What is a Class B+ RV? A Class B+ motorhome, like the Gulf Stream Coach BT Cruiser, is designed primarily for couples. It serves as an undersized Class C, offering a slightly smaller, narrower footprint that is easier to maneuver while still providing more space than a standard camper van.

Gulf Stream Coach is the largest independently owned, family-operated RV manufacturer in the industry, having been in business for 43 years and building motorhomes for 39 years. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the BT Cruiser has pioneered innovation in the Class B+ market.

Key B+ Construction & Advantages:

• Built on a strong foundation featuring a fiberglass cap, molded fiberglass side moldings, rear fiberglass cap, and a fiberglass roof.

• Includes a full dry bath, unlike the wet baths typically found in standard Class B vans.

• Upgraded capacities compared to a B van, including infinitely more towing capability, a larger engine, and larger tanks for fuel, fresh water, gray water, black water, LP, and the generator.

• Features a modified overhead area designed for a 42-inch TV and entertainment, rather than the extended over-cab sleeping bunk found on a family-sized Class C.

Video Transcript

Introduction to Gulf Stream Coach Motorhomes

“Hi, my name is Matt Buckman. I’m the General Manager of Gulf Stream Coach’s Motorized Division, where we produce the Class B-Plus BT Cruiser, and behind me, the Class C Conquest.

Gulf Stream has been in business for 43 years, and we’ve been building motorhomes for 39. Gulf Stream is the largest independently owned, family-operated RV manufacturer in the industry. We are known throughout the industry as a quality manufacturer. We really focus on innovation, and one of our key marks is the value equation. Our products, regardless of what we build, really pack a punch when it comes to value.”

What is a Class B-Plus RV?

“As we travel the country attending shows and talk to thousands of people, a common question comes up: What is a B-Plus? It’s a great question. A B-Plus is what you’re looking at here on my right. This is a coach that is designed for couples. It’s a little smaller, a little narrower, and a little easier to maneuver compared to its original namesake, the Class C, which is behind us.

A Class C is designed for families. You have a cab-over sleeping area on a Class C, while on a B-Plus, that space is modified. So, they have two different functions and uses—uniquely different, but similar. The B-Plus is somewhat of an undersized Class C.

We’ve been building the BT Cruiser for 25 years. In fact, it’s our 25th anniversary, and it’s a product that has really pioneered innovation in the Class B-Plus market. What makes us unique is that we’ve held true to our original design. We have an incredibly strong foundation and outstanding construction. There are a lot of great components on this unit: you have a fiberglass front cap, molded fiberglass side moldings, a rear fiberglass cap, and a fiberglass roof. There are a lot of great features on a BT Cruiser that really bump up the quality and benefits of the product.”

Why should I buy a Class B-Plus instead of a Class B Camper Van?

“Another question I get very often is: Why would I buy a B-Plus as opposed to a B van? A B van is a little smaller and easier to maneuver, but consumers often figure out that it’s not quite the full RV experience you can have with something like a B-Plus. There are some very key and distinct advantages to a B-Plus:

First, you’re typically going to have a dry bath on a B-Plus versus a wet bath on a B van. Second, a B-Plus is going to give you infinitely more towing capability as well as weight and storage capacity. Those are two very key elements when you’re thinking about RVing. Third, the B-Plus is a little bit more versatile. We can make them longer, and they feel more spacious inside. With a B van, you have a great time for a weekend. With a B-Plus, you can have a great time for a month at a time.

Beyond that, there’s a whole other slew of things that make it advantageous: a larger engine and larger tanks—that means more capacity for fuel, fresh water, gray water, black water, LP, and the generator. All of those things are upgraded and larger compared to a B van, which makes your RV experience that much more enjoyable.”

What is the difference between a Class B-Plus and a Class C Motorhome?

“The next question people typically ask is: Why should I buy a B-Plus versus a Class C? That really depends on the particular customer and their needs and wants. But like I said before: it is a couples unit versus a family unit.

Traditionally, the B-Plus is going to be a little narrower than the Class C. It’s not as tall and has a lower center of gravity, making it easier to drive, park, and maneuver. Outside of that, the functionality is almost identical to that of a Class C.

Besides height and width, one key design element really differentiates the B-Plus from the Class C: the overhead cab. If you notice on the B-Plus, the overhead cab extends just to the edge of the top of the windshield. With the Class C, the overhead bunk extends significantly beyond the windshield. Some manufacturers take it all the way out, which can give you a very unique experience when driving—it can feel like you’re driving in a cave, and visibility is somewhat limited. With the B-Plus, visibility is wide open.”

Class B-Plus Entertainment Centers vs. Class C Overhead Bunks

“I’d like to give you a visual example of what a B-Plus overhead looks like. It’s primarily used for entertainment and some storage. On this B-Plus, there is no overhead bunk; it’s an overhead entertainment center. This model features a nice 42-inch TV mounted up front, and you also have nice storage on both sides. This modified overhead area is what we define as a B-Plus design.

Just for comparison, a Class C has an overhead bunk—a very traditional design. While you can store a lot of things up there if it’s just the two of you, it is primarily made for sleeping.”