5th wheeler bunk houses

[bwilke]

i am looking to purchase a 5th wheel that has bunkhouse for separate room with tv. I want one that is quality built and would like one that is not always in the shop or cheaply made.

i saw a used chaparrel coachman 29bhs and the floor plan was one that i liked with an outside kitchen.

can someone tell me about the quality of this 5th and or let me know what you would recommend.

i like the island in the kitchen too.

Thanks so much
Don't want to go bigger than 35 feet. have a ram 2500 diesal

[skidooman93]

I tow a 2014 Open Range 367BHS with a 2015 Ram 2500 SB Cummins, it is a little longer than what you are thinking about. But as far as floor plans its perfect. I was looking at preciously exactly what you are. We ended up with this and love it. They do not make that model anymore, have switched to the mid bunk floor plan. But there should be 16's and some early build 17's to choose from. Dont let the weight police scare you. I towed it close to 8k miles this summer all with Ram 2500's with a short bed, one gas, one diesel. It towed great.

[bwilke]

Thanks so much..good advice

[Fineline1]

I also forgot to mention that given the option, spec 16" wheels instead of 15" wheels if possible. It is a mathematical fact that the bigger tire makes fewer revolutions per mile hence less wear on both bearings and breaks. More capacity too.

[Fineline1]

We were looking a new Chapparal 29BHS as well and liked the unit. I saw a used Cougar 320QBS which is almost identical that we bought for $26,000 (2014). We went with the used one for price reasons but I liked that the Chapparal was a lower height for less wind resistance. I would not be afraid of the Chapparal at all.
We only got a short two day trip in our Cougar before it was stored for the winter but we like it so far.
I would take a good look at the KZ Sportsmen and Durango both. They have a two year warranty (as does Jayco) so that tells me that they have more faith in their product.

[bwilke]

Trying to stay around 30,000 so that's why used is most likely for quality of a reflection or eagle luxury.The one I am looking at coachmen chaperal is mid 20's.

[lawrosa]

Whats the year trailer your looking at by the way? And your budget?

Yes the coachman's are as good as any I would guess.. Thats all I have owned, but in the travel trailer flavor..

[bwilke]

ok i will look and post back tomorrow..thanks guys

[lawrosa]

See towing rate here..

http://webcontent.goodsam.com/trailerlife.com/digital_editions/TrailerLifeTowGuide2015.pdf

If mega cab says 15k thereabouts... Other configs of your truck is around 17k's

But again its the payload for pin weight you want to know..

Door tag should give a payload #.. If ya find it post back...

[bwilke]

my ram is a 2015 we like the 5th wheel because of the stability of driving especially in the mountain smokey's..the travel trailer is cheaper and nice but the ceilings are lower and I want to feel more like at home when living in it for 2 months at a time. As far as year, i'd like the larger amp compared to the older ones. thanks for all the advice...i haven't had a chance to look at weight loads yet..I believe the towing weight was around 15,000

[mekkerl]

I second the Silverback!
Its been very good to us. Has everything we need and more.
1-ton TV for our rig is a must.

[ACZL]

Don't dismiss a Cedar Creek Silverback as they may fit the bill I'm guessing. Having owned one, it was of good quality decent unloaded weight and room for 3k of stuff. Mind you this was a '06 model. Unit served us well when we had both kids and now down to 1 and he outgrew the bunk, so we upgraded.

[lawrosa]

Also why a 5th wheel? Kids in truck, full tank fuel, gear etc etc. You have to get your weights close..

Im not a 5th wheel guy but if you look at travel trailers you may save $$$ and get more trailer IMO..

Plus your tongue weight will probably be lighter and you will have a weight distrubution hitch to move weigh to trailer and front of truck..

Id be looking a two bath models in a travel trailer..

Like cross roads 330 sunset trail...

[lawrosa]

What price is a good price to you?

What year is the RV your looking at?

What year is your ram 2500?

Whats the payload sticker say on the door?

[bwilke]

i will have to look at my specs on my truck. i am not sure on the weight.
I saw some jayco eagle and reflections by design but they are pricey and would need to find one used most likely. this coachman lite that i saw on sale was a good price range but not sure how well it will hold up