Which RV is Easiest to Drive: 10 Great Choices
Choosing the right recreational vehicle (RV) can greatly enhance your traveling experience. Among the myriad options available, the question often arises – Which RV is Easiest to Drive?
After thorough research and numerous testimonials, it has been established that the Class B RV holds the crown. The compact size of the class Class B RV makes it easy to maneuver even for novice drivers, while its luxurious amenities ensure a comfortable journey.
I know I touched on a debatable topic this time, and some of the experienced RVers would feel I didn’t do justice to it. So, my regrets in advance, but I had to talk about it for the newbies who often ask me, which RV is the easiest to drive.
Traveling in an RV is not everyone’s cup of tea. That’s why beginners mostly look for RVs with easy drivability and low maintenance on the road.
While the RV industry is full of options ranging from camper vans to toy haulers, Class B motorhomes are known for their ease of driving features.
Despite its smaller footprint, the Class B RV does not compromise on style or functionality, making it an ideal choice for those seeking ease of drive in their RV experience.
Before I get into easiest-to-drive brands, let’s learn more about Class B motorhomes first.
Class B Motorhome: Why is it Easiest to Drive?
Class B motorhomes are lighter and easier to maneuver, which makes them easier to drive as compared to Class A or Class C RVs.
Driving a Class B RV is similar to driving a van or any other regular vehicle. These motorhomes come with a chassis similar to cargo vans like Mercedes Sprinter chassis, Dodge Ram Promaster chassis, or Ford Transit chassis.
Class B motorhomes vary in length, like all the other RVs, but they are mostly less than 30 feet.
If you are just setting foot in the RV world, and the fear of driving a large vehicle makes you reconsider your options, then Class B motorhomes will be perfect for you. Also, for those who enjoy solo traveling or couples who are travel freaks, Class B motorhomes are a great option.
The sleek structure and lighter weight of Class B RVs make them more desirable for a novice. The lightweight design ensures you do not feel tired and low on energy after driving the Class B motorhome for hours.
They have enough space for accommodating at least two passengers along with extra storage compartments for your camping accessories and gears.
Because of their flexible on-road capabilities, Class B motorhomes allow you to travel faster, so you can enjoy cross-country trips with comfort.
An additional feature of Class B motorhomes is the ease of parking in driveways and parking spots. They also have better gas mileage as compared to other motorhomes available in the market.
So if you are someone who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors rather than requiring a full-time RV, Class B motorhomes are just what you need on your next trip.
Class B Motorhomes: Top 10 Picks
Now that you know all why Class B motorhomes are easier to drive, it’s time for you to familiarize yourself with brands that are easier to drive.
1. Airstream Interstate 19
Only a few feet longer than an average SUV, the Interstate is about 19 feet long, making it Airstream’s smallest and nimblest touring coach.
You can easily park on the Interstate in tight parking spots or close locations, which is impossible with average Class A and C coaches.
This four-seater coach offers everything a Class B motorhome has to offer: a modern kitchen, bathroom, sleeping space, and a comfortable lounge.
Unbelievable right? But Interstate is what makes Airstream the number one company for selling the best Class B motorhomes.
Airstream focuses on attention to detail, robust structure, and superior design to give you the best traveling experience.
Interstate has a strong foundation of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 van chassis and begins at an affordable price of $200,099.
Notable Features
- Power Exterior Awning that extends via the Multiplex control panel with stabilizing bars
- Ultra-efficient and space-saving Truma Combi system which combines heating and water heating
- Corian Countertops for a sophisticated, residential kitchen feel
Take off for a solo adventure or get some couple time, because now you can enjoy every luxurious amenity and advanced safety features on Airstream’s Interstate 19.
2. HYMER Exsis-I 580
Hymer’s Exsis-I comes with an extremely sporty appearance while ensuring that you get a low fuel consumption and a quiet driving experience.
With large garage doors on both sides, you can enjoy the light breeze at your campsite with a perfect view. The Exsis-I reinvents lightness by giving it a more modern and elegant touch.
Its stylish interior creates an unmatched feeling of wellness and ensures that your travel adventures last forever.
The Hymer Exsis-I comes with ample storage space for you to easily haul your electric bike, BBQ equipment, or even garden furniture.
This Class B motorhome comes with lots of storage compartments that you may need to make a mental note of where you kept things inside the Exsis.
The Exsis-I 474 is 664cm long and can carry up to 3500 kg easily. This light, slender, and high-tech Fiat Chassis-powered RV is about 2.22m in width.
Notable Features
- PUAL-foamed walls with aluminum inner and outer skin guarantee pleasant temperatures throughout the year and low gas consumption in winter
- A lightweight frame with independent wheel suspension ensures equal weight distribution, even when it’s fully loaded
- Indestructible Hymer Exsis-t underbody, immune to stone, dirt, grit, or weather damage
The lightness of the Exsis range is a significant advantage, making it easier to drive and giving you an exceptionally cozy atmosphere.
3. Midwest Passage Sprinter RV Camper Van
Want a perfect RV to explore your idea of fun? Midwest Automotive Design’s Passage is what you have been looking for then.
The Passage Sprinter comes fully packed with all the luxurious and comfortable amenities you can imagine.
From solid surface countertops, a fold-out lounge sofa in leather, and a refrigerator to an HD TV screen, you name it, this camper van has it all.
Built with the stellar Midwest Automotive’s craftsmanship, Passage Sprinter RV boasts polished veneer cabinets and excellent leather seating.
The Passage 170 comes in collaboration with the legendary performance engineering of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
The exceptional air conditioning keeps you fresh in hot weather. At the same time, a tankless water heater ensures that you have access to hot water all the time. The privacy shade package and modern LED interior lighting in the rear compartment will always ensure that you travel with style.
Notable Features
- ECO Chassis Battery Charging System
- Induction Cooktop with a removable dinette
- Soft Touch Automotive Color-Keyed Walls and Headliner
The Passage features a Macerator Pump with Power Gates and a Power Hose Reel to wash and clean your RV anytime, anywhere.
Once you step inside the Passage RV Camper Van, the standard luxurious appliances and appointments will make an immediate impression on you.
With all these features in a single Class B RV, you are in for an adventure to the tune of $265,000.
4. Winnebago Class B Era 70A
Winnebago brings in the fusion of innovation and diesel efficiency with its superior quality Class B motorhome, Era.
The 24′ 3″ long Era comes with a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Chassis and has exceptional off-road capabilities.
The Era 70A has abundant space for three passengers and comes with a limited warranty of 15,000 miles per year.
If you are searching for tech-savvy RVs, you should end your search now because Winnebago’s Era comes compact with High-tech features.
Every Class B Era comes with a 10″ MBUX infotainment system with built-in interactive voice and advanced safety features.
The 4×4 option brings off-road capabilities, so whether you are off or on-roading, it makes it easier to drive with Era.
Have I mentioned Era’s jaw-breaking galley features? For starters, the galley comes with solid Corian countertops, three-burner cooktops, a microwave, a water purifier, and a compressor freezer.
Notable Features
- MBUX infotainment system with active brake assist and blind-spot monitoring
- Sumptuous Ultraleather furnishings highlight the contemporary interior
- Multiplex Wiring with convenient control light settings
- Streamlined monitoring Precision Plex App
Starting from $211,769, Winnebago Era lets you relax, dine, work, and travel with its spacious floorplans and superior quality features.
5. Coachmen Galleria 24FL
How is it possible that you talk about RVs and not mention Coachmen? Coachmen RV is the manufacturer of one of the best RVs in the USA and has been enriching its consumers’ lives since 1964.
Coachmen’s Galleria is another reputable brand name in the Class B Motorhomes category. This class B motorhome comes with an award-winning 3500 Mercedes Sprinter chassis and offers the best value in the market.
To provide an excellent and superior fuel economy, the Galleria RV features BlueTec turbo diesel engines.
The engine generates a remarkable torque of 325ft-lbs, making Galleria a more comfortable option to drive.
Coachmen Galleria comes with technologically advanced features, including an extraordinary Truma-Combi water heater system, an Onan generator, and handcrafted maple cabinetry.
This 24′ 3″ long Class B motorhome comes with a 170″ wheelbase and a 13′ awning—all of these qualities make up for its starting price of MSRP $236,408.
Notable Features
- R-38 Reflective insulation in the floor to protect from weather damage
- Hardwood expanding table with cup holders, so you are always entertained
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Collision Avoidance Indicator for your safety
- Multi-function Steering Wheel
Coachmen RV ensures excellent customer service after every sale and backs it up with a solid warranty, so you get peace of mind.
6. 5 Mars Imagine
5 Mars is a reputable RV manufacturing company famous for its lightweight and drivable options. The company offers a versatile Class B motorhome Imagine, which is only 195 inches in length and can accommodate four to five passengers.
Imagine RV is definitely going to turn some heads whenever you hit the road with its eye-popping yellow color.
5 Mars Imagine comes with an electric sofa bed that’s about 54 by 74 inches, two independent batteries of six volts, and a six-gallon water heater.
Notable Features
- Electric pop-up roof and two swivel front seats
- Outdoor rear shower
- Six European-style windows integrated with mosquito net and curtains for your safety
If you want a reliable motorhome with excellent insulation, stability, and durability, you should get right on board with Imagine and hit the road. Coming in around $139,000 it’s sure to get your motor running.
7. Pleasure-Way Tofino Camper Van
Pleasure-Way’s Tofino camper van comes with a sporty exterior style. This class B motorhome is super easy to park and maneuver.
With a powerful 3.6-liter V6 Penstar engine, Tofino can easily carry two to three passengers at once. The 17′ 9″ long camper van comes with a 2000-pound cargo carrying capacity and a 136-inch wheelbase.
Tofino Camper Van features a high-standard galley with all up-to-date appliances, including a 2.3-cubic ft freezer, a burner induction stove, a stainless steel sink, and laminated countertops.
Notable Features
- Xantrex™ 2000 watt Pure-sine wave inverter, so you are never out of power
- LP BBQ quick connect so you can always enjoy a grill on the go
- Monitor panel for LP, fresh, grey, and coach batteries
- Tire Pressure Monitoring and a rear-view camera for keeping an eye on the surroundings
This camper van is not just an ordinary class-B motorhome. It sources its power from two 100AH lithium house batteries. It also comes with a 2000-watt inverter to extend your trips without any fear of power shortage.
The campervan with minimalist design and cutting-edge technology has a beginning price of $94,300.
8. Coachmen Beyond 22C Class B Motorhome
Another Coachmen’s classic Class B motorhome that makes its way into the list is Beyond 22C. Built with a Ford Transit 350 HD chassis, Beyond comes with an exterior length of 22′ 2″, slightly shorter than Galleria.
Beyond 22C ensures traveling in style wherever the action is present. For someone with an active lifestyle, this versatile class B motorhome is the best option.
Starting from a base price of MSRP $202,241, Coachmen Beyond comes with unparalleled Ford styling and reliability. So you can experience an unmatched fuel economy and better mileage.
With Beyond Motorhome’s structural integrity and chic interior, you enjoy your home’s comfort, miles away from home. Its luxurious captain’s seats give you a chance to relish beautiful night skies through the frameless windows.
Notable Features
- 110-watt solar panel and 2.8KW Onan generator
- Firefly Multiplex with dual screens for convenience
- Carefree armless motion-sensing awning
- Co-Pilot 360 Technology to ensure your safety at all times
When traveling in Beyond RV, you should never worry about power, entertainment, or water supply issues. This magnificent beast sources its energy from a 3.5L EcoBoost engine and runs on Ford’s OEM forged aluminum wheels.
With this model, you enjoy robust stability and aerodynamic structure that makes it easier to drive on the roads.
9. Winnebago Class B Travato 59G
Winnebago’s other reputable brand, Travato, is also one of the top-selling camper vans in North America.
Enabled with streamlined features and powered by fuel-efficient systems, Winnebago’s Travato promises you an easy drive and the comforts of home on the road.
The Travato 59G guarantees flexible entertaining with its cutting-edge features. So that after a tiring day of hiking when you come back into your Travato, you can relax in its two bench seats.
The Travato Class B allows its owners to host a small party with its optional center table and bench seating that accommodates up to six passengers.
With an affordable starting price of $175,292, Winnebago’s Travato takes care of your storage needs. It features storage holders present under your bed, or in the roof for storing your bikes or camping gear.
For your books, Travato comes with Anything Keepers that can store your small accessories as well, whereas, for your electronic appliances, RAM Tough-Track is there.
All you need to do is store your stuff in these compartments and start enjoying the great outdoors.
Notable Features
- Truma-Combi Eco Plus heating, heated tanks, roof, and sidewall insulation
- Coleman-Mach 10 NDQ air conditioner that comes with a Bluetooth App for easy control
- Pure-3 Advanced Energy System that stores 9,500 watt-hours of usable energy
The 21′ Travato 59G has a Dodge Ram Promaster Chassis and can accommodate up to three passengers.
10. Pleasure-Way Plateau Camper Van
With a Mercedes Benz chassis, Pleasure Way’s Plateau is another Class B campervan that you will find easy to drive.
This 22′ 9″ long camper van takes the standards of design, luxury, and artistry to astonishing new heights. Its luxurious interior and advanced features justify the starting price of $198,250.
The Plateau features front and back dining locations, as well as an indoor and outdoor shower. It comes with a high-definition touchscreen control panel with a 7′ display, which lets you monitor Tank Level, Climate control, and LED lighting control.
Even if you intend to go for a deserted campsite, there is no need to worry because Plateau boasts a 2.5KW generator, a 2000-watt inverter, and solar panels.
Notable Features
- Fiberglass insulation inside walls
- Full-color HD display of seven inches
- 16,000 BTU Auto Ignite LP Furnace
What is the best RV class for beginners?
Many experts point to the travel trailer RV class as the ideal starting point. There are a few compelling reasons for this recommendation. Firstly, travel trailer RVs are typically more affordable than their motorhome and fifth-wheel counterparts, making them an attractive option for newcomers exploring the RV lifestyle.
This affordability does not compromise the quality of the experience, allowing beginners to fully enjoy the joys of RVing and camping without a hefty price tag. Thus, for those stepping into the world of RVing, the travel trailer class proves to be a suitable and economical choice.
What is the safest RV class?
When it comes to the safety of various RV classes, industry experts often agree that Class B motorhomes are the safest. While Class A motorhomes have the advantage of size and luxury, they are generally considered the least safe in severe accidents due to their large size and heavy weight.
Class C motorhomes, although safer than Class A, they still do not match up to the safety standards of Class B motorhomes. Class B motorhomes, despite their smaller size, are built on a van chassis which provides more stability and control during driving, thus reducing the risk of accidents. Thus, when addressing the question “What is the safest RV class?”, the answer would be Class B.
Which RV is most durable?
The most durable RV, as per industry experts, is the Class C RV manufactured by Coachmen. This brand has been a trusted name in the RV business since 1964, consistently producing high-quality, reliable vehicles. With an emphasis on durability and long-term performance, Coachmen’s Class C RVs have become an industry standard.
Their robust build, along with their innovative designs, make them a top choice for those seeking longevity in their recreational vehicles. Thus, when asked “What is the most durable RV?”, Coachmen’s Class C RVs stand out as a clear answer.
Conclusion
When it comes to recreational vehicles (RVs), there are several factors to consider, including comfort, amenities, and most importantly, ease of driving. Among the many types of RVs available on the market, the question often arises – Which RV is Easiest to Drive? After extensive research and analysis, we have concluded that the Class B RV holds this title.
The Class B RV, often referred to as the “camper van,” offers a balance of functionality and convenience, making it the easiest to drive. Its compact size compared to Class A and Class C RVs ensures better maneuverability, particularly in city conditions and tight spaces. This makes it an ideal choice for those who are new to RVing or those who prefer a more car-like driving experience.
Aside from its driving ease, the Class B RV is also known for its efficiency. Despite its smaller size, it does not compromise on essential facilities like sleeping quarters, a kitchenette, and a compact bathroom. Moreover, its smaller footprint translates to better fuel efficiency, which can be a significant advantage for long-distance travelers.
Traveling is a source of relaxation for many, but it gets better if you go on an RV. Whether you are a beginner or an RV enthusiast, everybody wants an RV that is easiest to drive.
I would recommend Class B motorhomes, also known as Camper Vans, to anyone seeking more comfortable options. I hope the post will help you choose a Class B motorhome that suits your needs the best. Happy Traveling.