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RV

Class B campervan (motorhome)

Van-based, goes anywhere, small footprint.

In short

Class B is built on a factory van chassis (Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Fiat Ducato, RAM ProMaster and similar) and keeps the van's original shape. Typical overall length is 4.5–6.5 m, so it fits ordinary parking spaces.

Typical valueNotes
Overall length4.5–6.5 m (typical overall length)
GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating)2,500–4,500 kg (typical gross weight)
Berths2–4 people
Potable water40–120 litres
Fuel typeDiesel (in most cases)
Driving licenceA category B car licence is usually enough in the EU

What these vehicles look like

Strengths

  • Handles and parks like a large van
  • Cheapest self-drive option to buy
  • No towing licence category needed

Limitations

  • Less interior space than a coach
  • Smaller fresh water tanks
  • Stifling on hot days

Best for

Pairs travelling togetherWeekend breaksWeekday city travel

What it is

Class B is the right answer if you travel often and drive yourself, without needing a towing licence. It parks where a car parks, drives on most motorways without special permission, and can be your only vehicle for most of the year.

Why people choose it

You pay for that in vertical space. Headroom is lower than in a Class A, the galley is short, and water tanks are smaller. For two people who eat out half the time and simply sleep in the vehicle, a well-equipped Class B beats a small caravan.

What to check before you buy

Watch the loading trap. An unladen campervan is often only 1,900–2,200 kg, and adding water, a big battery pack, cooking gas and passengers can push you straight over 3,500 kg. Weigh the laden vehicle, and check that your licence class covers the real weight rather than the empty weight.

Also calledCampervan / motorhome · Kastenwagen / Womo (de) · Camping car (ja)