Forum Discussion

curdy's avatar
curdy
Explorer
Oct 06, 2017

Fam of 8 looking for TT

Hi everyone, my wife and I have decided to pull the trigger on a travel trailer. We have 6 children ages 2-14 so our needs are a little unique. Looking for some advice on models that will work for us. We will be towing with a 2011 Chevy Express 3500 SWB with the 6.0. I have found myself drawn more to the 3 slide models with opposing slides in a rear bunk room. I like this lay out so there is room for all 6 in one room (some on bunks, some on the floor with fold out futons). It would be ideal to have 50 Amp service, 2 AC units and a larger residential sized fridge (to help increase the time between grocery runs). Trouble is, I'm not finding this combo in the type of trailer I think we need because of weight.

Weight is my biggest concern right now. We had the van weighed a few days ago just before a trip. I wasn't in it, but with the wife, all the kids, some stuff and a full tank it tipped the scale at 7200. My wife said she was hauling some heavy bins of clothes to return to her sister...OK, but still, I wasn't in it, nor was anything I would be taking. I'm not a big guy (155#), but for the sake of just going with a number, let's use 7400# for a loaded van. I think this is over doing it, but I'd rather look at the weight as carefully as possible.


16000# GCVW
Van: 7400
That leaves 8600# left for trailer and stuff...and that is maxed which isn't exactly what I want to be doing.


With options so limited, I think the only model I've found that I can track down close to me (that doesn't weigh close to 8000# empty would be the Keystone Passport 3290BH, weighing in at 6400#

Does anyone have some feedback for me regarding other models to consider?

Thanks in advance!
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Oct 06, 2017
    That unit has good holding tanks but 43 gallons of fresh water for eight isn't enough if you want to dry/boondock for more than a day. Miss a lot of pretty country if you don't. You'll still need to be careful with "stuff" weight. Otherwise it looks pretty good IMO.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Oct 06, 2017
    Is that 7400 van weight curb weight from some brochure or actual scaled ready to travel weight? My guess with 8 bodies on board your far closer to 8500 pounds than 7400. The van makes a nice tow vehicle, but again weights are your killer. You might consider a large tent trailer and a couple of tents for the older kids.
  • kerrlakeRoo's avatar
    kerrlakeRoo
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2017
    Another Keystone product Outback 293UBH may work. 7600 lbs 3 bunks and a dinette in the rear bunkroom.
    Edit add on thats 7600 loaded, 5860 empty weight.
  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Oct 06, 2017
    donn0128 wrote:
    Is that 7400 van weight curb weight from some brochure or actual scaled ready to travel weight? My guess with 8 bodies on board your far closer to 8500 pounds than 7400. The van makes a nice tow vehicle, but again weights are your killer. You might consider a large tent trailer and a couple of tents for the older kids.


    Said he weighed it, loaded ready for a trip. So it must be the scaled weight.
  • petrel's avatar
    petrel
    Explorer
    Oct 06, 2017
    I can assure you that you are on the right track with the three slide configuration. We have a three slide coachmen bunkhouse and the children loved having the huge back room all to themselves. I think the dry weight is 7400lbs.
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Oct 07, 2017
    Skip the 3 slides. It adds a LOT of weight. Skip the outside kitchen.

    DO get a true bunkhouse, separate bedroom with dual bunk beds. U-shape dinette is a plus. Personally I like the idea of a Murphy Bed, but you may want a separate bedroom.
  • curdy's avatar
    curdy
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2017
    We looked at a 312BHDSLE and really liked it, but it weighed in at nearly 7800 dry I believe. We need to stay lighter.

    The only other 3 slide with opposing slides that I have seen that comes in under 7000# is the Bullet 335BHS. There aren't any of those close to us. There is a used one up in NJ. I'm from Philly originally and have family up there. If push came to shove, I would head up there to take a look and haul her back if the deal was right. But if there's one close by that works, I'm going with that.
  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Oct 07, 2017
    so curdy. You ask for suggestions My APEX 2880BHS sleeps 10. for bunks it has 2 full size beds beside the bathroom, which has it's own outside entrance. GREAT to keep the kids from running thru the entire TT to get to the bathroom. Has a sofa that makes a bed, and of course a dinnet. Queen in front master. 30' long.
    It weighed from the factory by the yellow sticker, 4811 lb. and depending on where it is going 6000lb ready to camp.

    don't know where in NC you are. But I believe APEX models are sold near Mocksville. I got mine in SC at Bob Ledfords. And Terril camping center has pretty much the same floorplan in a Jayco White Hawk. the slide is deeper, and weighs I believe 5500lb yellow sticker.
    Look around. you will find what you want, and if you are not in a big hurry. Wait until the camping shows in Jan, and Feb.
  • Jeeperinmoab's avatar
    Jeeperinmoab
    Explorer
    Oct 07, 2017
    Look at Crusier RV. They have some great units. I have an MPG 2800QB made by Crusier RV. Ours has a quad bunk in the rear. I have 5 children ranging from 1-13 and it works great for us.

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