Off-Road Class B Comparison: Revel Vs. Top 5 Off-Road Class B Alternatives (2024)

Watch Out Revel, Here Come the “Off-Road” Class Bs

Recently, there’s been a surge in demand for more off-road-capable RVs. RVers have a growing desire to explore beyond traditional campgrounds. Boondocking and overlanding have become increasingly trendier, and many RVers want a rig that can traverse rough terrain without compromising on comfort and amenities.

This demand has spurred manufacturers to develop Class B motorhomes for off-road adventures. Class Bs are compact and easy to drive, and if you raise their clearance and slap on some beefy tires, they can easily venture off the pavement. But do RVers really go off-roading in these Class B’s?

While many people use their rigs to set out on grand overlanding adventures, the ability to get off the pavement is appealing. You never know what you’ll encounter on a cross-country road trip, especially when boondocking. In our opinion, this is why off-road vehicles are so popular lately. People want confidence in their self-sufficient adventures. We don’t blame them!

All About the Winnebago Revel

Since the Winnebago Revel debuted in 2017, it’s been a gateway for many to more rugged off-road adventures. With a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis and four-wheel drive, the Revel has some basic off-road capabilities necessary for getting out of the campground.

Its turbo-diesel engine and automatic overdrive transmission deliver over 330 pounds of torque and 211 horsepower. Additionally, it has dual light bars with 22,000 lumens of light.

Revel holds an impressive 35 gallons of fresh water and 21 gallons of gray water, so you can boondock for a bit longer. Other specifications include:

• Exterior Length: 19’6″
• Exterior Height: 9’11”
• Exterior Width: 7’5″
• Interior Height: 6’3″
• Interior Width: 5’10”
• Wheelbase: 144″
• Fuel Capacity: 24.5 gallons
• GVWR: 9,050 lbs
• Cassette Toilet Capacity: 5 gallons
• Sleeps: 2
• Awning Length: 10′

Pro Tip: Before you dive into van life, make sure you know What’s It Really Like Inside a Campervan?

Jayco Terrain Vs. Revel

Jayco, a reputable name in the RV industry, has introduced the Terrain. Like the Revel, the Terrain is on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis with 4WD.

It features a rugged exterior design with off-road tires and a lifted suspension. Inside, it offers all the comforts of home. It includes a fully equipped kitchen, an all-in-one wet bath with shower and cassette toilet, and sleeping accommodations for up to two people.

However, some key differences in features of the Jayco Terrain vs. the Revel are the battery amp hours, mounting space in the “garage,” and insulation quality. The Revel takes the cake with all these features, with a 320 amp-hour lithium-ion battery vs. a 210 amp-hour lithium battery in the Jayco Terrain. The Revel also has more storage room in the garage space and better insulation for colder camping.

Now let’s take a look at the specs of the Jayco Terrain vs the Revel:

Thor Sanctuary Vs. Revel

Thor Motor Coach has entered the off-road Class B market with the Sanctuary, a rugged yet luxurious motorhome for adventurers who don’t want to sacrifice comfort.

It’s on a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 4X4 chassis with durable construction and advanced off-road capabilities. With five floorplans to compete vs the Revel, you’ll likely find the Thor Sanctuary Class B that fits your needs.

The Sanctuary also has the Re(Li)able energy system with solar and lithium-ion power, a Thule roof ladder, a top-mounted LED light bar, and all-terrain tires. While the Sanctuary doesn’t have the off-roading features of some Class Bs, it delivers style, options, and upscale amenities. Here’s how Thor Sanctuary stacks up vs the Revel:

Airstream Interstate 19X (New in 2024) Vs. Revel

Airstream has introduced the Interstate 19X, a compact off-road Class B for off-grid adventures. Like many others, it’s on a 19-foot Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis with 4X4 capabilities.

With all-terrain tires, electronic stability and electronic traction systems, durable body protection, and a front-end brush guard with adjustable LED lights, you can venture off the beaten path with all the comforts of home.

To stay connected, you’ll have two 100 amp-hour lithium Battle Born Batteries, a 30-amp energy management system, a 2000-watt power inverter, and 250-watts of military-grade solar panels. It also comes with a surprising amount of overhead storage and a dynamic living area.

Here’s the Airstream Interstate 19X vs. the Winnebago Revel:

Can These Vans Really Go Off-Road?

All these off-road Class Bs offer some baseline off-road capabilities, but it’s crucial to manage your expectations regarding their overland prowess.

While they can handle moderate off-road conditions with ease, extreme terrain may still pose challenges. Even with 4WD, it’s possible to have difficulty in icy, sandy, or extremely rocky terrain.

We also don’t recommend trying to rock crawl in your $200,000+ Class B van.

Before setting out, it’s vital to assess your destinations and the level of off-roading you plan to do before making a decision. If some areas seem questionable, we’d think twice before attempting.

Pro Tip: Go off the beaten path in your Class B RV safely by using our tips and tricks for overlanding in a van.