Which models should I look at

SoonerWing03 wrote:
We are looking for our first travel trailer and feel overwhelmed by the search. Would love some suggestions on which lightweight models we should look at.

Needs to sleep 5+
GVWR needs to be less than 6,000 lbs (Pulling with a Tahoe)
Prefer a bunkhouse option
Wife prefers a dedicated bedroom rather than a Murphy Bed (but I am working on her as this seems to really limit our options)

Currently considering options like:
Apex Ultra-Lite 245BHS
Bullet 243BHS

Generally speaking any travel trailer with a front Murphy bed will have limited cargo storage compared to one with a conventional walk around queen bed and large front pass through cargo compartment. Even my own 19' couples trailer has a massive front pass through cargo compartment ...



For a family of 5 you're on the right track with a model such as that Coachmen Apex 245BHS which features double width bunk beds. With a brochure listed UVW of ~ 4600 lbs I'd expect this trailer to weigh at least 6000 lbs, with an average gross tongue weight of ~ 800 lbs, loaded & ready to camp for a family of 5 and all the "stuff" you're sure to bring along. If there's any downside it's this model's 7.5' width, compared to the similar Coachmen Freedom Express 257BHS which is a full 8' wide but is also ~ 700 lbs heavier. You'd also want to consider whether you're OK with the Apex's elevated dinette or would prefer the FE's flush floor dinette - easy to overlook but for some an elevated floor can later become a really annoying issue, for others no problem at all.