Quad Bunkhouse TT w/ No Slide

notamos wrote:
The more research we put into this, the harder it is. We want something with quad bunks and something that is built tough (Northwood, Outdoor RV, etc.). Problem is, aside from the Outdoor 31kqbs, they don't have anything with 4 bunks.

Are most people not camping with their kids anymore? Are most people using the table/couch for sleeping? We don't care so much about foofoo features, more functional. Nash has a 23 or 25 with 2 bunks in the rear. If it only had 4, I would buy it today! Northwood doesn't do custom orders, do they?

Yes people are camping with their children. But they are camping. When camping every small child does not have to have their own private bed. It's ok for kids to share a bed. Last summer we had 10 people in out TT. 6 adults, and 4 children. We had 3 girls, 4, and 6, years old in one bed. They had plenty of room. Yes we used the table bed, and the sofa bed. But we were 10. When the kids go with out their parents there is 4 of them, and they can sleep in the bunks, There is no problem with sharing a bed.
It's going to be hard for you to find what you want in a small camper. Few TTs have 6 private beds, and no slides.

notamos wrote:
Thanks for the opinions so far. My concerns about a slide:

-leaks
-weaker frame (we will be taking this on some rough roads and I worry about it flexing, like logging roads...)
-some places we take it will not have the width to open it
-maintenance
-not being able to close it if it were to break while we are in the middle of no-where in CO.

Not sure if these concerns are valid or not. This TT will be our first.

As for our Exp, it is a 2012 w/ the 5.4 and the HD towing package.

Also, any opinions on brands and quality? I want something that will last. I prefer longevity over lighter and easier to pull.

I agree with you. I didn't want a slide because of leak issues that seem to come up here and other forum, alignment issues, motor troubles, and the need for an optional slide out awning. That keeps the roof clear of limbs and debris so that the seals don't tear while sliding it in.

I don't think you are going to find a 4 single bunk model without a slide. My model is the closest you're going to find and for '13, it offers a top double size bunk bed, minus the wardrobe. For smaller kids that top double size bunk bed is OK but it would be really cramped for a bigger kid that's sleeping by the wall. That top double bunk bed would be so confining, I'd go into a panic attack if I had to sleep on the inside.

I don't really think you are going to find anything without a slide that has 4 single bunks.

While being more expensive as hybrids are, another option besides a 2 double size bunk model TT is a 3 bunkend model. For both, you could have the kids use sleeping bags to separate their side of the bed.

While there was only 3 of kids, when I was young, we shared a 17' Shasta that had a double bed size sofa pull out and an accordian style foldup double size bunk bed above. Us boys slept on the bottome while our sister slep on the top. Our parents slept on the dinette converted to a bed.

Another option is to have the kids sleep in a tent. That's what most do, but make sure to tie it down properly and seam seal it. Also get a good brand as Eureka, Kelty or the such so that they can be sealed properly and won't fall apart.

BTW, I like Jayco. I have no reason to go anywhere else. They have excellent quality, a ton of floorplans, and are reasonably priced.

I did a search on rvwholesalers site for a TT with bunks but they only have 2 and 3 bunk models without a slide. They have quite a selection so you may be out of luck.

notamos wrote:
The more research we put into this, the harder it is. We want something with quad bunks and something that is built tough (Northwood, Outdoor RV, etc.). Problem is, aside from the Outdoor 31kqbs, they don't have anything with 4 bunks.

Are most people not camping with their kids anymore? Are most people using the table/couch for sleeping? We don't care so much about foofoo features, more functional. Nash has a 23 or 25 with 2 bunks in the rear. If it only had 4, I would buy it today! Northwood doesn't do custom orders, do they?

People are camping with there kids, however they are using bunk house models with slides.
While I respect your opinion on slides I think your ideas are somewhat out of date. Initially 10-15 years ago or more when slides where first introduce they may have been problematic.

However the current generation of slides are no longer problematic. One of the reasons you are having a hard time is that the trends and demands are for more sides not less. TT are up to 3 slides on lots of units and fivers are up to 5. Opposing slides in living rooms and bedrooms are very popular

I agree that each penetration adds the potential for a leak. However that does not have to translate into a no slide,no window RV.

4 kids and 2 adults in a no slide RV get cramped in a hurry. You would could have a difficult time just passing each other. Slides have become basic features and are not fluff and foo foo.

Good luck with your search. I don't know enough to say it does not exist however as you are finding there aren't many no slide bunkhouse floor plans available

You will regret not getting the slide out , I thought the same way with my first camper , I am now on my second , quad bunks and a slide . i will deal with thingh that break when it happens .

Welcome to the forum.

We have a 25 ft no slide bunk house that does well on the back roads and we pull it with Expeditions. Thing is it's only two bunks and we have no kids. lol
Some models have a double bunk with a single above it. You could modify the upper single bunk to the same size as the double below it and sleep the four kids.
Another possibility would be buying a toy hauler and putting the bunks in the garage.

Good luck.

Well, after quite a bit of reading, I think I will have to live with a slide. So be it. At least that gives me some options.

notamos wrote:
Well, after quite a bit of reading, I think I will have to live with a slide. So be it. At least that gives me some options.

Try to pick a TT that you can use with the slide in, and you won't have to give up some of your favorite spots, You will have the best of both worlds

notamos wrote:
The more research we put into this, the harder it is. We want something with quad bunks and something that is built tough (Northwood, Outdoor RV, etc.). Problem is, aside from the Outdoor 31kqbs, they don't have anything with 4 bunks.

I think you will not find much built that sturdy with quad bunks that can be towed by a half ton SUV. Actually, few families camp in that style. 30'+ bunk houses plus 18' TV are not easy to maneuver.

Keystone Bullet 286QBS. The weight is much lower(5196 dry) for 1/2 ton towable, has quad bunks, and is fully usable with slides in(at least my 2009 295BHS is). Much of the weight savings is due to aluminum framing instead of heavier wood among other things. I feel these are solidly built units. Might be worth a look.