In Australia, a class B RV, often called a camper van, is a compact recreational vehicle (RV). The same size as a standard cargo van, it is somewhat smaller than the other kinds of RVs. This provides a few advantages in terms of affordability, manoeuvrability, and petrol mileage. Even though it is of a small size, a class B RV can hold many amenities, including a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping amenities. It can accommodate up to four people, but for maximum comfort, this type of RV is usually better for one or two campers who are familiar with each other.
RV owners and dealers classify recreational vehicles based on size. A class A RV is the largest and most expensive of all motor homes, constructed on a bus body and in many cases customised to the owner’s specifications. A class C RV is smaller than the class A, based around a van body like a class B, but with more room that often juts over the driver’s cab. A class B RV, is self-contained, just a bit higher than a standard van, and can fit into a single parking area.
An Attractive Alternative
The class B RV was introduced as an oddity in the 1970s and rapidly became popular around the globe. This little vehicle handled like a conventional car and no new driving skills were required, as the larger RVs did. It also used up less petrol than the class A and C RVs. Even nowadays, these advantages continue to make the class B RV an attractive alternative for many prospective Aussie campers. Cheap campervan hire in Perth is still available nowadays and from a reliable and reputable service.
Like all recreational vehicles, the class B RV includes all home comforts. Facilities such as a stove, toilet, microwave and shower are all creatively designed to fit inside the vehicle’s living space. A high roof or a lower floor lets campers stand up to their normal height. Appliances can be run on independent power supplies, such as an extra car battery, sometimes a solar storage battery, or a propane tank. Water and sewage can be collected in tanks within the vehicle or processed to external lines, called hook-ups, at RV parks or campgrounds, where there is usually electricity.
The Short and Long of it
The major advantage of the class B RV, its limited size, can also be a slight disadvantage. Some amenities have to be compressed to make space; for example, the toilet has to be enclosed within the shower stall and for safety’s sake, some amenities have to be collapsed and secured before the vehicle goes on the road. The class B works best for singles and couples, families with children may find that the space is not enough. For those out there who don’t need a lot of space, the class B is ideal for both short trips and longer excursions.
And that just about sums up all there is to know about the funky Class B Recreational Vehicle! Drive safely!
