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fulltimedaniel's avatar
Jan 26, 2017

RV Mfg's Missing a new market segment

After full timing for two years now and meeting and talking to hundreds of other fellow travelers one thing is apparent to me.

The RV Manufacturers are missing or unaware of a significant market segment that wants and buys RV's

I am talking about the many many people who travel together that are not married or a couple (of either or both sexes)that do not sleep together and need two bedrooms or at least two separate and private sleeping areas.

The overwhelming majority of trailers are designed for couples or for a family with children.

While this market segment isnt huge it is significant and growing. Some have dubbed it the Golden Girls...or Boys phenomena. There are an increasing number of non related older people living together and sharing expenses.

In my recent tour of about 5 Large RV dealers looking for such a trailer I got mostly dumb looks (a normal response at many dealers to any question) and rather condescending responses based on my marital status. And no trailers to look at.

It will be nice when the RV manufacturers wake up to good design, interiors that dont look like Liberaces Bedroom and more efficient and appealing designs...to say nothing of needed equipment like (gasp) shock absorbers on every trailer.

Instead we get over the top frothy designs that maximize TV viewing inside and out (a terrible idea that should be stamped out now)instead of true livability.

100 Replies

  • FWIW, our 2005 24 foot Class C has two queen beds, with privacy curtains for each one. The dinette also makes into another full bed ... that is private when the other two bed areas have their curtains drawn. We have camped with three non-sleeping-together adults in it.
  • A Class C will have a bed over the cab in most cases plus the back bedroom. If it doesn't have two sleeping areas it most likely will have a pull-out sofa. Our 5th wheel had a bedroom with a queen and one with bunk beds. I can't imagine the dealers being rude to you over marital status or a question about separate sleeping areas. To say there's no type of unit available is utterly ridiculous.
  • RPreeb wrote:
    Several Jayco hybrid models have a queen bed on each end. That would seem to satisfy the OP's requirement without being directed solely at such a relatively small market.


    Heck, our previous RVision TrailCruier C21RBH had but one hybrid bed at the front of the trailer and permanent Jack 'n Jill bunk beds at the rear - perfect for adults who insist on being "separate".



    There are countless other examples in both hybrids and travel trailers of all sizes that offer separate sleeping areas ... the OP and his friends obviously just haven't been paying attention. :R
  • If a TT manufacturer would build a bunk unit with the bunks in the middle of the trailer rather than the back - and make it <35', I'd buy it.
    They make similar floorplans in some fivers but they have a loft. Dont want a loft! Just make a small middle room with a slide for a couch and a bunk over it. They could have a desk option for those that want an office.
  • Several Jayco hybrid models have a queen bed on each end. That would seem to satisfy the OP's requirement without being directed solely at such a relatively small market.
  • I have seen a two bedroom RV. It had a king bed in the front and in the back, it had a queen bed. I don't remember who makes it, but it is just what you are talking about. I'll look around for a bit to see if I can find it.

    ON EDIT: I have been unable to find it, but many manufacturers are making Mid-bunk units, which have two actual bedrooms. The master, plus the "den" area, which has a couch that makes a queen bed and usually has a bunk above it. There is plenty of room for clothes, another TV, etc.

    FOUND IT: It was the Big Horn 3800DB. They are apparently not making it anymore, but it had two bedrooms with queen/king beds in each. Here is the brochure.
    2011 Big Horn 3800DB
  • PawPaw_n_Gram wrote:
    I find a good selection of 'bunk house' models available in the TT and 5er segment.

    It would certainly work for two individuals.


    Exactly. :D
  • I find a good selection of 'bunk house' models available in the TT and 5er segment. Many of those floor plans have a separate room and toilet for the 'kids' or second person. Many have a separate TV, storage and even some a small lounge area.

    My sister and her husband have camped with his sister and her husband for over 25 years - using the 'bunkhouse' room in the 5er. When the kids were not with them (and even with the kids banished to a tent), the two couples found that the bunkhouse configuration gave them plenty of privacy for two couples.

    It would certainly work for two individuals.

    Some you might look at

    Flagstaff 831BHDS

    Flagstaff 832BHDS

    Highland Ridge/Open Range Roamer RF371MBH

    Highland Ridge/ Open Range Roamer RF376FBH
  • The market for buddies and golden girls travelling together would be a very small segment and I would expect not really worth it to design one-offs to accommodate this very small market.

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