Help us choose our new trailer

Colorado - - -BRRRRRRRR!
Good insulation, covered and heated tanks would be something to consider.
Choose what fits you and your spouse comfortably. Anymore, there are companies out there that are making pretty good units, so go with what works for you.
See ya out there..

My vote would be for the Bullet since I have a 2014 and have had ZERO issues with it so far! It is an ultra light ( 285RLS) and weighs only 5650 dry yet is 30 ft long.. It is very luxurious and we love the rear living big lounger rockers in back in front of an oversized picture window. If our grandkids want to come sometime, we can open the sofa and lower the dinette but 90% of the time it is the 2 of us and our small dog so we bought a layout that works for US, not the grandkids! I have seen nothing but positive reviews on Bullets on this site! And if you can find a 2015 leftover, you will save a lot! That's what we did at end of 2014 and got it for 19,995! And the dealer threw in the Equalizer E2 hitch, power tongue jack and brake controller for my truck!

I like that floorpan a lot! That is very small access to the bunks though.

kim_e83 wrote:
One of our top picks right now is just at 5000 lbs dry weight. Coachmen Freedom Express 229TBS. Any thoughts on how well this matches with our TV? The GWVR is still under our max and I don't think we would max out our carrying weight ever, but would still welcome input.

With a factory UVW of 5000 lbs you'd ideally want to limit the gross weight of this trailer to 6000 lbs loaded and ready to camp but with up to 3 kids (and all their attendent "stuff") along for the ride as well that could be a real challenge. Assume though for a moment that it's possible ... @ 13% that means a gross tongue weight of about 800 lbs. You'd have to weigh your truck with a full tank of gas and do the math but with five potentially in the cab, three of whom will only continue to grow heavier, I'd question whether your truck would have enough payload capacity to handle this much tongue weight ... and if the trailer actually weighs more so too will the gross tongue weight increase even more. Your truck does have the advantage that it's running a more tow friendly 3.73 axle but the downside is it's an older truck that doesn't make anywhere near as much power as the current GM 5.3L, along with the fact it's running the older wide ratio 4 spd transmission which isn't anywhere near as capable for towing as the current narrow ratio 6 spd.

As for the trailer itself those three bunk beds that measure just 30" x 70" are awfully narrow & short, and because they're stacked that means the bottom bunk is on the floor, with little headroom between the bottom and middle bunk, the middle and top bunk, and the top bunk and the ceiling. A far better choice in a triple bunk bed trailer would be the KZ Spree 240BHS in which two HUGE beds run the full width of the trailer, with the third middle bed running lengthwise along the rear curb side of the trailer ... but IMO it's too heavy for your truck.

Thanks to everyone for the all of the tips and input! We are narrowing down the choices. One of our top picks right now is just at 5000 lbs dry weight. Coachmen Freedom Express 229TBS. Any thoughts on how well this matches with our TV? The GWVR is still under our max and I don't think we would max out our carrying weight ever, but would still welcome input.

Floor plan, Tow vehicle and Cost all have to match. Pick what you think you want, then rent a similar unit to see if you guessed right.

You will learn a lot in a week long trip.

Here is where I have a very difference of opinion. The question is, how often will you have kids with you? Every trip, once a year?

The bottom line is, you should select the camper that fits you and your spouse, so you are comfortable, you can utilize the space, and enjoy the comforts .... JUST the 2 of you! You have raised your kids, and more than not, you will probably find yourself camping, just the 2 of you. So get a GREAT camper that works for the 2 of you and forget about the kids and grand kids.

After you select the camper that fits you, the kids will fit pretty much anywhere. They may even perter a tent to the inside of the camper too.

Now, if you have full time care of one of the children, that is different, BUT you cannot count on the extended family being with you. Get the camper that fits just the 2 of you. The rest will take care of itself when the time comes.

Besides, I think if kids want their kids to experience the camping experience, they should get their own camper. Don't get dumped on and don't be guilted into taking the grand kids so the parents can have "their time". You and your spouse need "your time" now! It's time to rekindle the relationship between you two. This is a perfect way to do it.

I would definitely vote for the Bullet! We bought one in 2014 ( 285RLS) and love it! Have not had a single issue with it! Would recommend you buy one with rear living.... the reason? You need to find a TT that is comfortable for the the 2 of you which is how many there will be MOST of the time. The RLS versions of the Bullets have 2 big comfy easy chairs with a huge window in the rear along with a sofa so very nice for 2! If the Grandkids come along, then you have the fold down sofa and big dinette to accommodate 4 more! But most of the time it is the 2 of you and you should NOT give up your comfort and the room a RLS affords! The quality is high, the weight low and lots of deluxe amenities! Have NEVER seen a negative review on this site on Keystone Bullet TT's!
Check them out!

kim_e83 wow thanks for taking your time in relying each and every reply. :)

kim_e83 wrote:

krobbe wrote:
The things that are important to me, may not apply to you. I have 2 kids, 8 and 11 but have traveled for up to a month with my niece and her 2 kids that are the same age.(And doing it again this summer)
1. Walk around queen bed.
2. Couch for plenty of seating and sleeping.
3. Enough counter top for food prep and dishes.
4. Bathroom with enough room to move in.(Don't have enough room around the toilet now)
5. Clothes storage for 8 people.
6. Separate room for sleeping kids or visitors.
7. Light enough to be easily towed with a 3/4 ton Suburban and while carrying up to 8 people.
8. LED lighting to keep the power usage down when boondocking. Kids tend to leave lights on occasionally.
My TT accommodates a large family nicely. But when I retire, an open rear living area will be a requirement.

Actually, our lists are pretty similar! And your number 1 is definitely my number 1. We plan on holding this one for 7-10 years until we retire and then we will get the "big un".... How do you like your Bullet? My husband is partial to them so far...

I do like the Bullets for a few reasons. (The Passports are built the same I believe)
Lower weights with maximum square footage.
Sturdy aluminum wall/floor framing.
Large kitchen sinks(at least when I was looking)
I bought mine used and it was the first year of the Bullet Premier with the solid one piece front cap.(There were delamination issues with the standard caps back then)
Just keep in mind that at this price point, some things may need attention sooner. On my 2009, I've reinforced all the cabinet hinge screws with glue. Not a big deal and haven't had an issue since. I've also replaced the stabilizer jacks with heavier ones. Really minor stuff really. No other issues I can think of.