Class B motorhomes are camper vans built within a van body, usually on a Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit or Ram ProMaster chassis. They typically pack a compact kitchen, a sleeping area, storage and some form of bathroom into a vehicle that parks in an ordinary space.
A smaller motorhome does not necessarily cost less. The van chassis, specialized cabinetry and compact engineering can make a well-equipped Class B surprisingly expensive, and it is the most expensive per square foot of the three motorized classes.
Quick facts
| Typical length | 17–24 ft (5.2–7.3 m) |
|---|---|
| Typical weight (GVWR) | 6,000–11,500 lb (2,700–5,200 kg) |
| Fuel | 14–25 mpg (about 9–17 L/100 km) |
| Sleeps | Usually 2 to 4 |
| Typical new price (CAD) | $130,000–$350,000+ |
| Typical used price (CAD) | $120,000–$200,000 for 1 to 4 years old; $70,000–$140,000 for 5 to 10+ years |
| Towing or vehicle needs | Can sometimes tow a small trailer or vehicle; check the rating |
Typical new price tiers
| Tier | New price (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry / compact | $130,000–$180,000 | Sale prices often $140,000–$170,000 after discounts |
| Mid-range / popular | $170,000–$230,000 | Most common new listings fall in the $175,000–$210,000 range |
| Premium / luxury | $220,000–$350,000+ | Specialized 4x4 or heavily optioned builds |
Price ranges are broad Canadian shopping references in Canadian dollars, as of October 2026. Where a figure was published in US dollars it is converted at about 1.40 and rounded. They are not dealer quotes. Taxes, freight, prep and accessories are extra. See RV prices in Canada for the full table and sources.
Benefits and trade-offs
Benefits
- Easier to drive and park than larger motorhomes
- Suited to frequent moves and touring
- Generally lower fuel consumption than much larger motorhomes
- Needs little campsite space
- Can sometimes double as an everyday vehicle
- Some layouts work well without slide-outs
Trade-offs
- High purchase price for the interior space you get
- Limited storage and cargo capacity
- Small bathrooms, often a wet bath where shower and toilet share one space
- Beds may need daily conversion
- Small fresh and waste water tanks
- Little room for families or long indoor stays
Who it suits
Best fit: Solo travellers, couples, touring holidays and people who put mobility first.
Look elsewhere if: Families, buyers who spend several wet days at a time inside, and anyone who needs a lot of cargo or water capacity.
What to check before you buy
- Chassis: diesel Sprinter models usually cost more than Ford Transit or Ram ProMaster gas models.
- Length and layout. 19 to 22 ft is the most common size; longer or more complex floorplans raise the price.
- Features that add cost quickly: lithium batteries, solar, bigger water tanks, pop-tops and off-grid packages.
- Bathroom type, bed conversion routine and real storage, tested with your own gear.
- Fresh and waste water capacity against how long you want to camp without hookups.
Canadian considerations
- Small vans lose heat quickly. Ask about insulation, tank protection and heating, and treat "four-season" as a question, not an answer.
- Roadtrek and Pleasure-Way are Canadian-built brands, and Canadian-built units suit Canadian conditions. See Canadian-built RVs.
- Insurance and storage tend to cost less than for large motorhomes, and a van often fits a standard garage or driveway space.
- Class B models hold their value relatively well compared with larger motorhomes, but they still depreciate meaningfully in the first few years.
Compare with other types
Common questions
Why are camper vans so expensive for their size?
The base van is costly, and builders fit a kitchen, bathroom, sleeping space and electrical system into a very small shell. That dense packaging adds engineering and labour cost.
Can a Class B be used in winter?
Some can, but tank protection, insulation, heating and battery charging in the cold vary widely. Ask the conditions the specific model was designed and tested for.
Is a Class B good for a family?
Usually not. Most sleep two to four, with small bathrooms and limited storage, so a Class C or a bunkhouse trailer is a better fit for families.