Need a Little More Space? Look at These Class B-Plus Motorhomes

Class B motorhomes have increased in popularity due to the new chassis’ available to the manufacturers. Other reasons RVers love them include their easy drivability and compact design. However, Class B motorhomes are just a little too small for some. In this case, I suggest looking at the B-Plus motorhome category. As the name implies, these units offer more room and a greater variety of design features. They are bigger than a Class B but without the lumbering proportions of a Class C. Ease of driving remains the key to their popularity. With so many options available, this is another great example of the impact Ford, Mercedes Benz and Ram have had on the industry.

If you’re old school like me, you probably consider a motorhome with a bed hung over the cab area of the vehicle a Class C, and if it doesn’t have that bed, it’s a B-Plus. However, when browsing online, you may notice that some manufacturers are simply calling everything past a Class B a Class C. Keep an eye out for this when investigating your options!

The other innovation taking hold today is the rough terrain, off-grid designs. I have pulled just two examples – one from each end of the design spectrum. On-road and campground comfort to off-road, boondocking rig. Let’s have a look at this bookended couple.

1. 2023 Leisure Travel Vans Wonder

The Wonder by Leisure Travel Vans offers three floorplans on the same Ford Transit chassis. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6 gas engine, Ford’s intelligent all-wheel-drive is optional.

To make sure driving the Wonder is easy, its features include:

• Advanced driver-assist technology
• Auto start-stop
• Electric power-assisted steering

The new Ford Transit also includes safety features like:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Forward collision warning
• Pre-Collision assist with automatic emergency braking
• Post-Collision braking
• Lane-Keeping system
• Side wind stabilization
• and much more.

The sophisticated European design makes this RV stand out. Inside the compact Wonder, a dual-zone floorplan features a spacious rear living area that emulates the comforts of home. It’s available in a variety of exterior colours and interior décors. The Ford Transit’s swiveling captain’s chairs extend the living area, allowing up to four to sit around the removable dinette table.

Other available features include a sectional sofa equipped with two lounge chairs with built-in footrests and an integrated entertainment unit. Three large, expansive windows offer natural light and immersive views of the outdoors.

With every inch carefully considered, the Wonder Rear Lounge creates true dual zone living areas. Up front, a large galley kitchen makes cooking a joy thanks to smart features like a large Corian countertop, flip-down extension and premium appliances, including the Dometic 10 Series fridge.

At night, an available 58-inch × 74-inch Murphy bed transforms the area into a luxurious master suite. Convenient technology abounds in the Wonder. Forgot to turn off a light, or want to turn up the heat for the night? Use a mobile app to control the Wonder’s climate controls, lighting, and more.

Specifications

• GVWR: 11,000 lb
• Wheelbase: 178”
• Length: 24’9”
• Width: 7’11”
• Height (with A/C): 9’11.5”
• Interior height: 6’5”
• Fresh water: 33.5 gal
• Gray water: 26 gal
• Black water: 35 gal

2. 2023 Winnebago EKKO

This B-Plus motorhome combines extra space with a very off-grid attitude, starting with an AWD Ford Transit chassis to get you off the beaten path.

Winnebago’s 2023 EKKO is powered by the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 gas engine, power is sent through a 10-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. It makes 310 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of torque, while the 31-gallon fuel tank greatly extends the EKKO’s range. Other mechanical standards include:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-Keeping system
• Pre-Collision braking
• Driver alert
• Blind spot monitoring system
• 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes
• High-intensity discharge headlamps
• Trailer hitch – 5,000-lb. drawbar w/7-pin connector

Combining the efficiency of a camper van and the capacity of a Class C coach, Winnebago says the EKKO takes the phrase “big things in small packages” to a whole new level. From the massive heated pass-through gear garage – large enough to store bicycles, inflatable kayaks, and other outdoor gear – to the large living, sleeping, and cooking space, the EKKO is an adventure vehicle.

As for off-grid features, the EKKO comes with three solar panels that pump out 455-watts, a second alternator dedicated to charging the batteries while driving, and standard lithium-ion batteries. The 50-gallon freshwater tank plus proportionate waste tanks make extended stays possible. The full galley is equipped with energy-efficient appliances and the Flex Bed system creates a variety of sleeping spaces. An innovative dry/wet bath uses a pivoting wall to save space. Guests on board? No problem, thanks to dinette seating with three-point seat belts and child seat tether anchors, not to mention the added sleeping capacity. With the optional pop-top you also get penthouse views.

The EKKO is also a four-season camper with all tanks and water lines inside the coach above the floor, extensive all-season insulation in the roof, walls and floor, dual-pane acrylic windows, and multiple insulated exterior compartments.

Specifications

• GVWR: 11,000 lb
• Length: 23’
• Width: 7’2.5”
• Height: 10’6”
• Interior height: 6’8”
• Fresh water: 50 gal
• Grey water: 51 gal
• Cassette toilet: 5 gal

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