Seeking advice about an island kitchen or not?

We were heavily considering a Bullet 310BHS for our next camper and LOVED the opposing slides and the room and storage it has. What I didn't like was the fact that it was over 36 feet in length as I don't want a trailer that long.

The other trailer with a kitchen slide that we liked was the Sunset Trail 240BI. Nice layout, but it's a lot shorter than the 310BHS and therefore only has a dinette (no couch) which is a no-go for us.

I would love a 30ft, double over double BH trailer that also had kitchen slide, but I have not seen this offered by any manufacturer yet.

I like the island except for one major issue for us. The slide opens under the awning and we do not want to give up one inch of awning space. We spend most of our time outside and our picnic table and two chairs and a side table fit perfectly. If we had a slide our space would be limited and our things could get wet or we could be in more sun than we want.

Thank you everyone for the advice! Good stuff to think about here - particularly checking for access with slides closed when there is an island. And I love the idea of getting the table and chairs to give some more options with how to utilize the space.

I think you hit the nail right on the head, and only you can made the decision: Counter Space or living space? Which is more important?

Perhaps a compromise? A trailer that has an L shaped counter? Ours is slightly L shaped. As we do almost ALL cooking outside, countertop is not a problem. However, it's just me and the Mrs. and the dog and cat.

My son and his 2 year old occasionally come with us. At those times, I am glad for the extra un-obstructed living room space! Food is still prepared and cooked outside. (and we do eat well, if you've ever read any of my posts).

About space, as stated above, whatever your choice, you also need to come to grips with accessibility when all the slides are IN. We searched for 5 years for a camper that was 100% accessible with all slides IN. There is only 1 cabinet (under the sink on the living room side) we cannot reach with the slide in. We keep cleaning supplies there as they normally will never be used when in transit or on the road.

Another thing.... we hit it just right, I suppose, because our model of the Outback 298RE came with a free standing kitchen table and chairs, not the dinette. Since purchase, we've removed the table and chairs, and we've removed the 2 rocker chairs and replaced those items with a full size 3 seater reclining couch ... with a high back. It's big enough someone can comfortably sleep on it. We did keep the original small hide a blow-up bed couch too. But with all free-standing furniture, you can change configurations, or swap out furniture at a whim! No modifications or re-builds to make. Just swap it out!

We never ate at the table anyway. We have 2 folding camping tables we've had for years. They are perfect for 1 person. We use them in the living room area for eating off of ... WHEN we do have to eat inside the camper.

FYI also. I added castors to the couch and put hooks under it so it can roll and be moved. We can set it cross wise between the 2 back-end slides, facing the back window or facing the television. The hooks are for straps and eyelets I attached to the floor and use straps to hook them so in transit the couch will not move. (which is does on wheels now).

I guess the answer really is, and depends upon YOUR wants, wishes, and needs. I do know, if you have the island in the middle, and if you have built in furniture, you are grossly limiting options!

I've only had my "Island Kitchen" for a coupe of weeks and only one trip with it....but I love it.

My Cougar is all remote controlled so you can extend one of the slides from the truck to make a way into the bathroom or set everything up once on site.

The feeling of space I get when I enter the camper is great.

Mine is not a bunkhouse though, you'd need to move up to a 28XXX for that.

AS mentioned the island creates lots of counter space when slides are open.
The biggest con is that the island limits the ability to move around/access the trailer when slides are closed

Ours has an island and we have been happy with it for 8 years. With two slides in the living area there is plenty of room.

Only drawback is with the slides closed you have to sit on the island and slide your butt back and forth to lock to unlock the slides.

One of our primary factors has always been access to the refrigerator with the slides closed.

I was going to also say that, like Greydennyhawk, we have an island that we purchased a couple of years ago from Walmart that has wheels on it. When I am cooking indoors, which is only during the early spring or late fall, I move it out and use it. Otherwise, it sits up against a wall and collects stuff on top of it.

Our next RV will have one in it.

We have this great folding, wooden top island that we can bring out and use, it has wheels, either inside or outside, if needed.