We rented a travel trailer for our last vacation, and besides for the trailer being improperly prepped and multiple problems with the trailer, we realized the advantages a travel trailer could offer. We have two kids, so we have been looking at bunkhouse trailers primarily. We found a keystone outback 210urs with the rear slide out for the bed. I like the idea of a shorter trailer, and having the bed slide out seems to have a nice advantage of creating the feeling of space. However, we have not been able to get a price that is much below msrp locally so we are still looking.Does anyone have a similar bunkhouse trailer that they really like? How about the folding table and couch to create the extra beds? It seems like it would become more of a problem putting up, taking down over a few weeks travel time? I am completely open to suggestions. Ideally we would like to keep the purchase price at $20,000. Thanks for taking the time to read this.My tow vehicle is a 1500 Silverado with the towing package, and rated to to upto 10,000.

Oh yes, if I could find a campsite cl21bhs for close to our budget, that is also a serious consideration.

Svon wrote:My tow vehicle is a 1500 Silverado with the towing package, and rated to to upto 10,000.When towing with pretty well any 1/2 ton forget about the vehicle's so-called "tow rating" as it all comes down to payload, or more correctly lack thereof. Subtract the weight of everyone in the truck, any cargo you may carry in it, plus the weight of any WD system, and what you have left is what you'll use to accommodate the weight of any tongue weight transferred from the trailer to the truck when it's hitched up. With most 1/2 tons that means not a whole lot left, usually limiting gross trailer tongue weight to somewhere in the 600 to 800 lb range. You haven't mentioned your Silverado's MY, transmission, or axle ratio but even if it's a newer 6 sp driving anything less than a 3.73 that's yet another reason to be cautious about what you select in a trailer. Currently I tow a shorter 21' couple's trailer averaging ~ 4700 lbs loaded and ready to camp with our '12 Silvy running a 3.42 and wouldn't want to tow much more than ~ 6000 lbs with this truck.

The keystone seems to be right around 20 where ever you look maybe wait till end of the season it might go lower

Svon wrote:Oh yes, if I could find a campsite cl21bhs for close to our budget, that is also a serious consideration.JMO but I suspect you'd quickly this model's 7' width awfully constricting, even with a slide. Tougher also to sell a few years later since 8' is by far the most popular width in travel trailers these days. :(

Camplite is an excellent choice for a smaller lightweight trailer.Ran across this one awhile back, and posted as a recommendation, now you have it:21BHS Virginia (new)2013 21BHS New York, (used)21BHS walk-through video

Newbie looking for advice | Good Sam Community

Iraqvet05
Explorer
Aug 16, 2017
We love our Jayco 26BH. It lacks a slide but at 5,000 lbs, it tows well with most half tons. I had a 2007 Silverado 1500 with the 4 speed transmission and 3.42 gears and I thought the truck was under powered so I moved up to a 2500 but the 6 speed Silverados should pull that weight no problem.
Halmfamily
Explorer
Aug 16, 2017
Check out this months Trailer Life, good article on half ton towables.
rbpru
Explorer II
Aug 16, 2017
Having rented one, you have a feel for what you need in a TT.

A half ton with kids and toys will eat up cargo and axle capacity pretty quickly. My guess is a 25 footer's loaded tongue weight will max out available cargo capacity.

Good luck
Svon
Explorer
Aug 15, 2017
Thank you for the replies. I welcome all suggestions. It is sometimes hard and confusing to sort through all the different opinions and information gleaned from reading forums.

Funny, 6000 was what I had in mind as a target weight after doing a lot of reading in the various forums.

I like the idea of waiting until its cold out. There is no hurry to rush into something.
time2roll
Nomad
Aug 15, 2017
I usually say to keep the trailer GVWR within the tow rating. Forget the dry weight, shipped weight etc.
Although a 10,000 GVWR trailer may put you over your truck payload. Especially if you expect to load the bed with coolers, BBQ, firewood etc.
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Aug 15, 2017
Personally I think you will like the U-sped dinette better on the CampLite. Less interior space without the slide out for the bed, better seating.

I allso like the construction of the CampLite trailers better (which is why they are more expensive).

tomkaren13 wrote:
X2 No matter what sales people say-- Keep weight of TT UNDER 6000.

CONCUR !
Halmfamily
Explorer
Aug 15, 2017
Wait to purchase in the winter when it's a buyers market. Dealers are hungry to sell units when it's cold outside
justaboutretire
Explorer
Aug 15, 2017
I like mine so much I've had it since 2002!! Only issue is they don't them anymore.
tomkaren13
Explorer
Aug 15, 2017
SoundGuy wrote:
Svon wrote:
My tow vehicle is a 1500 Silverado with the towing package, and rated to to upto 10,000.

When towing with pretty well any 1/2 ton forget about the vehicle's so-called "tow rating" as it all comes down to payload, or more correctly lack thereof. Subtract the weight of everyone in the truck, any cargo you may carry in it, plus the weight of any WD system, and what you have left is what you'll use to accommodate the weight of any tongue weight transferred from the trailer to the truck when it's hitched up. With most 1/2 tons that means not a whole lot left, usually limiting gross trailer tongue weight to somewhere in the 600 to 800 lb range. You haven't mentioned your Silverado's MY, transmission, or axle ratio but even if it's a newer 6 sp driving anything less than a 3.73 that's yet another reason to be cautious about what you select in a trailer. Currently I tow a shorter 21' couple's trailer averaging ~ 4700 lbs loaded and ready to camp with our '12 Silvy running a 3.42 and wouldn't want to tow much more than ~ 6000 lbs with this truck.

X2 No matter what sales people say-- Keep weight of TT UNDER 6000.
trailernovice
Explorer
Aug 15, 2017
Just a tip...as you're aware, the 'number' in the model designator generally reflects the 'box' length of the unit...'bh' is usually short for 'bunk house'...that may make your looking more efficient

Re. the jackknife sofa..this current unit has it, and it ends up just being a place to pile boxes of towels or swimsuits or whatnot...our last trailer (2011 Palomino Puma 25BH) had, in lieu of the couch, a small closet in the 'hallway'...could store hanging stuff from the rod, and other things at the bottom...that made a lot more sense...storage, v. a sitting/sleeping location that we rarely use for the designed purpose
for what it's worth