My wife and I are planning an extensive retirement adventure to bicycle through all the western states, covering 40-50 miles of trails in each state over the course of several months. We've narrowed our RV choices down to either a Class B or Class C motorhome, but we're struggling to decide which would be the better fit for our specific needs and travel style.
We're particularly concerned about the trade-offs between fuel efficiency, drivability, and living comfort during what will be extended periods on the road. After spending full days cycling 40-50 miles on various trails, we want to make sure we'll have adequate space to recover and relax, but we also need to be practical about fuel costs and maneuverability when accessing different trailheads and camping areas throughout the western states.
The Class B appeals to us for what we assume would be better gas mileage and easier handling, especially when navigating to remote trail access points. However, we're worried about feeling cramped during longer stays, particularly after physically demanding cycling days. The Class C seems like it would offer more comfortable living space for extended trips, but we're concerned about fuel efficiency and whether a larger RV might limit our options for camping and parking. Would a smaller Class C in the 24-27 foot range potentially offer the best of both worlds for our specific travel plans?
Class B offers better MPG and easier driving but limited living space. Class C provides more comfort for extended trips. For 40-50 mile cycling days, Class C comfort may be appreciated. Consider small 24-27ft Class C for balance.
For your western states bicycle touring adventure, a Class C motorhome is actually the better choice despite your valid concerns about accessibility. Your plan to spend months at a time cycling Rails to Trails in all 50 states requires serious living space, storage for two electric bikes plus gear, and comfort for extended stays. While Class B vans excel at stealth camping and tight spots, they'll feel cramped after weeks on the road, especially when weather keeps you inside. The psychological impact of confined living you mentioned is real - many couples find Class B spaces stressful for extended trips.
Your concerns about campground access and boondocking with a Class C are overblown for most western destinations. Modern Class C units (22-26 feet) fit in 90% of campgrounds, including most National Parks. The extra storage, full kitchen, separate bedroom, and bathroom facilities will be invaluable when you're cycling 40-50 miles daily and need proper recovery space. Plus, western states have more open camping opportunities than the cramped eastern campgrounds you're used to.
The dilemma between Class B and C comes down to mobility versus livability, and for multi-month tours, livability wins. Class B manufacturers market the "go anywhere" advantage, but in reality, the size difference between a 19-foot Class B and a 24-foot Class C rarely matters for campground access. Most restrictions are about total length (usually 32+ feet), not the difference between van-based and cab-over designs.
Western camping is fundamentally different from eastern RVing. You'll find abundant BLM lands, larger state park sites, and National Forest camping that easily accommodates Class C units. The tight, tree-lined campgrounds common in eastern states are less frequent out west. Your electric bikes actually favor Class C storage - most have large rear compartments or can accommodate bike racks that won't work on Class B rear doors.
The psychological factor is crucial for your multi-month adventure. Living in 50-75 square feet (Class B) versus 80-120 square feet (Class C) becomes significant when you're cycling daily, dealing with weather, maintaining bikes, and need space to spread out maps and plan routes. Many couples report relationship stress in Class B units during extended trips.
Choose a Class C in the 22-26 foot range, which gives you the best balance of livability and accessibility for western touring. Look for models with large pass-through storage bays for your electric bikes, quality electrical systems for boondocking, and proven chassis reliability. Class C units with quality chassis are particularly good for western mountain driving, though fuel economy will be lower than Class B alternatives.
Address your camping concerns by shifting your mindset from eastern-style RV parks to western dispersed camping. Download the Benchmark Atlas for each western state - these show thousands of forest service roads and camping areas perfect for Class C units that Class B owners use. Many western National Parks (Zion, Bryce, Glacier) have campgrounds designed for larger RVs, unlike cramped eastern parks.
For bike storage, invest in a quality rear-mounted bike carrier system like Swagman or Hollywood Racks designed for motorhomes. Many Class C owners successfully carry 2-4 bikes without blocking access doors. Interior bike storage isn't practical for daily use, but external racks work perfectly for Rails to Trails touring where you're not worried about theft in remote areas.
Plan your water and waste strategy around your cycling schedule. Western boondocking often means 3-5 day cycles between services, which Class C tanks handle better than Class B limitations. Many Rails to Trails have towns every 20-30 miles where you can dump and refill, making this less of an issue than you might expect.
A Class C will limit your access to about 10% of potential camping spots compared to a Class B, but 90% accessibility still covers thousands of western camping options. The real limitations aren't campground size but approach roads - steep, winding mountain roads that challenge any RV over 20 feet. Research specific routes and have backup plans for challenging approaches to some National Parks.
Budget for the learning curve of handling a larger vehicle. Class C units require more careful route planning, wider turning radiuses, and height awareness (most are 11-12 feet tall). Practice in empty parking lots before heading west, and consider a driving course if you're new to RVs. The extra size means higher fuel costs - budget 6-10 MPG versus 10-14 for Class B units.
Consider your physical limitations for the multi-month tour. Class C units require more setup/breakdown time, and systems maintenance is more complex. However, the improved living conditions often offset these drawbacks when you're cycling daily and need proper rest. Many couples find the separate bedroom and larger bathroom essential for maintaining health and relationships during extended tours.
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