Contributor
Favorite Trip
5 Months Solo on the Road
Home Base
Hendersonville, NC
Favorite RV
2008 Fleetwood Bounder
About Contributor
Tucker Ballister is our Content Strategist. He’s a lover of the open road and the proud owner of a 2021 Sunlite Classic travel trailer (his 3rd RV to date). Check out more of his RV adventures, gear reviews, and outdoor advice at thebackpackguide.com.
- Class B, Coachmen, Entegra, Find Your RV, Motorhome, Thor, Van Life
Van life is attractive for many reasons, but the freedom to quickly move and camp anywhere makes them one of the most versatile RVs on the market. Class B RVs are easy to drive, built to last, and can maintain excellent resale value when properly cared for.
Table of Contents
Who Makes the Chassis for Class B RVs?
Class B RVs are built on a van chassis, which is what gives them their size, shape, and approachable drivability.
Most class B RVs today are built on a chassis from one of three predominant manufacturers:
- Mercedes-Benz®
- Ford
- RAM
Today we’re talking about the Ford Transit Chassis. RV manufacturers like to build on this chassis because it allows them to make camper vans that are easy to drive and maneuver. It’s also known as a stable chassis, and it gives manufacturers the ability to construct their RVs with higher ceilings than you’d get with a standard passenger van.
If van life calls your name, you’ll want to consider the best Class B RVs on a Ford Transit chassis.
Why Choose a Class B RV?
Sometimes known as camper vans or sprinter vans, Class B RVs have become exceedingly popular in recent years. That’s because they offer excellent maneuverability combined with comfortable living and sleeping quarters. They also fit in pretty much any campground without having to worry about RV size restrictions.
Here are some resources to help you decide if a class B RV is right for you:
- What is the Easiest RV to Drive?
- Is a Class B RV Right For Me?
- Camping World’s Guide to Sprinter Vans
The Best Class B RVs on a Ford Transit Chassis
Here are our selections for the best class B camper vans built on the Ford Transit chassis:
Thor Sanctuary Transit
RV Specs
- Length: 19’7”
- Exterior Height: 10’1”
- Interior Height: 6’7”
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
Thor’s Sanctuary Transit camper van features keyless entry, roof-mounted solar, and a host of other features that make it a great choice for van life. It’s the kind of versatile, maneuverable RV that’s ideal for first-time RV owners.
In addition to being easy to drive, it’s equipped with Thule® accessories like a roof rack, powered awning, and roof ladder for easy access. There’s also a top-mount LED light bar that provides more light around the campfire or when navigating dirt roads after dark.
On rainy days, the RV’s 24-inch TV is cable and satellite ready, so you can relax and tune into your favorite shows or movies. When you want to relax outside, extend the powered patio awning for shade and then turn on the awning’s integrated LED lights once the sun sets.
This class B motorhome is also equipped with an entryway screen door to aid with ventilation without letting insects invade your space. It also boasts a two-burner cooktop, single-basin sink, microwave, and electric refrigerator in the kitchen.
Find Thor Sanctuary Transit vans near you.
Thor Tranquility Transit
RV Specs
- Length: 19’7”
- Exterior Height: 10’1”
- Interior Height: 6’7”
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
The Thor Tranquility Transit all-wheel-drive camper van is very similar to their Sanctuary model. Both offer the same floorplans (19LT and 19PT) and safety features, such as heated exterior mirrors, a backup monitor, and three-point seat belts for the driver and passenger.
Expanding on the features above, these class B RVs on a Ford Transit chassis are built with a reliable power system that includes a 5,500-watt battery, 3,000-watt pure sine inverter, 12-volt battery charger, high-output alternator, and 190-watt roof-mounted solar panel with charge controller.
Thor’s Transit camper vans are built with a 148” wheelbase and come with a trailer hitch with a 3,500-pound towing capacity. Side steps for both cab doors come standard, as does a sewer hose, so you don’t have to add this RV accessory afterward.
Heated holding tanks and a Truma Combi® Eco Furnace and Water Heating system allow you to extend your camping season into the early spring and late fall. Plus, vinyl flooring throughout makes these camper vans easy to sweep clean if you’re camping with furry companions.
Discover Thor Tranquility Class B RVs at your local Camping World.
Entegra Coach Expanse
RV Specs
- Length: 22’
- Exterior Height: 10’
- Interior Height: 6’6”
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
The Expanse by Entegra Coach is designed with the adventurous camper in mind. This Class B RV is meant for roads less traveled, with Hellwig® helper springs, rear Koni® shocks, all-season tires, and a 3.5-liter V6 310-horsepower EcoBoost engine.
When you arrive at your off-grid destination, power won’t be an issue with this motorhome. It’s equipped with an Onan® 2,800-watt generator, two 12-volt AGM house batteries, a 1,000-watt inverter, and a 190-watt roof-mounted solar panel with an integrated control panel.
The RV’s hydronic heating system and heated holding tanks extend your camping season, while the 13,500-BTU air conditioner keeps you cool in the summer heat. This RV also features a built-in water filtration system to ensure the quality of your drinking water.
When seated in the cockpit, you’ll love the Expanse’s adaptive cruise control system and 360-degree cameras for easy navigation into parking spots and campsites. Plus, the 12-inch multi-function display easily displays navigation and entertainment choices to keep your road trips on track.
Shop Camping World’s selection of Entegra Coach RVs.
Coachmen Beyond
RV Specs
- Length: 22’2”
- Exterior Height: 9’11”
- Interior Height: 6’3”
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
Coachmen’s Beyond Class B RV offers three distinct floorplans for you to choose the layout that fits your travel style. The 22C features a 68” powered rear sofa with three seat belts for extra passenger seating.
The 22D lays out the rear with two 23” x 76” sofas that convert into a 68” x 76” bed. When in “sofa mode,” this layout offers four seat belts for safely transporting additional passengers.
The 22RB moves the wet bath to the rear of the coach and places two 28” x 72” twin beds on the driver and passenger sides. All three floorplans feature a removable table for utilizing the living quarters as a dining area or workspace.
Some of the other features you’ll find on all Coachmen Beyond models include keyless entry, remote start, a built-in tire pressure monitoring system, a 2,800-watt gasoline generator, a 195-watt solar panel, and an armless, motion-sensing awning.
Check the pricing and availability on Coachmen Beyond Class B RVs near you.
The right camper van is the perfect base camp for your next road trip or outdoor adventure. It gives you a mobile living space that’s easy to drive, comfortable to relax inside, and stylish enough to turn heads whether you’re boondocking or camping in the national parks.
Shop Camping World’s entire selection of Class B motorhomes.
Do you have any camper van makes and models we should add to this list? Share them in the comments below!
Comment (10)
Kevin Barnes says:
May 1, 2024 at 3:10 am
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter B Class Extended Wheelbase: High Roof
and
Ford Transit B Class Extended Wheelbase: High RoofAnd yes, it will be for an RV conversion?
Reply
Kevin Barnes says:
April 30, 2024 at 4:24 pm
Hey Tucker, I’m torn between the extended high-top Mercedes-Benz B Class and the extended high-top Ford B Class. Interior height and maintenance are a few of what’s important to me. Can you help me with these two items, please.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter B Class Extended Wheelbase: High Roof
and
Ford Transit B Class Extended Wheelbase: High RoofAnd yes, it will be for an RV conversion?
Reply
Kevin Barnes says:
April 27, 2024 at 3:39 pm
Hey Tucker, I’m torn between the extended high-top Mercedes-Benz B Class and the extended high-top Ford B Class. Interior height and maintenance are a few of what’s important to me. Can you help me with these two items, please
Reply
Tucker Ballister says:
April 29, 2024 at 3:29 pm
Hi Kevin,
Are there models from a specific RV manufacturer that you’re looking at? Or are you looking to purchase one of these van chassis for an RV conversion?
Reply
Kevin Barnes says:
May 1, 2024 at 3:10 am
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter B Class Extended Wheelbase: High Roof
and
Ford Transit B Class Extended Wheelbase: High RoofAnd yes, it will be for an RV conversion?
Reply
Kevin Barnes says:
April 30, 2024 at 4:24 pm
Hey Tucker, I’m torn between the extended high-top Mercedes-Benz B Class and the extended high-top Ford B Class. Interior height and maintenance are a few of what’s important to me. Can you help me with these two items, please.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter B Class Extended Wheelbase: High Roof
and
Ford Transit B Class Extended Wheelbase: High RoofAnd yes, it will be for an RV conversion?
Reply
Emily Treppendahl says:
April 10, 2024 at 8:42 pm
Are there any AWD Class B campers that have a pop up? Or sleep 4?
Reply
Tucker Ballister says:
April 19, 2024 at 1:29 pm
Hi Emily!
I’d recommend looking into either the Winnebago EKKO or this collection of AWD Thor Motorhomes: https://www.thormotorcoach.com/motorhomes/all-wheel-drive
Technically, some of these fall into the Class B+ category, or are compact Class C motorhomes. But they provide AWD options with higher sleeping capacities.
Hope that helps!
Reply
Pamela says:
August 15, 2023 at 11:00 am
Where can I buy a new thor beyond 22rb?
Reply
Tucker Ballister says:
August 15, 2023 at 7:33 pm
Hi Pamela!
I’m not aware of a Beyond 22RB class B made by Thor, but there is a model with that name made by Coachmen: https://rv.campingworld.com/product/coachmen/beyond
You can always contact the sales department at your local Camping World. Here’s where you can find the location nearest you: https://rv.campingworld.com/locations
Reply
Leave Your Comment
Shop By RV Type
Travel Trailer
Pop Up
Small Camper
Toy Hauler
Fifth Wheel
Class B
Class C
Class A
Your Adventure Awaits
Join our email list and stay up-to-date on the latest news, product innovations, events, promotions, and lots of other fun updates.