This may seem bizarre but after driving my 1998 Versatile 200 Roadtrek for four years and having read a couple of days ago that a Rialta is considered a class C based on the fact that it's built on a cutaway van chassis which is also the case of the 200, I was wondering if mine was a C or a B. Can some clarify this for me?
I've been following the Camping Van Conversions forums for years since it covers RT and don't feel being part of the C group!
Quebec City
Canada
Roadtrek, Versatile 200 My RT mods
Technically the 200 series Roadtrek is a Class C since it is built on a cutaway chassis.
Since it 'SO MUCH' B-like, 99% of folks consider it as a B and post accordingly in this forum.
Fair or not, it partly comes down to appearance and the other products offered by a company.
The 200's were the only models produced by Roadtrek that technically fell outside of the B designation. The 200's 'look' like B's - H&P took great pains to maintain the sleek appearance of the body sides... most folks don't realize it's on a cutaway chassis.
Winnebago doesn't produce any real Class B's to my knowledge, but a whole lot of C's. The Rialtas don't even look like B's to me, due to the obvious coach addition behind the cutaway chassis.
The various components of the 200 being also found on RT other models brought me to the conclusion that it was in fact a B. If I extrapolate from ARcruiser's opinion, length is not conclusive as to the RV's classification. One thing for sure, B or C Arty (our RT's name)fulfills all our needs (traveling needs to be more precise).
Most of the Class C's have duel wheels where as the Class B's have the single axel. Some manufacturers are making what looks like a Class C but are calling it a Class B+. I think R-Vision is one of them and I have seen some of the so called B+ with a single axel.
The Class C's that DON'T have the bed over the cab of the truck are the ones they are calling Class B+. The bed in them is the couch and has to be opened every time you want to lay down.
All they do is make things more confusing. My opinion and my opinion only is to drop the B+ and make the Class C or the Class B. I seen where one man who put duel wheels on his Class B Roadtrek. Kind of like that idea myself for the older Roadtreks that have the long overhang. You would have to add an extended fender flairs to keep the water/dirt from getting on the side of your Roadtrek. Would cut down your gas miliage a little but you would have more support on the rear of the Roadtrek especialy if tou had a bike rack or carrier on the back.
turnip
The one factor that separates a "B" from a "C". is the chassis. If it starts out as a cut-away chassis it's a Class C, if it starts out as a van chassis, it's a Class B. The 200 is a Class C, the 210 is a Class B, but for this forum we consider the 200 a Class B.
Okay, I have a question about our 2000 Wide body Dodge Xplorer. Has dualies in the rear. I think it's a van chassis.
Marilyn w/ Joe, 2000 Xplorer Class B van, usually pulling a Ranger bass boat.
Smudge, (in photo) a Shih Tzu/Yorkie Mix and Gizmo is waiting at the Rainbow Bridge
The 200 being a class "C," technically, though a "B" in spirit and functionality, I understand. It is the 210 that confuses me. Does Roadtrek remove the metal van body after extending the frame? They say it has a fiberglass exterior. Metal, fiberglass, both???
Yep, your Xplorer started life as a 'whole' van.... it's a B.
(yes, many of you have seen this before....)
The RVIA (Recreation Vehicle Industry Association) defines as follows... per the RVIA website
The type A motorhome is entirely constructed on a bare, specially designed motor vehicle chassis.
The type B motorhome is narrower than other RVs because it utilizes the space within the existing van body. However, most are equipped with a raised roof, and sometimes dropped floors providing full stand-up room.
The type C motorhome is built on an automotive manufactured van frame with an attached cab section. The type C motorhome usually provides a sleeping bunk atop the cab in addition to a bedroom in the back. When not in use, this overhead compartment can also be used as a storage area.
The designations apply to the basic type of construction of the motorhome.
Class B's begin life as whole vans.
Class C's begin life as a cutaway chassis.
As a sales tool, dealers and manufacturers can call 'em what they will - but from a basis of construction standpoint there is no such thing as a B+. Anything built on a cutaway chassis is a Class C. Presence or lack of dual wheels or overcab beds mean nothing. Length, width and height mean nothing. All that matters is whether or not it's on a cutaway chassis.
What do reputable manufacurers such as Chinook and Coach House call their small C's that lack overcab beds? "Class C" or "personal size Class C"
They have never tried to confuse anybody with the designation B+ because they don't need to.
Geez, most of these manufacturers simply made the overcab section smaller, and maybe narrowed the coach by 6" or so, and wanna act like they invented this new desireable thing called a B+..... gimme a break!
The Ford based Pleasure-Way Excel and Chevy Roadtrek 210 are B's because they did start life as a complete van, not a cutaway chassis. Technically, the Roadtrek 200 is a Class C because it is based on a cutaway chassis, but most people consider it a B.
Most of the so called B+ rigs are obviously just C's without a bed over the cab....
and that's exactly what they are.
Yep, there are Class B's with dual wheels. American Cruiser and Xplorer are good examples.
There are plenty of B's with overcab beds courtesy of Falcon, Horizon, Great West, Airstream and others.
There are widened B's by Pleasure-Way, Coach House, Leisure Travel and others.
There are lengthened B's by American Cruiser, Xplorer, Pleasure-Way, Roadtrek and others.
Yes, Pleasure-Way Ford Excels and late model Roadtrek 210's start life as a whole van, not a cutaway. The converter cuts away most of the body while retaining the doors/door frames/etc. for installation on the new fiberglass body. Pleasure-Way has a good video on their website that shows the process. I'd imagine Roadtrek is doing pretty much the same thing on the 210.
If I were the Supreme Ruler of RV Classification, these would be defined as B+ motorhomes along with the 200 series Roadtrek.
Offline
