"I still think it is a shame that there isn't a definition of B+, or small RV's, and a forum that allows us all to be together and discuss the various vehicles."
Perhaps RV.Net should create a forum that disregards "Class" but instead is based upon the length of the motor home. Say under 28 ft?
"I still think it is a shame that there isn't a definition of B+..."
Basically there is. A B+ is a Class C without a cab over, or more like a C-, not a B+. Cool marketing term though.
"So when and why does one decide to cross that boundary?"
Easy and you alluded to it. You first decide what you are going to do with your RV and what is important to you. There many different features of a RV, so the application pretty much decides the order of importance.
We all have our preferences and priorities. Me, I don't see a relationship between a B+ and a B. Salianron said the Sprinter van with a box on the back for length and a "few" inches wider than a B210. That's taking comparisons from two different Bs to rationalize. The Via is much wider than a Sprinter Van. To me it adds up to a lot. In my own experience I added a box to the back of my Sprinter and found it totally changed my touring habits. I didn't like it so quickly sought out a better solution to contain what I wanted to carry within a Sprinter van body. I did go 11" longer and even that much disturbs me. I'll live with it. I look for discussion here about Bs and not B+s. As I said, there are too many differences in vehicles and even in RV driving and living style.
The Via is a super nice RV. Because of its size it has a lot of enviable features a B van cannot begin to relate to and I don't want to weed through messages to sort it out. There is a B+ sub-category on RV.net in the C forum to discuss those technical and physical things. So it already exists. The Via gets kicked up to Class A status but yet I imagine it may not quite fit in with that group entirely.
The issue is social discussion. That pretty much got kicked out of the RV.net Class B forum starting with moving the RV.net B Rally to another forum. We still meet up with Salianron at BEE Socials where there are no rules other than have a B, wanna B or had a B. More and more of the socialites have gravitated to larger RVs and show up that way. A new "member" (loosely said, no rules remember other maybe expanded to know a B'er in this case) showed up in a huge honking Class A. Another once showed up in a tiny teardrop. We envy and admire the other person's RV be it Class A or teardrop for the uniqueness, what's important and satisfaction that it provides the owner. And we know changing priorities may change us too.
Probably the toughest aspect when you switch RV types is abandoning specific discussions, acquaintances and friends online. After 6 years I still occasionally wade in to Airforums.com, an Airstream trailer forum from when I had a vintage Airstream. When I do I generically respond and don't interject my Class B use or preferences.
That's my view. We're all different.
Davydd
2011 Great West Van Legend Sprinter B Camper Van
Visited states in an RV
Thanks for the greetings from folks that we have met and/or corresponded with over the years. I had intended to change my signature to show that our current MH is a Winnebago Via 25T, but could not see how make the change at that time.
I did not intend to drag up the old arguement about excluding small class C's from the B forum. The fact that several of those responding to my post no longer own a B illustrates that the B forum is not exclusive. As far as the annual B rally being exclusive, I fully support that. Our first B was an orphan so we could not attend any Factory sponsored brand name (exclusive) rallies. Thus the concept of a rally for all Class B vans appealed to us. Also since an open house to show how different owners handled the challenge of storage in a B was a major element in our early rallies, similar size was important.
Jim and Roger, I was glad to hear from both of you.
Dave (Toyman), lets compare notes. I will send you a PM.
Davidd, You are right about us rationalizing our move to a larger MH. Our acceptance of the limits of a larger vehicle came in stages. Several years ago we talked about towing a small vehicle behind the Roadtrek so that we could leave it plugged in with cats inside while we went exploring. We found the vehicle we wanted to tow and were going to buy it when it became available in 2008 ---- but the great concept vehicle still hasn't become a reality. Finally finding a floor plan we really liked had us asking ourselves "where would we park if we were 5 feet longer". We didn't think much about the difference in driving until actually sitting behind the wheel and questioning our sanity. At the first toll booth for "passenger vehicles" I creeped through upon realizing the reason for that distinction.
Then when 6 of us rode with a very experienced Sprinter Driver in a Leisure Travel 210A through narrow curving roads in a little mining village, the difference in our stretched Sprinter and his original was driven home. He drove that Sprinter like a mid size sport sedan. As we returned to the campground, Tim said "Now I'd like to see you do that in yours. That was not a challenge I was willing to accept.
Salianron --Sally and Ron
2003 Roadtrek 200 Popular
Sally and Ron,
Good to hear from you. Did you ever get the "real" house done? Funny you should mention your cats. We think about our pet dog all the time and is one of the reasons we have the Sportsmobile. With it's pop-top and six screened windows on the top, there are many times we can stop, pop the top, open the screens, turn on a fan and feel comfortable with her left inside. Granted we still wouldn't do that if the temps were north of 85, although I am sure she would be just fine with all the heat buildup escaping through the windows and canvas top. After all, she is the princess and we would just die if we put her into danger. Anyway, I heard you had made the switch and must say for the dollars, it looks like a very nice, roomy and economical running machine (and it helps the Iowa economy!). I am especially jealous of the bed size! I am sure we will see you on the road somewhere.
Someone at B8 told me you had committed treason, er, uh, I mean bought a Class A. I simply could not imagine you choosing to drive and maintain an enormous, monster motorhome.
How fun to see that you've selected a miniature A
My burning question is ... does it have the drop-down Studio Loft?? Via Studio Loft
Talk about the ultimate pet palace! Thanks so much for checking in with the B forum. Of course, you're always welcome here. I'm still working too many days at the family business, but I'd love to see you both someday at a BEE SOCIAL.
Judy
QJane
2002 Sportsmobile RB30
inside a Ford E350 2WD
I don't want to bore others with details about our non B, our house without wheels or other personal stuff so I will respond to each of those questions with a PM.
CJBill wrote: I think it is very interesting that there are so many who have grown out of their B's but are still WannaB's. ... So when and why does one decide to cross that boundary? ... In any case I think it is nice that... UsedtoB are still around and I like to read about their experience.
I think most of us UsedtoB's still come around because we like so many of the people here. I crossed the boundary because I used my B and will use my little C for snowbirding and live in it for 4-5 months now though not necessarily in the same parking space anymore. It was a need for interior space that pushed me. I needed a bigger fridge and a separate shower... and a galley that at least had the space for me to sit down a plate without it being on the cooktop or in the sink. I believe that those will make up for a slight lose in maneuverability.
If I were full timing, I would have looked more closely at the small A's like the Via/Reyo for the extra storage. Anyone shopping for their first B might find our experiences helpful. Everything depends on your unit meeting your needs. It is a lot of money to spend if you make the wrong choice.
CJBill wrote: I think it is very interesting that there are so many who have grown out of their B's but are still WannaB's. ... So when and why does one decide to cross that boundary? ... In any case I think it is nice that... UsedtoB are still around and I like to read about their experience.
I think most of us UsedtoB's still come around because we like so many of the people here. I crossed the boundary because I used my B and will use my little C for snowbirding and live in it for 4-5 months now though not necessarily in the same parking space anymore. It was a need for interior space that pushed me. I needed a bigger fridge and a separate shower... and a galley that at least had the space for me to sit down a plate without it being on the cooktop or in the sink. I believe that those will make up for a slight lose in maneuverability.
If I were full timing, I would have looked more closely at the small A's like the Via/Reyo for the extra storage. Anyone shopping for their first B might find our experiences helpful. Everything depends on your unit meeting your needs. It is a lot of money to spend if you make the wrong choice.
The right "tool" for the job. Mumkin hit the major points. We have been out for as much as six weeks twice now and we know B fulltimers but those points are critical longterm, IMO. Right now, when we are out for extended periods we are still on the move almost constantly, enjoying the ability to pull in and park anywhere and go anywhere. For that, a B has a distinct advantage in my mind. If we decided to snowbird for any extended period of time and stay in one place then the B would not look as desirable. The first consideration then might be a toad. Once that decision were made then the out and about on the go with a B loses its advantages. So, if towing and extended parking stays, why not increase your RV luxuries?
Then when 6 of us rode with a very experienced Sprinter Driver in a Leisure Travel 210A through narrow curving roads in a little mining village, the difference in our stretched Sprinter and his original was driven home. He drove that Sprinter like a mid size sport sedan. As we returned to the campground, Tim said "Now I'd like to see you do that in yours. That was not a challenge I was willing to accept.
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