A class A and class B motorhome are about as far away from each other as you can get. With a class A being the largest type of motorhome on the market and a class B being the smallest, there are a lot of differences between the two and each will appeal to different people.

With a class A motorhome, you can expect a large rig that can accommodate a family and is very spacious. A class B motorhome is not nearly as large as the class A is. A class B is a camper van that has a very limited living area. When compared to the larger type of class A motorhome, one would have to wonder why would anyone want to live in such a small space compared to the larger space.

This article will compare the two and point out the similarities and the differences of each. They have some things in common and one could possibly be on the fence over which type to purchase. I have gone through this myself and I looked at class A motorhomes for a little while during my search. I was intrigued by the large living area that they provided but it was never a serious option for me.

Some of these large motorhomes are so big that you won’t even feel like you are living a mobile lifestyle. They have all of the amenities and luxurious features that you would expect from a house. However, with all of these luxurious features, you will likely pay the price. They are among the most expensive motorhomes that you can purchase.

Let’s take a look at some of the main differences between these two types of motorhomes.

Main Differences Between Class A And Class B Motorhomes

• Size. The obvious difference is the size of the two. A class A is much larger than a class B motorhome.
• Capacity. A class A has larger capacities of freshwater and wastewater holding tanks.
• Cost. Class A’s will usually be more expensive although there are some Class B’s on the market that can reach high six-figure prices.
• Amenities. A Class A RV contains everything you need including large kitchens, king-sized beds, washers, dryers, large TVs, and other items that Class B RVs don’t have space for.

Class A Pros

They Are Larger

If you are looking for a large area to camp or travel in, look no further than a class A RV. These are made for those who want to have lots of breathing room. They are great for people that want to camp or travel with family as well. If you have children, you’ll appreciate the large living space that this type of motorhome can provide.

The convenience of having all of this large living space in a vehicle that can be driven around is amazing. The only problem with this is that it has to be driven. Driving a large motorhome like this can be very intimidating, especially the largest ones. With some of these measuring in at a length of over 40 feet, it takes a little more courage to get behind the wheel than it would with a smaller rig.

The size of these motorhomes can be a good thing if you need the space but it might be bad if you are scared to drive it.

It’s A True Home On Wheels

With all of the space mentioned above, these motorhomes offer a true home on wheels. This is not your standard camper that is meant for roughing it. Instead, this is more of a glamorous approach to living on the road or going camping. You can live in one of these without any problems and you will often find amenities such as fireplaces, large screen TVs, large kitchen areas, islands, recliners, and other large living space items that can be found in most homes.

You will not find glamorous items like these in a camper van. Instead, A camper van will provide you with the necessities in a comfortable way without the glamorous home feeling of a class A motorhome.

Lots Of Storage

To go along with all of the large living space, a class A RV also offers tons of storage space. With cabinets galore and other storage areas inside the living space, there are also storage areas on the exterior of the motorhome. This allows you to carry lots of items such as tools, tables, ladders, sports equipment, and other items that you might find useful out on the road.

One would expect a lot of storage with a vehicle this large and since they are great for families, storage is a necessity. A family will have a lot of use for storage areas and the class A certainly delivers. Most of these types of motorhomes have large exterior storage areas where you can store large or small items.

This is a convenience not afforded to the class B RV. With a class B, you are fairly limited in what you can take with you. Although some class B RVs do have lots of storage, it’s minimal when compared to the class A.

Leveling

Leveling a class A motorhome can be a piece of cake. With most of these expensive RVs having automatic leveling systems, it can usually be done with the push of a button. Although some older models might have more of a manual approach needed for leveling, most are equipped with leveling systems that do it for you.

These are sometimes found in expensive class B motorhomes as well but not in the majority. With a class B, you might need to use leveling blocks and other approaches to make sure that the RV is level when you park. The class A makes it more convenient when parking in an area that isn’t perfectly level. Even when a spot looks level, it might not be perfectly level. A certain amount of leveling may be required and the class A will make this easy to accomplish.

Capacities

If you expect to use lots of water and store a significant amount of gray or black wastewater, the class A will have larger capacities than what a van will. You can expect grey water tanks on a class A to be in the range of 60 to 100 gallons. This is a significant amount of greywater storage and can allow you to go for longer without dumping.

The fresh water tanks can be larger as well and may range in the amount of 70 to 100 gallons.

You wouldn’t be able to carry this much freshwater in a camper van and the gray water and black water tanks are not this large either. With the class A, there will likely be more people traveling in it and using the facilities so more capacities of this nature are necessary.

Class A Cons

More Difficult To Drive

As mentioned above, the class A is like a home on wheels but you have to drive this home around. This can be difficult to drive and can make the class B motorhome seem much more approachable. Parking a large motorhome like this can sometimes be a challenge. Although there are cameras often situated in hard to see areas, it can still be a scary process for the faint of heart.

It will take some getting used to and you may never really get used to driving something this large. It’s like driving a large bus around and you will have to be extra careful when compared to driving normal vehicles and especially smaller RVs like a class B.

Off-Season Storage

When you are not using your motorhome, it will need to be stored somewhere. This may mean that it sits in your driveway or takes up some other space where it can be seen. These are large units and can be unsightly and in the way, if you intend to park them on your own property during the off-season.

Unless you have a large property or a special garage to park it in, you may need to find a different solution for storage. Whereas you might be able to park a camper van on your property quite easily, you might not have the space to be able to pull this off with the large class A motorhome.

Not only that, but you will also need to winterize it and make sure that it will make it through the freezing temperatures of the off-season. This will be a more involved and expensive process than it will in a smaller RV.

Cost

A class A RV can cost a significant amount of money. Some of these can be in the multiple six-figure ranges. Even a basic class A RV can be well over $100,000. These are often purchased to replace a home since people use them to travel with and live out of. However, for someone who is looking for an RV that will only be used for camping trips, this is a steep price to pay.

Of course, you can always find used motorhomes for much cheaper, but even still, you can expect to pay a high price to take ownership of one of these.

Poor Fuel Efficiency

You can expect to get about 8 to 12 miles per gallon when driving a large Class A motorhome. On top of that, you may get less if you are towing a vehicle. This is pretty poor efficiency and can make the high price of the RV even worse. These don’t get nearly as good of gas mileage as a van would get so a class B motorhome will be the much better choice if you are looking to get more miles to the gallon.

A Class A RV Might Not Fit In Some RV Parks

If you have a large class A, you may be limited in some ways as to where you can go. Some of the RV parks around the United States have limits on how long an RV can be. While most of these do accommodate larger class A RVs, some of the National Park Campgrounds do not allow RVs of this size.

You may find yourself in a situation where you do not have enough space to park or turn around. The large size of these rigs might end up being more trouble than it is worth. With a smaller sized RV, you will not have to worry about this.

On the other hand, there are some places where only class A motorhomes and larger sized motorhomes are allowed. Some exclusive RV parks do not allow smaller class B motorhomes.

Reasons You Might Choose A Class B RV

If you are researching the good and bad of both, here are a few reasons why a class B might be the better choice.

Smaller And More Mobile

Perhaps the best feature of the class B motorhome is its small size. This makes the RV very mobile and allows you to take it nearly anywhere. It’s as if you are driving a car around that happens to have a nice living area in the back. While not as glamorous as a class A, the convenience that it gives you when traveling is worth the reduction in size.

Easy To Drive

While a class A motorhome might be difficult for someone to drive, a class B motorhome is as simple as most passenger cars. These are small and do not require any specialized skill to drive. It’s simply a van and while some may be larger vans, they are nowhere near as large as what you would get with the class A RV. Driving one of these around is as simple as it gets with a motorhome.

Fits In A Standard Parking Spot

You won’t have to shimmy or fuss around too much with parking a class B motorhome. You can park one of these in pretty much any standard parking place which makes it much easier to manage. With larger RVs, you might be limited to where you can park while you are out on the road. Driving between RV parks can become a challenge when you need to pull over to get a bite to eat or go shopping.

When driving in a van, you can usually just pull up into almost any parking spot.

It’s Made To Take You More Places

The main thing about a camper van is that it is made to take you places that you couldn’t reach with larger RVs. When someone chooses to purchase a class B RV, this person is looking for adventure and wanting to hit the road without the worries that go along with large RVs. It’s the convenience of having a small home on wheels in a manageable sized vehicle that wins people over.

Once you take to the road in a van, you can go where you want and not have to worry about whether you will fit. You have your home on wheels and although it is not as spacious and nice as a class A RV, it is still a nice space that affords you lots of freedom.

Who Is A Class A Motorhome For?

A class A motorhome is perfect for families. It is also perfect for those who are used to having large spaces and prefer this over minimal spaces. Some people can’t imagine being in anything smaller than something like this. I know people that will only travel in a motorhome of this size or a large trailer such as a fifth wheel that also offers lots of living space.

Owning a class A RV can be a good option for someone who is retired or is living full-time in it. You will have all the space you need in a large RV like this. Another good fit for a class A motorhome is for those who want to rent one for family vacations. If you have a family that you want to take camping, you can rent a class A and use it for a small amount of time. This can make for a fun vacation and one that you will remember for a lifetime.

You can rent a Class A motorhome from places like Outdoorsy.com and RVShare.com.

Essentially, a large motorhome like this is for someone who prefers a lot of space and all of the comforts of home. It’s for the person who wants to see new sites and be in new places but also wants to sit in their recliner and watch their large screen TV.

Conclusion

The main similarities of these two types of RVs are that they are a living space that you can drive around. These both have the convenience of being a motor vehicle and allowing you to walk from the driving area to the living space without getting out of the vehicle.

They start to differ quite a bit once you begin talking about the details of each. A Class A RV is much larger and can be compared to a standard home. It really comes down to personal preference and the space that you need. If space is an important factor, there is no question about which one you should choose.

Both of these RVs are great options and serve different purposes for people who are looking for different experiences. I prefer the size of a class B because I am more focused on traveling places than fancy living spaces. As long as I have the conveniences I need and a nice place to eat and lay my head, I am fine with the small space.

I prefer convenience over such a large amount of living space. Others will prefer the opposite and that’s why there are options available on the market for both preferences.

Taking trips with my dog has always been one of the perks that I have loved about traveling in my camper van. It can be difficult otherwise to take a dog or any pet on vacation when staying in hotels or other accommodations. However, an RV is like a traveling home and there is no reason your pets can’t go along with you.

RVers are generally pet-loving people and you will often see them traveling with their pets. Because of this, an RV park can be a great place for you to bring your pets, as long as you are courteous to others.

Most RV parks and campgrounds are pet friendly and do allow dogs but often have rules and regulations you must follow. There are some exceptions to this and many RV parks may not allow certain breeds of dogs that are known to be aggressive. Checking with each RV park you plan to visit is recommended.

The important thing is to make sure your dog is well-behaved. One of the reasons that people enjoy the RV lifestyle is because of the peace and quiet and relaxation it allows. A barking dog can be a nuisance to those trying to have a relaxing getaway. What you may see as your cute dog playing and barking might be seen as an annoyance to a neighboring camper.

Most campgrounds are aware of this and try to keep owners of pets in line with their rules. On one hand, campground owners want to allow campers to bring their furry friends with them. On the other hand, they want to make sure everyone staying in their campground has an enjoyable stay.

It can be difficult for the owner of an RV park to draw the line and enforce pet owners to comply. It’s best to make sure you are complying and doing all that you can to keep your dog well-behaved.

I love dogs as much as any other dog lover but I certainly don’t like to hear loud barking. When I go on a trip in my class B van, I am looking for a nice, relaxing time away. The last thing I want to hear is a loud dog that can’t be controlled by their owners. It can be quite distracting to have to hear such a thing.

Because of this, most RV parks or campgrounds have pet policies in place to protect those who want a quiet time away. Failure to comply with these policies could get you removed from the campground.

Campground Pet Policies

Most campgrounds have some type of policy in place that outlines rules for bringing pets. While most of these are very similar, there are some differences. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to this and you’ll have to check with each campground to get full details.

The following are a few bullet points of what you can expect from some of the well-known campgrounds throughout the US.

KOA

• Call ahead to ensure that bringing your pet is allowed. There are some dog breeds that have been flagged as high risk of aggression from insurance providers.
• Service dogs are always welcomed.
• Campers with hostile or aggressive dogs will be asked to leave.
• Dogs must always be on a leash and you should be respectful of others around you.

Full information can be found here: KOA pet policy.

Thousand Trails

• Your dog must always wear a collar with identification.
• No more than two pets allowed per site.
• No aggressive dogs will be permitted.
• You may be asked to leave if you do not adhere to their pet policy.
• Do not leave your pet unattended.
• They have the right to reject any pet.
• Must have vaccine documents available upon request.

Full information can be found here: Thousand Trails pet policy.

You’ll find similar policies like this no matter the RV park you go to. I feel that these policies are very fair and protect residents from having to deal with rowdy animals from other campers.

Other Places To Stay When RVing With Your Dog(s)

RVing with a dog should be no problem if you are looking to stay in RV parks. However, many people like to stay in other places that may be a bit more secluded. There are other great options for those who prefer to sleep in places beyond the known RV parks.

The list below are places that you may want to consider if you like to RV with your dog or other pet.

Harvest Hosts

The majority of Harvest Hosts locations are pet friendly. In fact, you’ll probably find pets owned by the owners at most Harvest Hosts locations. I have taken my dog to Harvest Hosts locations and have had no problems whatsoever.

Of course, you’ll need to make sure to be respectful just as you would at an RV park. Being at a Harvest Hosts location is a privilege and you don’t want to wear out your welcome by having a disobedient, aggressive, or loud barking dog.

Harvest Hosts are small businesses so you don’t want to interfere with their daily operations by having a pet that is out of control.

Boondockers Welcome

Similar to Harvest Hosts, Boondockers Welcome allows you to camp at other people’s properties. These people often have pets of their own so they are usually OK with you bringing yours. You will need to ensure that your dog is welcome when you book your stay but most locations will allow dogs.

Dispersed Camping Areas

If you are fortunate enough to be in an area where dispersed camping areas are available, your dog will probably be allowed. In the United States, there are lots of places to stay for free on public lands. These lands, however, are generally in the Western states so those of us on the East Coast may not be as fortunate in finding dispersed camping locations.

There are plenty of apps that can help you find locations but they aren’t a sure thing. You may need to check with the local BLM office in the area that you are in to make sure your dog is allowed. Learn more about dispersed camping.

Tips For RVing With A Dog

Keep Your Dog Quiet!

When you are camping, make sure to keep your dog as quiet as possible. Dogs bark but as an owner, you should make sure that your dog is not a disturbing element at the campground. I have been to a campground where the constant sound of a dog barking made my stay less enjoyable. It’s not the occasional bark that would bother others but the never-ending barking that could get you kicked out of the RV park.

Other people don’t want to hear your dog because they don’t love your dog as you do. Others are looking to relax and unwind and listening to someone’s dog bark does not help. If you allow your dog to be loud, you may be asked to leave. Make sure you have your dog under control and know how to keep them quiet when the situation demands it.

Always Clean Up After Your Dog

This shouldn’t have to be said to dog owners but I often see it when I am out. Many people do not clean up after their dogs and leave their waste lying on the ground. This is incredibly rude, especially at an RV park where other people are walking and trying to enjoy their stay.

It’s just common courtesy to clean up after your dog does his or her business. Always keep poop bags in your RV in case you are in a place that doesn’t have them. Better yet, don’t expect RV parks to furnish these for you. Instead, keep these in your RV at all times if you have a dog and then you’ll never have to worry about it. Just be sure and use them.

Consider The Weather

The camping season is usually in full swing during the summer months. This can often make for a miserable time for a dog as far as the weather is concerned. A dog may get too hot during the summer heat so you will need to make sure that you consider this at all times. Make sure you have taken precautions to keep your dog cool and comfortable when the heat is at its hottest.

Take them walking in the early morning or late in the evening when the weather has cooled down. My dog has a lot of hair and gets very hot in the summer heat. Even the early mornings and evening hours can be difficult for her.

Don’t Leave Them Alone In The RV

Whether you have an air conditioner or not, don’t leave your pet alone in your RV for long periods of time. Systems fail and your air conditioner could stop working, leaving your dog to suffer in a hot enclosure. If you are going to leave them alone in an RV at all, I would suggest using a temperature sensor as well as a camera system so that you can monitor them at all times.

One solution that you might consider is the RV PetSafety Pet Monitor 4G. This system will alert you when the temperature is at a level that is dangerous for your pet.

Without air-conditioning, an RV can get extremely hot in the summer. They aren’t as insulated as effectively as a sticks and bricks home so they can heat up very quickly when the sun is beaming down on them.

Keep Them Safe While Driving

When driving in your RV, you should consider your dog’s safety as well as the humans inside. You don’t want your dog sitting in the front dashboard or another unsafe area. Your dog should be buckled in using a car seat for dogs or another solution.

In the case of a wreck, you want to make sure that your dog isn’t going to go flying through the RV. Even driving and braking can cause a dog to lose their balance and fall if not buckled in. Many people have their dogs sit in their lap while driving or riding but this is also unsafe.

Consider creating a safe place for your dog to ride when your RV is traveling down the road. There are some solutions on the market that will keep your dog safe in moving vehicles.

Bottom Line

Most RV parks will allow dogs to stay. In fact, I have never been to an RV park that doesn’t allow dogs. While many of them do have restrictions, you will usually be just fine as long as you are courteous to others and keep your dog on a leash.

RVing with your dog is part of the fun and it allows you to take fun trips without leaving them behind. Your dog will feel at home in the RV that they know. It’s much easier to travel with a dog in this way than it is to travel in a car and stay in hotels. Hotels do not often allow dogs so traveling in an RV is the way to go if you want to take your dog.

Just be sure and follow the rules of the RV park and if you are ever in doubt, ask before you go. Since RV parks have different rules, you will want to make sure that you are safe to bring your dog. The best way to do this is to call the RV park before you go.

RVs are generally equipped with some sort of facilities that can be used for showering and using the toilet. Many of the larger motorhomes and campers have separate shower and toilet areas that you would commonly find in a home. However, in a smaller RV, like a camper van or a small trailer, there just isn’t enough room for the standard types of facilities.

That’s where a wet bath comes in handy.

A wet bath is an area that includes a shower and toilet area together in one small space. This space can also contain a sink, mirror, cabinets, and other features. The entire space will get wet when the shower is running which is why it is called a wet bath.

The main benefit of a wet bath is that it saves space. It allows you to have the convenience of a full shower and toilet but has a smaller footprint than it would if these two areas were separate. A wet bath is perfect for small campers where space is limited. Anything that can be done to save space is welcomed in a small RV such as a Class B.

Some people love wet baths and some people hate them. I have heard people say that they are perfect for weekend getaways or occasional trips but would not want to use one in a full-time situation. I agree that they can be a bit inconvenient but the space-saving that you get from one of these can make up for any inconvenience that they may be.

I have one of these in my camper van and I am happy with it. However, mine isn’t fully a wet bath because I can remove my cassette toilet easily and use the shower only. It’s also possible for me to leave my toilet in the shower while I am taking a shower as I have done before.

There are benefits to this kind of set up but also some disadvantages that you might want to know about if you are looking at getting one of these types of bathrooms. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of wet baths below.

Pros

1) Saves Space

One of the best features of a wet bath is that it takes up less space than any other type of shower and toilet combination. This is extra important in a small RV or camper and can be an excellent choice for a camper van. A wet bath contains everything that you need to clean yourself and to relieve yourself.

Everything is contained in one small unit and this small unit takes up minimal space. Having everything together in one unit is a convenient way to still be able to have these features without taking up a lot of space.

Wet baths are usually found in smaller RVs. These are commonly seen in camper vans, small travel trailers, and some class C motorhomes. They work very well for campers of this size since you are working with limited space, to begin with.

You wouldn’t want to create a separate shower and toilet area in something as small as a camper van so a combination of both of these in the same space makes sense.

2) Easy To Clean

Since everything in a wet bath is designed to get wet, cleanup is easy because you can just wipe everything down once you are finished. This makes it easy to spray bathroom cleaner all over the place and then wipe it down without having separate areas to worry about.

Since most people clean their wet bath right after using it, it stays clean most of the time after it has had time to dry out.

Cleaning a wet bath can be as simple as using the shower head wand to spray down the entire area after you have finished using it. This makes it easy to make sure all of the soap and dirty water has been rinsed out of every crack and crevice. Once this has been done and you are fully finished with your shower, you can simply wipe it down with a towel or chamois.

3) Give You A Place To Sit While Showering

Having a toilet inside your shower can be handy for those times that you want to sit down while you are taking your shower. It becomes a bench that you can sit on and this makes it easier to wash your feet or clean areas that may be easier to clean while sitting down.

This is also great for those who need to sit down for a specific reason while they are taking a shower.

4) Can Be Used As A Drying Space

Another great thing about a wet bath is that you can hang or put wet clothes and other items that you don’t want in your living space. I often use my wet bath as a place to hang wet or sweaty clothes after I have been on a long hike or bike ride. It is also handy for putting wet umbrellas or wet clothes that have been hand washed.

You can hang stuff in the bathroom and not have to worry about the area getting wet. This comes in handy especially in small spaces and allows you to get things out of the way so that they don’t get the living space wet. There is often a lot of room inside a wet bath since it spans the space of a shower and toilet all in one. This gives you a sizable area to handle all of your wet belongings.

5) More Spacious For Showering

Once it is time for you to take a shower, you will generally have a more spacious set up than you would in other separate showers. Since the toilet, sink, and shower are generally all in one confined area, the space of the entire area can feel larger when taking a shower.

This gives you more elbow room to work with and makes it so that you don’t feel the walls closing in on you as you are lathering and rinsing.

Likewise, as you use your toilet, you have more space to do your business. This space allows you to move more freely and easily than you would by just having a small dedicated toilet space. Although the entire footprint of the wet bath may be small, the elbow room and moving around space that you might have can make up for the small area.

Cons

1) Everything Gets Wet

The biggest con is that when you take a shower in a wet bath, everything inside will get wet. Although it is designed to be this way, it sometimes can be a challenge and an inconvenience. I often find myself trying my best to not splash so much water around so there will not be so much to dry off after I am finished.

If you have toilet paper and other toiletries inside, you will need to make sure that they are in an area that won’t get wet. It’s common to have a waterproof toilet paper holder that allows you to keep the toilet paper dry as you run water throughout the showering area.

However, I have found that sometimes these are not fully waterproof or may not be fully closed and water could get to the toilet paper and turn it into a soggy mess.

Although easy to clean up, the water can get to be a lot and many people learn how to conserve water better the more they use one. By conserving water and learning how to spray yourself without creating as much splash, it is easier to manage the wetness.

2) A Wet Bath Can Be A Hassle

Having a wet bath isn’t always a good thing. Many people find them to be a hassle since everything inside gets wet. This can lead to moisture problems in your RV if you do not keep up on drying it. The wetness must be managed regularly and this can become a hassle for those who are not used to having one of these.

Those who are used to taking a shower at a house may be in for an unwelcoming adventure when using a wet bath. It can take a little while to adjust to the hassle that is required to maintain one of these types of setups.

3) They Are Small

If you have a small camper, a small bathroom can be a benefit. However, it can also be a disadvantage because if you have a small shower like this, it will be more difficult to use than a larger area would be. Larger people may have a difficult time using a small wet bath that can be found in small RVs. Everyone is different and will have to decide for themselves whether or not something like this is too small.

Personally, I like the size of a small wet bath. I don’t use it all the time and it’s nice to have the option without taking up so much space in my van. Yes, it is small once I go to use it but I can get the job done without much inconvenience. It’s not a big deal having a small shower like this and it can certainly be a welcoming feature when you are dirty and in need of a cleanup.

4) You Have To Spend Time Drying It After Use

It’s best that you always dry your shower and everything else inside of it after each use. This adds a little more time to your normal routine because you have to plan for the time it is going to take you to dry everything off. You have to get down into corners and crevices to make sure that everything gets properly dried out after you have run water throughout the entire area.

Although this is not difficult by any means, it does take extra time and if you had a separate shower you probably would not need to do this. It’s important that you do this to maintain a dry area in your van so that it doesn’t become a humid, mold creating space. You can make this process easier by having a dedicated towel or another absorbent device that soaks up a lot of water.

5) A Wet Bath Doesn’t Have Much Storage

In a wet bath, you will not find a lot of storage. Besides a few crevices and shelves, there isn’t a lot of room to store toiletries and other items. Even the items that you do have located in the area will possibly need to be removed when you use the area to take a shower.

Some of these types of areas do have watertight cabinet areas that can be used for storing items. By using the spaces, you won’t have to worry about water penetrating and getting the contents inside wet.

However, many of these types of areas are minimalistic and do not have a lot of room to store items.

Conclusion

A wet bath can be a great addition to a small camping space. If you have a Class B motorhome or a small travel trailer, you probably know all about using one of these. If you have a larger one, this type of showering area may be foreign to you.

They don’t take up a lot of space and they serve multiple purposes. Anytime that you can have something like this that serves multiple purposes in a small place, it is going to be ideal. Although it is not as luxurious as a full separate shower and toilet area, it gets the job done and allows you to have these conveniences even in a very small space.

There are pros to having this type of system but also cons so each person will need to decide if this is something they will want or not. These make a great solution for those people who use them occasionally. For those who mainly do their showering and bathroom using at a campground facility, they are perfect.

For those who live in small spaces, it’s hard to beat the convenience of having a shower and toilet like this. It may be difficult at first to get used to but the more you use it, the more you will appreciate the convenience that it offers.

If you are considering installing a toilet in your RV or van, you have probably already looked into cassette toilets. These types of toilets have mixed reviews and some people love them while others hate them. There is a certain amount of ickiness associated with having a toilet like this inside a vehicle. Depending on what you use it for, it could become quite messy.

A cassette toilet does not stink as long as you use it for number one only. Using it for number two might create a problem unless you intend to dump it shortly after using it. If you add chemical treatments to the toilet and dump it often, you will probably never notice any unpleasant odors.

Problems can arise when you use the toilet for both liquids and solids. Once you start dropping deuces into it, you could be looking at a real, stinky mess. Many people who use a cassette toilet only use it for number one and keep it as an emergency solution for other needs that may arise.

I have one in my van and I consider it a necessity. I use it all the time for number one and have never had a problem with it. I keep it cleaned out and dumped regularly so I never let it build up or give it time to develop into a stinky problem.

I always use chemicals or vinegar in it so it generally has a fresh, chemical smell that comes from it when you open it up to dump it. When it is sitting unused in the van, I have never noticed a smell coming from it.

In case of emergency, if I were to use it for something other than peeing, which I have done a time or two, I make sure to dump it as soon as possible. You never want to leave solids inside the tank to marinate.

If you use it for liquids and solids, be sure that you have a plan to dump it as soon as possible. After it has been dumped, be sure to clean it out well so that nothing is left inside.

I have heard horror stories from people who have used it for both during a longer period of time. Once it was time to dump, it was an absolute nightmare. The smell can become disgusting and make you never want to use the toilet again.

These are actually great toilets and can serve you well as long as you follow a few simple guidelines.

5 Simple Ways To Keep A Cassette Toilet Smelling Fresh

1) Use Chemicals

One proactive step that you can take to ensure that your toilet doesn’t become a stinky mess is to use chemicals designed for this type of use. These types of chemicals break down the waste and tissue while also adding a fresher smell to the waste tank of the cassette toilet.

These come in handy drop-in packets similar to what you would find for use in a dishwasher. You just drop them in the bottom of the tank and then the wastewater that falls into the tank will mix with the packet. This type of solution is also available as a liquid that you can pour into the tank.

The liquid is great for using in small amounts when you are just going on a short trip. Rather than wasting a whole drop-in packet, you can use a small amount of liquid and this will do the trick.

I often use a small amount of liquid chemical when I am going on an overnight stay or a few days away. If I am going on a trip where my waste tank will go a little longer between dumps, I will use a drop-in packet.

Both of these types of chemicals are biodegradable and can be emptied in standard sewage systems. They can also be dumped in campground dump stations and other dump stations that can be found in other places.

2) Dump & Clean Often

When using a cassette toilet, you will want to dump it and clean it as often as you possibly can. Allowing the cassette toilet to become filled with waste is a good way to create a stinky problem within your RV. You can avoid this by simply dumping the cassette toilet every chance that you get.

I try to dump my cassette toilet at least every day when I am out on the road on a trip. It isn’t always possible but it is a good idea to plan to do this as much as you possibly can. Some people allow their cassette toilet to fill up during an entire trip and then empty it after a week’s worth of using it.

This is a disaster waiting to happen. I wouldn’t suggest allowing your toilet to fill up more than three days at the most. Any more than this and you are likely going to have a smelly toilet.

It should also be noted that anytime you dump your toilet, you should take the time to clean it. This means that you should run freshwater in the waste tank and swish it around and dump it. Do this multiple times until the rinse water is coming out clear.

You don’t want to have colored water or water with chunks still coming out of the holding tank. Be sure that everything is removed from the cassette toilet before you call it complete.

It’s also good to add a little white vinegar to the rinse water as you are swishing it around. This works great but you can also choose to use a commercial cleaner as well. I prefer to use white distilled vinegar because it is a cheap option and does a great job.

3) Don’t Let It Get Too Full

As mentioned in the prior tip, dumping your toilet regularly will help you avoid a toilet that is too full. Be sure you plan ahead and do not allow your toilet to get too full. You don’t want to be in a location where you cannot dump your cassette toilet waste tank even though it is getting to a higher level.

It’s a good rule of thumb to not allow your toilet to get more than half full. Even though in an emergency you might allow it to go more than this, in normal situations, it’s good to adhere to this.

Many cassette toilets have a gauge that lets you know whether they are full or close to being full. Many of these aren’t very accurate or only give a general idea so you will need to pay close attention.

One good way to make sure that you do not overfill your waste tank is to not fill up the entire freshwater tank. If you keep the freshwater tank half-filled, you can make it a point to empty the waste holding tank once the freshwater tank is near empty.

The freshwater tank is almost always a larger capacity than the wastewater tank so if you fill the freshwater tank to its full level, you will still have fresh water available even after the waste holding tank is full. Avoid this mistake by not filling the freshwater tank up to its maximum capacity.

You can always add additional water to the freshwater tank as needed if you can not dump it at the exact moment that your freshwater tank runs dry.

4) Don’t Mix Liquids & Solids

Having a toilet in your RV doesn’t mean that it is to be treated like your home toilet. Of course, you can choose to do this if you wish but I will warn you that mixing liquids and solids is a recipe for disaster. Unless you are going to dump the holding tank right after you dump your bowels, I would leave the cassette toilet for number one only.

Mixing the two can create a mess that will likely become a gross situation to deal with. It’s not that you will smell it within your RV or van but the problem will occur when you go to dump the holding tank. If you leave the waste to marinate for a length of time, the surprise you will find when emptying the holding tank will not be very pleasant.

Although I have used my cassette toilet for both, I typically only use it for number one. Peeing in the cassette toilet does not pose any problem and isn’t even gross when emptying it. Of course, this is assuming that you empty it regularly.

However, once you begin to do both and especially if multiple people are using it, this can get pretty gross.

It’s best to have another solution for number two and possibly even depend on public restrooms. If you are boondocking, you can take a shovel and head out into the wild to relieve yourself the natural way.

5) Keep Water In The Bowl

In order to avoid any smells coming out of the holding tank, you should always keep a small amount of water in the toilet bowl. This will help to seal the tank and not allow odors to pass through.

This is similar to the way a P-trap works in a plumbing system. By allowing water to stand in the P-trap, no gas odors can come through and enter into the living area.

When you are not using the toilet, make sure you leave a little bit of water in the bottom of the bowl to create this effect. Of course, you will need to make sure your toilet is secured and level when you are driving. You don’t want the water to be splashing out as you are driving.

You don’t have to put a lot of water in the bowl, just a small amount will do the trick.

Conclusion

Talking about toilets can be a nasty subject that many people avoid. However, it’s a fact of life and we all need to have a way to relieve ourselves. All humans do it so there is no need to shy away from the discussion.

Having a cassette toilet in your van or RV can be a very convenient way for you to make sure you always have a way to use the restroom.

Many people do not like to have toilets like this and prefer to only use public facilities. This may depend upon where you are currently at in life. Younger people may be fine with using public facilities but more mature folks will appreciate the convenience of having a private toilet at their disposal.

Cassette toilets are the best option for the money. They don’t cost a lot but they offer a convenient and reliable solution. There are lots of different options and capacities that will work for all types of people and their needs.

A cassette toilet was my first type of toilet in my camper van and it’s the one that I have stuck with. I love it and wouldn’t want to be without it. I find it to be very handy and no big deal to maintain.

It isn’t as dirty of a job as you might imagine as long as you stick with the tips that I mentioned in the article above. You will be able to use it and not have to worry about the toilet becoming a smelly problem within your living space.

A Class B RV is the smallest type of motorhome that you can purchase. Also known as a camper van, a Class B RV is often ideal for one or two people but can get very tight for any more than that. These types of motorhomes are great for easy maneuverability and being able to travel without being intimidated by the size of the rig.

Many of these RVs are small and in order to provide more space, some manufacturers of these motorhomes have added pop-up roofs. These pop-up roofs extend upwards, giving you more room to walk around and oftentimes, more room for extra bedding or sleeping areas.

A pop-top can be a very welcome addition to a van that is already small. It can give you a dedicated place to sleep and stay while providing a nice view while camping higher up. Many of these pop-up roofs have screen windows all around giving you panoramic views of whatever location you are camping in.

Let’s take a look at some of the popular models on the market today. These models listed below offer an awesome camping experience and also allow for the added feature of the pop-up roof.

1. Pleasure-Way Tofino

MSRP: $70,850

The Pleasure-Way is a four-season, stealthy camper van that offers all that you would want in a high-quality Class B motorhome. It has a very low profile and utilizes a low-roof van built on the Ram Promaster chassis.

The benefit of this low-roof van is that it doesn’t look the part of a motorhome until the pop-top is raised. This means that as you drive around and park in various locations, you will probably not be noticed. People won’t recognize that you are in a Class B RV until you have popped the roof.

This RV is on the shorter side at 17 feet, 9 inches feet long. It can carry up to 2000 pounds of occupancy weight so it will hold quite a bit of gear and human weight for such a small RV.

The interior of this coach is quite roomy, even when the roof is down. There is plenty of room to move around and perform regular tasks such as cooking, eating, and lounging. A person of average height will have no problems moving around in the living space provided.

Upon opening the rooftop, you are presented with an area with additional headroom where you can stand up straight. This additional headroom is positioned in the kitchen area of the van which makes it easier to stand up and perform cooking duties as well as perform other dreaded responsibilities such as cleaning and washing dishes.

The rooftop has gas struts which makes it very simple to open. It practically opens on its own once you release the latches that hold it in place.

The top contains a large sleeping area that can accommodate multiple people. It is a great location for children and also has ventilation on each side. This additional sleeping area allows you to travel with more people and also allows you to have an additional area for sleeping.

The material of the pop-up roof is made from Sunbrella which is a durable outdoor material that can withstand the weather. This material is often found in outdoor furniture and is made to last through bad weather situations. It is also less prone to fading from the harmful UV sun rays.

This van provides everything you need in a minimalistic package. The two swivel seats in the front allow you to increase the living space and turn the small van into a much larger space.

For sleeping, the rear jackknife sofa can be turned into a bed or the top bedding area can be used. There is plenty of sleeping room in the van.

If you are looking for a popup roof on a van, the Pleasure-Way Tofino is a great, affordable option that you will be happy with if you are looking for a small Class B van. It’s a great van for stealth camping or dry camping and will be a winner for those looking to boondock but don’t need the huge amount of space found in much larger RVs.

One negative about this van is that it doesn’t come with an installed roof fan. A roof fan can make a huge difference in being able to stay cool in warm weather. You’ll need to install this yourself if you want this included in the van.

Read more about how I installed the Maxxair roof fan in my van.

2. Winnebago Solis

MSRP: $100,667

The Winnebago Solis is a van that is new for 2020 and offers a large-sized Class B motorhome with a pop-top. Similar to the Tofino above, the Solis also utilizes the Ram Promaster except this one is built on the high roof version. When you throw the pop-top onto it, you have a van with a great second sleeping area that can accommodate children or adults.

The van itself provides a spacious living area without the pop-top so you never really have to use it if you don’t want. It comes in handy by providing an additional sleeping area or as your primary sleeping area. By utilizing the popup roof as your sleeping area, you open the rest of the van up to being a large living area.

The pop-top contains a sleeping area along with vented windows. It’s roomy and comfortable and makes a great place to spend the night on a nice night.

The van contains all of the living amenities that you would expect from an RV like this. A spacious dining area along with swivel seats opens up the area and makes use of all the space contained in the van interior.

The living space is opened up and allows for using the space to haul items rather than just using it for an RV. It has a full pass through that runs the entire length of the van. The rear bed folds down and it has a wet bath with a cassette toilet.

The Solis is a great option for those looking for a lot of space in an RV with the additional benefit of having a pop-top. If you have children that you travel with, the Solis provides extra sleeping space as well as four, seat-belted seating areas when traveling.

3. Corado Axion Studio

MSRP: $85,000+

Here, we have another Class B RV that is built on the Ram Promaster van. The Axion Studio is similar in size to the Pleasure-Way Tofino since both are built on the Promaster 1500 and have a total length of 17 feet, 9 inches.

Overall, this RV has a nice layout and is fairly spacious for a van of such a small size. The upper sleeping area in the pop up roof is similar to the other options and offers a large, comfortable area to sleep with windows that are vented for maximum airflow.

The RV contains all of the areas that you’ve come to expect and has a large lounge area that doubles as a sleeping area when it’s time for bed.

The aluminum ladder allows you to climb up into the top bed for a fun night of sleep with a view.

One of the disadvantages of this van is that it only contains 3-point seatbelts in the front driver and passenger seats. If you have children that travel with you, you’ll probably need to leave them at home since there is no safe place for them to buckle in.

4. Modvans CV1

MSRP: $85,000+

The Modvans CV1 is built on the Ford Transit chassis and features a large pop-top roof. Without the roof popped open, it is a low-roof so you won’t have as much room to move around when it is closed. The pop-top really opens up the area and gives you a lot of space to move around.

The headroom with the added pop-top is great for taller people or those who feel a little claustrophobic in small spaces.

The added pop-top can provide additional headroom when using the van interior and it can also provide a sleeping area when it’s time to call it quits for the day.

The comfortable pop-top bed gives you 360-degree views of the area around you and provides a space with airflow through the screened windows.

This RV is great for stealth camping because it doesn’t look like an RV. It looks like a standard, low-roof van that could pass for a standard work van. However, the interior includes a living area that gives you all you need in a modern RV.

Overall, the van is small and when the roof is closed, the living space might feel a bit cramped. It’s great for one or two people but might get tight if you have additional people traveling with you. It does contain additional seating with seatbelts so you can travel with four people if needed.

5. Sportsmobile Classic 4×4

The Sportsmobile Classic 4×4 is the ultimate off-road, adventure RV for those looking to get away from it all. It’s built on a custom Ford Econoline chassis. This van is built to get you off the road and into locations that you might not be able to get to otherwise.

The living space isn’t going to be as luxurious as what you might find from other Class B RVs but it provides all that one could need. It’s complete with a kitchen, sleeping area, sitting area and has a solar system that will allow you to stay off the grid for an extended period of time.

This is more of a van that is made for camping short periods of time but may not be the best choice for living in or longer stays.

The penthouse top is the pop-top that adds additional space to the top of the van. It allows you to stand up fully and walk around in the van. It can also be set up as a bed for a sleeping area similar to the other vans listed above.

When the pop-top is opened, the space really becomes opened up. The screened windows allow for maximum views and airflow.

One thing is for sure, the van is a cool looking rig. It screams adventure and you are sure to turn some heads when driving this beast around. It’s great for those who want an off-road RV and something a bit different than the regular offerings on the market.

This RV will take you to places where you can camp in areas away from the crowd. Get off the beaten path and enjoy nature knowing that you can go nearly anywhere you want with this off-road machine.

Why A Pop-Top?

As you can see from the vans above, a pop-top provides a great additional living space to a van. Not only that, but it also allows for a taller interior, making it more comfortable to move around. A pop-top is great for small families since the top sleeping area often provides a perfect escape for children.

They can sleep in their own space while the main sleeping area in the van living space can be reserved for the adults or vice versa.

There are benefits to having a pop-top but one reason you might not want one would be the inconvenience. It might be a bit inconvenient if you are traveling, making quick stops. If you have a low roof van, you’ll have to move about the van hunched over unless you want to take the time to raise the roof.

This isn’t usually a difficult task so it is certainly doable. The problem is that it draws attention to you and may not be the best solution for enjoying time in your van while in a parking lot.

Besides that one negative aspect, a pop-top can create a great experience and provide you with a useful addition that will make your journey more pleasurable.

Add A Pop Top To A Conversion Van

If you don’t want to spend the money on a motorhome that already has a pop-up roof, you can always add one to a van you may already have. Most modern vans can be customized with a pop-top and this would allow you to enjoy the same benefits as you would enjoy from the five Class B RVs mentioned above.

Companies like Colorado Camper Van and Sportsmobile can provide an option for you to add this feature to your van. Expect to pay between $10,000 and $15,000 for having a pop-top added to a van.

Although this can be a great option for those seeking to add a pop-up roof on a current van that they have, it can be an additional cost to consider. It may end up being just as affordable and much more convenient to find a used Class B RV for sale that already has one.

Final Thoughts

A pop-up roof can be a great addition to a van, especially for tall people or those who need a second sleeping space. Families can benefit from a setup like this since it gives them more space while keeping the footprint of the vehicle small.

Sleeping in a pop-up on top of the roof can be a fun experience and similar to sleeping in a tent that is off the ground. Although in the summer months, sleeping in a pop-up roof area may not give you the best experience since it can get stuffy.

The five motorhomes outlined above are great options that are currently on the market. If you are looking for a small RV that is easy to drive but contains the added space of having the additional pop-up roof, these options are worth considering.