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

Gdetrailer
Explorer III
May 28, 2017
Dennis Smith wrote:
what ever you buy, take the entire family and go in the unit, close the door and spend two hours in it. real quick you will know what to buy

Nonsense.

Folks now days are just plain wimps..

in the late 1960s, my parents packed us SIX kids and themselves into a STATION WAGON for THREE WEEKS at a time armed with nothing but a tent..

Early 1970s Dad bought a F100 with a CAP on the back, made several long bench seats and a table to make into beds for the nights (use kids rode in the back in of the truck in the cap..

Yep, WE SURVIVED.

Mid 70s Dad found a used 1960s slide in truck camper and yep, WE ALL survived! Use kids rode in the TC also..

Us kids HAD to learn to DEAL WITH EACH OTHER..

Now days we spoil the kids, give them huge amounts of space and their own bunks.. Its no wonder todays kids are so spoiled and have issues getting along with others..

The main idea is CAMPING, not "GLAMPING".

There is no need to double mortgage your house just to camp, buy what you can comfortably tow with what you have and what you can afford (IE DISPOSABLE INCOME) and have some fun adventuring around..

Some of my favorite moments and memories ARE from those days in that small little slide in camper.. We spent the days OUTDOORS and if it rained we had games and books to keep us entertained..
gmw_photos
Explorer
May 28, 2017
Coastiebob wrote:
Any experience with

Forest River Wildwood X-Lite 263BHXL, what I can see I like this layout

That's a whole lot of trailer for an Armada.
FrankShore
Explorer
May 28, 2017
Lance's are manufactured/engineered to a very high standard! Finding a used Lance is hard, but not impossible. Lsnce has a great 4 season package, and is sturdy, - having owned a Nash (Northwoods) there is no comparison. A Lance will be within the towing weight of the OP's standards
jmtandem
Explorer II
May 28, 2017
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!

I guess I also have been out of the market as well. I would think $22,000 would be a decent price for a new non- full time coach by Lance. For $44,000 I would go pre- owned Airstream, that has had all it's initial depreciation, aluminum sides and roof (no delam), torsion bar axles, and it will last 30 or more years with care. The $44,000 Lance will be worth around $7500 in ten years.

For around $44k new several Northwood manufacturing trailers could be purchased, they are often full time rated, have a far greater CCC, bigger tires and axles, stouter frame, often bigger tanks, and an excellent reputation for handling cold and hot temperatures. And $44k will likely purchase Northwood trailers that are 25-30 feet long, substantially larger than 21 feet for a family that is looking for a bunk house.
Jframpey
Explorer
May 28, 2017
I sold the perfect trailer for you last year... 2006 26L Jayfeather by Jayco. Original purchase price 16k, 10 yrs later Sold for 7k. 5000 dry wt, 3 bunks + queen with small slideout
Dennis_Smith
Explorer
May 28, 2017
what ever you buy, take the entire family and go in the unit, close the door and spend two hours in it. real quick you will know what to buy
Coastiebob
Explorer
May 28, 2017
Any experience with

Forest River Wildwood X-Lite 263BHXL, what I can see I like this layout
Coastiebob
Explorer
May 28, 2017
Thank you all very much for input, yes we are looking at used however if I can get a good deal on a newer one then we may consider it. To answer the questions I have 3 kids eight and under comma and as pointed out move a lot there for a muncher of the specific location in which it will be used. I anticipate East Coast travel back to our families area to visit year-round. Fully intend on running one and seeing how we like it however depending on the dealer you get a ton of different biased opinions. I'm extremely comfortable Towing and have towed for many many years so I understand the stopping versus full towing capacity and also additional wait that may be carried. This forum seems like a really good place for experience in this adventure thank you
Lwiddis
Explorer II
May 27, 2017
Mike has a good point.
mikehart92
Explorer
May 27, 2017
The Armada looks to have a very short wheel base. This equals the "wag the dog" as spoke of before. 9k? I wouldn't go half that. I would go with a larger pop up with the a/c