Swapping a bunkhouse curtain to actual door

[smarty39]

Curious if anyone has done this before (I'm sure it has but the search function didn't yield anything). Our current rig (2015 Bullet Premier 31BHPR - floorplan attached) has a long curved curtain dividing the kitchen from the bunkhouse. Adding a door looks doable, although it would need to be on an angle due to the slide, but wasn't sure of the best route to take...any ideas/thoughts?

Also, I assume the best place to find an interior door would be direct from the dealer?

Thanks in advance!

[flybouy]

Your floorplan looks about identical to mine. I have sliding doors mounted in between the back of the entertainment center and the foot of the bed.

[JRTJH]

There are several reasons why the Premier line has a curtain in that location rather than a "solid wall with a door".

1. The slide, when pulled in, eats a lot of the "real estate" where a wall would logically be installed. If you install it far enough forward, you lose the space around the pantry and the bathroom door.

2. There is limited cargo capacity in the 31BHPR. With a 35+ foot long trailer and only 1500 pounds of cargo capacity, there's a need to cut weight to allow for cargo. A wall and door in that area would weigh significantly more than the curtain and could (not will) alter the tongue weight of the trailer.

3. With a bunkhouse trailer, there are usually more than two people using the trailer. With children, the need for cargo capacity becomes even more important and keeping the weight down so you can pack bikes, trikes, take along friends makes it even harder to use the available weight capacity for things like a heavy wall.

4. The floorplan doesn't have a wall at the forward bedroom space, so "privacy" is still compromised, even with a wall at the bunkroom area.

I'd urge you, before building a wall, to make sure the slide will still clear the area when ready to tow the trailer and get some accurate weights before buying any materials, to be positive that you have the available cargo capacity to use on a permanent basis when you install a wall in that area.

[wiredgeorge]

If you put little human things in the bunkhouse and have a wall w/door, will the A/C and heat be adequate? This may not be an issue but again may not. You might be able to put a wall forward of where the curtain attaches on the bathroom wall to avoid interference with the slideout. I have never been able to figure out why Keystone doesn't put a doors going into the master bedroom in a bunkhouse intended for parents and kiddos. Seems like a modicum of privacy might be something folks would demand. Good luck!

[flybouy]

Good thing I've got an optometrists appointment tomorrow! mine has the same curtian at the bunkhouse. There isn't room enough for a door to clear the slide out on mine. I thought about an "accordian" style door but didn't see the benefit as they really don't afford that much added privacy but would do a lot more damage if it got caught in the slide.

[busterbrown]

One of the reasons I purchased my Bullet was for the solid sliding pocket door in the bunkhouse model, albeit hollow core in construction. I didn't want a curtain as the door offers more privacy for our 3 young boys (and for mom and dad). It seems like prior to 2017, many of the ultra lite bunkhouse room models were equipped with curtains, separating the living spaces. Midway through 2016, while doing my research on the best model for my family, I noticed a trend from RV manufacturers changing to solid doors on many of the ultra lite models.

Our Bullet 308bhs is going on 7 seasons of extensive use. Doors, tracks, and hardware have held up nicely. Had to modify the hardware securing the doors in place during our travels.

Back to your request, I'm thinking the only viable option would be to swap out with an accordion style door, track mounted to the ceiling panels. Don't think your model offers any space for a solid door, either hinged or sliding.

[smarty39]

Really appreciate all the feedback!

After looking at it again this afternoon I'm confident I can make it work with a little bit of planning. If I have to door to open towards the outdoor kitchen, the door could be stored in the 'open' position and be out of the way when the slide is all the way in. The door frame will need to be on a slight angle to clear the slide as well, but it appears as though this will actually work in my favor as it could then be fastened to the pantry wall instead of only the ceiling.

All I need to do now is find a suitable door and start doing some mock ups. I don't think I'll be adding considerable weight when all is said and done...the hollow-core doors are basically cardboard anyway haha!

I'll keep this thread updated if I go through with it.

[flybouy]

If I'm understanding you correctly you want to install a door that opens into the bunkhouse. If the futon is opened up will that be possible? Our unit has a couch that folds out with an air mattress and when it's deployed it takes up most of the floor .

[travelin texans]

If you decide to do this I wouldn't try to order anything from.your dealer, I'd guess materials & a lightweight hollow core door could be found at your local big box storefor less $$ than rv materials.

[jxnbbl]

Originally Posted by smarty39

Really appreciate all the feedback!

After looking at it again this afternoon I'm confident I can make it work with a little bit of planning. If I have to door to open towards the outdoor kitchen, the door could be stored in the 'open' position and be out of the way when the slide is all the way in. The door frame will need to be on a slight angle to clear the slide as well, but it appears as though this will actually work in my favor as it could then be fastened to the pantry wall instead of only the ceiling.

All I need to do now is find a suitable door and start doing some mock ups. I don't think I'll be adding considerable weight when all is said and done...the hollow-core doors are basically cardboard anyway haha!

I'll keep this thread updated if I go through with it.

Oh a swinging door...I was thinking of some pocket door install (or accordion) Just make sure that the frame/wall is basically "self supporting" of the hinge point. +1 on checking the clearance when the bedding is in use in the bunkhouse.

[Mimiof5]

I have a 2016 Keystone Premier Bullet 34BHPR has anyone replaced the curtain between the bunkhouse and kitchen with a door?