Been camping for years with my parents when I was younger. Now being married 2 kids the wife wants to get into camping. I know I don’t want a pop up or a hybrid. I found a 2011 Starcraft 256BHS for $7,500 at my local dealer. It seems to be in great shape, no soft spots in the floor, can’t see any signs of water damage. Everything works as it should. It comes with a 1 year warranty on everything besides tires. Any one have any info on these campers? Will it hold up well to 2 kids ages 2 and new born and a bull mastiff? Don’t want to spend to much to get our feet wet because we may love it or we may hate it. I have a Dodge Ram 3500 CTD so towing it isn’t a concern-it will also have the weight distribution hitch and sway control. Any info would be great

I am trying to figure out how to up load a picture of the camper

I can say this....that dog will do more damage than the kids if he's stuck in that trailer all day. I owned one. She got bored and ate a leg off a Queen Anne chair in under an hour. But, that was the last time she did that kind f stuff.

It sounds to be a good deal if it fits your family. Check the date codes on the tires, plenty of discussion on that here. If older than five years, make new tires, go Goodyear endurance, part of the deal. Read all you can on trailer tires here. They tend to age out vice from mileage.

The dog did a number on wood at our old house, tables, stairs, etc. she’s been pretty good at the new house. She won’t be locked inside the camper at all. If she’s in there we will be in there. The tires do look OK, they aren’t Goodyear’s they’re an off brand I can’t remember the name. I used to work at a shop that sold tires, I’ve seen many blow outs with cheap trailer tires-somewhat due to over loaded, under inflated etc-now I work on heavy equipment. I will try to get this season out of the tires that are on it now. We’re only going local probably a 40 mile radius from home. The dealer did say they will service the wheel bearings and inspect brakes and replace if needed. I guess staring at my parents camper parked in my yard during the winter gave us the itch. Hopefully picking it up next weekend.

first off to post a photo Photo postingAs to it standing up to the dog?Does anything? A rambunctious Bull Mastiff can wreck anything. In General Starcraft are I believe seen as a middle of the road brand, not as bad as some, and yes, some are seen as better.

Looking at buying a 2011 STARCRAFT 256BHS good, bad, ugly?

Newbieatcamping
Explorer
Apr 19, 2020
Brought the camper home today. Absolutely love it. Super easy to tow. Super easy to set up.

I had no idea where the table is the seats pull out and the table slides out which can easily add room for 2-3 more people.

Going to wash it tomorrow and clean up the inside a little bit and we will be ready to go camping
Boomerweps
Explorer
Apr 11, 2020
Newbieatcamping wrote:
I was able to negotiate a lower price, both propane tanks will be filled, and they will also include hoses for sewer hook ups.

I will go there again today before I finalize anything and try to go over it all again. I still have to open the awning to make sure it’s not damaged. Yesterday was way to windy out.

Thanks for all the info so far guys. I have been searching high and low for the past few days and it seems this one is the best deal out there. Unless I wanted a pop up or hybrid.

Often dealers will add a starter hookup kit, some from the factory. 25' power cable, 10-12' sewer hose, 20-25' potable water hose.
You want to look into expanding that. Extra lengths of power, water, and sewer line may not always be needed but when they are?
Also a 15/20 amp to 30 amp adapter so you can plug your TT into your home circuits. WalMart & Amazon carry it all for much cheaper than your dealer.
Gulfcoast
Explorer
Apr 11, 2020
I have a Starcraft (made by Jayco) and love it.
Newbieatcamping
Explorer
Apr 11, 2020
Newbieatcamping
Explorer
Apr 11, 2020
I was able to negotiate a lower price, both propane tanks will be filled, and they will also include hoses for sewer hook ups.

I will go there again today before I finalize anything and try to go over it all again. I still have to open the awning to make sure it’s not damaged. Yesterday was way to windy out.

Thanks for all the info so far guys. I have been searching high and low for the past few days and it seems this one is the best deal out there. Unless I wanted a pop up or hybrid.
LadyRVer
Explorer II
Apr 11, 2020
Years ago I worked for a RV dealership who sold Starcraft. Back at that time, they had the least warranty issues of any of the brands they sold. This one looks very nice from the pictures you posted.
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Apr 11, 2020
The layout is almost identical to my daughter's Jayco 28BHBE and they have 4 kids. The only think I will say is the bunks are small. Even though they are considered double bunks 2 teenagers would not fit.

They love the U-shape dinette.

The price seems high.
jfkmk
Explorer
Apr 10, 2020
We owned a Starcraft AR-One for 6 years before getting a slightly larger trailer. It was a no-frills but solidly built trailer. We never had a single problem with it. Someone mentioned tires...they can look great but be too old to be trustworthy. I’d look at those date codes, a blow out is no fun. Good luck!
Newbieatcamping
Explorer
Apr 10, 2020
Newbieatcamping
Explorer
Apr 10, 2020