Bunks in motorhomes

[rvis2005]

We absolutely love our current motorhome and have it maintained like crazy! BUT, we want bunks and find that they aren't very popular with too many manufacturers we'd consider. The location of the bunks are important to us and the only manufacturer that positions them away from the bedroom is a Prevost converter. Is a Prevost converter my only solution, or has anyone heard of manufacturer's custom design a current floorplan, ie. Newmar, Monaco, Tiffin? Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Tommy

[willald]

GreenSalsa wrote:

willald wrote:
Amen to that!

This is/was the main reason we stayed with our TT for many years, and hesitated moving up to a MH even though we really wanted to and had the resources to do so. Very, very few MH floorplans out there offer bunks in a practical, useful arrangement that allows both the kids as well as the adults to have their own private space.

Even with all the convenience and luxury our MH brings, we still sometimes miss the privacy and space our TT had, with the kids having an entire bunk room to themselves on one end of the TT, and us having our bedroom on the other end.

I think you put into words some of the feelings I have been having as we are proceeding down this road. We LOVE our signature rig and although we are in the process of selling it (fingers crossed), we don't think it will be practical for us as we move across the country 7-8-9 months out of the year while I am moving from work location to location.

We think the Motorhome will be more practical but it is coming in a pretty limited manner. Our problem is trying to locate large enough rigs with a large enough closet to be converted into a bunkhouse. We will convert the front 1/2 bathroom into a large closet to handle professional clothing and such. Just struggling with the VERY limited options.

One of the 'saving graces' that somewhat makes up for the privacy you lose not having the kids' room and yours on opposite ends (something we did not realize until we made the switch):

Your living area during the day when parked is much nicer with a MH. Turn the front captain's chairs around, and the huge windshield and side windows at the front make for a really nice living area that feels a bit more 'open' than what we had with the TT.

If you're going to be on the road 7-9 months a year, I can definitely see why you'd prefer the MH route. Wanting to take further trips where we'd be on the road more, was one of the reasons we moved up as well.

Will

[GreenSalsa]

willald wrote:
Amen to that!

This is/was the main reason we stayed with our TT for many years, and hesitated moving up to a MH even though we really wanted to and had the resources to do so. Very, very few MH floorplans out there offer bunks in a practical, useful arrangement that allows both the kids as well as the adults to have their own private space.

Even with all the convenience and luxury our MH brings, we still sometimes miss the privacy and space our TT had, with the kids having an entire bunk room to themselves on one end of the TT, and us having our bedroom on the other end.

I think you put into words some of the feelings I have been having as we are proceeding down this road. We LOVE our signature rig and although we are in the process of selling it (fingers crossed), we don't think it will be practical for us as we move across the country 7-8-9 months out of the year while I am moving from work location to location.

We think the Motorhome will be more practical but it is coming in a pretty limited manner. Our problem is trying to locate large enough rigs with a large enough closet to be converted into a bunkhouse. We will convert the front 1/2 bathroom into a large closet to handle professional clothing and such. Just struggling with the VERY limited options.

[willald]

GreenSalsa wrote:
I wish the industry would realize that there are a fair number of families out there that would like the "bunkhouse" option that don't have the resources to custom order a Prevost.

Amen to that!

This is/was the main reason we stayed with our TT for many years, and hesitated moving up to a MH even though we really wanted to and had the resources to do so. Very, very few MH floorplans out there offer bunks in a practical, useful arrangement that allows both the kids as well as the adults to have their own private space.

Even with all the convenience and luxury our MH brings, we still sometimes miss the privacy and space our TT had, with the kids having an entire bunk room to themselves on one end of the TT, and us having our bedroom on the other end.

[GreenSalsa]

GreenSalsa wrote:

rvis2005 wrote:
We want bunks and find that they aren't very popular with too many manufacturers we'd consider. The location of the bunks are important to us and the only manufacturer that positions them away from the bedroom is a Prevost converter. Is a Prevost converter my only solution, or has anyone heard of manufacturer's custom design a current floorplan, ie. Newmar, Monaco, Tiffin?

Tommy,

I have been doing some research on Bunkhouses in Motorhomes now for about a year. We have gone from "bunks in the hallway" (Forest River Charleston) to a converting a closet into a bunkhouse (American Coach, Eagle 45T).

I am right now talking to American Coach and they assure me they will not only convert the rear walk in closet (Eagle 45T and Revolution 42T) into a bunkhouse on their product in production, but they are working up a price for me to bring in a used rig and they will also refit that rig too.

I will keep you informed if you want. We are pulling the trigger on a used 45T or a new 42T in about 6 months.

Here is the link to their FB photo album showing the work:

Minor update to this. I just was informed by the American Coach representative that the manufacturer will NOT convert the Eagle 45T like they do with the 42T. As I understand from a brief phone call, American Coach is concerned with the engine size and not having enough space. I am trying to get this in writing to make sure I did not misunderstand this.

All of that said, the Revolution 42T is still good to go. Our issue with the 42T will be size. The bunks will ONLY be 23 inches wide (fairly narrow) and the bathroom will NOT slide like the Eagle 45T. Our family will have to do some serious analysis. I know it sounds small but the loss of almost 24" (10" in the bunks alone) and having the bathroom as compressed makes us seriously pause and reflect.

I understand there might be private contractors that can do the work I am requesting, but I wanted the backing of the manufacturer (in the event something went wrong). I will just have to do some more research. I wish there was another rig out there that could offer up the more size (like the Eagle 45T).

I wish the industry would realize that there are a fair number of families out there that would like the "bunkhouse" option that don't have the resources to custom order a Prevost.

[skrams]

michelb wrote:

skrams wrote:

michelb wrote:

GreenSalsa wrote:
...

Here is the link to their FB photo album showing the work:

That's the one that a former forum member had done a couple of years ago. There was another member that contacted them last year and was offered a few different layout options for the rear bunks (I'll see if I can find them and I'll post them).

In case anyone is curious, here's more pictures of that same Revo 42T MH:

http://s882.photobucket.com/user/allencrabtree/library/?sort=3&page=1

I'd love to see a floorplan, I can't figure it out.

The one above is this http://www.americancoach.com/americanrevolution/floorplans/42T with bunk beds instead of the shelf and combo W/D opening into the bathroom instead of the closet (although that was just the buyers choice, AC will do it with the standard stacked W/D and will also add 2 windows on the curbside at bunk levels.

You could also do it on this plan http://www.americancoach.com/americaneagle/floorplans/45T

Thanks. I think I'd be tempted to make a bunk room out of that whole back area behind the bathroom, and have the front washroom as a big family closet.

Then again, we have a bunk model, and won't be changing it for a long time.

[dverstra]

michelb wrote:

dverstra wrote:
While traveling with our 4 children, we approached it differently. We added a screen room under the awning. The older kid's job when we stopped for the night was to set up their room. They slept on cots that were stored in the basement compartment. They had their space, we had ours. And...it was more like camping than RVing. It was a win, win.:) The younger ones were so jealous that when they reached the magic age, they insisted on sleeping in the screen room.
When they were smaller, we devised a way to put 1 on firm pillows between the captains chairs that were facing each other, put a couple on the folding sofa and 1 in the dinette. In the morning, as you can imagine, they were crawling over each other to get to the one head.

One problem I can see here is that there are many 'higher end' resorts that won't let you do that. That said, I do agree that having 2 separate spaces is ideal.

We always asked the resort when we were reserving. Recently I have seen a stipulation that all must sleep inside. We did not encounter that on our travels, though.

[michelb]

dverstra wrote:
While traveling with our 4 children, we approached it differently. We added a screen room under the awning. The older kid's job when we stopped for the night was to set up their room. They slept on cots that were stored in the basement compartment. They had their space, we had ours. And...it was more like camping than RVing. It was a win, win.:) The younger ones were so jealous that when they reached the magic age, they insisted on sleeping in the screen room.
When they were smaller, we devised a way to put 1 on firm pillows between the captains chairs that were facing each other, put a couple on the folding sofa and 1 in the dinette. In the morning, as you can imagine, they were crawling over each other to get to the one head.

One problem I can see here is that there are many 'higher end' resorts that won't let you do that. That said, I do agree that having 2 separate spaces is ideal.

[michelb]

GraciesDaddy wrote:
The Newmar King Aire floor plan 4599 has two standard bunk beds... with an optional 3rd bunk. Granted, the bunks are next to the bedroom, with a sliding door between. That's something you'll have to decide if it works for you.

Go here: I'm SO glad I figured out clicketies on this forum! and scroll down to the floor plans.

You get to pick your exterior color on that site, too! :B

That's pretty funny - I've looked at Newmar's website many times and I've never even noticed that floorplan (probably because realistically, I'll never be able to afford a King Aire). I'm a bit surprised that it's only available as KA and not an Essex, MA or DS - don't know how much of a market there is for a $800+k bunkhouse DP.

[michelb]

skrams wrote:

michelb wrote:

GreenSalsa wrote:
...

Here is the link to their FB photo album showing the work:

That's the one that a former forum member had done a couple of years ago. There was another member that contacted them last year and was offered a few different layout options for the rear bunks (I'll see if I can find them and I'll post them).

In case anyone is curious, here's more pictures of that same Revo 42T MH:

http://s882.photobucket.com/user/allencrabtree/library/?sort=3&page=1

I'd love to see a floorplan, I can't figure it out.

The one above is this http://www.americancoach.com/americanrevolution/floorplans/42T with bunk beds instead of the shelf and combo W/D opening into the bathroom instead of the closet (although that was just the buyers choice, AC will do it with the standard stacked W/D and will also add 2 windows on the curbside at bunk levels.

You could also do it on this plan http://www.americancoach.com/americaneagle/floorplans/45T

[dverstra]

While traveling with our 4 children, we approached it differently. We added a screen room under the awning. The older kid's job when we stopped for the night was to set up their room. They slept on cots that were stored in the basement compartment. They had their space, we had ours. And...it was more like camping than RVing. It was a win, win.:) The younger ones were so jealous that when they reached the magic age, they insisted on sleeping in the screen room.
When they were smaller, we devised a way to put 1 on firm pillows between the captains chairs that were facing each other, put a couple on the folding sofa and 1 in the dinette. In the morning, as you can imagine, they were crawling over each other to get to the one head.

[GraciesDaddy]

The Newmar King Aire floor plan 4599 has two standard bunk beds... with an optional 3rd bunk. Granted, the bunks are next to the bedroom, with a sliding door between. That's something you'll have to decide if it works for you.

Go here: I'm SO glad I figured out clicketies on this forum! and scroll down to the floor plans.

You get to pick your exterior color on that site, too! :B

[skrams]

michelb wrote:

GreenSalsa wrote:
...

Here is the link to their FB photo album showing the work:

That's the one that a former forum member had done a couple of years ago. There was another member that contacted them last year and was offered a few different layout options for the rear bunks (I'll see if I can find them and I'll post them).

In case anyone is curious, here's more pictures of that same Revo 42T MH:

http://s882.photobucket.com/user/allencrabtree/library/?sort=3&page=1

I'd love to see a floorplan, I can't figure it out.

[rvis2005]

willald wrote:
Ahhh, yes, the dilemma us family folks with children must deal with - Wanting the children (and adults) to have their own private space in the RV, yet still want the luxury and convenience a Motorhome brings. This was one of the reasons we stuck with an RV trailer (with quad bunkhhouse in back) for many, years, and hesitated to go to a Motorhome.

Where to put the bunks where the kids can have their own space, without intruding on the privacy the adults need/want, in their bedroom in the back. 🙂

I've looked at models like being discussed here, where a closet in back bedroom is converted to bunks. Absolutely HATE that arrangement and want nothing to do with it. We need a bit more privacy than that. Don't want kids to have to come tromping through our bedroom at night when/if they need to use the bathroom, haha!

Also seen a few where a large wardrobe/closet in the hallway is made into bunks. Basically, the bunks in that case are an 'afterthought'. No windows in the bunks, and no TV/DVD in them. Didn't like that, either, would like to give the kids a nicer space than a converted closet.

The ultimate bunk floorplan I've seen, was one floorplan Gulfstream RV briefly built a few years ago, that had the bunks in a completely separate room, forward of the bathroom. Completely separate room (with its own door), with bathrrom between it and the back bedroom. Only saw one of them on RVtrader, and it went away quickly.

Ultimately, we settled on the Georgetown 351DS model, with has the very common floorplan with bunks just outside the bedroom across from the bathroom. To address the privacy issue, first thing I did was install a 'hook and eye' type lock on the bedroom door, so we could lock the door when privacy was/is needed. Have been camping with it now for almost 2 years, and its been great.

If you really, really need ultimate privacy between the kids bunks and your bedroom, a towable RV makes more sense. Just can't beat the privacy of having the kid's bunks on one end of the rig, and your bedroom on the opposite end like many towable RVs offer. Thats what we had for years, and sometimes I miss that.

It's interesting isn't it? I've been in the RV Industry my entire life and I've never seen it clearly thought of by our manufacturers, yet in the big houseboat industry it's part of nearly every thought process. The best I've personally seen is done on a Prevost Conversion, which is sad because I truly believe it would be popular with the mainstream manufacturers and their buyers. My two cents. Tommy

[willald]

Ahhh, yes, the dilemma us family folks with children must deal with - Wanting the children (and adults) to have their own private space in the RV, yet still want the luxury and convenience a Motorhome brings. This was one of the reasons we stuck with an RV trailer (with quad bunkhhouse in back) for many, years, and hesitated to go to a Motorhome.

Where to put the bunks where the kids can have their own space, without intruding on the privacy the adults need/want, in their bedroom in the back. 🙂

I've looked at models like being discussed here, where a closet in back bedroom is converted to bunks. Absolutely HATE that arrangement and want nothing to do with it. We need a bit more privacy than that. Don't want kids to have to come tromping through our bedroom at night when/if they need to use the bathroom, haha!

Also seen a few where a large wardrobe/closet in the hallway is made into bunks. Basically, the bunks in that case are an 'afterthought'. No windows in the bunks, and no TV/DVD in them. Didn't like that, either, would like to give the kids a nicer space than a converted closet.

The ultimate bunk floorplan I've seen, was one floorplan Gulfstream RV briefly built a few years ago, that had the bunks in a completely separate room, forward of the bathroom. Completely separate room (with its own door), with bathrrom between it and the back bedroom. Only saw one of them on RVtrader, and it went away quickly.

Ultimately, we settled on the Georgetown 351DS model, with has the very common floorplan with bunks just outside the bedroom across from the bathroom. To address the privacy issue, first thing I did was install a 'hook and eye' type lock on the bedroom door, so we could lock the door when privacy was/is needed. Have been camping with it now for almost 2 years, and its been great.

If you really, really need ultimate privacy between the kids bunks and your bedroom, a towable RV makes more sense. Just can't beat the privacy of having the kid's bunks on one end of the rig, and your bedroom on the opposite end like many towable RVs offer. Thats what we had for years, and sometimes I miss that.