7 Best Class B RVs For Winter

Last updated on November 1st, 2023 at 03:29 pm

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Just because snow is on the ground, it doesn’t mean you can’t keep the RV adventure going! With a proper Class B rig, you can turn “RV season” into a year-long event. For some folks, that sounds like a lot of stress. But I know others are already imagining the possibilities…

Winter RVing means things like empty campgrounds with super low pricing. In many cases, you might even have the entire campground all to yourself. It also means no bugs (or at least a lot fewer). So if you’ve been postponing your trip to the southeast in an effort to avoid the masses of mosquitos, this winter might be the perfect time to make the trip.

You can also get a unique perspective by seeing things through the snowy lens of winter weather. But not every RV is winter-ready, especially when it comes to Class B rigs. Some campers are instinctively better than the rest. After all, what good is a cheap campground if you’re absolutely freezing?

Let’s break down a few of the key features to look for in a winter-ready Class B RV along with 7 of my favorites. We’ll also explain what makes a Class B RV a good option for winter camping in the first place. If you just want to see our favorites, you can use the table of contents below to check out our best picks:

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Why Choose Class B RVs For Winter?

Even though Class B RVs are more expensive than their often larger counterparts, they’re still one of the best options for solo travelers or couples. They’re also great for winter, but why?

Out of all RV types, Class B RVs drive the most like a traditional vehicle. While this might not make a difference in spring when roads are clear, driving a big Class C in winter conditions could suddenly feel like a stressful proposition. While travel trailers definitely make a good option for winter, if you aren’t used to hauling an RV already (or at least confident in your abilities) then winter roads can be more intimidating.

In many ways, the Class B RV is the perfect fit. Large enough to accommodate a couple but small enough to drive like a traditional commuter vehicle. It’s possible to even find several 4×4 options that will allow you to fearlessly tackle tough winter terrain. You can also find Class B RVs with just about any additional feature you could want, including dry baths, extra headroom, or just over-the-top luxury!

What Makes A Class B RV Good For Winter?

Let’s break down a few of the key components worth looking for in a Class B RV before hitting the snowy winter roads.

Storage

This one is a bit less obvious at first glance. Of course, keeping warm is one of the first things that comes to mind, but you’ll also need to store all kinds of extra accessories. Things like shoes, hats, coats, socks, and more are all a little different in the winter, and you’re going to need plenty to stay warm! Many winter activities also have special equipment so you’ll want to make sure you have enough space for things like skis or snowshoes.

Plumbing, Pipes, and Fluids

While it’s a lot easier to keep fluids and pipes from freezing in a self-contained Class B, it should still be top of mind before you go winter camping. The ideal winter rig should have purpose-built heading pads for critical fluids because the last thing you want in the dead of winter is to deal with frozen pipes!

Extra Insulation

Extra insulation is a given, but you really want to look for extra insulation in areas that are often overlooked. This includes locations like the front cab (where wind can quickly decrease the temperatures) and the underbelly of the RV.

Adding in an RV skirt can help but you’ll also want to find out if the RV includes a closed or open RV underbelly. True 4-season Class Bs will also squeeze in extra insulation throughout any additional storage areas. These are often weak points in the battle against cold and the typically thin doors can let in a lot of cold weather.

Double-Pane Windows

Double-pane windows also help with insulation as they create an additional layer of insulation. According to Home Advisor, double-pane windows can “reduce energy usage by up to 24 percent in cold climates during the winter, and by up to 18 percent in hot climates during the summer, when compared to older, single-pane models.”

4×4 Capabilities

Even if you’re sticking to urban areas, having the option for 4×4 driving can really make the difference between a fun winter camping adventure and an absolute nightmare! 4×4 capability is something you hopefully won’t need very frequently, but when you don’t have any other options and needto use it, everything can change for the better!

However, a lot of this will depend on the type of RVing you’re doing. If you’re strategic with your routes, you may be able to avoid snow for the most part- even if it’s cold outside.

Isn’t Most Of This Covered In The Arctic Package?

If you’ve done any kind of research on Class B RVs for winter (or any Class RV for that matter) you’ve probably seen certain rigs are being equipped with the Arctic Package or the 4-Seasons package. We covered this extensively in our list of the best cold-weather travel trailers but it bears repeating; the biggest issue with Arctic packages is that they aren’t consistent across the board.

There’s no industry standard for what an arctic package has to include and because of that, there can be a great deal of variation between different manufacturers. The same can be said for 4-season add-ons too, and while some manufacturers are putting their packages to the test with detailed climate-controlled testing by third parties, others just aren’t.

That’s why it’s so important to understand the individual component of any 4-season or extreme weather upgrade instead of just taking it at face value. I’m certainly not suggesting avoiding Arctic Packages since in many cases they can make life a lot easier by adding a variety of features you may not have ever thought of!

Now we’ve got the background information out of the way, let’s get into our favorite Class B RVs for winter RVing! These aren’t in any particular order since the perfect RV for each person will depend on what you want to do with it, but let’s get started with the ultimate outdoor adventure rig…

Best Overall:Winnebago Revel

Interior Height: 6′ 3″
MSRP: $210,293
Exterior Length: 19′ 7″
Exterior Height: 10”

The Winnebago Revel is one bad mamba jamba…and if you aren’t sure what that means, it’s a good thing! Built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Chassis, Revel comes fully equipped with a 4×4 drive, tons of storage, and extra heating critical for fluid tanks.

Falling somewhere between an adventure van and a classic Class B RV, the Revel is built to take any RVer to any destination, no matter the weather. Winnebago have designed the Revel with several features perfect for the cold season. For starters, the Revel uses a diesel heating system which I find far more convenient than more common propane options.

Diesel is usually easier to find and when I’m hitting the road in below-freezing temperatures I don’t want to go even an hour without proper heating! There’s also a robust solar system able to back me up if things get tough on the road. With heated tanks and plumbing, I know I can be snug and warm inside, and my plumbing is protected from any kind of disastrous fluid freeze-up.

There’s a huge amount of storage in this rig which is perfect for the winter adventurer. The bathroom has modular shelving that can be added to greatly increase storage space. I like that the shelving can be placed high enough so the bathroom space isn’t interfered with.But the most interesting storage feature is the bed!

This huge bed actually lifts all the way to the ceiling revealing a ton of space able to be used for winter accessories like skis, snowboards, or even a dirtbike. When I reach my destination, I can empty out any gear and lower the bed into position in a matter of minutes. This is the type of speeding convenience I’m looking for, living full-time on the road.

Winnebago’s innovative thinking with the Revel is highlighted well with the power lift bed, and it can even be kept a little off the floor to allow for extra sneaky storage. This is one of my favorite Class B RVs with a creative sleeping arrangement, and it’s ready to tackle a lot more than just winter!

With 4×4 capability, the Revel seems to have everything… including a high price tag! This mighty rig isn’t as expensive as many other Class B RVs on the market, but it’s also not the cheapest. Overall, the Revel makes a great option for the adventurous side of the RV world. For trips based more in the city or campground, some of the heavy-duty features may be a bit overkill, and not worth this financial investment.

Best For Extreme Cold: Storyteller Overland Beast MODE

Interior Height: 6′ 3″
MSRP: $218,620
Exterior Length: 21′
Exterior Height: 10′ 3″

The Storyteller Overland is a powerful Class B motorhome that’s able to go head-to-head with the Revel on pretty much every feature. The Overland has 4 different MODES, as Storyteller calls them, and the Beast MODE is the ultimate choice for tackling any weather Mother Nature conjures up!

Built on a Mercedes Benz diesel engine chassis, the Overland Beast is 4×4 ready with tons of storage and durability. Like the Revel, it uses a diesel heating system that pulls from the diesel gas tank and pumps past the water tanks, helping keep them from freezing. The Volta energy system uses ion battery technology instead of a generator, meaning quieter and more economical camping.

The Volta system is also located under the bed on the interior of the motorhome, which is an advantage as it doesn’t have to work as hard to keep itself warm, so most of the heat can keep the RV warm instead. The Beast also utilizes Havelock Wool for insulation from top to bottom, helping keep me warm, whilst also absorbing noise and air pollution, along with preventing moisture build-up.

Wool is considered a great manufactured insulation alternative, particularly in humid or wet climates. Most insulation becomes less effective as it gets wet, and in an RV ineffective insulation can be a difficult hurdle to overcome. Wool will naturally repel moisture and dry very quickly with Havelock Wool becoming extremely popular in recent years for RV insulation!

Most Affordable: Winnebago Travato

Interior Height: 6′ 3″
MSRP: $175,292
Exterior Length: 21′
Exterior Height: 9′ 4″

We’ve got another Winnebago brand RV on our list and for good reason! Winnebago has a long history of success in the RV world and they consistently produce great Class B rigs. The Winnebago Travato is no exception, and while the Winnebago Revel is all about braving the winter weather in rugged style, the Travato is 4-season-ready with a bit of added style and personality.

Instead of a stripped-down interior, like in the Revel, the Travato has beautiful walnut-colored cabinets and a very clean white countertop. Comfortable ultra-leather seating in the driving area and plenty of residential-style fixtures can be seen across all four floorplans. There are also a few different bed arrangements in the Travato, depending on the floorplan.

Instead of the traditional approach of putting a queen-sized bed in the very back of the RV, this rig features two twin beds in the 59K and 59KL layouts, pushed to either side of the RV with a walking space down the middle.This is one of those make-or-break features that some will love and others will move on to the next RV.

While it’s possible to convert the two beds into a king-size bed, the real utility of this bed comes from folks who wantto sleep separately. You can check out this Youtube video to hear from a couple that actually found the dual twin beds inside the Travato were the perfect solution to their shared bed sleep problems!

Another benefit of the double twin beds is that you actually end up with a bit more storage space perfect for squeezing in some extra cubbies under each smaller bed.

I find this useful as it means no room is wasted, and there’s no dead space in terms of storage which often happens with large king-sized beds. The Travato is also winter-ready, withboth the fresh water tank andthe water lines inside the heated space of the RV. I’m honestly surprised more RV manufacturers don’t do this in their Class B’s since I’d expect it’s a lot easier to pull off in such a compact space. But with this setup, as long as I’m warm then so are my critical fluids!

It’s still wise to winterize when the weather gets cold enough though, as not protecting the rig could mean problems come next RV season! There are also heating pads on the less critical but still important black and grey tanks which are (of course) outside the living space of the RV. I love the double-pane windows throughout that bring light along with improved overall efficiency and warmth of any RV.

Most Versatile: Roadtrek Zion

Interior Height: 6′ 2″
MSRP: $180,586
Exterior Length: 20′ 9″
Exterior Height: 9′ 5″

The Roadtrek brand can be a bit of a mixed bag for some folks, but with 30+ years of Class B excellence behind them, they have developed a solid reputation for quality rigs. But this changed in 2019 with a bankruptcy, a massive layoff, and allegations of scandal at the top. After all the drama, the Roadtrek name changed hands and ownership but hung on to many of the things that made them great.

The Roadtrek Zion is a result of this transition and features plenty of warranties and quality guarantees to keep cautious RVers feeling comfortable buying from a brand with a few rough patches. Built on a 19′ Promaster chassis, the compact Roadtrek is a great balance between a boondocking rig for winter, and a luxury Class B with modern, sleek features.

This rig is fully equipped with a robust solar power system and lithium batteries to help keep me powered up in the wilderness when I’m nowhere near shore power! The 16,000 BTU furnace promises to keep me warm, but for true off-gridders, there’s no shame in investing in an additional source of heating such as a wood stove.

The furnace and air conditioner are ready to go whether the engine is running or not. While this might seem like a pretty standard feature, not every RV can actually pull this off for any length of time. The combination of lithium batteries along with solar panels results in the flexibility and reliability I need in cold weather and remote conditions.

The Roadtrek Zion doesn’t have the kind of super-durability we’ve seen in other rigs on this list, and that might be a dealbreaker for some campers. The Zion is more of an in-between option for folks wanting to stay on the road during winter, but aren’t ready to go for something as rugged as the Revel for example.

Overall, the Roadtrek Zion makes a great option as long as you aren’t looking to take your winter camping trip to the extreme. If instead, you want to be winter-ready, super comfortable, and aren’t afraid to make a few modifications, then it’s hard to go wrong with this Class B RV.

Best Luxury: Airstream Interstate 19

Interior Height: 6′ 2″
MSRP: $200,681
Exterior Length: 19′
Exterior Height: 9′ 7″

Airstream is synonymous with luxury, and the Airstream Interstate 19, one of their most popular Class B RVs, is no exception. The Interstate 19 takes all the bells and whistles we’ve come to expect from the renowned brand and packs them into a small, versatile design. Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 van chassis, the Interstate 19 has a diesel engine, is 4×4 ready, and boasts two 100 Ah deep cycle lithium batteries, along with a Truma Combi heater and water heater combination.

Looking a little closer at the power of the Interstate 19, there’s a 2.5 kW generator backed by propane that’s able to run for up to 30 hours, heating the entire motorhome. The unique Truma heater and water heater combination ensures consistent, reliable heat and a never-ending source of hot water. The batteries have standard heating pads included, to ensure it’s never too cold for them to stay charged.

All of this is monitored by an advanced alarm system to notify me of any issues with the batteries, generator, and black and gray water tanks- including freezing alerts. This is the peace of mind I need in the middle of winter when sub-zero temperatures start to roll in. Another standout feature is the alarm for diesel and propane fumes, in addition to standard fire and carbon dioxide alarms.

This is essential, especially when camping during the winter months when I tend to use more fuel and don’t have my windows open too much. The Interstate 19 also uses vinyl flooring embedded in rubber, over 1.5 inches of insulation, and plywood subflooring. This helps with extra insulation, sound control, and protecting the piping and controls in the undercarriage. With standard undercarriage lights too, I know if I ever need to crawl under there, I’ll be able to see everything I need to!

But all that said, the Airstream Interstate 19 is still a luxury motorhome and it’s not the best for trekking through the Rocky Mountains in February. If you’re looking for a sub-zero-ready RV that lets you ski from your front door, the Winnebago Revel or Storyteller Overland Beast is the way to go. But if you want an RV able to take you across the country in luxury, keeping you toasty and safe in occasional or mild winter weather, you can’t beat the Interstate 19.

Starting at $200,681, the Interstate 19 is definitely one of the more expensive Class B motorhomes out there and as such, it’s ideal for full-time living. Still, it’s worth the price for many and Winnebago is one of our favorite brands for Class B RVs.

Best 4-Season Campervan: Jayco Terrain

Interior Height: 6′ 1″
MSRP: $212,250
Exterior Length: 19′ 7″

The Jayco Terrain Class B RV is a 4-season campervan of dreams. Built on a Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500 AWD van, this is a rig able to handle tough terrain and adventures for years to come. The 2L 4-cylinder diesel engine boasts 211HP, so I know this rig can conquer long driving days with ease. The standard features of the Terrain are impressive, to say the least; a 48V 210 amp hour smart lithium battery provides ample power, no matter where I am!

Jayco has ensured the Terrain is able to perform well in all seasons. For winter, the power folding heated side-view mirrors, heated cab swivel seats, crosswind assist, and rain-sensing windshield wipers come into their own. It’s thoughtful features like these that prove Jayco is thinking about RVers in a wide range of weather conditions, and haven’t left anything out.

For summer adventures, the 200W of solar on the roof will power everything inside the RV without any struggle. On hot days, I’d constantly use the MaxxAir deluxe roof vent to help keep me, my partner, and our pup nice and cool! I love that along with being super functional and all-season-ready, the Terrain is also a good-looking rig from the inside and out.

There are five exterior color options to choose from, allowing me to create an RV I’m proud to show off at the campground! With Tecnofoam cabinets, a comfortable bench seat, a high-rated overhead bunk, and an overall sleek aesthetic, the Jayco Terrain is a showstopper.

The Terrain is an investment. In fact, it’s over the $200k mark, so it may be out of reach for RVers on a budget. I feel the price is fair for everything Jayco have managed to pack into the Terrain. With remote keyless entry, brake assist plus, heated gray tank, full wet bath, JRide system, and Starlink satellite internet, this is a Class B RV ideal for full-time living through everything each season brings.

Best 4-Season Class B RV: Pleasure-Way Plateau XLTS

Interior Height: 6′ 8″
MSRP: $217,750
Exterior Length: 22′ 9″
Exterior Height: 10′ 7″

I’m a big fan of Pleasure-Way, and the Plateau XLTS is a Class B RV, that’s ideal for 2-season adventuring. Built on a durable Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 cab chassis, this is a van I trust to get me and my loved ones to wherever we need to go. With 4 seatbelts on board, everyone can safely get buckled in and enjoy the ride!

Pleasure-Way has put a lot of thought into the Plateau XLTS, with folding privacy sun shades, an inflatable air bed for the cab, premium vinyl flooring, and a fully private, enclosed dry bathroom with a separate shower. Finding a Class B camper able to accommodate a dry bath is rare, but with an innovative layout, and impressive features, Pleasure-Way has accomplished a full bathroom.

Having a bathroom on board is vital for me, especially during winter! But there are a few other features that stand out to me such as the foil-faced fiberglass insulation along the roof that ensures good heat regulation throughout all seasons. There’s an internal coach battery heating system for additional protection in freezing temperatures, and a Truma VarioHeat 11,500 BTU furnace to keep the inside temperatures nice and cozy.

For summer days, the Truma Aventa Eco 13,500 BTU air conditioner brings instant relief, and the climate control center conveniently allows me to control the AC, furnace, and vent. Finding serenity in nature and camping off-grid for a few days at a time is my idea of a great time! Fortunately, this is achievable with the Plateau XLTS, thanks to the 600Ah Eco-Ion Earth Smart Lithium coach batteries, 500W of solar, and 3000W inverter that all promise to keep my power topped up.

I also like the Fiamma power awning equipped with LED lights, as it means I can continue to enjoy time outside even if it’s drizzling in winter, or burning hot during summer! Similar to the last rig I mentioned, the Jayco Terrain, the Pleasure-Way Plateau XLTS has a starting price of $217,750, which is on the higher end of the scale.

Having such a high price tag, the Plateau might be out of the reach of some RVers, and since there’s not endless room to sleep multiple people, big families or travel groups may be better off going for a different RV. However, the exterior shower, power lift fan, and Ultraleather fabric, are just a few more features that make this Class B RV a comfortable rig, ideal for life on the road with one or two people.

Closing Thoughts

Winter camping is almost a right of passage for any hardcore RVer, and a Class B RV is one of the best ways to make the journey. Whatever your motivation is for wanting a winter-faring Class B RV, remember to not blindly trust the standard Artic Package! From the luxury ride of the Airstream Interstate 19 to the rugged 4×4-ready Winnebago Revel, I hope you’ve found an RV the whole family will love!