Putting the kids on the floor???

[tragusa3]

We've really enjoyed our 15BH. It's tiny, and we haven't minded. Local weekends and short trips are fine. It was a little cramped for our 42 day trip this past summer, but not miserable.

That said, we are ready to move up a bit in size. We really like the 22RB models with U dinette slide-out.

I feel like the bunks have more cons than pros. First, the kids are growing like weeds and already touch the walls head to toe (they're only 10). Second, the bunks are wasted space when not sleeping, and in a smallish trailer, that's a large portion of real estate. Lastly, as the kids get older, they like sleeping on the couch and floor, even when home.

So here's the question: What do you think about a family of 4 buying a trailer with no beds for kids? I'm thinking that with a slide out dinette, there is enough floor space for kids in sleeping bags. If the weather is ideal, they might even be in a tent. We could always fall back on converting the dinette if they had to have it.

Why? because the floor-plans have such better living space without bunks, and I can see that we're 7-8 years from not having the kids all the time.

Anyone out there putting the kids on the floor? How's it working for you?

[K_Charles]

Maybe you could split the difference and let the kids have the bed and you sleep on the floor. When the grow up and don't travel with you then you get the bed.

[Heap64]

My wife used to sleep in the trunk of their car camping! I think they will live on the floor or in their own tent.

We had 5 in a truck camper and a bench seat truck camper all the way to Alaska in '79. We probably couldn't get across the border that way now 🙂

[Halmfamily]

We originally looked at bunkhouse units but decided, along with the kids, that we wanted more daytime space. Our kids 15 and 17 either sleep on the floor or pull the bed out of the couch. If you're concerned about them having privacy they can go outside.

Its nice to have the extra room and everyone not cramped on a rainy day. Our kids each have a cabinet in the living room for their stuff.

Good luck

[craiger4]

I have a family of 6, and when they were kids, they loved sleeping on the floor.

[phillyg]

Kids belong on the floor. They should also be seen and not heard. At least that's what my English mother told me when I was a kid. Can you see where I'm coming from LOL?

[korbe]

As soon as our kids were old enough to fend off the wild animals, they were out in the tents that they loved and preferred. Still can't understand the desire for bunks.

[Steeljag]

Tent and or truck bed with topper. TT floor with matting or air mattress during bad weather!

[atreis]

Only you can guess at whether or not it will work to have the kids on the floor. Others here would say our small trailer couldn't possibly work for a family of 5 - yet it does, and has, for many years now.

Things to consider that could make this problematic (or not):
1. The floor can be cold, not just in cold weather but also in hot weather if you run the AC. (Trailers are not well insulated and there can be a temperature differential between the floor and the thermostat.)
2. The kids could prevent you from being able to get to the bathroom in the middle of the night without tripping over them.
3. The kids might find the floor hard/uncomfortable and complain, or worse, wake up a lot during the night, or worse yet, insist on climbing into bed with you in the middle of the night.

Other options would be a hybrid trailer or a tent. If needed, an air mattress and weather-appropriate sleeping bags can make the tent pretty comfortable, and it could be appealing to them as "their own space".

[colliehauler]

I see you have a topper on the truck you could always put a couple of kids there. A lot of kids as they get older don't want to camp with there parents. A tent would work and you both would have your privacy.

[GaryWT]

Whatever works for your family. Our 19 year old still camps with us and he has his own room, his mattress is on the floor though. My wife's rule is to have enough beds without needing to use the couch or table as she does not want the set up and takedown. I would not want to be tripping over kids if I was up in the middle of the night or if they did not wake up as early as I did, but that is me. Good luck.

[midnightsadie]

bet the kids would like a tent.

[amandasgramma]

As kids, we slept in "pup tents", on the floor, on the ground on tarps with NO tent. 🙂 We thought that was a LOT better than sleeping ANYWHERE near our folks...LOL LOL Nowadays, I'm not sure I'd like my kids outside......so many things go wrong nowadays. We're at an RV park now that says no outside tents. 😞 But I'd ask your kids!!!!! Maybe they have an opinion. There is also the issue with a kid wanting to sleep in.....and being in the way for other to LIVE.

[FLY_4_FUN]

First off there are lots of rv's with bunks 78" long, so good for kids and adults. I wouldn't be abandoning bunks until the kids weren't coming as often, or sleeping in tents instead. Bunks can carry tupperware bins, pantry items, bikes etc....so never wasted space. Just my .02 as someone who finally sold his bunkhouse as our kids reached 18 and 20 and camp less. Even now we made sure the hide-a-bed was comfy for when they come.

Daryll

[geotex1]

Ask yourself how long will you be in this camper. Until the last few years, average ownership was 8-10 years max.

I have 4 godchildren that camp with me each summer for 1 to 2 weeks. My wife and I went from a camper that could sleep 8 when needed to one that sleeps 4 between the bedroom and sleeper sofa. I asked the children when my wife and I were shopping about how they'd like to have their own tent during our adventures. THEY LOVED THAT IDEA! Problem solved.

[old_guy]

buy a TT with a sofa bed and the dinette will also sleep two if necessary.