Hi Steve,
the newer units are often diesel and may have spare parts supply lines reaching across oceans. some of them also have expensive and less flexible energy systems ( some have no propane or no generator)
I have a 2006 PleasureWay Lexor on a Chev 3500 chassis repairable anywhere by anyone with parts from any auto parts store
the advantages of a B are the MPG ( 15 ~16), ease of parking and ease of driving
have a fridge, 2 burner gas, gas hot water, toilet, shower ( and a 2nd wand outside), a tv, a genny, AC and a microwave. we also carry about 30G of water ( and tanks for waste water and toilet)
these features are fairly common to class B's
solar panels on the roof require the van to be parked in the sun so we have stayed away from that, we do have a small panel which I can put out and kick to follow the sun through the day
-we try to go where we don;t need ac, and to park in the shade
the AC and microwave require the genny running ( we have never actually used ours while camping) or shore power- plugged in at a campground or extension cord to your pal's home
Roadtreks are also popular- pre about 2014 the manufacturer was more dependable since then the company changed hands a few times.
the older units can be the 170 on Chev 2500 w 4.8 liter motor. The 190's will be on the 3500 with the 6.0 ( usually) the popular models usually sleep fore and aft, the versatile models sleep sideways ( I'm too tall for that) R/T's often have a drop floor section for more overhead space...I tripped on the transition when shopping and ruled that out
the best thing is to go look at units, new and used. the more you can look at the better "feel" you will have.
we looked at about 30 units and knew when we saw the right one- there are also plenty of youtube videos from dealers showing features- watch how easily ( or not) the sales person moves around inside the cabin
budget will be tough as the demand has been super-high with covid, so prices will be abnormally high
( I could sell mine for MORE than I paid in 2015)
sometimes it is a drag to break down camp to go somewhere- a disadvantage compared to a trailer.
For us, my pick-up was marginal and if we'd gone with a trailer I'd have had to buy a new truck which likely would have cost as much or more than we paid for the van
we find that we are good for about 6 days at a time- then need food, laundry, water and dump tanks, we also may be low on 12 volt house battery - a drive to town will fix that.
no sense in carrying more supplies or clothing than the water we have, as space is always at a preminum
mike