Forum Discussion

likofloathe's avatar
likofloathe
Explorer
Aug 10, 2013

Purchasing Help on mid to large bunkouses

Our family is considering purchasing our first TT. I grew up TT camping and loved it. Recently we have spent the past two summers vacationing with friends who have an expandable Roo. Our kids are 9 and 11 as are theirs. We all love the freedom and outdoor adventures that camping brings and instead of looking for campgrounds that have available rental cabins, we are thinking a TT might be a good investment. We have a 2013 Suburban 1500 LT with tow package. The decision right now comes down to the Passport GT 2650, the Bullet 286QBS and a Shadow Cruiser 280QBS. We are only looking at new trailers. We love the small table setup in the Shadow Cruiser and the open space really sold us on going just a bit larger, but I think for the four of us and possibly a friend each the 2650 would be fine. If anyone could give impressions on these and our thought process, I would greatly appreciate it. I am trying to stay as close to 5000 dry weight as possible. I know I could possibly tow a little more weight, but that is all I am comfortable with and all we really need.

Thanks,

gary
  • qmrichardson's avatar
    qmrichardson
    Explorer
    Aug 15, 2013
    I understand. Better to play it safe. I was at fort wilderness this weekend and saw someone towing a huge 5'er with a little Nissan Titan gasser. It was quite the sight to see...
  • likofloathe's avatar
    likofloathe
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2013
    qmrichardson - Ideally I want to stay below 5500 dry or 7000 total. Have a few steep bridges that lock me in on two directions and I don't want to work it too hard getting up there and heaven forbid if we have to stop half way up.

    Gary
  • bcool's avatar
    bcool
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2013
    We purchased a Sunset Trail 290QB this spring. It has a very similar floorplan as to the two you mentioned, including the convertible dinette in the bunkroom, which is one of the things that sold us. We also have two children, and there is plenty of space for them and friends. The Sunset Trail also has an extended slide so you have a bit more room for everyone at the dinette. We also liked the additional features of the Sunset Trail as it was a tan color rather than the traditional white, along with built in LED lights in the awning and a blue LED lightbar on the front of the trailer.

    We moved up from a Rockwood Roo expandable, and while this trailer comes in at about 5900lbs dry, it tows much better. I'm towing it with a 2013 Silverado 1500.

    We've been super happy with it so far.
  • michigansandzil's avatar
    michigansandzil
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2013
    Our kids are 10, 8, and 4 and we have 2 large dogs, (rottie and mastiff) and we have the 280 QBS Shadow Cruiser and LOVE it!! Last month it was pouring outside and we had 5 kids in that back room with the door shut. They played games and ate snacks on the table and we never heard a word out of them. :-)

    We did have axle issues, like someone mentioned, but the manufacturer was an absolute dream to work with. Quickly changed out without incident and was really no big deal. We noticed the tires were wearing unevenly, it didn't leave us stranded or anything like that. We also had a water heater issue......but that was a communication issue. Our salesman told us the TT had electric/gas heater and it only had gas. We questioned the manufacturer and they immediately upgraded it AND paid for the labor. Shocking b/c it was clearly not their error but ours and the salesman. To be honest, their customer service has been so good we'd almost stick with this company just for that.

    This is our 3rd year with it and to this point, no regrets.
  • cxccheermom5's avatar
    cxccheermom5
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2013
    Sorry it posted before I was finished. We have 5 kids 19,17,11,9 & 5. We tow with Tahoe and looked for same things lightweight tow with enough space for kids friends.etc. the kids 4 bunks with table plus the outdoor kitchen which didn't take space from bunks along with themega longer is what sold us.
  • cxccheermom5's avatar
    cxccheermom5
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2013
    We just got 2014 shadow cruiser 280qbs with the super lounger dinette instead of the u shaped booth and sofa combo and we love it! Plenty of room to eat or play games or remove tables to use as huge sofa. We can now all sit or eat or play together. Very versatile. Outside kitchen is great and it doesn't take bunk space away. I had read about axles issues so checked ours first off. Think it WS for 2012 models but double check that. And the kids LOVE the table in the bunks. They convert it sometimes to couch and watch movies.
  • Doug33's avatar
    Doug33
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2013
    FWIW - we are really enjoying our bullet. The double size bunks really come in handy.
  • mrkoje's avatar
    mrkoje
    Explorer
    Aug 11, 2013
    likofloathe wrote:
    mrkoje - Thanks for the info. I will be verifying whether this problem has been corrected and including it in my decision making. We really like the rear dinette option for the kids to have their own space and the Keystone models don't offer that in a trailer with a weight that I am comfortable with.


    I liked that rear room as well and the outdoor kitchen is really nice too!
  • likofloathe's avatar
    likofloathe
    Explorer
    Aug 11, 2013
    mrkoje - Thanks for the info. I will be verifying whether this problem has been corrected and including it in my decision making. We really like the rear dinette option for the kids to have their own space and the Keystone models don't offer that in a trailer with a weight that I am comfortable with.

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