Give me your feedback - Dutchmen Aerolite Bunk House

[mamalisa08]

We're in the beginning stages of evaluating TTs to purchase. We will probably buy new but we will see. We're also evaluating tow vehicles and will most likely buy a 2016 Expedition and then purchase the TT after that. We went to an RV show recently so got to see a lot of neat floor plans. We have 4 kids and so we need a bunkhouse. But towing with the Expedition means we need to be careful with our weight. With all that in mind, we've seen several trailers that have a floor plan similar to this (link below). Our kids are 7, 5, 3, and 2. We plan on doing long weekend camping for the most part. Do you think this size TT is realistically comfortable for a family of 6? I know we have enough beds, but what about general space and storage? Here's a Dutchmen Aerolite in the floorpan that we've been eyeing. The length, weight, and features look good. We like the u-shaped dinette and the bunks. Ideally we'd have 4 bunks but those are harder to find in a weight we're comfortable with.

Anyway... thoughts on this floor plan for a family of 6 are appreciated. Thanks! 🙂

http://www.dutchmen.com/aerolite/floorplans-and-pictures/floorplan-details?modelId=3649

[wing_zealot]

I have the 282BHDS, love the banks. Great storage space for bikes while traveling, great bunks space for the kids when camping.

[Jackthe3rd]

We have the 242BHS....upgraded from an Aerolite 174E Hybrid that we had for about two years.

We love the floorplan - we only have three kids, but the Happi-Jack bunks make for a great space efficient feature. I don't think you'll have any issues sleeping your family.

Our trailer weighs in at about 5850 loaded for camping with no water, and no food in the fridge. That is running it across the scales.

We are big fans of the Aerolite brand and do not think you'll be disappointed.

[mamalisa08]

retiredcamper2011 wrote:
Also check the Lance trailer line. Excellent quality. The 2185 model sleeps 7, triple bunks, 26' 4400 lbs.

Thank you! I will check it out.

[downtheroad]

It will work, with 6 of you, you will be spending a lot of time outdoors.

You are looking at about 900 lbs of tongue weight, loaded and trip ready, plus another 65+- lbs for the hitch. Add that to the weight of you passengers and all the gear/cargo you load in you Expy and then subtract all that from the PAYLOAD of the Expy.

See how that comes out.
Good luck with it and enjoy the adventure....it's a great family activity.

[elwood58]

The Expedition should handle 9200 pounds towing. The dry shipping weight of that TT is just under 5600 pounds, with cargo capacity of just over 1000 pounds. 400 pounds will be consumed by a full fresh water tank. Another 100 pounds of propane and misc fluids.

You will have to watch your weight in the TT and the expedition.

[retiredcamper20]

Also check the Lance trailer line. Excellent quality. The 2185 model sleeps 7, triple bunks, 26' 4400 lbs.

[icanon]

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[outdoorlovers]

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