Vehicle Classes - Whats the Difference?
Let us try to clear up the differences! Keep in mind there is some room to stretch from one class to the other; and there is no defacto industry definition; just guidelines. Search the listings at RVTRADER.com and you'll find the many Class C's mixed into the Class B listings not to mention the Class B's in the Bus Conversions. It seems people really don't know what they have! So here is how we at Conversion-Vans.NET define the Vehicle Classes.
- Camper Van - This is the simplest conversion of a stock van! There is no such thing as a commercial "Camper Van" - unless you get outside of the USA where the nomenclature changes. A Camper Van is any van that has been converted for the purpose of camping - simple enough! A Class B Motor Home can be Called a Camper Van if you please, but you can not call a Camper Van a Class B Motorhome unless it has some very specific features! (See next)
- Class B Motorhome - Any full fledged Motorhome built on a Van Cargo Van Chassis. The van may have the top removed or the sides widened but it is still essentially a van in size and shape. Additionally in order to qualify as a Class B Motorhome the van must have built-in sleeping, eating, and bathroom facilities (Including properly mounting fresh and grey water holding tanks). Simple enough! If the frame of the van has been cut down clear to the floor level (they come direct from Ford, Chevy, and Dodge this way - just a frame and a cab) and built up completely from the floor it's a Class "C" not a Class "B"
- Conversion Van - Any van that has been customized for comfort can be considered a conversion van. Conversion vans can have some of the features of a "Camper Van" or even a "Class B Motorhome", but are typically more upscale and designed for daytime use. These vans may have a raised roof, fancy paint job, Custom Wheels, Leather Seats, 4 Captains chairs, dual stereo, TV/VCR Combos etc.
- Mini C's & B+'s - These are really Class "C" motorhomes masquerading as Class B Motorhomes. They feature sleek aerodynamic body styles - often made of a single fiberglass shell. The Chinook line of Motorhomes by TrailWagons, Inc. is probably the best example. These are also sometimes referred to as B+ Vans. They are in fact built from the same chassis as a Class C, but are made more to look like a Call B. Confusing? Ultimately it doesn't matter, as long as you find what you want.