Input from those with kids...

[texasAUtiger]

we are a family of four (2 kids, both under 6) and who has not owned a TT before. We really like the Bullets because the size/weight specs match up for our half-ton truck serving as a TV.

We have it narrowed down to these three and would like to hear from others with similar sized families, both pros and cons:


Bullet 230BHS (http://www.keystonerv-bullet.com/index.php?page=floorplans&coast=east&model=230BHS)
Our take: smallest, lightest, probably cheapest. Will we feel too cramped and want a sofa? Bunks too narrow (as kids grow)?
Bullet 246RBS (http://www.keystonerv-bullet.com/index.php?page=floorplans&model=246RBS)
Our take: medium in size, weight, cost. Wife really likes the 2nd door and larger bath, but will converting dinette and sofa to beds and back each night/morning get old real quick?
Bullet 281BHS (http://www.keystonerv-bullet.com/index.php?page=floorplans&coast=east&model=281BHS)
Our take: biggest in size, weight, and cost. Like the second door and *double* bunks (as kids get bigger). Overkill for a family of 4 with sofa, dinette, and 2 double bunks? 31 ft+ makes this rookie tower more nervous. On the other hand, if we don't go this size now, will we wish we did in a couple of years?


Like I said, I'd love to hear thoughts from experienced, family campers on these three---both positives and negatives of each.

Thanks!

[Roberson4]

we are a family of four (2 kids, both under 6) and who has not owned a TT before. We really like the Bullets because the size/weight specs match up for our half-ton truck serving as a TV.

We have it narrowed down to these three and would like to hear from others with similar sized families, both pros and cons:


Bullet 230BHS (http://www.keystonerv-bullet.com/index.php?page=floorplans&coast=east&model=230BHS)
Our take: smallest, lightest, probably cheapest. Will we feel too cramped and want a sofa? Bunks too narrow (as kids grow)? YES
Bullet 246RBS (http://www.keystonerv-bullet.com/index.php?page=floorplans&model=246RBS)
Our take: medium in size, weight, cost. Wife really likes the 2nd door and larger bath, but will converting dinette and sofa to beds and back each night/morning get old real quick? YES
Bullet 281BHS (http://www.keystonerv-bullet.com/index.php?page=floorplans&coast=east&model=281BHS)
Our take: biggest in size, weight, and cost. Like the second door and *double* bunks (as kids get bigger). Overkill for a family of 4 with sofa, dinette, and 2 double bunks? 31 ft+ makes this rookie tower more nervous. On the other hand, if we don't go this size now, will we wish we did in a couple of years?
I don't believe it is 'overkill'. I believe it is just right. You probably won't be 'more nervous' for long.

Like I said, I'd love to hear thoughts from experienced, family campers on these three---both positives and negatives of each.

Thanks!

If your kids are anything like ours the 'extra for now' bunks will help hold 'blankies', stuffed animals, extra friends etc.

Always remember when looking for a camper. None of your stuff is in there, and they fill up fast.

[f6bits]

The dinette makes for a lousy bed and it really is a hassle to convert them nightly. Bunks are great because 1) It’s the kid’s own space, and 2) It’s always available for napping. I’ve even used the 28x74 bunk for a nap when the baby hogs our queen bed.

The 230BHS is nice, but a little small. We definitely like having a couch. The dinette isn’t good for lounging.

From your list, I really like the 281BHS, though that few extra feet may limit you at some campgrounds. It’s also about $10k more than what I paid for mine. Keystone’s site floor plan looks a little different from one I see for sale here (http://www.rvt.com/rvdetail4965522.htm).

From my list, naturally I recommend like what I have: Passport 2650BHWE (http://www.keystone-passport.com/index.php?page=floorplans&coast=west&model=2650BHWE)
An upgrade would be the Cougar X-Light 26BHSWE (http://www.keystone-xlite.com/index.php?page=floorplans&coast=west&model=26BHSWE)

I find my setup to be perfect. It’s an excellent match to our half-ton, it has lots of interior floor space, and has all the amenities we need. I’ve looked at many other Keystones and I always come back to this floor plan. There are more upscale ones with the same floor plan, but they’re just prettier and heavier without offering much in the way of additional features.

[texasAUtiger]

Thank you for the replies.

Scott, when you have time would you comment on your tow experience with the truck and trailer in your sig, since mine would be similar? Care to share the typical tongue weight of loaded trailer, weight of passengers/stuff in cab, and max payload for your truck and how it all behaves in real world conditions?

Thanks for your help.

[f6bits]

I just posted something a day or two ago after my camping trip, but I’ll try to summarize:
For the return trip, I loaded the trailer as badly as I could – full tank of fresh water and all our belongings packed front to midway back in the trailer. This raised the front end of my TV an extra half inch above normal towing config and dropped the rear about an inch below normal towing config. I had about 300 lbs to spare in payload and rear axle.

Tongue was about 850 when it’s normally 650 on a 5700 lb properly loaded trailer with only 5 gallons of fresh water. My truck allows for about 1300lb payload on top of a full tank of gas. With an empty bed, the passengers and some gear are about 400 lbs.

I haven’t taken it on any long steep hills, but the setup can easily maintain 62mph for the roads I’ve been on so far.

So that’s the bad/good news. Bad setup and the truck still was within limits.

Even then, and when properly loaded and set up, it’s fine. For about the first fifteen minutes I’m somewhat conscious of pulling the trailer. After that, I really don’t notice much other than a slightly rougher ride over the bumpy stuff and the occasional side push (not sway) when something big passes me.

For my 147” wheelbase, it’s the perfect length paring. No see-sawing and no sway.

[fla-gypsy]

I would go with the largest one your vehicle can safely handle. 99% of campers end up going bigger on the 2nd one for a reason.

[fireidiot]

I would go with the largest one your vehicle can safely handle. 99% of campers end up going bigger on the 2nd one for a reason.

I agree with the above statement. We started with a popup, then moved to a 30 ft travel trailer with bunks (no slide) and my kids are now 9 & 12. The bunks are a god send. It's a pain to keep converting the dinette or couch. Do to an unforeseen hail storm we are upgrading to a Xlite 29RBK. Otherwise, I would have waited another 3-4 years before taking the plunge. One nice thing about bunks is when friends come along, they have a place to sleep. We had a double bunk on the bottom and a single on top. And if you get a double bottom bunk, usually there is a tremendous amount of storage under there.

[johnnyrose]

we are a family of four (2 kids, both under 6) and who has not owned a TT before. We really like the Bullets because the size/weight specs match up for our half-ton truck serving as a TV.

We have it narrowed down to these three and would like to hear from others with similar sized families, both pros and cons:


Bullet 230BHS (http://www.keystonerv-bullet.com/index.php?page=floorplans&coast=east&model=230BHS)
Our take: smallest, lightest, probably cheapest. Will we feel too cramped and want a sofa? Bunks too narrow (as kids grow)?
Bullet 246RBS (http://www.keystonerv-bullet.com/index.php?page=floorplans&model=246RBS)
Our take: medium in size, weight, cost. Wife really likes the 2nd door and larger bath, but will converting dinette and sofa to beds and back each night/morning get old real quick?
Bullet 281BHS (http://www.keystonerv-bullet.com/index.php?page=floorplans&coast=east&model=281BHS)
Our take: biggest in size, weight, and cost. Like the second door and *double* bunks (as kids get bigger). Overkill for a family of 4 with sofa, dinette, and 2 double bunks? 31 ft+ makes this rookie tower more nervous. On the other hand, if we don't go this size now, will we wish we did in a couple of years?


Like I said, I'd love to hear thoughts from experienced, family campers on these three---both positives and negatives of each.

Thanks!

Tiger,

We just bought our first camper as well. We went with a budget friendly, "new-to-us", '05 Cougar 254 EFS. Our main concern was the bunks. We have four children and neede this space for them. To be honest we could have used a little more space. Our trailer is only 28 feet long so there isn't a ton of room to move around inside, but even so we don't feel cramped in it. That all being said if given the chance to go back I would have found one with four bunks so I didn't have to convert the dinette every night and morning, even though it isn't a lot of work to do it, and I would have gotten a longer unit. With 6 people the one we have is a little small. I will upgrade at some point when the budget allows down the line. I will be getting a bigger one! Just my two cents. Go with the big one so you don't have to buy another one.

[muddynoll]

We bought our Passport 2910BH for the same reasons. Moved up from a Jayco 232. I like that the 2910 has 4 bunks and all 4 are 32 inches wide , un like some modles which are narrow on one side.The extra bunke are coming in handy now that the kids are bringing friends along. They love the bunks.At the end of the day it comes down to what fits your needs the best and your TV can handle. Good luck

[Halibutman214]

we are a family of four (2 kids, both under 6) and who has not owned a TT before. We really like the Bullets because the size/weight specs match up for our half-ton truck serving as a TV.

We have it narrowed down to these three and would like to hear from others with similar sized families, both pros and cons:


Bullet 230BHS (http://www.keystonerv-bullet.com/index.php?page=floorplans&coast=east&model=230BHS)
Our take: smallest, lightest, probably cheapest. Will we feel too cramped and want a sofa? Bunks too narrow (as kids grow)?
Bullet 246RBS (http://www.keystonerv-bullet.com/index.php?page=floorplans&model=246RBS)
Our take: medium in size, weight, cost. Wife really likes the 2nd door and larger bath, but will converting dinette and sofa to beds and back each night/morning get old real quick?
Bullet 281BHS (http://www.keystonerv-bullet.com/index.php?page=floorplans&coast=east&model=281BHS)
Our take: biggest in size, weight, and cost. Like the second door and *double* bunks (as kids get bigger). Overkill for a family of 4 with sofa, dinette, and 2 double bunks? 31 ft+ makes this rookie tower more nervous. On the other hand, if we don't go this size now, will we wish we did in a couple of years?


Like I said, I'd love to hear thoughts from experienced, family campers on these three---both positives and negatives of each.

Thanks!#1 Get the bunks! #2 As was already said get the biggest you can safely haul and this DOES NOT necessarily mean what your truck is rated for. You have two small kids. From what you selected I would go with the 230BH but I also have to ask if you looked at the Passport 2650BH. The 2650 is absolutely as big as I would go with a 1/2 ton.

[Philip Saran]

Get enough space for all your family the first time if you can.

That said, if you can keep it at 30-31 feet it makes it easier to get
into National & State parks. When you go way big you loose that
choice since most NP & SP where built back when TT were smaller.

My previous TT was a Terry 24 ft (27 total) Ok for 2 people, but
not really for more.

Next came a truck camper 10 foot on 8 ft truck bed, OK but wife
did not like climbing up into bed each night and down again during
the night to use the loo.

Our new to us Springdale sleeps 6 (queen bed, couch with air
mattress and banquet that seats about 7 and will sleep 1 or 2.
and we stay at 28'-11" total length and it weights in at 7700 max
gross.

[DTJ9610]

We have a family of 5 (3 boys) and started out in a Jayco 17 foot hybrid (beds folded out). It was our 1st step into camping and a) I was towing with a Toyota Sienna (yes minivan) & b) I didn't want to break the bank open with fear that we wouldn't like it. Low and behold we fell in love. 7mo later I had a new truck and jumped into a Laredo 303TG (35ft). Is it a bit overkill for the 5 of us, maybe, but we have plenty of room to grow into. In addition we are always taking one of the kids friends and at one point last year had 6 boys spending the weekend, yet never seemed to be in eachother's way. As a few of the others mentioned, you will want the sofa and the 2nd door into the bathroom, as you will find out with boys, is a lifesaver. So the questions are.

1) Will the TV pull the biggest one you are looking at (sorry if I missed the thread with the specs).
2) Is it within your budget.

It's easier to move up than down, but if you can do it right the 1st time you should be set.

Good luck.

[The Sod Father]

A wise man once told me, buy your 2nd trailer first. Ergo, get something you will grow into. Looks like the consensus is to go with the 3rd option, but I would also suggest one other factor in your buying decision - friends. As your kids get older, they will want to bring along friends. That was the impetus for my moving from an F-150 to an Expedition. Hauling 4 kids and a 100lb dog limited me to what I could use a tow vehicle.

[E597283]

We bought our Passport 2910BH for the same reasons. Moved up from a Jayco 232. I like that the 2910 has 4 bunks and all 4 are 32 inches wide , un like some modles which are narrow on one side.The extra bunke are coming in handy now that the kids are bringing friends along. They love the bunks.At the end of the day it comes down to what fits your needs the best and your TV can handle. Good luck

I have this model as well. I like the added storage between bunks and yours kids will eventually want to bring other kids camping and the four bunks are great. You don’t want to have to be using the dinette or sofa for sleeping. I pull it with a 1/2 ton Yukon and it’s not an issue. Have a spate bunkhouse is a great family feature. I think is you go to small or cheaper you will quickly wish you had bought larger unit.

[cumminsdad08]

don't let the "narrow" bunks fool ya. i am 6 foot 185lbs, and can crawl into the bunks and just about stretch out. i have two kids and three dogs. OPEN FLOOR PLAN IS A MUST. it really comes in handy when the weather is crappy. you also have to remember, that you are camping, not staying in a resort, it will be a little un-comfy, but that is what makes it fun and builds memories. it is very important to have your own "room". someplace you can close the door, or pull the curtain across and hide for a few min, or hours, or days. i have a similar set up as your first choice, just a bunch longer, and we are happy with it. we often take both my niece and nephew with us, at the same time. they usually crash on the couch or on the floor. so that is two adults, four kids, under 7, and 3 dogs. and we always have a blast. most of the time the kids are two burned out to care where they fall asleep.

[Zeb]

we are a family of four (2 kids, both under 6) and who has not owned a TT before. We really like the Bullets because the size/weight specs match up for our half-ton truck serving as a TV.

We have it narrowed down to these three and would like to hear from others with similar sized families, both pros and cons:


Bullet 230BHS (http://www.keystonerv-bullet.com/index.php?page=floorplans&coast=east&model=230BHS)
Our take: smallest, lightest, probably cheapest. Will we feel too cramped and want a sofa? Bunks too narrow (as kids grow)?
Bullet 246RBS (http://www.keystonerv-bullet.com/index.php?page=floorplans&model=246RBS)
Our take: medium in size, weight, cost. Wife really likes the 2nd door and larger bath, but will converting dinette and sofa to beds and back each night/morning get old real quick?
Bullet 281BHS (http://www.keystonerv-bullet.com/index.php?page=floorplans&coast=east&model=281BHS)
Our take: biggest in size, weight, and cost. Like the second door and *double* bunks (as kids get bigger). Overkill for a family of 4 with sofa, dinette, and 2 double bunks? 31 ft+ makes this rookie tower more nervous. On the other hand, if we don't go this size now, will we wish we did in a couple of years?


Like I said, I'd love to hear thoughts from experienced, family campers on these three---both positives and negatives of each.

Thanks!

We just got our first TT, upgrading from a pop-up we had for 12 years. Like you we are a family of 4 but more often than not we are 7 (YES we fit 4 adults and 3 children in a pop-up!) The Bullet 281BHS was on our short list as well as the Passport 2650BH. Ultimately we went with the Passport 2910. Here were the points that swayed our decision:

Bullet 281BHS
Pros:
-weight / length
-exterior access door to the bathroom
-air sleeper sofa
Cons:
-2 double bunk beds could potentially cause issues in the future (i.e. who sleeps with who?)
-max load on top bunk is 300lbs. No way I would trust two adults sleeping there if required
-not a full slide out (only 1.5 to 2 ft...but that does keep the weight down)
-kitchen on slide out has more potential for plumbing problems in the future.

Passport 2650BH
Pros:
-weight / length
-full 3 ft slide out
-spacious floorplan
Cons:
-bunk beds only 28" wide
-could sleep 7 but no extra room for any friends
-felt I would run out of room quickly and hence regret not getting something slightly bigger.

We finally went with the 2910 (after asking many questions on this forum!!!) which I found address most of the cons I found with the other two models but I was concerned about towing something that long. Figured since we typically do not go more than 1 to 3 hours away on mostly flat county and invested in a good WDH (Equalizer 1000/10000) we should be ok. After towing it a couple of time, I feel totally secure...but admit we will probably need a 3/4 truck if we decide on a cross county trip to Montreal to Florida.

Hope this helps!

[Famof4]

So our story is similar to a lot of folks here. Last summer after lots of bad weather and different "memories" (read mishaps) we made the move from a Fleetwood Utah pop-up to our current Summerland 2600TB. A few of our musts were bunks for the kids, a couch and a permanent bed for us. We did not want to go up and down with a dinette or a couch as our bed. At the time we were towing with a V8 Mercury Mountaineer, so weight and length were both a factor. With that said, we did not consider models with a slide.

So several lessons from this.
1) Think about how you are going to use the trailer not just now, but in the future. Look at several models. Get one that will be good for your family and how you camp.
2) Make sure you are comfortable with the match-up of your tow vehicle and trailer.
3) Buy your second (or third or fourth) trailer first.

[Momamac]

We took the plunge in 2010 for our first trailer and got a Passport 300bh. We have two girls who almost always bring (you guessed it) 2 more girls! Ours has single bunk in back, and we have the fold down couch and dinette for the guests. I agree that you should go bigger now...we went over a dozen or more lengths before deciding on ours...glad that when I send a payment out, I still like what it is paying for!:)

[cdchapman]

Just saw your post about TT. By the way, War Eagle. My fam and I are new to the TT scene and have just bought a new Passport 3220BH. We have 2 small children, 7 & 4, and they love having their own "room". It has double slides and weighs dry at 6200 lbs. Once you buy a TT, you will never feel like you have too much storage space or sleeping area. Yes the changing of the sofa and dinette gets tiresome. I know everyone is concerned with weight and amount of room. My advice, get the most room for your budget. Don't go too heavy on the GVWR though. By the time I got my camper home, my wife "accessorized" it with her touch. I added a 2nd television in the rear bunk area, pots/pans, etc. All this weight adds up very quickly. The bullets are very nice. Also check out the bullet 286 QBS. It has quad bunks and some model offer an outdoor kitchen. It's not overkill having too much room if you and your TV can handle it. Anyway, checkout Keystonerv.com and see what floorplan best fits your needs and the weight for your TV. I am towing my TT with an 08' Suburban. If I add anything else inside, I'm going to have to upgrade to a 3/4 ton truck. Anyway, good luck with your decision and War Eagle

[ls1mike]

I just upgraded from a 25 foot bunkhouse no slide 5er to a Passport 3220 BHWE

I should have done it sooner. Lots of room for the pets, kids and kids friend. Plus loaded it is about 500 lbs heavier than my old 5er.

The new trailer has 4 bunks in the back with 2 slides and is about 6300 dry and 7500 loaded.

I added a tv in the back and all the stuff we need to camping and it was just at 7100 on the CAT scales with batteires, food, full propane and empty tanks.

Most parks around here fit my 35 foot overall trailer. The 5 foot difference betteween 30 and 35 dosen't seem to matter.

I tow it with the longest wheel base possible 3/4 ton gasser Chevy. A 4 door long bed with a 6.0 rated at 10,000 lbs. I wanted to stay at or about 8000 lbs. This trailer fit the bill and It does just fine.

Would I like diesel? Sure. Does tow as good as my old 5th wheel? Yes.

I towed for years with an 89 1 ton 454 3 speed. The 3/4 ton 6.0 tows circles around that truck.

[texasAUtiger]

Just saw your post about TT. By the way, War Eagle. My fam and I are new to the TT scene and have just bought a new Passport 3220BH. We have 2 small children, 7 & 4, and they love having their own "room". It has double slides and weighs dry at 6200 lbs. Once you buy a TT, you will never feel like you have too much storage space or sleeping area. Yes the changing of the sofa and dinette gets tiresome. I know everyone is concerned with weight and amount of room. My advice, get the most room for your budget. Don't go too heavy on the GVWR though. By the time I got my camper home, my wife "accessorized" it with her touch. I added a 2nd television in the rear bunk area, pots/pans, etc. All this weight adds up very quickly. The bullets are very nice. Also check out the bullet 286 QBS. It has quad bunks and some model offer an outdoor kitchen. It's not overkill having too much room if you and your TV can handle it. Anyway, checkout Keystonerv.com and see what floorplan best fits your needs and the weight for your TV. I am towing my TT with an 08' Suburban. If I add anything else inside, I'm going to have to upgrade to a 3/4 ton truck. Anyway, good luck with your decision and War Eagle

Thanks for the info and war eagle! My best friend lives in Sylvester, right in your neck of the woods.

[slider]

I replied to this last night but I guessed I mesed something up.

Of your choices, I'd recommend the 281bhs. I think you'll want a couch, the dinnette would be inconvenient to set up for sleeping and not comfy and an open floor plan is nice for rainy days or night time before everyone goes to bed.

We looked at several TTs before going with the 2590 (which for some reason is now the 2650). We went in several models and kept gravitating to that one or similar plans (I think the openesss when slide out was one of the main things).

Anyway we have a family of 5 - kids are 16, 13 and 3. The bunks are fine for the bigger 2 (oldest is 5-10, 190) for a week or so.


We camped this week and ours was one of the smaller models in the campground and sometimes I think more space would be nice but imagine it would be somewhat overkill.

But here's the deal you do have to figure out what best fits your family. Size/weight and budget may limit choices somewhat but I would mirror what some have said - don't settle too much or you will not be happy and soon be looking to upgrade. That said, you're camping in it, not living in it so it doesn't have to be as big or convenient as your house.

We love our 2590 - it fits what we want in a camper. And with it, we did compromise some because we wanted the lightest camper that had most of what we want, but neither me or my wife have any regrets.

[f6bits]

As I often say, we love our 2590BH and it’s a perfect fit for the family. Others praise larger bunk houses with extra beds for kids’ friends. So I started looking at the larger models and then I realized that our TV only has one empty seat. So it looks like we have a one-friend limit when the kids get older. When that starts happening, we’ll start using the dinette as the spare bed. I don’t see this situation ever changing since I don’t ever anticipate getting a ¾ ton SUV with three rows of seating.

[happytrails]

I would go with the biggest TT you can tow and afford. I would even stretch your budget just A LITTLE BIT to get the bigger one if you have to. We have two kids and our 31SQB has 3 bunks, 2 cub couch thingies, a dinette that converts, and a couch that converts along with our master bed room. I can't say that we have used it all, but we have come mighty close. We tow with a Toyota Tundra double-cab that holds 5 people. So, when the kids invite friends, we usually stay somewhere within 2 hours and drive a separate car. That makes 5 in the truck and 5 in the car if need be. The most we have slept in there so far is 6 kids and 2 adults. Believe it or not, 1 took the table, 1 took the sofa, 4 took the FLOOR of the bunk house, and me and mine took the master room of course. Also, be VERY AWARE that these bunk beds come with weight ratings. Your kids may be skinny as a rail today, but plan ahead. We bought ours with 300LB bunk ratings so even I can sleep on them if I have to.

I didn't look at your floor plans, but if you one has a separate outside door for the bathroom that's a great deal! It keeps the kids from running in and out of the main cabin to use the bathroom. Less dirt and conserves AC.

[rrohrer]

Bunks are great for kids/families. don't have to break down a table or flip a couch to sleep. We started with a hybrid and now have camper with double bunk on bottom and single on top. works well for my family of 4.

[azlee56]

this thread brings back memories of camping with 5 kids in an overhead camper. I still wonder how we did it!

[JOEFATIMA]

#1 Get the bunks! #2 As was already said get the biggest you can safely haul and this DOES NOT necessarily mean what your truck is rated for. You have two small kids. From what you selected I would go with the 230BH but I also have to ask if you looked at the Passport 2650BH. The 2650 is absolutely as big as I would go with a 1/2 ton.

I totally agree with you. I have a 230BHS which I pull with 1/2 ton extended Sierra pickup. I have sway control and weight dist. hitch. After climbing a couple of mountains, I'm sure glad I didn't get any trailer with more weight. I have two big boys, grandsons (11 years old, look like 13) who love their bunkbeds. Wasn't ready to spend an extra 30 to 40 plus for a new 3/4 ton truck.

[tomsws6]

On the other hand, if we don't go this size now, will we wish we did in a couple of years?
[/LIST]

Like I said, I'd love to hear thoughts from experienced, family campers on these three---both positives and negatives of each.

Thanks!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ This!!!!!

Someone touched on it in a few post but most people end of going bigger later. We have a 5yr boy and a 3yr girl and there is never enough room! Ofcourse we had a small 24ft sprindale with no slide. Now we have a sprinter 323bhs and theres plenty of room now but id gather when they get a little older and start inviting friends or family we'll have to go bigger. I would suggest going as big as you can safetly. And you will get better at towing with time. Hook it up and drive around some back roads and get the feel for it.

[curlyfungirl]

What ever you get make sure that if you have to open the sofa for sleeping make sure that it does not interfere with access to the restroom. We loved our front end bathroom VR 1 but quickly realized in the middle of the night you would have to crawl over the poor soul that was sleeping in the sofa bed to go potty.


My three girls accompanied us to Yellowstone this summer and we reserved a tent site for them as they are in their twenties and wanted to tent. After a vicious rain storm that soaked the tent and ripped off our awning the girls needed to sleep in the trailer with us. It was a long night for my hubby who did not want to crawl over the girls to use the restroom nor use the natural facilities outside our bedroom door.

It was a good motivator to upgrade to our new montana this summer and think that the new floorplan will be a major improvement! We also learned not to tempt fate and leave the awning down while away on an excursion.

[JOEFATIMA]

As I often say, we love our 2590BH and it’s a perfect fit for the family. Others praise larger bunk houses with extra beds for kids’ friends. So I started looking at the larger models and then I realized that our TV only has one empty seat. So it looks like we have a one-friend limit when the kids get older. When that starts happening, we’ll start using the dinette as the spare bed. I don’t see this situation ever changing since I don’t ever anticipate getting a ¾ ton SUV with three rows of seating.

I agree with you 100 percent. Same situation and I'm sure not going to a bigger truck.

[audio1der]

Good post, OP.

We were in exactly the same situation until this weekend.
Our thoughts:
-If we get something 'almost' big enough for anything later, we'll lose money selling the unit as secondhand, and start over with something bigger anyway.
-The kids can bring friends along
-With a good WD hitch and common sense a properly putfitted half ton can pull quite a bit.

We pulled our 3220BH for the first time this weekdn for 4 hours in high winds. A little hairy, but with the dual cams added to the WD hitch and some air springs to smooth out the ride, it'll be just fine. And we've never towed a TT before.

Not sure if any of this if going through your heads, hope it helps.

[4happycampers]

Our family of 4 (boys 11/13 years) have had our Bullet 230bhs for almost a year now. If you still have questions we'd be happy to put our 2 cents in.

[BeaverRZR]

My advice when people say "I think this size will work for us" is- Figure out what you think will work for you, then ADD 10 feet lol

[Scorn]

We just bought the 2014 Bullet 241 BHS, it has the couch, dinette, queen bed and two bunks.

We brought this since we have grandkids and want to take them some.

Here are some pictures from a previous thread.

http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=11726

We love it but haven't time to go yet but will be going in late July, August and September.

[08quadram]

We purchased the Passport 2920BH. 2 girls and 4 bunks in the back, they have room for all their "stuff" without it cluttering up the rest of the camper. I pull with '08 Ram 1500 Hemi without any issues. It pulls nice and with a GOOD wd hitch it is even better, but if I was pulling hills much, I would upgrade to 3/4 ton oil burner.

Get as large as you are comfortable pulling with your TV. remember, you may be able to pull it with your TV, but maybe not legally or safely.

Worst part is we purchased this in March of this year new, but have only been able to use it 3 times this year due to the rain. I think we are over 24" rain this year. Went this last weekend until we had to packup and get out before the campground flooded. 5" rain in a few hours. :eek: That was just Friday night. Similar rain on Saturday night.

[Htfiremedic]

Don't settle. We have "borrowed" two different style units prior to purchasing our Fuzion. Ours has a queen master, a queen air mattress in the den, and double queen bunks in the garage.
We used a unit that slept 4 that my MIL owns. The DW, two daughters and me. Too small!! The next unit was similar but had a slide and a couple of more feet, ok but gets crowded.
Our Fuzion has the extra room, two slides and plenty of room. Overkill, maybe, but we have used all of the beds on one trip. The kids want to bring a friend, MIL wants to visit when we camp close to home, the dog has to be with us and DW and I have to have our space.
We didn't settle and are glad now. We almost bought a mid size unit and probably would have traded within the first six months. I have head a friend do the trade out for a bigger unit thing. He agreed that he shouldn't have settled either.
Good luck and enjoy the family times ahead!!!

[zenbuck]

We almost settled on a 4 bunk layout but thankfully we had an issue and moved into a bunk house with a slide.. Talk about room for the kids and dog! They essentially have their own space to relax.

[Bob Landry]

I have a friend who is an avid boater and is currently out cruising. He once told me that the maximum comfortable sleeping capacity of any boat, regardless of size, is two people. That sounded reasonable to me and I have applied it to RVing as well..:D

[Bob Landry]

It's just DW and I and we started with a Jayco 22FB. Sitting on top of each other and having to constantly get out of the way got old in a hurry. With two more people, it would get twice as old, twice as fast. On the rainy days when everyone is inside, you will really appreciate e little extra space to "get away". It's not like being at home and being able to send the kids to their room to play. The whole trailer is their room.

[apr67]

I pull a 298BHS with a Titan.

I didn't see what truck you have, but my Titan is rated 9100, and we are hitting the road around 7100. Mileage sucks, but its a Titan, mileage sucks empty.

I have 3 kids and 2 70lbs dogs, and this is the smallest I would consider. I like that the kids have their own space for playing, keeps them out of the way when cooking or when wife and I are getting ready.

[JOEFATIMA]

I'm a little disappointed with my model. Really regret not getting 2650 (I believe the comfort) with sofa, but was concern with weight of trailer. I wasn't ready to move up to 3/4 ton truck and I'm still not. Only take my grandsons (12 years old) camping. All exterior metal, bumper, chain are rusting. Must be that cheap Chinese steel. The trailer rocks around when boys turn around in bed at night and wakes my wife. I check the jacks and doesn't seem to be the problem. Any questions be free to ask. If I would buy this unit now, NO.

[TrailBlazer]

so what....leave the kids at home? I've got plenty of room for six in my 303tg! (in response to bob landrys post on page 4)

[Festus2]

TrailBlazer -
I don't think Bob was suggesting that the kids be left at home. His posts, were, in my opinion, not meant to say that you should only have 2 people in your unit in order to enjoy RVing but rather a "tongue in cheek" way of saying more doesn't necessarily mean merrier.

When you become old like Bob, you'll probably better understand what he is saying...... :D

Like many grandparents, it's really great to have the grandkids around but also a relief to see them go home with mom and dad. :)

[JRTJH]

Yup, Festus2,

Grandkids are great (for a few days) then it's time to "sugar em up" and "send em home" :) Sort of a "passive/aggressive" way of doing to our kids as they did to us when they were growing up :) Grandparenting is so much more "laid back" than parenting :p

[Patrickj65]

When we were looking at a new TT for DW, 3 kids and I, we had narrowed it down to the Passport 2910BH and the Bullet 286QBH. Both have similar weights and lengths as the 281BHS. The 286QBS had a larger fresh water tank but we ended up purchasing the 2910BH as we liked the table configuration much better than the booth type setup. We are on our 4th year with ours and have NO regrets about the purchase. I have not found another floor plan and layout that we like better.
We pull ours with a 1/2 Ton (originally a Tahoe, now Suburban) and with the weight distribution hitch and sway control, have had no problem pulling it. We just got back from 8 days in the Black Hills and handled the hills and the SD wind with no issues.
The added space is wonderful and we have found that the kids like to bring friends along. The extra space is worth having.
Good luck in your purchase.


Patrick