We think we want an XLR 300x12 over a bunkhouse model...for the following reasons...1. Cargo area and room, we dont have a designated toy yet, lots of little stuff, but easy to load.2. Room when we do have toys to move.3. Flexibility for rear room...electric bed lifted up out of way, use the walk through dinette and table....seems like it would be an ideal place for them.4. Kids sleep there at night would be the plan...Now, those that have a hauler, please let me know if this would work ok? If you had 4 kids, would you just go the bunkhouse route or think this will be comfortable enough? I would have ducted heat and AC, as well as a 2nd ac.The unit I am planning to get is about 8,500 more than a Jayco Bunkhouse...and the XLR comes equipped with auto leveling, thermal pack insulation and dual panes, touchscreen power remote, VIP party deck, GENERATOR 5.5 Onan, fuel station, dyson vac, washer dryer hook ups...just seems like so much more for the money...what am I missing?Open for advice, its a major purchase, and if I order tomorrow can have it around April 20th with all options I want and weight my truck can handle...thanks!

We got a toyhauler when we upgraded out of a bunkhouse. It didn't take long to figure out the kids were growing. The bunkhouse beds fit the little ones, but the 12 yr old (then) started growing. The oversize queen beds are more then large enough for 4-5 little ones on the bottom bunk, and as they get bigger I can double up two on top and two on the bottom. The garage is a playroom by day and a bedroom by night. Plus the added space to haul whatever (mine is good for just over 2500 lbs) bulky stuff need to me moved. We have the ducted heat - it is a joke - with an electric heater in back in the winter. I am going to put an AC in the roof this summer - electric fans littering the floor blowing cold are to the garage is getting old. Keep in mind, TH's are insanely nose heavy, they are designed to have toys in the back to balance themselves out. My kids Thomas the tank engine and matchbox cars don't help much in that department - go by the empty pinweight and add a few hundred for whatever you put in the wardrobe and basement.

You're spot on with the multi-function ability of the toy hauler. Wife and I seriously contemplated a diesel pusher this past winter, and just couldn't see our way past the usefulness of our toy hauler.I 2nd that the garage heat is a joke. Unless the XLR line has really stepped outside the norm, figure on a standalone heater to get the job done when the temp drops.They are heavy. Mine normally runs 16.5K. Probably close to 17.5k when I have the electric cart loaded.Figure on stated pin weight being a pipe dream. My stated was 3100#. In reality it's 4,300, verified. Make sure you've got the beef in truck dept.I would NEVER trade our toy hauler for a bunkhouse. I have a bunkhouse now, when I want it. And a garage, and a playroom, and a 2nd dining room, etc etc.

I just bought the 386x12 xlr and would agree that you would need to run a space heater in the garage. If I still had kids with us, I would love the idea of them having their own space.

Thanks for the feedback. I would expect the weight on the 300x12 to be better than ok for the truck, so hoping real world numbers dont dissapoint. I was planning the 2nd AC, sounds like definetely the place to put it would be the garage, not only for the kids comfort but the extra weight to the rear.Glad to know those who have had bunkhouses would rather have it. 2015 XLR 300x12 loaded with Extreme weather pack, auto level, 5.5 gen, touch screen remote, all the goodies sound pretty good at 46k?I had also heard that resale on toy haulers tends to be much higher than a bunkhouse.

We went from a bunkhouse to toy hauler and all of your rationale is valid.You have now been validated by Nature Boy Ric Flair. You are free to proceed to the next step in the process......

Toy Hauler for Kids.... | Good Sam Community

jlud
Explorer
Mar 13, 2014
Thanks for the feedback. I would expect the weight on the 300x12 to be better than ok for the truck, so hoping real world numbers dont dissapoint.

I was planning the 2nd AC, sounds like definetely the place to put it would be the garage, not only for the kids comfort but the extra weight to the rear.

Glad to know those who have had bunkhouses would rather have it.

2015 XLR 300x12 loaded with Extreme weather pack, auto level, 5.5 gen, touch screen remote, all the goodies sound pretty good at 46k?

I had also heard that resale on toy haulers tends to be much higher than a bunkhouse.
revflyr
Explorer
Mar 13, 2014
I just bought the 386x12 xlr and would agree that you would need to run a space heater in the garage. If I still had kids with us, I would love the idea of them having their own space.
tgreening
Explorer
Mar 13, 2014
You're spot on with the multi-function ability of the toy hauler. Wife and I seriously contemplated a diesel pusher this past winter, and just couldn't see our way past the usefulness of our toy hauler.

I 2nd that the garage heat is a joke. Unless the XLR line has really stepped outside the norm, figure on a standalone heater to get the job done when the temp drops.

They are heavy. Mine normally runs 16.5K. Probably close to 17.5k when I have the electric cart loaded.

Figure on stated pin weight being a pipe dream. My stated was 3100#. In reality it's 4,300, verified. Make sure you've got the beef in truck dept.

I would NEVER trade our toy hauler for a bunkhouse. I have a bunkhouse now, when I want it. And a garage, and a playroom, and a 2nd dining room, etc etc.
christopherglen
Explorer
Mar 13, 2014
We got a toyhauler when we upgraded out of a bunkhouse. It didn't take long to figure out the kids were growing. The bunkhouse beds fit the little ones, but the 12 yr old (then) started growing. The oversize queen beds are more then large enough for 4-5 little ones on the bottom bunk, and as they get bigger I can double up two on top and two on the bottom. The garage is a playroom by day and a bedroom by night. Plus the added space to haul whatever (mine is good for just over 2500 lbs) bulky stuff need to me moved. We have the ducted heat - it is a joke - with an electric heater in back in the winter. I am going to put an AC in the roof this summer - electric fans littering the floor blowing cold are to the garage is getting old. Keep in mind, TH's are insanely nose heavy, they are designed to have toys in the back to balance themselves out. My kids Thomas the tank engine and matchbox cars don't help much in that department - go by the empty pinweight and add a few hundred for whatever you put in the wardrobe and basement.

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