toedtoes wrote:
Few things:
Bunk beds - often are narrower than twin beds and the kids will soon outgrow them. You don't mention age and gender of kids, but think about in two-three years time and any potential growth spurts.
Yes, you need to watch the CCC with some of these ultralights (especially those with bunk beds). That number does not account for a full fresh water tank. At about 8.3lbs per gallon, if you fill the KZ tank, you will reduce the CCC by about 166lbs. That leaves less than 600lbs for gear. If you plan on bringing bikes or other big items, that can get used up pretty quickly.
Another thing to consider is the size of the fresh water tank vs. the dump tank sizes. The KZ has only a 20gal fresh water tank, yet each dump tank holds 32gal. So, you'll run out of fresh water long before you have to dump. If you don't want to have to refill that often, you'll want to carry additional fresh water. Each additional 5gal will weigh another 41.5lbs. If you'll only use full hookups and not fill your fresh tank, then this isn't a big deal. If you'll be dry camping, this can become a problem. The other 2 trailers have bigger fresh water tanks at 40 and 43 gallons each. The wildwood has the most CCC.
Will you be using the RV for camping or sightseeing? Will you be using private RV parks or tradional campgrounds?
Others can give you more on quality (or lack of).
If you'll be doing more traditional camping trips, you might consider a hybrid. You'll get more internal space for the size as the beds will open outwards. The keystone 217EXP is about 6 inches shorter than the 239ML, but the kids would each have their own queen size bed. That could offer the option of them each bringing a friend. It weighs more than the 239 but less than the wildwood. Its CCC is inbetween also. You also get a sofa that isn't compromized by a bed and a dinette slide opening things up.
You and Dr Steve are both confirming my fears on the CCC for the KZ. It sounds like at 700 lbs, it just won't be enough.
Thank you for your points about the water capacity. I had not thought of that before. We will be using this in a number of GA state parks, there are some awesome ones here that we love. That said, I would like the opportunity to dry camp. To your point the 20 gal fresh tank on the KZ makes that difficult.
I thought about a hybrid, but have a couple of questions. First, would it get colder inside than a traditional hard bodied camper? I think of GA winters, getting into the 20's and 30's. Would this be prohibitive?
