We are considering buying a tt Bunkhouse as we have 3 kids. I have a Nissan Armada that can tow up to 9000 lbs. We are looking to spend under $20k, what are the pros and cons of different models and brands. 4 seasons? Specific issues with makes? Etc

Coastiebob wrote:We are considering buying a tt Bunkhouse as we have 3 kids. I have a Nissan Armada that can tow up to 9000 lbs. We are looking to spend under $20k, what are the pros and cons of different models and brands. 4 seasons? Specific issues with makes? EtcYour options are almost unlimited as you've probably noticed. Start with answering questions about how you vacation. You don't need to answer them here but do have your spouse involved.-How often do you currently camp out and for how long?-Do the kids like camping? How old are they now? Will they refuse to camp once they hit their teens?-How much experience do you have with towing?-Most bunkhouse tts weigh more than 9000 lbs once they're loaded with food and gear. Are there other sleeping options than a bunkhouse? A smaller tt and take a tent perhaps?Once you have a good idea of how you camp, how often and how much the kids like camping, you can decide if a new or used tt will meet those needs. We always bought used and paid far less than new. Kids grow up fast and we didn't want payments on a tt that was too large for two people.For vacations, most of your time will be spent outside of the tt and you'll find you'll need less trailer than you think. Rainy weather makes for great board game time with the kids too. You won't need a wheeled palace for those few times it does rain.

Take a good look at the Lance 2185, it's a winner! 4 Season plus all the extras.Lance 2185 Clicky

FrankShore wrote:Take a good look at the Lance 2185, it's a winner! 4 Season plus all the extras.Lance 2185 ClickyThe OP wanted to spend less than 20k. The Lance 2185 starts around 44k. Nice floorplan though.

Keep away from any thing by Forest River. They are junk.From a 2016 bunk house ownerjack L

Coastiebob wrote:We are considering buying a tt Bunkhouse as we have 3 kids. I have a Nissan Armada that can tow up to 9000 lbs. We are looking to spend under $20k, what are the pros and cons of different models and brands. 4 seasons? Specific issues with makes? EtcOk, to help at all a little more info would be needed, triple bunk (singles) or double over double, hobbies, would a toy hauler work better? What do you do? Hike? Bike? Fish? Dirt bikes?Ages of kids, one leaving soon?4 seasons? Where do you plan on using the unit? New England then yes definitely, gulf coast, not so much. Summer use or year round?If coastie from your name indicates Coast Guard then transfers make 4 seasons need more likely.As to models and brands, there are about 10 primary manufacturers, A couple of the smaller ones only build premium, the largest have multiple product lines , running the gamut from low end to high end, with most using the same staff and manufacturing facility for both high and low end. You can get a lemon from any of them, most build products to meet what they think are specific user groups, once or twice a year users, weekend warriors and a few even state frequent and full time, and the durability tends to follow those intended uses.

Possibly interested in buying a TT. Seeking input

FrankShore
Explorer
May 27, 2017
magnusfide wrote:
FrankShore wrote:
Take a good look at the Lance 2185, it's a winner! 4 Season plus all the extras.

Lance 2185 Clicky

The OP wanted to spend less than 20k. The Lance 2185 starts around 44k. Nice floorplan though.

There is always used!
ChuckV1
Explorer
May 27, 2017
As the OP stated Rent, Rent, Rent before you buy, do not Buy new, a 3 or 4 year TT in good shape is a far less cost then new...

Your SUV may not be able to pull a TT safety, i'll put it to you this way, your vehicle can pull any TT but stopping it is another matter. Also over the years I have seen many and I mean many TT wagging the dog going down the road, to much trailer for the vehicle thus the trailer is swaying back and forth and the driver is fighting for his life trying to keep it on the road an straight. Then a semi passes them, it's like a nightmare starting to begin, next thing you see is the vehicle headed for the ditch Ugh !!!

If you like camping and want to jump into the pond do not let a salesman talk to you into anything, you can read tons of threads on this subject ...

The 1st words out of a good salesman will be what type of vehicle do you have,
next if he or she states "lets get a credit check", if this happens run the other way..

A good salesman or women should do is steer you to trailers that are light enough for your vehicle to tow or tell you that your vehicle is not up to the job of towing many of the trailers they have ...

Ask questions, do not be excited over the gleam and glitter, do not pay list price for a used trailer or for that matter a new one, you can get most of the time 25 to 30 percent off the price that's marked on the trailer if you buy ...

Last, a good delaer has a good service department and takes care of it's customer base, check out on line the dealer your dealing with, I know that the Montana reflector/web page has a folder called "DEALRS" and I believe I've seen someplace else that has a list of dealer ratings ...

Haveing a bad dealer task in your mouth may just turn you off to camping as a whole. again make sure your dealer will work with you not against you :)

Safe Travels

We like Kz brand of trailers
Lwiddis
Explorer II
May 27, 2017
I don't see much quality in new TTs for under 20.
drsteve
Explorer
May 27, 2017
What is the Armada's payload rating? That's usually the limiting factor on SUVs.
jmtandem
Explorer II
May 27, 2017
If you are completely new to RVing, you should know it is a hobby for most. There are a few things one needs to consider.

You will get 10 mpg or less when towing.
You will travel at 60 mph or less and average 50 mph.
You will average 300 miles a day.
There is more maintenance than expected.

That is why I always suggest renting the size TT you think you want, before you spend the big bucks.

All in all it is a great pass time adventure.

All of the above plus double check with Nissan and your weight distribution hitch manufacturer as the Armada seems to have some issues with it's air suspension system and using a weight distribution hitch. I would not go to 9000 pounds towing with your SUV.
rbpru
Explorer II
May 27, 2017
If you are completely new to RVing, you should know it is a hobby for most. There are a few things one needs to consider.

You will get 10 mpg or less when towing.
You will travel at 60 mph or less and average 50 mph.
You will average 300 miles a day.
There is more maintenance than expected.

That is why I always suggest renting the size TT you think you want, before you spend the big bucks.

All in all it is a great pass time adventure.
rbpru
Explorer II
May 27, 2017
All good advice but my suggestion if you are buying new or something completely different is to rent a similar model first. You learn a lot that way.

Good luck
normal_dave
Explorer
May 27, 2017
Ditto above, consider used, get it smaller and lighter than you think your tow vehicle can handle and you'll better off.

Maybe something like the Sunnybrook Harmony. Decent quality, aluminum structure walls, company was absorbed by Winnebago awhile back...

Example:
Sunnybrook Harmony 21FBS

Edit: and a NEW 2013 Sunnybrook Remington, similar model made under the new Winnebago ownership.
2013 Sunnybrook Raven 2500FBS
APT
Explorer
May 27, 2017
I recommend something under 6000 pounds dry. Buy used, like 5yr old in case you find out it doesn't fit your family's desires.
Tvov
Explorer II
May 27, 2017
magnusfide wrote:
FrankShore wrote:
Take a good look at the Lance 2185, it's a winner! 4 Season plus all the extras.

Lance 2185 Clicky

The OP wanted to spend less than 20k. The Lance 2185 starts around 44k. Nice floorplan though.

Wow... $44,000 for a 21ft trailer? and it's not an Airstream? Guess I've been out of the market for a long time!