Diesel Pusher with Bunks?

My wife was (surprisingly) intrigued by the Allstar. I still can't see that going DP is a good intro rig, but I am curious to see one as well.

Mid-Engine Diesel.... Why does that just SOUND crazy expensive to have serviced?

On another note, she was surprisingly receptive about the drop-down bunks over the driver's area. I thought that would be a non-starter, but she thought it seemed like a good idea when she saw one today.

The search goes on....

bob_b wrote:
The coolest one is the Newmar Allstar Bunkhouse model. It has a lower bedroom and an upper bedroom at the back of the coach. This can be done because it is a mid-engined diesel.

Agreed, I have always liked that Allstar 3950 model. It is the only model I've seen that *might* could convince me to go to a diesel. 'Tis a crying shame that so few of them were built.

However, DW does not share my enthusiasm over that model. She wants nothing to do with it, and cringes at the idea of ever having to climb up in that loft area (to pack, get kids clothes, etc. from up there, not to sleep, hahaha).

Will

Chris,

You should be able to find a six or seven year old Berkshire Bunk model for close to your budget. New, they are now listed at upper $200's but an '08 or '09 should be reachable. The biggest problem is finding one as they are quite rare.

We use our Berkshire for taking our twins, age 17, but also my in-laws. We sleep six comfortably and it is a great rig for families.

Ed

The coolest one is the Newmar Allstar Bunkhouse model. It has a lower bedroom and an upper bedroom at the back of the coach. This can be done because it is a mid-engined diesel.

JimM68 wrote:
I'm with YC1 also, especially if the kids are older.
The bunks are "right there" outside the bedroom, next to the bathroom. Severely limits privacy in what I think of as "Mom and Dad's area".

Yes, that is an issue, and is part of the reason why we stayed with a towable RV for several years before going to a MH - Can't beat the privacy a towable RV gives, with kid's bunkhouse one one end of the RV, and adult's bedroom on the other. If that privacy is a big issue, IMO one may be better off in a towable RV that allows more of that privacy.

For us, we addressed that 'privacy' issue by installing a lock on the door going to our bedroom in the back. Between that, and turning on either the TV or AC fan in the back for 'white noise' to cover up 'other' noises....Privacy is not an issue for us. ;)

Our kids r older, only one camps with us regularly. Our coach has 2 jack knife sofa's that convert to beds in seconds, and Jr. has to fold and stow his bedding and flip his bed closed immediately on waking up.

There again, though, having them make up the beds as soon as they get up in the morning does not solve the problem in the evening - You lose your living, sitting area when they go to bed. That may well not be an issue for some, but for those of us that like to have some time of 'peace and quiet' after kids go to bed and before adults do....Well, the bunks are a requirement in that case.

Will

The Winnebago Forza 38P is a DP with bunks. Really nice unit but a little higher than your price range.

The beauty of the bunks for us is that I am always the first one up in the morning. I get up,
close the bedroom door. then thru the hall, close the door to the bunk area. I can have my coffee, watch the news if I choose and everyone else can sleep away undisturbed. The kids are in their teens now and they sleep in later. Bunks are hard to find used because they just don't sell that many new either.

I'm with YC1 also, especially if the kids are older.
The bunks are "right there" outside the bedroom, next to the bathroom. Severely limits privacy in what I think of as "Mom and Dad's area". Not just for certain adult activities that our children would prefer to have no knowledge of, but even for those middle of the night bathroom trips us middle aged folks tend to require.

Our kids r older, only one camps with us regularly. Our coach has 2 jack knife sofa's that convert to beds in seconds, and Jr. has to fold and stow his bedding and flip his bed closed immediately on waking up.

YC 1 wrote:
OK, here is you "other suggestion".

If the kids are in their teens they may travel less often with you now. An rv can be a long term purchase so think to the future use a bit. If the kids are big enough to make their own beds then set some rules for them. They make it down and when you get up they do too. Our grandson lives with us full timers and he gets the bed made often before I am up. The precious space bunks would take up is better used for our purposes.

Problem with that approach (using couch, dinette for kids to sleep) is that it means when they go to bed, you lose your living, sitting area, and just about have to go to bed same time the kids (or grandkids) do. While that may work for some, for many folks (including us) it will not.

Nope, bunks are the only way for us. Kids really need to have their own 'space' that bunks provide.

As for long term use, after kids grow up and don't go as much: Not a problem, it is very easy to convert bunks into storage space for other purposes when that time comes.

Now, to addres the specific question of the original poster: When we were looking for bunk models, we found that manufacturers didn't really start making class A units with bunks, until long about 2007 or 2008. When we were looking ('bout 2 years ago), a DP from those years or newer were just not in our budget, all we looked at were right at or over $100k.

I know they've depreciated some since then, but I still think it may be tough to find a DP with bunks (2007 or newer) in the 50-60k price range you mentioned.

OK, here is you "other suggestion".

If the kids are in their teens they may travel less often with you now. An rv can be a long term purchase so think to the future use a bit. If the kids are big enough to make their own beds then set some rules for them. They make it down and when you get up they do too. Our grandson lives with us full timers and he gets the bed made often before I am up. The precious space bunks would take up is better used for our purposes.