Parking a 21 or 22 footer.

[Juan Chacho]

I think you'll be happy with the maneuverability. Seeing the different sizes (wheelbase length / extended) in person is a great idea to pick the right rig for you.

 

[WinneNomad]

Those who have used their longer than 20' van for awhile, please tell me about your parking experiences. Do you often use regular parking spaces? Run into any issues? How much of a challenge is it for you?

I have a 22' Winnebago class C. I usually park away from cars. Haven't had any problems.

But whoa, the Winnebago Solis are expensive ($117 to $140K new).

Class B's are probably best if you do a lot of traveling. I have been in a few and my initial impressions are they are not wide enough as compared to a class C. For long term camping in one spot a class C is better IMO. But the new class Bs are beautiful vehicles.

 

[Gfmucci]

I drive a 24 foot Winnebago View on a Sprinter chassis. It's long but skinny so it fits width wise just fine. I'm typically always able to find a solution for the extra length. At grocery stores. malls and places like that, I often just take two spaces meaning I end up using only 12 feet in each of the "two across from each other" parking spaces. I also try to park at the far end of a lot so my taking two spaces doesn't bother anyone. Additionally, I find there is usually a single space at the end of a lot or around a corner that will work. Most lots have some spots where the extra length is not a problem. I also occasionally back in and let my overhang extend a bit on the sidewalk or grass. The bottom line is that I rarely have any problems and enjoy the extra space. My cat likes it too.

And parking further away will help me achieve more steps. I always need more incentives to get my step count up a lot more.

I have a 22' Winnebago class C. I usually park away from cars. Haven't had any problems.

But whoa, the Winnebago Solis are expensive ($117 to $140K new).

Class B's are probably best if you do a lot of traveling. I have been in a few and my initial impressions are they are not wide enough as compared to a class C. For long term camping in one spot a class C is better IMO. But the new class Bs are beautiful vehicles.

Yeah, initially I had the same attitude toward class B vans. Compared to lower end Class Cs, they are roughly twice the cost per square foot.
What do people expect for that higher unit cost?

Probably the most important thing for B owners is locational/camping options and flexibility as well as easier, more carlike driving. I drove a new 2025 empty Promaster 2500 at a dealer this morning. The steering is lighter than my Mazda CX5 and drove like a dream. I could easily see one as my daily driver. As one planning to go solo, I don't see a need for anything wider or longer while most can comfortably accomodate 2 to 4 people.

 

[WanderingRose]

I had a class B for 17+ years, and wouldn’t have anything else.

So easy to get around in, and pretty much a “park anywhere” rig.

Two adults and a 65lb dog, but we loved it, then just me and the dog for another 125,000 or so miles.

I had an 06 and then an 07, the latter sold last year to a couple looking for exactly that, and if I could have afforded one of the new ones I wouldn’t have had one.

Look carefully at what you buy, is my suggestion, maybe go for used, and simpler is better.

IMHO.

 

[Gfmucci]

I had a class B for 17+ years, and wouldn’t have anything else.

So easy to get around in, and pretty much a “park anywhere” rig.

Two adults and a 65lb dog, but we loved it, then just me and the dog for another 125,000 or so miles.

I had an 06 and then an 07, the latter sold last year to a couple looking for exactly that, and if I could have afforded one of the new ones I wouldn’t have had one.

Look carefully at what you buy, is my suggestion, maybe go for used, and simpler is better.

IMHO.

Yup. A 2 or 3 year old is within my price range, ideally less than $90k.

 

[afblangley]

If you're used to driving a small vehicle, there may be an adjustment period. The biggest anxiety will probably be over maneuverability rather than parking. Turning radius (the amount of space needed vs the amount of space available to move around) will be a more frequent nuisance. In high roof vans, height may occasionally be a factor to consider. Vehicle length is rarely an inconvenience.

To be sure, a van can perform all the functions of a daily driver, even in the confines of large cities. That's where most of the 100k miles I've racked up on my Sprinter 170 has occurred. Parallel parking may take some practice, but it can be mastered. I can squeeze into a 26' space. In big box store lots, I tend to park a little further out so that I can take up 1.5 spaces without irritating folks.

I've never owned a factory built class B, but I did rack up 10k miles on a 3 year old class A. I'd be remiss if I didn't comment on the suitability of using a class B as a daily driver. I understand the desire. After owning a van, I would never go back to owning a car. I like having the amenities of home, everywhere I go.

Very few RVs are built to withstand being lived in full time, let alone subject to the rigors of a daily driver. The issue is not with the van itself, but rather the complex systems that RV manufacturers put in them. Whether from poor design, cost saving measures or pushing the boundaries of technology, RV systems are prone to failure and even in the best case require extensive routine maintenance that most folks aren't accustomed to adhering to. If you're a boat owner, disregard my comments, you're coming into RVs with the right expectations.

After my disillusionment with the aforementioned Fleetwood Discovery, I bought a well optioned Sprinter and did a initial build that cost less than the sales tax I paid for the van. It was rudimentary but it had nearly all the features the Discovery, but executed in simpler fashion. My plan was to figure out exactly what I wanted and then take the van to a custom builder. Three years later, it has suited my needs well enough that I never got around to doing that.

Your needs are likely different than mine, so my approach probably won't work for you. If you have the money to buy a new, factory build class B, I strongly suggest considering a custom built van. Especially if its going to be a daily driver. They can build systems that can withstand heavy use. Equally important, they can design it such that it is easily serviceable. Some builders even provide long term warranties on their work.