All the pieces You Must Know About Shopping for an RV Van

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Do you’re keen on the joy of exploring the world however don’t desire a huge motorhome? Then a Class B RV van may very well be for you. Beneath we’ll go over every thing you have to learn about shopping for considered one of these smaller campers, together with one of the best RV vans on the market

What Are RV Vans?

Class B Camper van set up for boondocking in open field
Picture by Tenting World

RV vans are also referred to as Class B motorhomes, van campers, or leisure journey vans. They’re smaller than Class A RVs however nonetheless have house for the necessities. You’ll discover loos, kitchens, and cozy areas to sleep in. 

One other approach to consider them is like vans with advantages. They’ve what you have to survive and really feel comfy on the street whereas nonetheless being compact sufficient to slot in a parking house. There’s no must tow something additional in the event you don’t need to. You’ll be able to pack up and transfer out. 

There are three essential chassis varieties that RV van campers are constructed on. These chassis are the Ford Transit, RAM ProMaster, and Mercedes-Benz. These articles will educate you extra about every chassis and supply a few of our favourite RV vans for every: 

RV Van Specs

Relying in your chosen mannequin and options, RV van costs usually fall throughout the $90,000 to $250,000 vary. They often are 17-24 toes lengthy and sleep 1-4 individuals. The typical fuel mileage for new and used RV vans will be round 17-23 miles per gallon, however the extra weight you carry, the much less mileage you’ll get. 

Execs and Cons of RV Vans

If you happen to’re desirous about shopping for an RV van on the market, it’s essential to grasp the professionals and cons of the sort of van camper. 

Execs Cons
Simpler to park than bigger RVs Want a spot to retailer your van
Simpler to drive than bigger RVs Price
Higher fuel mileage Extra upkeep than a daily van
Camp everytime you need Might must buy additional equipment
Makes the right tiny residence

Execs

Family roasting marshmallows on portable fire pit outside Class B motorhome
Picture by Tenting World

Listed here are a number of the potential advantages of proudly owning a Class B RV van:

  • Simpler to park: Class A and Class C motorhomes provide loads, however it may be onerous to search out authorized and possible locations to park. Class Bs are smaller and, due to this fact, simpler to park. You’ll be able to park class B RVs wherever you may park a van. 
  • Simpler to drive: If you happen to’ve been on the street some time, you may see bridges with automobile peak limits and steep hills with warnings for bigger autos. So, it may be tough to take greater RVs on roads that aren’t comparatively open and flat. RV vans, alternatively, can deal with a wide range of routes and terrains. Discover out extra about why van campers are thought-about the simplest RV to drive.  
  • Higher fuel mileage: Since camper vans are just a bit bigger than automobiles, their mileage just isn’t too completely different. You’ll be able to journey far with out having to fret about stopping to replenish, making them a fantastic possibility for planning a cross nation RV street journey.
  • Camp everytime you need: Since every thing you have to camp is already within the van, you’re good to camp at any time when the temper strikes. Had a troublesome week and work? Seize your provides and head out for the weekend. It’s that simple.
  • It’s the right tiny residence: Leisure journey vans are nice for individuals who love a minimalist and nomadic way of life. And so they’re not as pricey as investing in a brand-new residence. 

Cons

Dad and daughter standing outside RV van camper
Picture by Tenting World

Listed here are some potential drawbacks of RV vans:

  • Storage: Car storage is likely to be a difficulty in the event you reside in an house constructing or someplace with little driveway house. Earlier than committing to an RV van, guarantee you might have someplace secure and authorized to park it.  
  • Price: As a result of RV vans have many facilities like cooking house and a rest room, they’ll price greater than a daily van or truck. 
  • Upkeep: Like every other automobile, you’ll must do routine upkeep. Nevertheless it’s greater than filling up the tank and oil modifications. It’s additionally sustaining the AC, kitchen and toilet, and RV engine. Make sure you understand how to maintain every thing in working situation. Obtain this reference sheet to trace your RV’s upkeep data.
  • Shopping for equipment: It’s possible you’ll must buy equipment, like additional bedding, cooking provides, and propane, earlier than your RV van is able to hit the street. Go to Tenting World for all of your RV provides and equipment.

Inspecting the Van: What to Look Out for 

Earlier than shopping for any RV van on the market, you’ll want to examine it to make sure every thing is working. You don’t need to be in your first journey and abruptly uncover that the toilet’s out of order. Right here’s what to search for. 

Mechanical

  • Mileage: RV vans usually final wherever from 100,000 to 300,000 miles. A used van 50,000 miles or much less will get you numerous time on the open street, so long as you’re correctly sustaining it. A used van with greater than 75,000 miles may have greater than 100,000 miles left in it—or simply 25,000, relying on how effectively the earlier proprietor took care of it.
  • Warning lights: Whenever you’re inspecting RV vans on the market, be sure you really put the keys within the ignition. You’ll need to take a look at what lights – if any – gentle up on the sprint. Whereas some points (e.g. low tire stress) will be simply resolved, others (e.g. engine oil, battery, test engine) are pink flags.
  • No upkeep historical past: If you happen to’re shopping for a used camper van and may’t get its upkeep historical past, that’s a pink flag. You must know if it was maintained, or else you could possibly be on the street one minute and stranded on the shoulder calling for Good Sam Roadside Help the following.
  • Rust: Seeing rust signifies that extra water might have entered the engine and triggered injury. If you happen to see rust within the engine, it might be greatest to think about different RV vans on the market.
  • Propane leaks: If you happen to’re buying a used van from a supplier, they may have doubtless carried out a security test to make sure there aren’t any propane leaks. Nonetheless, in the event you’re buying from a non-public vendor, you will want to rent somebody or learn to carry out the sort of inspection. Contact a Tenting World Service Heart to schedule a propane leak check.

Inside

  • Wall stains: Stains on the wall signify that water not solely entered the RV but in addition stayed there for some time. Water doesn’t stain except it’s had time to settle in. So, wall stains may signify that the RV van camper you’re contemplating had important water injury sooner or later. Right here’s how you can conduct a roof inspection to search out indicators of water entry.
  • Flooring stains: Stains on the ground may imply that you’ve got a rest room leak or different plumbing points. You don’t need to purchase an RV van to spend more cash fixing it except you’re a DIYer concerned about discovering clearance RVs and renovating them.
  • Lighting points: If you happen to discover that not all of the lights come on, there may very well be huge, costly points with {the electrical} system. The vendor ought to have changed the sunshine bulbs if that was the one drawback. 
  • Fridge odor: A powerful odor coming from the fridge ought to offer you pause. If the odor appears everlasting, you could want to interchange the fridge altogether, and RV fridges will be very costly.   
  • No flame: If you happen to hear a click on on the range however aren’t seeing the range burners ignite, that’s a pink flag. Till you test it out additional, you gained’t know if the pilot gentle is out or if you have to substitute a complete fuel line. 

Exterior

  • Popping trim: If the door’s trim pops out or appears to be like off, it may very well be that the van was beforehand broken and has not been fastened correctly.
  • Worn tires: All tires want tread. If the tires look bald, you’d must spend cash to interchange them. Uncertain if the tires are bald? Strive the penny check. Take a penny and stick it within the tread ribs with Lincoln’s head down. If his head disappears, there’s loads of tread left. If you happen to see most of his head, it’s time to get new tires. Study extra about RV and trailer tires earlier than shopping for a van camper.
  • Rust: Seeing rust on the surface is simply as unhealthy as the within. It means there may have been in depth water injury.

The best way to Discover the Proper RV Van for Totally different Wants

Now that you recognize in regards to the pink flags, let’s take a look at the completely different RV vans you could possibly get.

Full-Time Dwelling

Lady looking at camera with computer on table in RV
Picture by Tenting World

Do you need to reside in an RV van full-time? Then you definitely’ll desire a camper van with comfy sleeping choices, an honest kitchen, and a rest room. 

The Winnebago Travato 59K is a good possibility for full-time residing. It has ample closet house, twin beds that may simply convert right into a king, and improbable kitchen house. You’ll be able to prepare dinner nice meals, calm down with a pleasant bathe, and settle in for film night time. It’s every thing you have to make your van really feel like residence. 

Journey and Tenting

RV Van in open field with grill, cooler, and camping supplies outside
Picture by Tenting World

If you happen to love tenting, then you definately need an journey van that makes it simple to get away at a second’s discover. Camper vans are good for making your out of doors goals a actuality due to their facilities and the comfort of their smaller measurement. 

If you happen to’re an avid camper or traveler, contemplate the Jayco Terrain. The Jayco Terrain 19Y sleeps two with an influence raise mattress. It has a gear storage, moist tub, and 5,000 lb towing capability. Excellent for any journey. 

Luxurious

Couple sitting in their RV van drinking beverages
Picture by Tenting World

Think about your self a glamper? Do you favor the finer issues in life? Then a luxurious RV van may simply be extra your velocity. 

If you need a mannequin that doesn’t skimp on luxurious, contemplate the Thor Sanctuary 19P. It has a TV within the rear bed room and a convertible mattress that may convert to a king.  It additionally has a detachable desk up entrance for eating, a Thule bike rack, a roof rack, and a JBL flip speaker. 

Financing an RV Van

Typically, RV financing is available in two varieties: secured loans and unsecured loans. 

Secured loans are for greater quantities and use the RV’s title as collateral. The primary downside to those loans is that in the event you miss any mortgage funds, your RV is repossessed by the supplier or financial institution. However as a result of lenders have this selection, rates of interest are typically decrease.  

Unsecured loans are primarily based in your creditworthiness. They’re usually used for decrease mortgage quantities, from $5,000-$100,000. They might have greater rates of interest, so preserve that in thoughts.

Your greatest guess to discovering an appropriate mortgage is to ask your RV supplier. Sellers, like Tenting World, have connections to nice lenders, and also you’re extra more likely to get a greater deal by way of them. 

No matter what sort of mortgage you get, know that banks not related along with your supplier will need an RV inspection. Loans by way of your supplier might not want them. 

Discover Your Dream RV Van

Are you contemplating a category B RV van? Tenting World has you coated. 

Discover a location close to you to tour your favourite van campers in individual. 

We have now many RV vans on the market, whether or not you need one you may reside in full-time or take out for shorter staycations. Tenting World additionally provides RV financing so you’ll find and buy your camper van multi function spot. 

Browse our assortment of Class B RV vans right now so you may reside the lifetime of journey you’ve at all times needed.  

Do you might have any questions on shopping for a camper van? Tell us within the feedback under.


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