Grey Wolf 26BH or Passport 2650 BH

[kevinomaha]

We are buying our first camper and I have spent over a month researching and am down to a very difficult choice. I'd appreciate any opinions from experienced campers.

First, we do a lot of tent camping with our two children (5 & 7) so I am confident we will use it often every year and for at least the next 10 years. Second we are conservative and try to be very balanced between value and cost.

So, I was about to pull the trigger on the Passport 2650 for a great price when I stopped to consider saving a lot of money on the grey wolf 26BH ($6,500 cheaper). Although I really like the passport many of the features aren't "required" as we are very used to staying outside when we camp.

However, moving into a nice camper may change our habits and I don't want to be regretting the decision to save the money in a few years. I understand there is no "right" answer and would appreciate any opinions on the topic.

[kevinomaha]

Thanks for all the insights. I thought about the spread axles but thought since I got a propride 3p hitch it wouldn't be a big deal. I also noticed the location of the heater and was a bit concerned. Clearly the slide is a "must have" from all the feedback.

I hadn't considered the sink outside the bathroom or the noise from the heater.

[WoodGlue]

My vote for the Passport would be with a resounding yes! Think of the GreyWolf as a beginners trailer or one that you'd probably get a few year out of. Spend the extra $6,500 and be much happier!

The Passport is a much better quality build.

WoodGlue

[301TBS]

I had a 26bh, very solid trailer. The lack of ducted a/c, noisey furnace location, bathroom sink not in bathroom, open bedroom (no wall), were the reason for trading. You get what you pay for!

[ls1mike]

I shopped both when I bought my Passport 3220BH last year.
I have been very happy with the Passport. I love my electric awings. You can adjust them, auto water dump and if it is raining and windy roll them up from the inside.

The Passport has a slide and weighs about the same as the Greywolf. Get the slide now. I camped in a 5th wheel with two kids and no slide for 4 years. I will not have a trailer without one now.

Are the axles spread out like on the Passport? The really makes a difference for towing. Having towed a similar length trailer to mine without the spread axles, I really like having them spread apart further.

[Mag1234]

The slide is a huge deal with a family. It makes a world of difference, making the camper feel more like a "room". I know several people that have upgraded trailers simply to get a slide once they have been in others. Also, I hear the ducted air/heat makes a big difference but that is somewhat a function of how large the camper is. Oven is great to make cookies or rolls for the kids 🙂

[downtheroad]

kevinomaha wrote:
Forest River Grey Wolf 26BH and Keystone Passport 2650 BH. Here are the key things the Passport has the Grey Wolf does not..

* Aluminum Frame big up grade
* Black Tank Cleanout nice but not essential
* Ducted Heat / Air big upgrade..worth it
* Fiberglass sides no opinion from me..but considered an upgrade
* R11 insulation in floor & roof another important upgrade
* TV, DVD, RBQ Grill can be added later. Don't go for the RV attached grill
* Electric Awning I like manual awnings..fewer problems and more control
* Oven We sure use ours. Hot Cinnamon rolls on a rainy morning, etc
* 3ft Slide for couch & dinette You will miss not having this - especially with a family.

I also think the passport has a taller ceiling and a sun roof in the shower.

[rightyouareken]

My opinion is to get the trailer with the most space inside, which probably means with a slide out. I don't think many people regret getting a slide, but I've read a lot of people end up trading for a slide model because it starts feeling cramped. Think about space as your kids get older. Out of those choices, I'd go with the passport.

[camp-n-family]

I have friends with a Grey Wolf 26BH and others with the Passport 2910BH. Both have served them well with no real issues over the past 2 years.

They both come with similar features, one just does it nicer than the other. The Grey Wolf is an entry level cheaper trailer. It shows when you look at the fit/finish and quality of materials used up close. I find it to be cramped and dark inside, no slide and small windows. The Passport IMO is more "luxury" if you will. It's really personal preference when it comes to picking between the two. How much is the upscale look and materials worth to you?

One benefit of the Grey Wolf, thieves will likely bypass it. Not meaning to offend anybody by that but it happened here. Twelve TTs at our storage facility got broken into, including the ones on either side of the Grey Wolf, but they didn't touch it.

For comparison shopping my friends '12 Grey Wolf was $13k CAN. out the door. It has the standard aluminum siding and full power package (awning, tongue, jacks, tv) as well as the flip down rack on the rear bumper. For that price, I can overlook a lot of things.

[kevinomaha]

Forest River Grey Wolf 26BH and Keystone Passport 2650 BH. Here are the key things the Passport has the Grey Wolf does not..

* Aluminum Frame
* Black Tank Cleanout
* Ducted Heat / Air
* Fiberglass sides
* R11 insulation in floor & roof
* TV, DVD, RBQ Grill
* Electric Awning
* Oven
* 3ft Slide for couch & dinette

I also think the passport has a taller ceiling and a sun roof in the shower.

[downtheroad]

Not familiar with either one so I'll ask:
What are some of the "features" that the more expensive one has over the other..? The features that you think, "aren't required."
Also, please consider quality in your decision.