Which bunkhouse model for our two sets of twins?

[ForMyTwins]

Wife is done with tents, it's time to move to a TT and would like some suggestions about what to look for.

A little about us:
It's my wife and I along with twin boys (11yrs) and twin girls (8 yrs) and one new puppy (expected to be 35-45lbs when grown). We don't mind being close together, and as twins the kids are used to being in the same bed on trips (and even sometimes at home!).

Tow Vehicle:
2014 Nissan NV3500 passenger with towing package
5.4 V8
16,000 GCWR (6,700 curb with all seats in)
8,700 towing
870 hitch capacity

Camping style:
70% larger parks with hookups
30% State and National Parks with tighter fits
Trips will be mostly long weekends with probably a one-two week trip once per year.

Desired TT:
Prefer around 30' or less, mostly to be able to get into somewhat smaller/tree-filled parks
Need a bunkhouse, we don't want to have to collapse a sofa and/or dinette every morning and put it back every night.
A double-wide bunk would probably work, since they are used to sleeping in the same beds. We don't mind sometimes having one on the sofa and one on the dinette, as long as it isn't every night.
Don't need ultra fancy, we expect to be spending most time outside, weather permitting.

New/Used, Cost
We prefer new to have a good warranty and avoid risks of poor maintenance (especially since we wouldn't know what to look out for in used)
Prefer to keep costs in the mid $20s, but we have a decent budget if it makes a huge difference in quality and usability.

Sorry for the ramble, I though more information might be better for suggestions. I appreciate your time and any suggestions for what to look for!

[wowens79]

We have a Heritage Glen 29bh, it has 4 bunks in the back, and works really well for us. We only have 2 kids but they bring friends, or my sister inlaws. Mine weighs in loaded between 7500-8000lbs. It is about 32 feet, so a little longer than you wanted, but worth a look.

http://www.tropicalrvsales.com/product/new-2017-forest-river-rv-wildwood-heritage-glen-hyper-lyte-29bh-438290-29

[RSD559]

The double bunks in our trailer are great. We had a week long camp at the base of Mt. Shasta for a family reunion. My daughter has a 2 month old, so her and her other kids stayed in the trailer with us. Her two older kids were on the top bunk. Could have fit two more with them. Her, her third kid, and sometimes the newborn were on the bottom bunk. Very comfy for all. So consider a trailer with the double wide bunks.

[ForMyTwins]

thanks for the additional comments. The Forest River looks nice, I'm just a bit concerned about being limited to campgrounds being over 32 feet, that seems to be the cutoff at State campgrounds here in Washington.

As far as weight, I'm not concerned with the models discussed so far. My van is a one-ton, with 9,430 GVWR and 2,460 payload. Taking out the back row of seats is about the same weight as my pair of boys, leaving 1,500 pounds of capacity in the van for my wife and I, girls and gear even if we hit 1,000 pounds of tongue weight. I don't imagine hitting that number ever. I've double checked on the manual in my glove box as well as through Nissan's website. 8,000 pounds is the most GVWR I'd want to hit on a trailer, but I see a number of options that come in well below that.

[tomkaren13]

Do your self a favor. Make sure of your vehicles tow capacity. Alot enters into it. Everything from passengers weight to the dishes in the cabinets. All is added towards what it can tow.
Best wishes on your TT search.

[DownTheAvenue]

I like the Forest River floor plan better that Merrykalia suggested. Your 11 year old twin boys will not want to share a bed in a few years. It is hard enough to get teenagers to go camping with their (to them) obnoxious nerdy parents without making them sleep together.

[Merrykalia]

Forest River Salem quad bunkhouse

I would suggest this floorplan.

I realize that it is larger than what you are wanting, but....

1. With 6 people, 25' is going to be really small really quick. The kids are NOT going to stay the same size they are now. They will grow and they will want their own bed because they no longer fit in a full size bed together.

2. You will need seating space for the kids if it starts raining or in the evening to play cards or board games.

You might even want to look at a toy hauler.

If you don't have a "toy" in there, there are usually 2 couches to be used during the day that turn into beds in the evenings. It also has a door that can be closed so you don't have to listen to them ALL the time.

Now, used vs new. You might want to do some research on here before you purchase new because you may have a 1 or sometimes a 2 year warranty, but....it may take several campers before you find what really works for you. If you purchase new, YOU take a big hit in the depreciation market. If you purchase slightly used, someone else has taken that hit. Just something to consider. It might pay you to purchased a used vehicle, but to hire a RV technician to check it out for you. Just look through these forums about all the problems that are being reported on new RVs. Being new definitely doesn't mean it's going to be trouble-free, but the price will be covered for a year.

Almost every manufacturer has a bunkhouse, a toy hauler and "whatever". Find a dealer that you like and check out their reviews for follow-up repairs and go with their line. You will be glad that you did.

[ForMyTwins]

Thanks everyone for all the responses.

TurnThePage - that looks like a very nice option, and there's a dealer nearby with one in stock to take a look at. They also have a 2800 model that still weighs only 7,500 GVWR, although that takes the length to 32' overall. At about the top of our price range, but if it gives us much more happiness for a longer time, I'm good with that.

[TurnThePage]

This fits the bill I think.

[BB_TX]

There are some manufacturers that have quad bunk floor plans (4 single bunk beds + a queen size bed). Google travel trailer quad bunk for some examples. Then check the available lengths and weights.

[ScottG]

Keep in mind that your fammily and everything they put in the truck subtracts from your tow capacity.
That will get you closer to 8K of capcity left over. Not bad but I would look for a trailer with a GVWR (not dry weight which is meaningless) of under 9k.

[evanrem]

I'm thinking you want the separate bunk room with the 4 beds in the back that you can close the door on. Those start coming in at 33-34 feet bumper to hitch. Figure out what the payload of the van is as it s an important number. Other then that good luck in the search.