which TT is the best to downsize?
we presently have a 2012 Outback 312 BH Travel Trailer Bunkhouse Double Slide and LOVE it. Last summer 2012 we spent 6 weeks out west (from Buffalo, NY). This past summer, 2013, we spent 6 weeks down...
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At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I am going to advise you to take a look at the models with a double double bunk. Typically, these are available in the 28 foot class, although I may have seen one that was labelled a 27 foot class by the manufacturer... Can't remember which one.
This is the floor plan we chose. We have a 14 y.o. Son and a 12 y.o. Daughter. We came from a very small travel trailer that had the smaller bunks, but those really became too small for our kids. The double double model will grow with your kids as long as they care to come camping with you.
The particular model we chose was the Cruiser Viewfinder Signature 28BHSS but there are a growing number of this floor plan out there from various manufacturers. Oours does not have an outdoor kitchen, but that's what we have the Camp Chef for. It's got a separate queen "bedroom" with sliding hard doors rather than curtains. Large slide with what is referred to as a "mega lounge" - which is a large u-shaped sofa with the ability to place 1 or 2 tables or just leave as a large sofa. This option seems to be rather rare, with a separate sofa and dinette being more common, personally, I like the large lounge.
If you like the floor plan, check out the offerings from Jayco WhiteHawk, Keystone Bullet, Aerolite and others. It really was the perfect layout for our family. The kids can double up in the double bunks if need be or the dinette and sofa make into beds as well ( in the separate sofa/dinette models).
Good luck and have fun in your search.
Edit to add: we were looking for a model that came in under 6,000 lbs dry. The Viewfinder came in under and there are others that are lighter yet. For the newer F150 with the 5.0 liter or Ecoboost 6-cylinder, you shouldnt have to worry too much, but watch the payload. I have a 2012 5.7 liter Toyota Tundra and it pulls it just fine. I can't recall the hitch weight right off hand, but I'm right in the ballpark ( a bit under, I believe) of my payload with passengers, fuel, tongue weight (including propane and battery) and the conservative amount of stuff I pack in the bed of the truck.
Dean
This is the floor plan we chose. We have a 14 y.o. Son and a 12 y.o. Daughter. We came from a very small travel trailer that had the smaller bunks, but those really became too small for our kids. The double double model will grow with your kids as long as they care to come camping with you.
The particular model we chose was the Cruiser Viewfinder Signature 28BHSS but there are a growing number of this floor plan out there from various manufacturers. Oours does not have an outdoor kitchen, but that's what we have the Camp Chef for. It's got a separate queen "bedroom" with sliding hard doors rather than curtains. Large slide with what is referred to as a "mega lounge" - which is a large u-shaped sofa with the ability to place 1 or 2 tables or just leave as a large sofa. This option seems to be rather rare, with a separate sofa and dinette being more common, personally, I like the large lounge.
If you like the floor plan, check out the offerings from Jayco WhiteHawk, Keystone Bullet, Aerolite and others. It really was the perfect layout for our family. The kids can double up in the double bunks if need be or the dinette and sofa make into beds as well ( in the separate sofa/dinette models).
Good luck and have fun in your search.
Edit to add: we were looking for a model that came in under 6,000 lbs dry. The Viewfinder came in under and there are others that are lighter yet. For the newer F150 with the 5.0 liter or Ecoboost 6-cylinder, you shouldnt have to worry too much, but watch the payload. I have a 2012 5.7 liter Toyota Tundra and it pulls it just fine. I can't recall the hitch weight right off hand, but I'm right in the ballpark ( a bit under, I believe) of my payload with passengers, fuel, tongue weight (including propane and battery) and the conservative amount of stuff I pack in the bed of the truck.
Dean
