Dad looking for family's first camper. Bunk vs. Rear living

[826storm]

Hello all, here goes my maiden voyage into RVing. I find it odd as 10 years ago I admittedly scoffed at the idea of owning a camper as I held steadfast to my opinion that the only real camping was done from a tent. Ha ha ha. Well, with age comes wisdom I guess (and usually better finances) and now I find myself wanting a camper in the worst way. I recently purchased some land here on the Cedar River in Iowa with electrical and water. Since this location is somewhat prone to flooding I really like the idea of having a camper there instead of a cabin. My family, friends and I spend a lot of time on the river in the boat and I just love the idea of having a camper backed up to the river with my boat tied up 20 yards away. Although it may sound like I'm rambling the intent of my setup in scenery is to explain my desire to have a rear living set-up even though I have 2 boys (age 7&9). I love the idea of that large back window with the recliners turned facing the river drinking coffee, watching it rain, ect. The bulk of my apprehension revolves around the almost unanimous opinion that if you have kids you want a bunk house. I have told myself (and my wife agrees) that we can easily manage sleeping agreements with the fold out couch and table. Or heck, my boys almost prefer during on an air mattress over there own beds. Anyhow I would LOVE to hear your expert opinions on this. Am I out of my mind our is the bunghouse trade off warranted for the bigger rear living room facing the river?

I have a 2007 Silverado crew cab 4x4 that is rated for 7500# for pulling.

[toedtoes]

Few thoughts:

1. Converting the couch every night - no big deal. Converting the dinette every night - pain. Night time will come and you will always have to move things off the dinette. The tables are a pain to deal with - not difficult, just a pain. Cushions never fit easily.

2. You won't be able to sit in your recliners and talk into the late night with the kids sleeping right there on the couch and dinette.

3. At their ages, will the kids prefer to be in a tent with their air mattresses? Heck, you could build a lean-to for them, or even a tree house and they'd love sleeping there far more than in the trailer. Look outside the box for sleeping arrangements for them since it will be a stationary camp on property you own.

4. Personally, I never liked the bunks - even as a kid. I always felt claustrophobic in them. And the "private space" really isn't private. Also, when boys start growing, they GROW. You'll need to make sure you get a bunkhouse that will fit them in 4 years when that happens.

[826storm]

gbopp wrote:
Get a bunk house. Setting up and taking down the couch/dinette gets old, real quick.

Real quick.

It's okay for occasional use but, not every night. Plus, it gives your boys their own personal area.
They will like that.

Yes, I definitely understand that reasoning and it is probably most practical but man, I just love the idea of sitting there in the back watching the river go by. Our river spot is only about 2 miles from our house so the overnight stays will probably be somewhat minimal. I work a really weird swing shift so this camper will also be an outlet for me to enjoy many of the days off I have during the week by myself down by the river. Ugh, I just can't decide. Ha ha ha

[826storm]

camperforlife wrote:
How much time will you spend in the trailer? If it is a fair amount go for the view of the rear living. If you are always outside on the boat and the trailer is for eating & sleeping, then get a floor plan that best suits that arrangement. Either way, if you pick a floor plan that is awkward for the way you live in it, you will be trading soon.

Dang! Thanks for the immediate response

[gbopp]

Get a bunk house. Setting up and taking down the couch/dinette gets old, real quick.

Real quick.

It's okay for occasional use but, not every night. Plus, it gives your boys their own personal area.
They will like that.

[826storm]

***Link Removed***Here are the 2 campers I have tentatively narrowed my search down to:

http://www.thompsonfamilyrv.com/2016-jayco-jay-flight-slx-265rlsw-new-travel-trailer-ia-i1787332***Link Removed***

http://www.thompsonfamilyrv.com/2016-keystone-hideout-26rls-new-travel-trailer-ia-i1818627

I am VERY receptive to your thoughts/feedback to any and all things concerning these products as I have no clue anything about campers. Are prices good, quality issues, dealer thoughts ect. Thanks in advance for all your help, it's much appreciated!

[camperforlife]

How much time will you spend in the trailer? If it is a fair amount go for the view of the rear living. If you are always outside on the boat and the trailer is for eating & sleeping, then get a floor plan that best suits that arrangement. Either way, if you pick a floor plan that is awkward for the way you live in it, you will be trading soon.