Class B and Class C Motorhomes: Get the Best Gas Mileage and Ultimate Comfort – Part 2

In Part 1 of this blog, we spent a little time talking about two of our favorite Class C motorhomes: the Winnebago Navion and Four Winds by Thor Motor Coach. Class Cs are a great alternative to a Class A motorhome for those who don’t need a ton of interior space when camping or road tripping, and they can accommodate a surprising number of people. If, however, you want the ultimate in drivability and gas economy, and you don’t need that extra space—in other words, if it’s just the two of you and the dogs—then a Class B motorhome (otherwise knows as a camper van) might very well be the ideal RV for you. The added bonus to a Class B model is that these sleek little motorhomes can double as around-town vehicles; they’re perfect for hauling that T-ball team back and forth to practice and will make the perfect tailgating rig at the next big home game. This week we’re calling out two or our favorite Class B manufacturers: Roadtrek and Pleasure Way.

Roadtrek: The Leading Manufacturer of Class B Motorhomes in North America
Roadtrek builds top-of-class camper vans; it’s as simple as that. Using some of the most sophisticated computer-aided design and manufacturing tools—the same ones used by world-class engineers at Boeing—they design and build remarkable products. They then put every RV through rigorous testing to ensure every safety standard is surpassed, so when a Roadtrek Class B motorhome leaves the factory, you can trust that your loved ones are safe. They’re so sure of the quality of their products that as of August 2015, new Roadtrek camper vans will come with a six-year “Peace of Mind” warranty. This warranty covers the manufacture of the motorhome, the appliances, electronics, plumbing and their EcoTrek batteries. As Roadtrek President and CEO Jim Hammill puts it, “We want Roadtrek owners to travel with peace of mind, knowing we are behind them every mile of the road.”

One of the best things about Class B RVing is you can get to all of those out-of-the-way places that the bigger boys can’t even begin to consider, and Roadtrek makes that even easier with their EcoTrek Power Technology. Utilizing lithium ion technology to lift the electrical system limits to new heights, EcoTrek is a boondockers paradise. Available in 200, 400, 800 and 1600 Amp hour modules, there is a system to fit every Roadtrek, giving you the option to charge from all available sources, including the alternator, Onan generator, engine generator, solar cells and shore power, so you can literally get back to the woods without a neighbor in sight and stay there for days if you’d like.

With nine models to choose from, you have a wealth of options, including gas or diesel engines and Dodge Ram Promaster 3500, Chevrolet Express or Mercedes Sprinter chassis. They make shorter drive-every-day Sprinter vans that will seat five and sleep two, and they also build larger models that will seat six and sleep four. With so many options, you’ll find exactly the right Class B for you. If you want to learn more about Class B RVing, be sure to check out the Roadtrek blog: Roadtreking: Discovering the Small Motorhome Lifestyle. It’s chock-full of good information, observations and podcasts.

Pleasure-Way: The Award-Winning Class B Motorhome Americans Love
Pleasure-Way has a unique way of building their Class B camper vans and a lot of industry awards that prove their systems work. They’ve won the RVDA Quality Circle Award for six years running. This award goes to RV manufacturers who have the highest ratings in the Association’s Dealer Satisfaction Index Survey. In 2014, Pleasure-Way was also awarded the coveted Gold in Motorhome Magazine’s Readers Choice Awards. All of these awards come back to the fact that Pleasure-Way motorhomes are never mass-produced; there are no assembly lines. Because they build each camper van individually—the “opposite of mass production”—every part is custom: measured, built and hand-fitted to each individual chassis. In this way, they ensure that every motorhome has the best quality, finish and safety, every time. They’re so sure of their system and the end product that they back every motorhome with a limited five-year warranty.

Pleasure-Way also doesn’t skimp on quality when it comes to the interiors of their Class B’s. They create custom hand-crafted cabinetry in their on-site mill shop. It’s labor-intensive to build this kind of custom fit—it takes over twenty-two hours to finish each set of cabinet doors—but you’ll notice the quality the moment you step inside. They also use environment- and worker-friendly stains and lacquers because they’re committed to the health of their employees and our planet. This is an industry employer and manufacturer that we’re proud to support here at Guaranty RV.

Pleasure-Way has five models to choose from, including gas and diesel options, and also provides chassis options that include Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Dodge Promaster. You don’t have the larger vehicle choices here that you do with Roadtrek, but if you’re looking for a Class B that will nicely accommodate two people for long road trips or days away from civilization, and can seat four people for driving around town, Pleasure-Way is a manufacturer to take a close look at.

If you’re looking for extra savings on a Class B motorhome, be sure to check out our pre-owned inventory. It’s a great way to get a like-new Roadtrek or Pleasure-Way at the best possible price.

That’s the end of our 2015 roundup of favorite Class B and Class C motorhomes. If you want to learn more or you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We love to talk RVing!

Photo: Guaranty RV

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