Shopping for a Travel Trailer
My son has finally gotten the bug to buy a trailer. I could sure use your help to assist him in finding one. Their family consists of him, his wife, and four children age 13 and under. He is 6'7" s...
Forum Discussion
I saw a number of full bunkhouse models in my search. I was only looking for the double over double, 2-bunk style, but the full bunkhouse might be a good candidate for your son. Some don't have 4 full bunks, but have 2 bunks and a couch or dinette in the bunk portion of the trailer that converts to a bed - looks like it would sleep two fairly easily.
Here are a few I saw in my searching:
- Keystone Bullet Premier 31BHPR. Fairly popular model with full bunkhouse and bunk/dinette/couch combo like described above. Dry weight's gonna' be in the 6500# range which is going to get him pretty close to his 8100# max... maybe a little TOO close
- Shadow Cruiser S-314TSB (full 4-bunk) and 313BHS (bunk/dinette/couch combo). These look like tey're in the 6300-6400 dry weight area. A little more breathing room against that 8100# max, but not much.
Question I had to ask myself with 2 teen/pre-teen kids and your son/DIL will likely have to ask themselves with 4 under 13s... How long do I want this trailer to work for me? The full bunkhouses could well last them for some time and adapt as their kids grow... although I'd bet the older ones will move out of the trailer before they sleep with all their siblings ;).
The other thing that they will have to study up on is all around weight. You mention 8100# max. If that's the max towing capacity their vehicle will tow, then that's a whole 'nother ballgame. If that's what they've determined is their max loaded trailer weight with all other things considered (payload, etc.) then the bunkhouses may be a contender.
Now the disclaimer... I'm far from an expert on these things. These are just some things I've picked up, partly from the wisdom on this board.
One other thing. I see you are on the West Coast. You are likely to run into the same thing I did as far as west coast trailer pricing. As much as everyone should try to keep their business local, don't be afraid to entertain the idea of buying remotely (mid-west) and having the trailer hauled. If nothing else, it gives you some ammo for discussion when the local dealer is $10,000 more for the same model/trim level.
Good luck. Dean
Here are a few I saw in my searching:
- Keystone Bullet Premier 31BHPR. Fairly popular model with full bunkhouse and bunk/dinette/couch combo like described above. Dry weight's gonna' be in the 6500# range which is going to get him pretty close to his 8100# max... maybe a little TOO close
- Shadow Cruiser S-314TSB (full 4-bunk) and 313BHS (bunk/dinette/couch combo). These look like tey're in the 6300-6400 dry weight area. A little more breathing room against that 8100# max, but not much.
Question I had to ask myself with 2 teen/pre-teen kids and your son/DIL will likely have to ask themselves with 4 under 13s... How long do I want this trailer to work for me? The full bunkhouses could well last them for some time and adapt as their kids grow... although I'd bet the older ones will move out of the trailer before they sleep with all their siblings ;).
The other thing that they will have to study up on is all around weight. You mention 8100# max. If that's the max towing capacity their vehicle will tow, then that's a whole 'nother ballgame. If that's what they've determined is their max loaded trailer weight with all other things considered (payload, etc.) then the bunkhouses may be a contender.
Now the disclaimer... I'm far from an expert on these things. These are just some things I've picked up, partly from the wisdom on this board.
One other thing. I see you are on the West Coast. You are likely to run into the same thing I did as far as west coast trailer pricing. As much as everyone should try to keep their business local, don't be afraid to entertain the idea of buying remotely (mid-west) and having the trailer hauled. If nothing else, it gives you some ammo for discussion when the local dealer is $10,000 more for the same model/trim level.
Good luck. Dean
