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Choosing an RV that suits your lifestyle and expectations is key, especially if you are shopping for some of the best Class B RVs for seniors. While most RVs work well for campers of any age, there are some considerations to be made about your eventual purchase if you’re a senior.
In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about purchasing a Class B rig that is tailor-made for seniors and older adults. We’ll address all of the things you should consider in a Class B van before giving you a comprehensive list of some of the best options currently available in the RV world.
Let’s get started and discuss some of the best Class B RVs for seniors now, including some of the top reasons why you may want to choose a Class B motorhome over other RVing options!
Only looking for our complete list of RVs that work well for seniors? Use our table of contents to navigate to our list of 8 of the best Class B RVs for seniors now!
Why Choose a Class B RV for Seniors?
There are a number of reasons to choose a Class B RV for seniors. Between its ease of driving and all of its amenities, here are our top reasons why a Class B campervan works well for seniors!
- Easy to drive and park. One of the main reasons to choose a Class B campervan is the fact that it is easy to drive, store, and park. Many people struggle with RV ownership when it comes to physically driving their RVs around, as well as the stress that goes along with parking and storing them in the offseason. Seniors in particular may not want to tow a travel trailer, and Class A motorhomes are extremely large and difficult to park. Choosing a Class B RV means that you have something that is the size of the average van, making it ideal for driving in cities and on highways, parking, and even storing in your own home garage or driveway!
- Utilities are easier to manage. The average Class B RV might seem like they cover less of your utility needs or offer fewer options compared to other RV makes and models. While this may not sound like a perk at first, having fewer utilities to worry about means that you may have an easier time camping compared to the other styles of RVs available nowadays. Class B vans have smaller holding tanks, fewer electricity needs, and they are typically built with 1 or 2 people in mind. This is ideal for seniors who aren’t looking for extra room to spread out and more utilities to manage.
- Plenty of easily accessible storage compartments. Given just how popular the average Class B RV is, many RV manufacturers have outfitted these types of rigs with plenty of storage solutions and compartments throughout. You can find exterior storage as well as overhead cabinets inside of your van, all of which should be easily accessible for seniors and younger adults alike. This means you won’t have to struggle to find what you are looking for, and you can certainly bring along everything that you need to bring along!
- Many boondocking and key features included, standard. If you are a senior looking for a rig that is perfect for boondocking, a Class B RV is a good way to go. Most campervans are notorious for having some ability to boondock or otherwise camp off-grid, making them ideal for those of you seeking adventure outside of the average campground. Class B RVs also frequently come fully loaded and equipped so that you don’t necessarily have to add on any additional amenities or features right away. This makes this type of RV ideal for seniors because of their all-inclusive nature.
- Well-built and easy to maintain. Compared to travel trailers, fifth wheels, and larger motorhomes, Class B campervans are prized for their sturdy builds and easy to maintain components. You won’t have to worry about resealing your campervan every year or so, and even storing your Class B RV should be easier to store the average travel trailer or fifth wheel. This may make Class B RVs ideal for seniors simply because they are easier to maintain and have a longer life expectancy than the average travel trailer.
Now that you know some of the reasons why a Class B RV may be right for seniors, what should you consider before purchasing one? Read on to learn more!
What to Consider in a Class B RV for Seniors
From your overall budget to the layout of whatever campervan has caught your eye, there are a number of things to consider before purchasing a Class B RV built especially for seniors. Let’s check out what some of those considerations might be now.
Layout or Floor Plan
Choosing a Class B RV with a layout or floor plan that works well for you is always a good idea. In fact, most floor plans can make or break an RV experience, depending on what you were expecting versus what ends up occurring.
However, most campervans only have a certain number of layouts or floor plans to choose from, given their limited interior living space. If you are senior shopping for a Class B RV, you may find that you feel disappointed, based on the limited number of options.
This isn’t to say that Class B RVs don’t have versatile and flexible floor plans, as some manufacturers take more time in this department than others. However, you may find that the floor plans take some getting used to, especially if you are familiar with larger RV floor plans and innovative layouts.
For instance, you’re not going to have a spacious kitchen and bathroom on board your Class B RV. You likely won’t have sleeping arrangements for more than two people, and definitely no more than three people. However, you will receive a spacious bed area as well as plenty of storage, and you may also have a bathroom on board. The layouts on Class B RVs are nothing special, but they definitely provide you with everything you need!
Length and Height of Your Rig
Most travel trailers or fifth wheels are difficult to drive once they reach a certain length or height. However, Class B RVs do not have the same problem, considering they are more compact and less tall on average. You may still want to consider the length and height of your rig, but you won’t have as much to worry about with a Class B compared to all other RV models.
For example, the average Class B campervan ranges in length from 19 feet to just over 25 feet, depending on how large it is. When it comes to the height of a Class B RV, they are typically easy to drive and you likely won’t have to worry about unsafe driving conditions in these rigs.
Choosing a Class B RV means that you can park or camp just about anywhere, with no length restrictions or size limits. Naturally, a longer Class B RV will have more interior living space compared to a shorter one, but most options on the market currently should be large enough for the average senior traveler.
Boondocking Possibilities
One of the main reasons that people choose a Class B RV over other options is because they are built for boondocking or off-grid camping. Also known as dry camping, choosing to boondock in a Class B campervan is always a great choice, given that it is compact and easy to maneuver off-road and wherever your journeys take you.
The small size of these RVs makes it easy for you to camp off-grid using only a few solar panels, an onboard generator, and decent sized freshwater holding tanks. While it all depends on the make and model that you end up choosing, most class B RVs keep boondocking in mind and try to outfit accordingly.
However, you may not be interested in camping off-grid, so these features may be something that you don’t need or want. Many campervans have boondocking features included in their initial purchase price, but if you are a senior who only plans on camping at campgrounds or with traditional RV hookups, you may not want to waste your money on off-grid capabilities.
Gasoline or Diesel Fuel
Many experienced RV owners will argue about which fuel type is better for motorhomes: gasoline or diesel fuel. This is an important decision for you to make if you are hoping to purchase a Class B RV, as it directly affects your fuel efficiency and overall purchase price.
When it comes to gasoline RVs, these types of campervans typically have a lower initial purchase price and range in their luxury amenities. However, gasoline fuel is notoriously less efficient compared to diesel fuel, which may explain the lower initial purchase price.
Diesel fuel Class B RVs almost always have a higher initial purchase price, as well as more luxurious amenities included. This is likely to make owners feel better about what they are buying, as diesel Class B RVs frequently come equipped with upgraded chassis options. Plus, you are saving money in the long run, given that diesel fuel is typically more efficient.
At the end of the day, it all depends on your preferences and what you are hoping to get out of your RV as a senior citizen. If you only plan on using your campervan on occasion, it may save you some money overall to choose a gasoline option rather than a diesel one. However, diesel fuel is typically the preference amongst seasoned RV owners, so definitely keep this in mind as you shop.
Luxury Amenities
Depending on how your lifestyle is and how often you plan on camping, Class B RVs vary in the number of luxury features they offer. You may want an extremely luxurious home away from home, or you may simply be looking for a bed on wheels that you can return to at the end of the day.
If you are a senior who is used to their home hot water heater, you may want to find an RV with endless hot water, and perhaps a larger refrigerator to keep all of your food fresh. However, if you only plan on camping for a few days at a time, you may not feel the need to have anything more luxurious than the standard RV has to offer.
The sky’s the limit in terms of luxury features and RVing, as RVs have only gotten more and more stunning over the years. Class B RVs tend to prioritize technology and convenient features over intricate interior design, given the limited amount of square footage on board. However, as a senior, you may find that some luxurious amenities are a must-have, depending on your lifestyle and preferences.
Sleeping Arrangements
Something to seriously consider before purchasing a Class B camper van is how many sleeping arrangements you need. Are you a senior traveling by yourself, or with a partner? Or are you hoping to travel in a group of three or four?
Most other types of RVs offer you plenty of sleeping arrangements and convertible furniture to help you accommodate as many people as possible. However, Class B RVs are not designed in this way, often suiting two people at a maximum.
Knowing the average number of guests you plan on sleeping on board your RV before you make a purchase is a good idea. You may find that certain Class B RV layouts suit your expectations better than others, as you may be able to find varying bed options. Definitely keep in mind how many sleeping arrangements you might need before you shop, as Class B vans are fairly inflexible given their limited square footage!
Bathroom Style
One of the most important decisions you need to make when shopping for a Class B RV is the bathroom style that you want. Unfortunately, most campervans have a wet bathroom on board, if they have a bathroom on board at all. But what is a wet bathroom, and how is it different from a standard bathroom on board a larger RV?
RV bathrooms are categorized as either wet baths or dry baths, depending on how they are set up. Wet bathrooms are designed to get entirely wet, with the sink, shower, and toilet all in one room with the shower head above. Dry bathrooms are structured like traditional residential bathrooms, with separate amenities and the ability to keep more of the room dry.
Given that wet bathrooms take up significantly less space compared to dry bathrooms, most Class B campervans only have wet bathrooms on board. In fact, to keep costs low, some Class B vans don’t include bathrooms at all, perhaps providing portable toilets but nothing else.
If you are a senior shopping for a Class B RV, the bathroom may be the hardest thing to come to grips with. You may be expecting a more traditional bathroom on board your RV, and you may be able to find this. However, most RVs of this size only have wet bathrooms, which is definitely something to consider and get used to if you are currently unfamiliar.
Budget
A final consideration for you to think about before purchasing an RV is what your budget is for a brand new campervan. Depending on the amenities and manufacturer you choose, Class B RVs range in price dramatically. You could spend anywhere from $80k to well over $300k, depending on the final features.
There are a number of ways that you can find Class B vans that are more budget-friendly and affordable, but it may take some extra searching. You may also want to reach out to any and all RV manufacturers that you are interested in purchasing from, so that they can help you find something that works best for you and your lifestyle.
8 Best Class B RVs for Seniors
Feeling confident in all of the things you should consider before purchasing a Class B RV? If so, let’s get started and talk all about our list of the eight best Class B RVs for seniors! From our best overall pick to the option with the best bathroom, let’s check out these Class B vans in detail.
Best Overall: Entegra Coach Ethos
- Multiple floor plan options
- Great high-tech features
- Convenient storage solutions
- Gasoline powered and high price
From the luxurious interior design to the fully integrated control panel that allows you access to all of your utilities, the Ethos by Entegra Coach is a great choice for seniors for a number of reasons. While it may be a bit out of reach for some budgets, let’s check out this Class B RV as our best overall choice.
Nearly 21 feet in length, the Ethos comes in 3 available floor plans depending on what you are looking for. You have a floor plan with two twin beds, as well as a floor plan with a pull-out sofa. One option also gives you the space to sleep three people as opposed to just two, with a convertible seat area.
While this particular Class B RV is gasoline powered, you have a smooth ride and a number of other amenities included in this initial purchase price. For example, the Ethos has an on-board gas generator, tankless hot water, heated holding tanks, and a digital control panel that allows you to monitor your tank levels, amperage usage, and much more.
There’s also plenty of storage on board this RV, whether it is in the overhead cabinets or as under-bed storage. You have exterior storage as well, and you even had an outdoor shower as well as plenty of awnings and LED lighting so that you can enjoy the outside just as much as the inside of this RV.
Plus, the interior design of this Class B RV is upscale without feeling too luxurious, making it ideal for a variety of lifestyles. You can choose some of the interior design features to fully customize your RV so that it feels just like home. Everything is easily accessible on board this rig, making it ideal for seniors and adults.
However, the price point of this RV may make it undesirable to some of you, especially if you consider the fact that it has a gasoline engine rather than a diesel one. There’s a lot to enjoy about the Ethos, if you have the budget for it!
Best on a Budget: Thor Sequence
- Multiple floor plans on a compact frame
- Budget-friendly price point but still packed with amenities
- Plenty of storage and boondocking features
- Basic interior may be lacking
If you are looking for something a bit more affordable than the Ethos, you should definitely check out the Sequence from Thor. This particular campervan starts at $134k, making it more budget-friendly than a few other options on this list. Let’s check out all that it has to offer now.
Just over 21 feet long, the Sequence has four available floor plans that sleep up to 2 people. You have multiple convertible furniture options as well as plenty of interior storage compartments. This is partially due to the fact that the sequence is only available in a front-wheel drive capability, giving you room underneath the van for all of your utilities and storage tanks.
Another reason why this RV takes our budget friendly spot is the fact that it is one of the most fuel-efficient campervans available on the market currently. This might be good news for those of you who enjoy saving when it comes time to fill up, as many RVs require a fairly hefty price tag at the gas station!
What this RV lacks in interior design, it makes up for in amenities and included features. You have a number of off-grid or boondocking capabilities included standard, including solar panels, additional batteries, exterior bike or kayak storage, and much more. If you are an adventurous senior, this is definitely a great option to consider!
Speaking of interior design, the Sequence is fairly lackluster, but everything is comfortable and easy to clean. This RV is also great for the senior pet owner, as it has a few special features just for pets. Plus, all of the available floor plans have a wet bath on board, which means you won’t have to sacrifice all of your creature comforts.
This is definitely an RV to consider if you are brand new to the process of owning an RV, as Thor makes it easy for you to hit the road. Plus, this is a fair price point for everything included, making it budget-friendly and more affordable than many other options on this list!
Most Luxurious: American Coach American Patriot
- Multiple floor plans and chassis options to choose from
- Countless interior and exterior design combos
- Plenty of luxurious options to consider
- Comes at a hefty price once you add on your must-haves
One of the reasons why the American Patriot from American Coach takes our top spot for the most luxurious RV is the fact that you have a number of things to choose from. Starting at a luxurious price point, this RV ranges in price depending on the chassis you choose, as well as all of the optional luxurious features you can add. Let’s check it out in more detail now.
If you found that the Thor Sequence was lacking in its interior design, you should definitely check out the American Patriot for its stunning interior. While some of the interior design stunners need to be added outside of the initial purchase price, you can truly make this RV beautiful, inside and out. You have nearly a dozen exterior paint colors to choose from as well.
You also have plenty of optional features to choose from, but keep in mind that this will only drive up the initial purchase price. This is definitely not a budget-friendly RV, so if you are a senior on a budget, you may want to skip this one. However, having the option to fully customize your RV, from solar panels to heated seats, can be a huge plus to those of you with the budget to support this.
For example, you can choose to add a unique glass shower door, a complete off-grid package, detailed upholstery on your furniture, and much much more. While the standard American Patriot model has plenty to offer, you may be intrigued and excited by the option to add even more to your already wonderful RV.
This is also one of the few RV manufacturers that gives you a number of cabinets, flooring, countertop, and upholstery options to choose from. You can truly customize your RV to your heart’s content, but only if you have the budget to support this!
Best for Boondocking: Jayco Swift
- Great price point, especially with everything included
- Sleeps up to four people, depending on the floor plan
- Solar, batteries, and more boondocking features included
- Fairly basic interior design
If you consider yourself an adventurous senior looking to get off-grid, you may want to consider the Jayco Swift for your boondocking needs. Starting at $145k, this camper van is a fair price as well as packed with features. Let’s take a look at some of those features now!
The Jayco brand name is constantly reinventing itself and its RVs, typically keeping the customer at the forefront of its design choices. While not everybody loves this brand, it truly does have a lot to offer for a fair price, especially when you consider the fact that some floor plans of the Jayco Swift sleep up to four people.
Speaking of floor plans, you have three to choose from, all with wet baths on board. These floor plans are fairly standard when it comes to Class B RV floor plans, but you do have the option to sleep up to four people, giving you more than the average campervan in terms of sleeping arrangements.
Not only is this RV more affordable than other options, but it also has a number of boondocking features included standard. Some of these include solar panels, additional batteries, heated holding tanks, all wheel drive capabilities, and more. At this price point, it is rare to get everything you need to boondock efficiently, but Jayco wants you to feel like you can do this, no matter your budget.
The interior design on board this RV is light, bright, and contemporary. While it is nothing special compared to other options on this list, the average person will feel right at home on board this RV. Plus, it is fairly fuel-efficient despite it being a gasoline-powered engine, giving you less to worry about if you are boondocking and camping off-grid!
Best Bathroom: Airstream Atlas
- Extremely spacious and larger than average
- Countless amenities and luxurious features included
- Dedicated dry bathroom, the only one on this list
- Very very high price
If you know that you are unwilling to compromise when it comes to the bathroom on board your RV, you should definitely check out the Airstream Atlas. While it starts at a hefty $289k, this class B RV is fully loaded, with slide outs, amenities that are luxurious, and even a dedicated dry bathroom. Let’s check it out.
Airstream RVs are expensive for a number of reasons, and the Atlas is no exception. However, this is the only option on this list with a dry bathroom as well as slide outs. Affectionately considered a “Class B+”, this RV will truly give you more space inside if you have been missing that in these other options.
Not only are there slide outs on board this RV, but it also reaches up to 24 ft long. While there is only one available floor plan, this option sleeps up to four people and the entire rear of the van is a dedicated bathroom. This bathroom rivals the average residential bathroom, making it upscale and more luxurious than almost any other Class B RV.
Speaking of luxury, this diesel-powered RV has beautiful interior touches and plenty of convenient features. This is arguably one of the best options for seniors, given the fact that everything is fairly automatic and easy to use. You have monitoring systems as well as an RV that is easy to drive and safe, despite it being larger than the average Class B RV.
Despite its size, the Atlas is built for boondocking and off-grid living, with an onboard generator and multiple solar panels. You can easily take this van wherever you like, as it has four-wheel drive and an easy to maintain exterior. Plus, you have a tankless hot water heater and heated holding tanks so that you can camp in any weather.
Naturally, the main drawback to this RV is its price. However, given all of its fantastic features and Airstream’s customer service, this would have taken our best overall spot if not for the price. If you have the budget for this particular Class B RV, it’s definitely worth considering!
Most Accessible: Winnebago Roam
- Great price point and fully loaded
- Perfectly accessible for seniors
- Extra sleeping space depending on the floor plan
- Interior design is fairly basic
If you are a senior looking for a wheelchair accessible Class B RV, you should definitely check out the Winnebago Roam. Starting at $134k, this campervan is affordable, convenient, and built to be the most accessible option on this list. Let’s check it out!
With two available floor plans, the Roam is ideal for seniors seeking something that gives you more convenience and accessibility, without sacrificing space for more guests. With a unique pop top option, you can sleep up to four people depending on the floor plan you choose, meaning there is space for just about everyone to come along.
The Roam is equipped with an under-vehicle wheelchair lift, wheelchair tie downs for secure travel, lowered countertops and controls for in-reach use, bathroom grab-handles, and more. Plus, you have a ready to go galley kitchen and wet bath for privacy and security while traveling.
The wheelchair lift itself is remote controlled so that you can easily get in and out of your vehicle on your own. Plus, the Roam is easy to drive and take care of, with a powerful and fuel-efficient gasoline engine and plenty of additional amenities.
Winnebago has truly taken the time to make an RV that is accessible for all, which may be something you have been lacking as a senior with accessibility needs. Plus, this RV has a comprehensive warranty and plenty of help available through Winnebago’s customer service and fantastic ownership clubs. Definitely consider this option if you know you need accessibility features now or in the future!
Best Diesel Fuel: Pleasure-Way Ascent TS
- Attractive interior and exterior design
- Diesel fuel engine and Mercedes-Benz chassis
- Plenty of windows and options to let the outside in
- Fairly high price point may not work for all of you
Built on the unstoppable Mercedes-Benz chassis and complete with a diesel fuel engine, the Pleasure-Way Ascent TS is a great choice for those of you seeking something a bit more upscale as well as fuel efficiency. Starting at $162k, this price point may not be ideal for all of you, but it definitely has a lot to offer. Let’s check this RV out now!
This RV only has one available floor plan, but it is exactly what most people are looking for when it comes to a campervan layout. You have a convertible murphy bed toward the rear of the rig, and the wet bathroom is spacious and convenient.
One of the best options or features on board this RV is the fact that it has multiple windows and a rear exit with an optional screened-in door. This means you can let the outside in, especially when the weather is nice and you are camping in beautiful locations. The interior design of this RV is contemporary and simplistic, but still luxurious and easy to clean.
While solar panels don’t come standard, you can easily add them and many other boondocking features with one of Pleasure-Way’s optional packages. In terms of standard features, you have an onboard generator, endless hot water, an exterior shower, and much more. There’s a lot included in this initial purchase price, which is fantastic considering it is a diesel fuel engine.
All in all, this is a great RV if you are looking for something that is attractive, easy to drive, and fuel efficient. You also have plenty of off-grid capabilities and beautiful amenities to look forward to while on the road. However, the price point on this rig may make it unattainable for some of you, so definitely keep that in mind.
Runner-Up: Coachmen Beyond
- Three different floor plans on 22 ft long chassis
- Capable of off-grid living with a few adjustments
- Contemporary and easy to clean interior
- Gasoline engine may leave a lot to be desired
With a fair price point and a few extra feet on this rig, the Coachmen Beyond earns our runner-up spot for the best overall choice. Given that it isn’t quite as upscale as our actual best overall choice, it didn’t quite make the cut. However, this option still has a lot to offer, especially if you are an adventurous senior. Let’s check it out now!
Just over 22 feet long, the Beyond is a great choice for multiple lifestyles and campers, especially when you consider that there are three different floor plans to choose from. The Ford chassis of this RV is stylish and easy to drive, giving you plenty of amenities and a fuel efficient engine.
While this RV doesn’t come fully loaded for boondocking right out the gate, you have the option to add everything you need so that you can stay off-grid for longer. Not only can you choose from multiple solar panels and an onboard generator, but you have the option to convert this RV into a battery powered beauty. This means that you have more appliances and amenities powered by electricity, and Coachmen gives you multiple lithium ion batteries to support this.
The interior design of this rig is light and contemporary, with wooden cabinets and glass panel doors. You have a dedicated wet bath with all floor plans and plenty of living space for you and a few guests. Plus, a digital display panel located near the entrance helps you monitor all of your utilities and amenities, including your tank and tank heaters.
All in all, the Beyond has a lot to offer, especially if you aren’t too concerned about having a diesel engine or plenty of amenities that you ultimately don’t end up using. While this RV is relatively simple compared to other options on this list, it truly has everything you need to hit the road in style!
Final Thoughts
Finding a Class B RV that is built for seniors is easier than you might think. With our comprehensive guide of considerations and options available, you should have plenty of insider knowledge and tips to find a van that works best for you, no matter your age!