Possibly interested in buying a TT. Seeking input

[Coastiebob]

We are considering buying a tt Bunkhouse as we have 3 kids. I have a Nissan Armada that can tow up to 9000 lbs. We are looking to spend under $20k, what are the pros and cons of different models and brands. 4 seasons? Specific issues with makes? Etc

[Tvov]

magnusfide wrote:

FrankShore wrote:
Take a good look at the Lance 2185, it's a winner! 4 Season plus all the extras.

Lance 2185 Clicky

The OP wanted to spend less than 20k. The Lance 2185 starts around 44k. Nice floorplan though.

Wow... $44,000 for a 21ft trailer? and it's not an Airstream? Guess I've been out of the market for a long time!

[kerrlakeRoo]

Coastiebob wrote:
We are considering buying a tt Bunkhouse as we have 3 kids. I have a Nissan Armada that can tow up to 9000 lbs. We are looking to spend under $20k, what are the pros and cons of different models and brands. 4 seasons? Specific issues with makes? Etc

Ok, to help at all a little more info would be needed,
triple bunk (singles) or double over double,
hobbies, would a toy hauler work better?
What do you do? Hike? Bike? Fish? Dirt bikes?
Ages of kids, one leaving soon?
4 seasons? Where do you plan on using the unit? New England then yes definitely, gulf coast, not so much. Summer use or year round?
If coastie from your name indicates Coast Guard then transfers make 4 seasons need more likely.
As to models and brands, there are about 10 primary manufacturers, A couple of the smaller ones only build premium, the largest have multiple product lines , running the gamut from low end to high end, with most using the same staff and manufacturing facility for both high and low end. You can get a lemon from any of them, most build products to meet what they think are specific user groups, once or twice a year users, weekend warriors and a few even state frequent and full time, and the durability tends to follow those intended uses.

[NanciL]

Keep away from any thing by Forest River. They are junk.

From a 2016 bunk house owner

jack L

[magnusfide]

FrankShore wrote:
Take a good look at the Lance 2185, it's a winner! 4 Season plus all the extras.

Lance 2185 Clicky

The OP wanted to spend less than 20k. The Lance 2185 starts around 44k. Nice floorplan though.

[FrankShore]

Take a good look at the Lance 2185, it's a winner! 4 Season plus all the extras.

Lance 2185 Clicky

[magnusfide]

Coastiebob wrote:
We are considering buying a tt Bunkhouse as we have 3 kids. I have a Nissan Armada that can tow up to 9000 lbs. We are looking to spend under $20k, what are the pros and cons of different models and brands. 4 seasons? Specific issues with makes? Etc

Your options are almost unlimited as you've probably noticed. Start with answering questions about how you vacation. You don't need to answer them here but do have your spouse involved.
-How often do you currently camp out and for how long?
-Do the kids like camping? How old are they now? Will they refuse to camp once they hit their teens?
-How much experience do you have with towing?
-Most bunkhouse tts weigh more than 9000 lbs once they're loaded with food and gear. Are there other sleeping options than a bunkhouse? A smaller tt and take a tent perhaps?

Once you have a good idea of how you camp, how often and how much the kids like camping, you can decide if a new or used tt will meet those needs. We always bought used and paid far less than new. Kids grow up fast and we didn't want payments on a tt that was too large for two people.

For vacations, most of your time will be spent outside of the tt and you'll find you'll need less trailer than you think. Rainy weather makes for great board game time with the kids too. You won't need a wheeled palace for those few times it does rain.