Sold hybrid, looking for bunkhouse TT

[texgirl]

I just sold my KZ coyote 23cms today.... I was so excited to sell it and upgrade just couldn't wait, thought I knew just what I wanted and should do etc, now I am wondering if I should spend less money etc.

I am considering buying a new Shadow cruiser 280qbs. Really like the floor plan, its a bunkhouse although small, like the little table, like that is only 32 feet vs. 35/36, like the weight since we have 1/2 ton, outdoor kitchen, large deep slide in living.

Never really thought would consider buying new, but I am but now having second thoughts.

I have a 6 year old son and we take friends etc with us. Is bunkhouse too small? Should I do double over double and get 2nd entry door into bathroom?

Really limited by weight and price and length.

Any advise on shadow cruiser or bunkhouses in general is appreciated.

Thanks, KIM

[bigcitypopo]

I love my Springdale. Separate 3 bunkhouse.

[Mike_Up]

APT wrote:
No TREAD act sticker before 2006.

I had a tread act sticker on my 2004 titan, also seen them on older trucks.

[APT]

No TREAD act sticker before 2006. I towed my current TT with a a 2003 F-150 Supercrew 4x4 5.4L/3.73. We lasted 2 years before the desire for 3-rows of seats led us to upgrade. Our old truck performed acceptably, it not a little pokey at times.

Ugh, I would have kept the HTT for another year and upgraded the truck first. Your tow rating with 17" wheels is about 7200 pounds, 7700 for 16" wheels. 6k dry, bunk house, that;s 7000-7500 pounds loaded.

[Mike_Up]

texgirl wrote:
Thanks all. Our TV is 2002 f150 crew cab, 5.4. Does that help? We hope to get newer truck next year, but for now this is it.

I was trying to stay below 6k dry since our max is 8k.

Found a jayco but too heavy at 7k.

Thanks so much, KIM

Is that 4x4 and what is the payload from the tread act sticker. Thats the yellow tire loading sticker on the drivers door jam. And what weights are you going to be carrying as I said above?

6000 lbs dry sounds heavy for those earlier model f150s because they had a lower starting payload next to the current generation.

I wouldnt even put any thought on the tow rating from Ford. That is for a boat or car hauler trailer with no height or heavy tongue weight. Thats why in the manual they have a section for payload and max fronal surface area.

You might get away with 6000 lbs dry if it's just you in the truck with little gear.

[texgirl]

Thanks all. Our TV is 2002 f150 crew cab, 5.4. Does that help? We hope to get newer truck next year, but for now this is it.

I was trying to stay below 6k dry since our max is 8k.

Found a jayco but too heavy at 7k.

Thanks so much, KIM

[Mike_Up]

texgirl wrote:
I like the 260trs, very nice... my only concern is the queen bed slide, my dad has ALS and I am not sure if he could get up in it... That is the main reason we sold our hybrid was to get a TT with a normal bed so he could get in it easier... but I really like it! Darn.

While that floorplan isnt my cup of tea, getting into the bed should be easier than getting into the camper itself.

I like the 250trs floorplan, very roomy and with big bunks.

[Mike_Up]

We first need to find out what you are towing with, what the tread act payload is (yellow sticker on drivers door jam), and how much weight in people, gear, and truck accessories (tonneau cover, side steps, bedliner, ect) you have, to determine what you can actually tow.

I love our 26bh as it has tons of sleeping and sitting areas for up to 7 people, has almost every amenity, is luxurious (IMO), has a tall ceiling, tons of storage, and is light enough to be towed by my truck with reserve.

Plus its a Jayco with long lasting "Stick and Tin" build quality.

[Caboose66]

I have to agree with most that the 2nd door to the bathroom was a selling point for us when choosing our new trailer last year - a Cruiser Viewfinder 28BHSS. We were sold on the double over double layout as I wanted to stay in the 28-foot class and I did not want the small, narrow bunks. My kids are 12 and 15 so the larger, separate bunks were a must. It would be a lot of room for a couple of 6 year olds, but there are only going to get older and bigger. If the separate bunk"house" is a big deal, and you still want the separate bathroom door, you will most likely be looking at a 30-31 foot class at least. The front queen is nice for accessibility, especially if you get a layout that has full access from both sides of the foot of the bed.

All that being said... I agree with the post about the tow-vehicle (TV) being a major consideration. It was for me. It kept me from getting "1-foot-itis" as I knew that. Wanted to be at 28 feet and 6000 lb. dry-weight max.

Good luck and happy hunting.

Dean

[wmoses]

Texgirl - first off you have to tell us what the tow vehicle is. That has a DIRECT impact on what you should be considering. Looking forward to your update.

[alexleblanc]

I towed a Dutchmen 295bhgs for three years with a half ton F150, very we'll matched for a half ton as it's lower profile that the full slide models and weighs a lot less. We moved on to a bunkhouse with full slides and a higher profile, needless to say I got a bigger truck.

[texgirl]

I like the 260trs, very nice... my only concern is the queen bed slide, my dad has ALS and I am not sure if he could get up in it... That is the main reason we sold our hybrid was to get a TT with a normal bed so he could get in it easier... but I really like it! Darn.

[Speedogomer]

I personally don't like the entry into the bathroom. I don't like having to lock 2 doors when I'm in there, then forget to unlock both and then have one door inaccessible.

My solution was to buy a trailer that has the bathroom entry right in front of the main entry. You don't have to walk across the TT to get to the bathroom. We also always remove our shoes before going in our, or anyone else's unit. Not a problem since we all wear slip on shoes while camping.

Check out my 260trs. Half ton towable, 29ft bumper to hitch, with a separate bunkhouse.

[texgirl]

Thanks so much.. My issue is to get both bunkhouse and bathroom entry door, to stay below 35 feet, I have to do a double over double bunk and forgo the bunkhouse separate room bunkhouse.... does that make sense? That is what I started with, bullet 281 or 272 new model... then got stuck on separate bunkhouse on the shadow cruiser 280.... oh man, this is so much to consider..I do appreciate your input.. thanks!!

[calewjohnson]

Wiscampsin wrote:
With a 6 yo and his friends a 2nd entry door into bathroom sure would reduce the traffic thru the rest of the camper and keep alot of the dirt/mud/sand restricted to the bathroom.

x2 on the door to the second bathroom.

We have a great BH, but to heavy for 1/2 ton, but we do not have door to the bathroom...a royal pain when all the kids want to use the bathroom...a couple next to us has a half ton towable BH (a Wilderness, I think it is by Heartland) with a door to the bathroom and it is great, all the kids go over there..

Cale