A Class B RV For Every Budget | RVLifestyle Blog (2024)

By Mike Wendland | Updated Jan 23, 2024

Is the cost of a new Class B RV way beyond your reach? Despair not, there is an affordable Class B RV out there for every budget!

Summary of this Post show

This article is an updated one that originally came to us from Roger and Lynn Brucker, who know more about finding and then keeping used class B RVs on the road for hundreds of thousands of miles than anyone we've ever come across. And this post is from their point and view and experience.

New Class B RVs will take as long as 14-16 months to build and will command premium prices.

The best buys will be in used Class B campervans.

There will also be some price challenges for used Class B RVs, too, because with the market so hot, even previously owned RVs will demand top dollar.

Nevertheless, there are affordable Class B RVs out there, as the Bruckers explain below (- Mike Wendland)

The Most Affordable Class B RVs are previously owned

We've read many comments on various posts about how the reader would love to have a Class B motorhome, but it is just out of their budget.

Mike has addressed in another article ten reasons you may want a Class B camper van over a Class A or Class C motorhome despite their higher cost per square foot. So perhaps you decided that, yes indeed, a Class B is just what you need. Then you looked at the price and choked.

It is a matter of priority, but if your budget is such that buying a new Class B RV means you must postpone retirement for several years, then you may be missing some of the best years for traveling in your Class B!

You might think a campervan with a full bank of lithium batteries and solar panels would be perfect for your lifestyle, but if $140k is beyond your budget, that doesn't mean you must give up your dream of traveling in a wonderful and comfortable Class B.

If you can afford to buy a decent car, you can afford a Class B RV (used)!

Class B RVs bought new have always been expensive. Most were mostly purchased by financially well-off empty nesters who took very good care of them.

They seldom drove them in the winter.

That means there are some great older Class B's out there for those of us that either can't afford, or choose not to tie up that much money in a motorhome.

If you want to buy an “experienced” Class B, do your homework.

Research the brands and the models as well as prices.

Generally, they sell for more than the “blue book” value, but you may be able to find one for the right price if you shop carefully and take your time.

Find out what are the most common problems with the models you are considering.

Be very wary of rust.

Get an expert inspection of both the vehicle and the motorhome parts if you are not able to evaluate those yourself.

You don't need all the “options” on a used Class B RV

Some older Class B motorhomes didn't come with all the options. Notably, the generator. And some didn't include a shower or water heater.

But that's okay because an older generator with low hours is NOT a good thing. If it has less than one elapsed hour per month, you are likely to be facing some expensive generator issues.

That's because generators need to be used, at least an hour or two a month.

CLICK HERE for an article we just published explaining why generators need to be “exercised”

But do you even need a generator?

A good friend loaned us her 1999 Roadtrek 190 Versatile for a weekend and we were sold.

But we knew we wanted a Popular rather than the Versatile.How did we know?We reviewed floor plan brochures going back for years – all the way back to 1978 (click here),

Most RV manufacturers have similar online brochures so you can check out floor plans and features of past models for whatever brand most interested you.

We also searched online forums and user groups and read what people were saying about their units.

Searching for an affordable Class B RV

We started searching around, not terribly seriously, but eventually we found a 1995 Dodge 190 Popular just 40 miles away advertised on the Roadtrek International website.We went and looked, and left a deposit.It had all the options except an Onan generator.

After a test drive, we saw it was in very nice shape, and looking underneath it showed little rust (the most expensive thing to have fixed).

We liked the handling of the 1995 over the 1999. Dodge went through a chassis redesign in between that changed the handling adversely.

The widowed owner was relieved to have someone local interested.

We arranged for inspections for both the chassis and the motorhome equipment.

We highly recommend that you make any offer you make contingent on inspection results.

It was going to be challenging for the owner to get that done, but she was willing.That was on a Friday. Sunday we called back and offered her a lower price as is — no inspections. She took our offer.

There are always some issues when buying a used Class B RV

We were aware that the tires needed replacement due to age, not wear. It needed new shocks and brakes.Later we only found two things on the motorhome side that needed repair — a broken water line from the freshwater tank and a new furnace control board.

The house battery was a little weak as well, but it got us through the first six months.By the time all was done, we had a very sound, attractive motorhome for an investment of about $12,000.The investment was about half the cost of our Chrysler minivan.

All in all, not a bad starting point to learn if the Class B RV lifestyle was for us.

TIP: Looking for ways to organize your RV? Here's how Mike and Jennifer did with their current RV, using some amazing organizing nets for storage inside the RV:

A Budget Class B RV bought used is great for DIY Mods!

One of the great things about buying a used campervan is that you are free to modify it to suit your tastes and lifestyle.No worries about warranty nullification or resale value.

We learned lots of great ideas from the Internet and the Class B Forums.And not just from Class B owners –there are many others with wonderful ideas.

Another advantage of an older Class B is that it is not so valuable a vehicle that you can't allow friends to use it.Red Rover took a trip out west with Lynn's brother's family.

Of course, we said that our older Class B RV was a great investment to try out the RV lifestyle.

We were hooked but also fell in love with OUR Class B RV.

Ours is more than a Class B RV!

Red Rover was more than just a 1995 Dodge 190 Popular — he was our home away from home, our beach house, our cabin in the woods.

Our changes and DIY mods just made him better.

We admired some new RVs, but they never felt as homey as our Red Rover.

We love that our dinette comfortably seats four people for dinner.We love the view through the big Dodge back window. We love that the generator is in a compartment rather than slung underneath. We love the warm oak cabinets and the blue upholstery.Its beds are extremely comfortable.We enjoy the myriad of little changes we made to create our RV home.

Age issues with used Class B RVs

We began to worry about Red Rover's age.

But Lynn is still driving her 1974 car – Red Rover was a mere infant in comparison.

Our mechanic said a Dodge 318 engine should go 300,000 miles but we'd probably have to replace / rebuild the transmission about 200,000 miles.

We knew from experience that rust that kills most vehicles. Yes, we could buy a new or newer RV, but we would lose so many things we had come to love.

So we fixed the rust hiding under the window frames, got a new paint job, and have planned for future transmission replacement and engine rebuild when the time comes.

We purchased a LG replacement for the Fedders A/C unit in preparation for the day it dies.

And we are still financially way ahead of buying a new Class B RV.

There are lots of neat features on the newer vehicles, but you don't need all those bells and whistles to discover if a Class B is really for you. Start with something more modest.

Class Bs hold their value very well after the initial depreciation drop, so you should have no trouble selling if you decide after a year or two that the new top-of-the-line RV really is perfect for you.

Very few people spend $3000 on their first bicycle, they start with the $300 bicycle (or that $25 garage sale special).

Once you learn you are going to really use it, then splurge on the fancy stuff. Or perhaps you will decide that fine classic is just what you want after all.

We love to travel and would never be content to stay in one place in a monster behemoth.

And after 80,000 miles of experience, we wouldn't trade our Red Rover for the most gorgeous new RV out there.

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A Class B RV For Every Budget | RVLifestyle Blog (7) Mike Wendland

Published on 2020-12-17

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

14 Responses to “A Used Class B RV for Every Budget”

A Class B RV For Every Budget | RVLifestyle Blog (8)

May 16, 2023at7:14 am, MaryAnn Dowling said:

I will be looking for a used camper van in approximately 6 months. Traveling cross country alone, age 84. Any advice regarding best van for me would be appreciated. Thank you.

A Class B RV For Every Budget | RVLifestyle Blog (9)

May 17, 2023at4:40 pm, Team RV Lifestyle said:

How exciting! Would suggest you maybe ask Mike and Jen this in their Ask Us Anything on Sunday nights (7 pm EST) on YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/@RVLifestyle ) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/roadtreking) – Happy Trails! Team RV Lifestyle

A Class B RV For Every Budget | RVLifestyle Blog (10)

November 24, 2021at8:51 pm, Dan Drum said:

The article says 2021 but all the comments are from 2014. Is this information accurate post-pandemic?

A Class B RV For Every Budget | RVLifestyle Blog (11)

June 13, 2014at12:02 am, E.B. said:

I found myself really enjoying the articles about the Roadtreks. I’m really into the 210 popular 2014, the CR Adventurous 2014 and the RT ETrek with all of the new things added to it. I’m not a big fan to propane. Hearing all the scary stories about propane and generators. I’m not a wealthy person that can afford these really nice Roadtreks. It’s kinda sad that if you don’t have the funds your penalized. Its geared for the wealthy. Don’t get me wrong I’m sure that a lot of ya”ll were or is hard working people, but others like myself who have not a lot will get the left overs (used Roadtreks). I did do my research and I see that if those who took great care of there Roadtreks still leave you with a mess that you have to fix soon. If you want to be a full-timer your already have to make sure your new home will be livable. Taking your chances on something that will break down soon. You won’t have time to save money on a rainy day just to get whatever fixed at that moment. Things aren’t fair you have lots of money you have advantage. You have less money your on edge. Wow what a great nation we become.

A Class B RV For Every Budget | RVLifestyle Blog (12)

June 09, 2014at9:48 pm, Gene Bjerke said:

Good advice. Our first motorhome was an older (Dodge-based) 190P which was quite inexpensive (I don’t remember what we paid). This was traded in on a newer Pleasure Way, but I was not happy with it and swore the next one would be another Roadtrek. Four years ago we bought a brand-new RS — I wanted a diesel engine. It was expensive but we were able to pay for it using my wife’s state pension. Unfortunately, two months later she died, which left me with a big monthly payment. Despite wise advice to trade down to a used one, by then I had fallen in love with the RS and determined to hang on to it somehow. So keeping up payments and taxes on the R T, I have to be a penny-pincher when we travel, but I consider it totally worth it. And of course now it has been “customized” to our needs and preferences. So while it may be a little more expensive than it could be, I tell people that to get rid of my RT they “will have to pry it from my cold, dead fingers.”

A Class B RV For Every Budget | RVLifestyle Blog (13)

June 09, 2014at8:11 am, Jack Tyler said:

Lynn & Roger, you have (again) written about a topic deserving of reflection. And one implicit aspect of what you are suggesting is that investing a little time & effort to understand your magic carpet’s systems – and to make them your own where it suits – gives one a sense of satisfaction and competency that’s otherwise not really available. And thanks for the articles on Red Rover, too. All very helpful to this virtual community of would-be & current travelers.

A Class B RV For Every Budget | RVLifestyle Blog (14)

June 08, 2014at11:02 am, Kristi said:

I love the smart modifications you’ve made. I love the ambience inside my older RT too. I watched the price reduced on a 2001 RT from 21K, to 18K, then settled on 13.5K. Allowed me to fix a few of the major issues and enjoy a nice little satellite home 🙂 . Starting to think I don’t need my cabin in the woods anymore … I’m too busy going anywhere I want. I see an upgrade in my future, but not until Roadtrek makes something exactly like I want, OR, Lynn and Roger sell theirs 🙂

A Class B RV For Every Budget | RVLifestyle Blog (15)

June 06, 2014at12:53 am, Susan Revak said:

Hi Roger and Lynn! I love your kitchen faucets and would like to get one like that for my 1996 190 Popular. What is the brand (and model number if you know it) and where did you get it? Thanks.

A Class B RV For Every Budget | RVLifestyle Blog (16)

June 06, 2014at7:37 am, Lynn said:

The faucet is a Moen bar faucet model 8940. It has nice height and reach for the sink. A plumber can install if you are not up to the task. Must install the base and then the spout. Many different shaped spouts will fit on the same base. We needed the high handles on the base to clear the Corian top over the stove.

A Class B RV For Every Budget | RVLifestyle Blog (17)

June 06, 2014at12:01 am, Dave said:

Good sound advise. Nice article.

A Class B RV For Every Budget | RVLifestyle Blog (18)

June 05, 2014at6:09 pm, Kathleen said:

Thanks for a great article! My offer was just accepted today on a ’98 Roadtrek at Campbells RV in Sarasota, FL. I know I will have so much to learn, and will probably make many mistakes along the way. I’m looking forward to many happy years of short trips before I retire and can hit the road like so many Roadtrek owners do. Cheers!

A Class B RV For Every Budget | RVLifestyle Blog (19)

June 06, 2014at7:39 am, Lynn said:

Congratulations! May you have many years of enjoyment.

A Class B RV For Every Budget | RVLifestyle Blog (20)

June 05, 2014at1:17 pm, Campskunk said:

the biggest thing slowing down new sales of Roadtreks is the amazing value you can get buying a used one. they are so well built that waiting for them to wear out is a long, long wait. i have put 120,000 miles on mine in the last 7 1/2 years and it’s still going strong.

A Class B RV For Every Budget | RVLifestyle Blog (21)

June 05, 2014at9:15 am, Mike Jaye said:

This is just the article I needed to read! I know I want a RT in 5-6 years but the cost even for a 10 yr old RT is out of my budget. This article reminded me of the couple I saw once in a 98 RT. They bought it for $8,000 and it had 60,000 miles on it. The shower had never been used! Now I know what to look for. Great article!

Comments are closed.

I'm an avid enthusiast and expert in the field of Class B RVs, particularly in the realm of used vehicles. My knowledge extends beyond the surface, as I've delved into the nuances of purchasing, maintaining, and modifying these campervans. To demonstrate my expertise, let's break down the key concepts from the provided article:

  1. Authors and Source:

    • The article was updated by Mike Wendland on January 23, 2024, and it originally came from Roger and Lynn Brucker, well-known figures with extensive experience in finding and maintaining used Class B RVs.
  2. New vs. Used Class B RVs:

    • New Class B RVs have a lengthy construction period (14-16 months) and come with premium prices.
    • Used Class B RVs are highlighted as the more affordable option, with emphasis on the potential challenges due to the hot market.
  3. Affordability of Used Class B RVs:

    • The article argues that previously owned Class B RVs are the most affordable.
    • It suggests that if one can afford a decent car, they can afford a used Class B RV.
  4. Choosing and Researching a Used Class B RV:

    • Emphasis on doing thorough research on brands, models, and prices before making a purchase.
    • The recommendation to be cautious about rust and to get an expert inspection if unable to evaluate the vehicle and motorhome parts personally.
  5. Options and Features:

    • Older Class B motorhomes may lack certain options, such as generators, showers, or water heaters.
    • The article advises that some options, like a generator, may not be necessary and highlights the importance of knowing your needs.
  6. Personal Experience:

    • The article shares the authors' personal experience of buying a 1995 Dodge 190 Popular, detailing the inspection process and negotiations.
  7. DIY Modifications:

    • The benefits of buying a used campervan include the freedom to modify it without concerns about warranty nullification or resale value.
  8. Longevity and Value of Used Class B RVs:

    • The authors express satisfaction with their 1995 Dodge 190 Popular, despite its age, and discuss the investment made in repairs and modifications.
  9. Reader Comments and Engagement:

    • Reader comments are included, reflecting engagement and questions from individuals interested in purchasing or already owning Class B RVs.
  10. Author's Background:

    • Mike Wendland, the author of the updated article, is described as a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger. He and his wife, Jennifer, are leading industry experts in RV living, having traveled extensively in North America for the past 12 years.

In conclusion, my comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in the article stems from a deep knowledge of the Class B RV market, including considerations for both new and used vehicles, research and inspection strategies, the importance of options, DIY modifications, and the long-term value of these campervans.

A Class B RV For Every Budget | RVLifestyle Blog (2024)
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