Shopping for a Travel Trailer

Check out Livinlite Trailers....

I saw a number of full bunkhouse models in my search. I was only looking for the double over double, 2-bunk style, but the full bunkhouse might be a good candidate for your son. Some don't have 4 full bunks, but have 2 bunks and a couch or dinette in the bunk portion of the trailer that converts to a bed - looks like it would sleep two fairly easily.

Here are a few I saw in my searching:
- Keystone Bullet Premier 31BHPR. Fairly popular model with full bunkhouse and bunk/dinette/couch combo like described above. Dry weight's gonna' be in the 6500# range which is going to get him pretty close to his 8100# max... maybe a little TOO close

- Shadow Cruiser S-314TSB (full 4-bunk) and 313BHS (bunk/dinette/couch combo). These look like tey're in the 6300-6400 dry weight area. A little more breathing room against that 8100# max, but not much.

Question I had to ask myself with 2 teen/pre-teen kids and your son/DIL will likely have to ask themselves with 4 under 13s... How long do I want this trailer to work for me? The full bunkhouses could well last them for some time and adapt as their kids grow... although I'd bet the older ones will move out of the trailer before they sleep with all their siblings ;).

The other thing that they will have to study up on is all around weight. You mention 8100# max. If that's the max towing capacity their vehicle will tow, then that's a whole 'nother ballgame. If that's what they've determined is their max loaded trailer weight with all other things considered (payload, etc.) then the bunkhouses may be a contender.

Now the disclaimer... I'm far from an expert on these things. These are just some things I've picked up, partly from the wisdom on this board.

One other thing. I see you are on the West Coast. You are likely to run into the same thing I did as far as west coast trailer pricing. As much as everyone should try to keep their business local, don't be afraid to entertain the idea of buying remotely (mid-west) and having the trailer hauled. If nothing else, it gives you some ammo for discussion when the local dealer is $10,000 more for the same model/trim level.

Good luck. Dean

What is the payload of said TV? That will likely be his limit with a family of 6.

There are lots of good family TTs with floorplan like this or similar:
But those are in the 7-10k loaded eating up 800-1200 pounds of payload. If he has a half ton, then it is unlikely he has 1500 pounds of payload for the people and TW.

As for taller interior heights, there are several with 80-84" heights. Those will be heavier. If he can upgrade the TV first, he will have far more options (new and used) for a suitable RV.

Two Hands wrote:
He is 6'7" so light and ulta light trailers don't have the head room he needs.

Trailer shopping is one of the few times I've been thankful to be 5'6" :).

Good luck with the search.

Two Hands wrote:
My son has finally gotten the bug to buy a trailer. I could sure use your help to assist him in finding one. Their family consists of him, his wife, and four children age 13 and under. He is 6'7" so light and ulta light trailers don't have the head room he needs. He thinks a unit with bunk beds and one slide might be best. They don't want a tent trailer or pop-up, but would consider a hybird (I think that is the one with tent ends). He must keep the loaded weight under 8100 pounds. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Since he's 6'7", you're right, there's not enough headroom in most none stick and tin/aluminum sided trailers. Most that use the sandwiched laminated foam walls with 1/16" fiberglass on one side and 1/8" decorative board on the other normally do not have enough headroom unless you go with a premium trailer like a Jayco Eagle. Those will be super heavy and require minimum 3/4 ton truck. The Jayco Eagle Travel Trailers are huge and have a 84" (7') ceiling.

So if he doesn't have or will buy a 3/4 ton truck, I wouldn't consider.

Or he could get a great quality build in a Jayco Jay Flight that has 6'9" ceilings and the weight is lighter but models with slides will border on needing a 3/4 ton truck depending on if it's just him and wife or a fully family and their gear.

I chose the none slide model Jay Flight 26BH because I'm not a fan of slides( I like the KISS theory), plus the slides add a lot of un-necessary weight.

Once slide model that still fairly light is the Jay Flight 28BHS but I didn't find it much more roomy than our 26BH and actually like the 26BH floorplan better. So we bought the 26BH. The next model that I liked but was heavier than I wanted, plus didn't have a double bed but single bunks, was the Jay Flight 25BHS. It shorter but has a super slide that's full depth. The 28BHS is a small sofa slide with only half depth.

However with the Jay Flights, he'll only have 2" of clearance which would be pretty claustrophobic. I know, I couldn't stand being in an Ameri-lite because the ceilings were so low. I'd go crazy in there.

My cousin is 6'8" and I recommended he go with a High wall pop up as they offer more headroom than any other trailer but are just as pricey as mid-level travel trailers.

BTW, Jayco's standard pop ups have a 7'1" ceiling which is pretty good. Unfortunately Palomino, Viking/clipper, and Jayco have discontinued their High wall pop ups.

However looks like Jayco's other brand, StarCraft, has started making their own individual floorplans instead of cloning the Jaycos. This is a great thing and while Jayco no longer has a Highwall, StarCraft does. It's the Comet 3611HW and has a 84.5" (7'.5") ceiling height while providing many travel trailer amenities.


Forest RIver's Flagstaff/Rockwood brand still has highwalls but they have no interior ceiling dimensions and I don't recommend these because of inferior quality control and build. Had one that literally fell apart just from sitting and quality of build was subpar to all competition. However Palomino and Viking/Clipper are now Forest River so they should be no different.

I know you said he doesn't want a Pop Up but as tall as he is, he's either got to have some money to buy an Eagle and a 3/4 ton truck or bring his standards down to a pop up, if he expects to stand comfortably in the trailer.

Komfort has additional headroom and uses a minimum 30 inch wide door .
but they are heavy .
we use a diesel to tow a 21T .
11 years with no major concerns .

He will also want to look for RVs with residential queen beds, 60x80, or the option/space to change the mattress for one. Many TTs come with RV queen, as short as 74".

Keystone Outback and Laredo have taller ceilings with laminated walls. Open Range Light does as well. But bunks and space for 6 people? 3/4+ ton.

Thank you all for your responses. I have passed the information on to my son.