ford transit explorer - van conversion

Introduction

Class B Plus RV makers continue to reshape how people explore the open road. Sitting between camper vans and larger RVs, these rigs balance space, easy handling, and comfort. For van dwellers, road trippers, and hands-on adventurers, understanding the landscape of Class b plus rv makers helps you choose a platform that fits your lifestyle and long-term travel goals.

What Defines Class B Plus RV Manufacturers

What Defines Class B Plus RV Manufacturers van camper conversion - The camper van conversion features a sturdy exterior,

Class B Plus RV makers focus on compact RVs that feel easy to drive on the road. They offer more inside space than older-style camper vans while staying easier to handle than Class C rigs.

At The Vansmith, our home in Colorado shapes how we view these rigs. Smart layouts, careful details, and tough materials matter because long trips demand trust. Many class b plus rv makers follow similar ideas, blending comfort with road-ready performance.

Popular Class B Plus RV Manufacturers and Models

Popular Class B Plus RV Manufacturers and Models van camper conversion - The camper van conversion features a well-desig

Winnebago

Winnebago is one of the most recognized class b plus rv manufacturers.
Popular models include:

  • Ekko

  • View

  • Navion

These models are known for smart layouts and modern systems. Their focus on saving energy mirrors our belief that fresh designs bring comfort to every journey.

Leisure Travel Vans (LTV)

Leisure Travel Vans has earned a loyal following among long-distance travelers.
Key models include:

  • Unity

  • Wonder

LTV highlights clean interiors and smart storage. That focus on detail reflects the same build quality values we respect at The Vansmith.

Airstream

Airstream’s Atlas stands out in the Class B Plus segment. It blends iconic design with modern tech. Many van dwellers like its balance of style and function, which fits our view that good design should feel useful, not over the top.

Thor Motor Coach

Thor Motor Coach offers a wide range of compact RVs that often fall into the Class B Plus group. Their lineup appeals to people seeking easy-going comfort and solid systems for longer trips.

Coach House

Coach House is known for high-end build quality and long-lasting materials. Their approach fits with our core value of top-notch work, built to roam further, especially for people planning years on the road.

Midwest Automotive Designs

Midwest Automotive Designs aims at high-end finishes and comfort-first layouts. They attract buyers who want a polished travel feel without giving up easy driving.

Tiffin Motorhomes

Tiffin RVs bring years of RV know-how into the Class B Plus space. Their name for solid builds and good support makes them a trusted name among class b plus rv makers.

Chinook RV

Chinook RV has a long past of compact RVs. Their smaller footprint and tough designs appeal to people who value simple setups and trust over excess.

Other RV Makers With B Plus–Sized or Related Models

Several manufacturers produce motorhomes that fit closely with Class B Plus expectations.

Coachmen RV

Coachmen RV offers compact motorhomes that emphasize value and practical layouts.

Gulf Stream Coach

Gulf Stream Coach provides approachable designs for travelers who want comfort without complexity.

Phoenix Cruiser

Phoenix Cruiser focuses on smaller motorhomes with a loyal owner community.

Jayco

Jayco brings family-friendly layouts and dependable construction into the B Plus-sized category.

For many people, the chassis and drive system are just as key as the floor plan. That’s where setups like the ford transit explorer builds come into play. While many Class B Plus RVs are built on Mercedes Sprinter or Ford E-Series cutaway chassis, more makers and custom builders are paying attention to the modern Ford Transit (Ford).

Its car-like driving feel, optional all-wheel drive, and strong safety features (Ford) make it a solid base for compact RVs. It still feels steady in mountain passes or on wet, winding roads. When you’re comparing Class B Plus options, it’s worth asking which models share close driving feel to a well-built ford transit explorer style rig. This matters even more if you plan to log serious highway miles or tackle shoulder-season weather.

Beyond the big brand names, it’s helpful to look closely at how each maker handles storage, hookups, and real-world use. Some Class B Plus rigs put large rear gear bays for bikes and skis first, while others carve out more inside cabinets for full-time living. Pay attention to tank sizes, insulation, and heating systems if you expect to camp off-grid or in colder climates.

A layout that looks good in a brochure can feel cramped or wasteful after a few weeks on the road. That’s one reason many people cross-shop older-style Class B Plus models with more nimble builds based on the ford transit explorer approach. These rigs stay compact, thrifty, and tuned for day-to-day handling without giving up the essentials.

It also pays to think about ease of service and long-term ownership. Established Class B Plus RV makers often have wider dealer networks and easier access to spare parts. That support matters when you’re thousands of miles from home. At the same time, platforms like the Ford Transit gain from broad support at normal auto shops. This makes a ford transit explorer style build appealing for DIY-minded owners who prefer to handle basic maintenance themselves.

When you weigh these pieces—chassis, layout, systems, and support—you get a clearer picture of which Class B Plus RVs will really hold up to years of weekend trips, off-season travel, or full-time vanlife. You also see which ones just look good on the lot.

Chassis Platforms Used by Class B Plus RV Manufacturers

Ford Transit

The Ford Transit platform is widely used due to:

  • Smooth road handling

  • Modern safety features

  • Strong service network

It supports the idea that maneuverability matters as much as interior space.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The Sprinter chassis is a favorite among higher-end class b plus rv makers. It offers modern tech, diesel fuel savings, and a smooth driving feel.

Ready to move beyond browsing Class B Plus RV makers and design your own trip rig? Explore our services to see how we can build a custom Ford Transit or Sprinter to fit the way you really travel.

Ram ProMaster

Ram ProMaster platforms provide a wide inside footprint and front-wheel drive, which helps with urban travel and tight roads.

Key Features and Why They Are Popular

Enhanced Space

Class B Plus RVs offer more headroom, storage, and living area than standard camper vans. This makes longer trips more comfy without stepping into extra-large rigs.

Maneuverability

Despite added space, these RVs remain easy to drive. That balance matters for mountain roads, coastal highways, and national park routes.

Luxury and Technology

Many class b plus rv makers add modern tech, thrifty climate systems, and high-end finishes. Thoughtful design choices improve daily living on the road.

Versatile Use

These rigs work well for:

  • Weekend escapes

  • Seasonal travel

  • Remote work on the road

That versatility reflects our belief in tailoring vehicles to real-world adventure needs.

How The Vansmith Perspective Fits In

At The Vansmith, we have spent over a decade around vans, gear, and outdoor travel. Our passion for climbing, biking, skiing, and hiking shapes how we judge space, toughness, and materials. We value personal care, earth-friendly choices, and designs that support life outdoors.

While class b plus rv makers offer great options, many travelers still look to vans for flex, fuel savings, and a closer tie to the landscape.

FAQs

What makes Class B Plus motorhomes different from camper vans?

They offer more inside space and gear while remaining easier to drive than larger RVs.

Are Class B Plus RVs suitable for long-term travel?

Yes. Many travelers choose them for extended trips due to comfort and maneuverability.

Which chassis is most common among Class b plus rv manufacturers?

Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platforms are the most common.

Do Class B Plus RVs work for outdoor adventures?

They are well-suited for national parks, mountain roads, and long highway journeys.

Roberto Gutierrez