Forum Discussion

kim_e83's avatar
kim_e83
Explorer
Feb 26, 2016

Help us choose our new trailer

Help! We are planning to purchase a new trailer soon. We are empty nesters, but with kids and grandkids nearby, so we want something that will sleep at least 6 for when we have guests. Either bunks or sofa sleeper and dinette work for us. TV is 2003 Sierra K1500 V8 5.3 4X4EC with 3.73 axle ratio. Manual says max trailer weight is 7800, but we are trying to stay under 5,000 dry. Would welcome opinions on this!

On the list now are:
Bullet 243BHS or 248RKS
Apex 249RBS or 258RKS (also consider 250RLS, but maybe too heavy?)
Connect Spree 231BHS
Freedom Express 24RKS
Passport 2400BH or 2510RB
Tracerair 248air, 250air, or 252air
Jayco Whitehawk 24RKS (a little heavy at 5210 dry?)

Any experience with the above trailers (positive or negative)? Value wise, does one stand out above the others?

P.S. we have been camping with small 1982 17'Prowler, so anything we get will feel huge! :-)

Appreciate any and all input!

Thanks!
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2016
    tragusa3 wrote:
    If kids double in the bunks, we can sleep 6 without going to the dinette.


    Maybe, maybe not ... what works for you may well not work for others, in fact may not work for you either as the kids age. How well bunk beds work depends on the style - i.e. single bunks or double, the number - 2, 3, 4, the age of the kids who use them, and most importantly their gender ... no 13 yr old girl would be caught dead sharing a bunk bed with her "icky" 10 yr old brother. When it comes to bunk beds for kids single bunks work best, one for each kid.
  • tragusa3's avatar
    tragusa3
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2016
    A lot of folks will promote "what they have". So why not do the same. :)

    Ours is 5300 dry weight, 24' box. Has double bunks and a residential queen. If kids double in the bunks, we can sleep 6 without going to the dinette. My wife and I (both >6') have napped in the bunks and it wasn't too bad. Kids wouldn't have a complaint. The price you pay for double bunks is a smaller bathroom. It works, but just...

    We also replaced our dinette with a reclining love seat that works great for kids sleeping. Our boys have brought along 4 friends, for a total of 8 people, and we all slept fine. Mom and Dad have doors to the master and privacy.

    Also, I've been impressed by the Surveyor brand. Six sided aluminum framing (around all cutouts), 5 sides foam insulation. It's no Artic Fox or Lance, but it ain't junk either.
  • krobbe's avatar
    krobbe
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2016
    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.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2016
    Welcome to the forum.
    I can't help you with the choice of TT. If the grand kids will be going with you often, get the bunks.
    You will get tired of setting up and taking down the dinette/sofa, real quick.

    Ask lots of questions about the TT's you are seriously considering BEFORE you buy.
    Someone will have the answer.
    Enjoy your search.
  • Dennis_Smith's avatar
    Dennis_Smith
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2016
    Pick the one you like, not the one I want. Quality is all over the place, what I think is well built, Fred down the street hates. Spend two hours in it with the door shut. Move around do things, only YOU should pick out what YOU like
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2016
    kim_e83 wrote:
    We are empty nesters, but with kids and grandkids nearby, so we want something that will sleep at least 6 for when we have guests. Either bunks or sofa sleeper and dinette work for us.

    On the list now are:
    Bullet 243BHS or 248RKS
    Apex 249RBS or 258RKS (also consider 250RLS, but maybe too heavy?)
    Connect Spree 231BHS
    Freedom Express 24RKS
    Passport 2400BH or 2510RB
    Tracerair 248air, 250air, or 252air
    Jayco Whitehawk 24RKS (a little heavy at 5210 dry?


    That list is all over the map. :E Either you want bunk beds or you don't ... JMO, but make up your minds which it is and eliminate all those that don't qualify. As a former KZ Spree and current Freedom Express owner I wouldn't choose any of those you've listed when there are others in each lineup that are so much more appropriate when we're talking about accommodating kids. Yeah, I know - you can make up the dinette and/or sofa as beds but reality is that gets old very quickly ... when kids are part of the picture there's no better solution than bunk beds.

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