camplite tip-out bunk?

Thanks everybody. Upon further research I do believe we would enjoy the 21 bhs more. Not so much because the tip-out is so bad (we're used to a tent) but because we'd just have more room to move around one another - the 16 does look tight. We have 2 adults & 4 kids ages 14, 13, 11, and 9. However, while the 21 bhs is well within the tow capacity of the Traverse weight wise (believe it's 3200 dry), I don't like the idea of maxing that capacity out? Even if we packed light (which we do, but we'd be bringing 6 bicycles and ourselves along) would we be pushing it? Also wondering about towing something that long w/our Traverse? Which puts me in the position of considering whether or not I'm willing to trade up to a suburban-like vehicle that won't even fit in my garage. Not liking that idea too much. I like my Traverse - roomy, gas mileage isn't SO awful.

Well, I guess that's fodder for a new thread.

Thanks for the feedback & for letting me jump in.

Thanks, finally found some video of the Tip Out Bunk:

CampLite Tip Out Bunk

I am also of the opinion that you'll have zero issues with an aluminum and Azdel camper. If the cloth gets rotten, but a new tent end. I only have issues with traditional Hybrids w/ Luaun interior walling, etc.

WoodGlue

Camplite does make Tip Out Bunks. They generally are listed under the OPTIONS section of their trailers. I poreviously owned a popup camper with queen beds at each end. I can tell you that I had no issues with leaks, bugs or animals getting in my popup. My AC cooled my unit enough even in the warm months for my wife to need a sweater to be comfortable. If you do have problems keeping it cool in the very hot days, there are reflective covering that can be used over the tent ends that help significantly. The other benefit of Tip Outs are that the beds are added floor space, Outside the box. This gives you more walking around space for a trailer the same length that has to have beds inside the box.

The one negative for me was that I had to open the beds usually after returning home to make sure they dried out if they were closed up and put away damp when we left. This can be from dew not having burn off if you left in the AM of if it was damp or raining prior to folding up. With a popup, this was no easy task, stabilizing, cranking the roof up, pulling the beds out, putting the support arms in, etc. With a solid wall tip out like most hybrids have, it is much easier.

Tent ends generally hold up very well as long as they are taken care of in making sure they are dried out. Mold is the bigger issue than them tearing. And if they are dry when put away of dried out as explained above after returning home, they will last you a lifetime barring some major incident such as a tree limb falling through one or some other outside force causing damage.

The thing I'm wondering is this;

Does CampLite even make a "tent tip out bed" I don't think so!

CampLite makes all aluminum trailers.

WoodGlue

The 21 is not that much more weight, has much more room inside, a walk around bed, and has double the black tank capacity (14 gallons on the 16 isn't much). You will enjoy the 21 much, much more. Of course, you could be maxed out on weights with the 16. However, the actual towing experience won't be any different between the two.

With a Traverse, you might be happier towing one of the 16's.

The tip outs will give you a tent-like experience, where you'll feel the weather and hear the noise. For some, that's a good thing; for others, not.

How many adults and kids do you need to sleep?

With all respect OpenRange - you don't know what your talking about. I have been camping in a Hybrid for over 10 years all over the midwest and have expiernced none of the problems you cite. Zero, Nada, Zip.

Teacher if you want to know about problems that may be experienced with the tip out bed, I suggest you look at the Hybrid forum, the "tip out bed" is basically the same as a "tent end".

The tip out bunk is showing being above the dinette (bed) in this recent video:

CampLite 16DB

WoodGlue

You probably meant the 16DB vs. The 212bhs. The 21BHS would de the best, its hard walled all the way around good for insulation and has a lot more space than the 16. On the other hand, depending on where you plan to camp the 16's "tip out bunk" is basically a tent sticking out the side of the camper, which is a big window of opportunity for mother nature outside to move inside. Mosquito's will defiantly make it inside because the tent part is not sealed all the way around. It will the the Heat in and Cold out on hot summer days and The cold in and heat out on cool winter days, because of the tent factor ("tip out bunk"). Remember, It depends on where your going to camp if their any starving animals outside the"tip out bunk" will make a "window of opportunity" for them to get in side and start muchig around in side your camper. Bears will do it whether your inside it or not. The "tip out bunk" is that window or passage way for the animals to get inside mine as well be an open door. The 21BHS is the safest and most long lasting bet. (long lasting; as the animals wont tear through the "tip out bunk"'s fabric/vinyl, which will deteriorate really fast anyway). The 21BHS will be the best safest most long lasting a economical camper, compared to the 16.Get the 21BHS. It doesn't leak, as the 16 could around the "tip out bunk". The 21BHS is more secure than the 16, and finally the 21BHS will have the best quality. The 21BHS is the best choice.

The tip out bunks generally have a weight limit of about 150 lbs and they're very sturdy. Especially in the CampLite.

WoodGlue