to do is flip the sink up, start the water, and get clean.
It does take a little getting used to, particularly because there is a closet next to you, but it helps save space. Having a wet bath ensures that more of the camper’s interior is spread out so that you don’t feel so claustrophobic.
Learn more about the Coachman Nova.
Cheapest Class B Motorhomes [Used]
If you don’t want to get a loan and spend money on a new Class B motorhome, you can scour Craigslist, RVTrader, eBay or Facebook Marketplace for a used one.
Here are some examples of the cheapest Class B RVs that are used.
Winnebago Rialta
- Price Range: $15,00 – $24,000
If you’re looking for the cheapest Class B RV with a little more space, then the Winnebago Rialta might be the way to go.
Produced between 1995 and 2005, Rialtas were marketed as a smaller and more maneuverable alternative to big, gas-guzzling RVs. There are 4 floorplans, the largest of which can sleep 4 people comfortably.
The Rialta has a timeless, aerodynamic design and has earned a devoted following. People love its size, reliable Volkswagen V6 engine, and fuel economy. This Class B Motorhome will easily get 18-22 mpg out on the highway.
Standard features in this affordable Class B RV include hot water, a bathroom with shower, and a microwave.
It isn’t uncommon to find Rialtas for sale with TVs, DVD players, and more.
Pleasure Way Excel
- Price Range: $18,000 – $24,000
Pleasure Way is a Canadian company that has been producing high-quality Class B motorhomes since 1986. Although you’d have to shell out big bucks to buy one of Pleasure Way’s newer Class B vans, there are plenty of older model on the used market.
If its retro-luxury you’re looking for, then the Pleasure Way Excel could be the best cheapest Class B RV for your travel plans.
The Excel was built on a Dodge 3500 chassis, with a Dodge engine. The interior features polished wood cabinetry, plush carpeting, and a full wet bath with shower.
You’ll have everything you need to feel comfortable and cozy, including a generator, hot water heater, microwave, and TV.
Best of all, the Excel Class B camper van has a powered sofa bed that converts at the push of a button!
Ford Falcon 190
- Price Range: $6,000 – $12,000
The Ford Falcon 190 might just be the coolest affordable Class B RV on our list.
These motorhomes have a vintage look, with a raised roof, striped paint job, and aluminum ladder to reach the roof.
Traveling in a Ford Falcon 190 means cruising in vintage style.
The Ford Falcon camper was built on a Ford E350 chassis, with a powerful 8 cylinder engine. This is a fully self-contained van, with a generator and a propane furnace.
Inside, there’s a cool campervan kitchen with a fridge, plenty of storage, and even a tiny wet bath with a shower.
A dinette area at the rear converts to a large, comfy bed. The raised roof means you’ll have plenty of standing room in this van, and there’s often an additional loft bed.
There are plenty of Falcons for sale, often for just a few thousand dollars. You might find that the interior hasn’t aged well, but this is still a great option for a cheap small RV.
Custom Build Affordable Class B RVs
While we’ve shown you affordable class B RVs from manufacturers, one of the best things about a van conversion is that they are relatively easy to build.
Since many of these rigs start as generic van chassis, you can buy a custom campervan conversion for much cheaper than one you’d find “on the lot.” While most of these RVs were in the six-figure range, you can buy a customized version for less than half that.
Fortunately, many companies can build your affordable class B RV from scratch. In most cases, you can pick from a menu of features and amenities, ensuring that you get precisely what you want. If you already have a mini or full-size van, these outfitters can convert it for you, allowing you to save even more.
As we already mentioned, buying used can potentially cut tens of thousands of dollars off the sticker price. According to research, RVs depreciate by as much as 25 percent within three years, so you can save big bucks when looking for the cheapest Class B RVs.
Other stories to check out!
I owned and used a VW Westfalia camper (mine was an ´82) for years. With my young family (2 kids), adults slept on the fold out bed below, and the kids were in the pop up above. The two burner stove was adequate and the refrigerator a little small. Two weeks was about as long as a trip could last before it started to feel a little claustrophobic, but for me two weeks in one piece was all I had. It had no bathroom. I would load a couple of kayaks and maybe a windsurfer on top, and off we would go for a spring break on the Outer Banks or a summer trip to the North Maine Woods/Canadian Maritimes. It cost a little under $2,000, if memory serves. Today, the same rig might go for 4 times that (although I see them offered for as much as $24,000). I was getting 20 to 22 mpg, except with a lot of stuff tied on top, I would lose 4 to 6 mpg.
And, what a difference it made in my life. No muss, no fuss departures for a weekend or a couple of weeks. Everyone had their underwear, toothbrush, and swim suit in their camper bags. Load the groceries and go. We could read, eat, and sleep dry, even in the worst storms.
When my daughter reached puberty, she got a small tent so she an her brother did not share a bed. Of course, he demanded the same accommodations.
I never swapped the engine for a little flat Subaru four cylinder, but I saw several that I thought looked worth copying. They got a lot more power, and the heater was a big improvement over the gasoline fired air heater I never dared to use.
I have conversed with RVers using Class B rigs. A Canadian couple who lived all winter in their Roadtrek 19 (2nd marriage for both of them – and they were very affectionate, as they would have to be spending that much time that close) told me that they sold their Rialta because they could not get parts for it. He said that VW had ceased supporting it, and aftermarket parts were becoming harder to find. They replaced that Roadtrek with another one, slightly larger. I think that is a powerful endorsement.
My sister and one of our favorite couples both own RV´s on the Mercedes 24.5´ chassis. They love them, and successfully live in them for months. They are only slightly longer than the Class B´s you describe, but the extra internal space makes them much more comfortable. The Mercedes diesel is very fuel efficient (16 to 20 mpg). Engine and transmission maintenance is limited to Mercedes dealers (which tends to be expensive and inconvenient), but those engines are quite reliable. They both bought them as late model used vehicles for around $50,000. The initial depreciation on those things is brutal, but since that hit, their value has held up well.
Thanks for your response! You’ve had a lot of cool van experiences! 🙂
The prices are way, way, way off here. The NOVA for example says it’s between $90-100K. Umm, no. Try $134-141k.
Finally stories of affordable class b and why..comparing to the class a and c in plain simple easy to understand English. Thanks