New Bunkhouse

gtsum2 · 02-08-2014, 06:07 AM

Hello,

We are looking at getting a new bunkhouse model (3 and 6 year old boys, and would likely take a friend or two for local trips), and many of the Keystone products look good. Originally was going to get a fifth, and we still like them better, but for using it maybe 2 weekends a month in the spring and summer and then a longer trip in the summer, spending 50k or so just doesnt seem to make sense to us at this time.

What we want is a BH with slide in the bunk room, outdoor kitchen, preferably U shaped dinette, and big enough queen bed for me (6 ft). We dont really want a big, 37ft trailer as with the added cost, and length, and weight, I just as well get a fifth wheel. I am trading in my 2013 Ram 1500 Hemi and ordering a 2014 Ram 3500 CTD SRW in a couple weeks, so I will have enough TV for what we want to do.

So, we were able to look at the Sprinter 311BHS yesterday at the RV show and was impressed. Liked the distressed cabinets (rustic feeling, and not so fancy). The only concern I have (I cant recall) is the room from the queen bed to the entertainment wall...I am 6ft and the Sprinter does not have an 80 inch bed, right?

Another BH model that looks to fit the bill might be the Cougar X-Lite 32RBK. I like the closed off wall for the master bedroom (and believe it has 80 inch bed), but the pantry/kitchen storage looks to be slim.

Does anyone have the above models or can recommend other models? There are so many different lines of Keystone trailers it can get confusing at times. I have looked at so many online I think I am confusing myself

gtsum2 · 02-08-2014, 06:48 AM

Another one that looks good is the Laredo 303TG. Has a full 60x80 queen bed, same layout except no food pantry. Are there any major differences between the Laredo line and the Sprinter line?

Jay D · 02-08-2014, 07:17 AM

We have a 2010 299 BHS
It has the 3 bunks in the back (no slide) and outside kicthen
I'm not sure on the size of the bed, I'm 5' 9" and I fit fine.
We have 3 kids 17, 14, 8 and this works well for us.

GaryWT · 02-08-2014, 07:43 AM

Look into the Premier 31BHPR. That is what we have, I am 6 feet, 270 lbs and fit just fine. It does not have wrap table but the table is wider than most and some wrap tables the table is small or thin. Like the North Trail I had in the past, the outside kitchen has a tv which is a big selling point for me. Good luck.

rode2nowhere · 02-08-2014, 09:01 AM

We have a 2011 sprinter 311bhs, relatively happy with it, its plenty big but its nice. Only thing I hate is the fold out couch/bed.

labs4life · 02-08-2014, 10:13 AM

We have the sprinter 311. I am 6'1 and the short queen bed is not an issue for me. My feet hang off, but that is not a big deal as I sort of sleep that way at home on a king.
Very roomy and zero complaints from us. We bought in December 2012 and have logged over 6k miles.

gtsum2 · 02-08-2014, 10:49 AM

Thank you all for the input! I guess if my toes hang off that is ok...but if they are cramped up against the entertainment wall, then that wouldn't be good. I am really liking the sprinter line and it seems you get an awful lot for your money (looks like a 311bhs can be had for 26 and change)....that seems like a lot of camper for the money

GaryWT · 02-08-2014, 11:14 AM

If you like the Sprinter act fast as every model on their website is listed as stock only so they are either coming out with all new models or ending the Sprinter line.

gtsum2 · 02-08-2014, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryWT

If you like the Sprinter act fast as every model on their website is listed as stock only so they are either coming out with all new models or ending the Sprinter line.

Fnuny you say that..I just noticed that on the website. I will need to ask the local dealer and hopefully be able to make something work soon. I also saw the 316BIK. The island kitchen really provides a lot more storage (and weight. Looks like dry weight is about 8560. They must build them pretty stout as the sticker says max cargo weight was 2555.

**JRTJH** · 02-08-2014, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtsum2

Fnuny you say that..I just noticed that on the website. I will need to ask the local dealer and hopefully be able to make something work soon. I also saw the 316BIK. The island kitchen really provides a lot more storage (and weight. Looks like dry weight is about 8560. They must build them pretty stout as the sticker says max cargo weight was 2555.

The Sprinter line is NOT being discontinued. The current models are all "dealer stock only" because the new floorplans are called the "Sprinter WB" The wide body line is essentially the same floorplans but the entire lineup is now on a 100" body width (as opposed to the 96" Sprinter models).

No fear that the Sprinter is being discontinued, it should be around for a while to come, but just like many Americans, just a little wider.....

If you are seriously looking at a bunkhouse model longer than 30', you should consider the 50 amp option and a second A/C. It's much cheaper to add the upgraded input power during build and running wiring for a second A/C is not only "tricky" with the roof system, there's really no power available with a 30 amp system so you're looking at upgrading or using alternative sources of power. Better to get the 50 amp since it's available .....

Quad · 02-09-2014, 04:24 AM

Laredo is a good model to consider. They say it's entry level, but I was really impressed with how they look inside. Could just be I don't have high expectations lol but I thought its really neat features and good materials and affordable price was up my ally. My wife and I love ours! Not to mention we got ours as a end of year model close out for under 30K. We have a 321BH. There are also several more 5er bunkhouse floor plans and TT ones also.

2005 Silverado 2500HD D/A
2013 Laredo 321BH

Linwoodrver · 02-09-2014, 11:20 PM

We also have a 31 SQB and completely agree with Sherwood. We have 4 kids and often take their friends along and there is plenty of sleeping room. Kids are ages 9-15 with 3 girls and 1 boy so kids aren't as tall as the average kids are getting these days. They seem to enjoy sleeping on the "cub couches" and pull outs more then the bunks. Go figure??

2012 Cougar 31SQB
2014 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 6.6L Duramax + Allison tranny

sleeplightly · 02-11-2014, 08:12 PM

We have a 320 bhs (2012) and love it. The idea of two bedroom design really sold it for us We have 3 girls and really enjoy the room. No major issues so far. I would like to change out the radio to a little better quality and the speakers also but my DW says its fine. So she wins, for now. I work out of town so we haven't used it much thus far, planning on a little more time this year.

rjh2196 · 02-25-2014, 12:43 AM

Not to add too much more to your confusion I figured i would throw you my 2 cents. I previously had a 2012 Premier 31BHPR. I really liked the camper but had some major concerns with it since the day I bought it. I went with that one solely because of the weight and it was right on the edge of my tow vehicle capacity at the time. I had some major issues with the cable slide system and didn't care for it since day one. The other major issues I had was I always seemed to hit my head when I sat up in bed and I also would kick the entertainment center in the middle of the night. I am 5'11.
Recently I had my unit in at the dealer for service that was supposed to take an hour....after hour three I began to wonder the lot and came across a 2014 Laredo 303tg and really liked it. It had an 8 cubic foot fridge vs a 6 in the Premier. The bed was a full queen vs the short and the storage over teh bed was higher and in no way a danger to a headbutt! Other things were the slides were the jamb slides vs the cable slides and everything just felt like it had a more solid build quality. The weight is about 1000lbs heavier but that was not an issue for me since I had already upped my tow vehicle to a GMC DenaliHD Turbo Diesel Truck. I went with the travel trailer over a fifth wheel because we like to bring our golf cart and that goes in the bed during the pull...I have heard a lot of people end up with buyers remorse on toy haulers because eventually they don't like sleeping in a garage setting. Just what I have heard and in no way can give a personal opinion on that. The Laredo 303tg is a great trailer with the upgrades I was hoping for when I bought the Premier. It filled the little shortcomings I found after I bought it and I couldn't be happier that I made the switch to the Laredo. Again just my 2 cents worth and I hope you can find the right trailer for you!

Lrdchaos · 02-25-2014, 06:07 PM

Laredo has a new unit out the 320tg, very similar to the 303tg with larger tanks. The wife and I are looking hard at that unit.

gtsum2 · 02-12-2014, 03:35 AM

Thank you for all the replies. Very helpful! One more question for the experts (sorry for all my newb questions)....most if the bh models we r looking at seem to be around 34ft for trailer and 37ft for fifth wheel (I am back to looking at fifths also)......I am guessing my total length would be shorter with the fifth???

My concern is towing stability (if trailer I would have a propride hitch) and being able to get into stTe and national parks here on the east coast. Tow vehicle will be 2014 ram 3500 ctd srw, so truck payload will not be an issue....I am having a hard time deciding if the extra cost of comparable fifths floodplan would be worth it?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

Quad · 02-12-2014, 04:40 AM

My 5th is just shy of 37ft. It pulls like a 30-31ft camper with the ability to have tighter turns. A 5er will turn slower when backing up, but much tighter than a TT. I live on the east coast and haven't had any problems backing into spots. Sometimes they are tight. But always doable.

2005 Silverado 2500HD D/A
2013 Laredo 321BH

gtsum2 · 02-12-2014, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quad

My 5th is just shy of 37ft. It pulls like a 30-31ft camper with the ability to have tighter turns. A 5er will turn slower when backing up, but much tighter than a TT. I live on the east coast and haven't had any problems backing into spots. Sometimes they are tight. But always doable.

2005 Silverado 2500HD D/A
2013 Laredo 321BH

Thanks for the info. I have towed trailers, boats, etc all my life and normally can get into any parking situation the first time...but I have never towed a 5th or a gooseneck though. I imagine when backing it up, the 5er will react more slowly to begin with. I was kind of thinking that a 37ft 5er would be about the same length as a 34ft trailer (hitch and over the bed etc) with the truck.

I am trying to determine if the extra 7-10k for the 5er (comparable BH plans as the TT) is worth it for us. For example, the Sprinter 316BIK TT or the Sprinter 324FWBHS 5er...basically same floor plan. We will likely do 1-2 trips per month within 250 miles of home, and then a beach trip, and likely a bigger (1000-2000 mile trip each summer).

Part of me feels like a 5er (and its increased weight, size, cost) wouldnt be worth it for that amount of use....the other part of me thinks it will tow better, have more room (not a big deal, as long as the camper we get has separate BH for the kids), and have more features (centralized docking station, bigger tanks, etc). I have heard of some people saying a their 12k loaded 5er tows just as good or better (feel, stability, ease of tow, mpg) than their 9k loaded TT???? Thanks again for all your input and help...I grew up camping in motorhomes with my grandparents and travelling during summers, but this would be our first camper we purchase (aside from a pop up we had years ago).

**JRTJH** · 02-12-2014, 05:14 AM

Really, it depends on your wallet, your tow vehicle and your needs. A fifth wheel will tow easier, but you loose the truck bed for storage of anything that's taller than the rails, you gain some extra trailer storage and more private space inside (steps to upper section) but lose some height in the front. You can't put two dirt bikes in the truck bed with a fiver attached. Fifth wheels are usually a bit more rigid with sturdier frames, but not always. They are easier for one person to hitch, sit taller and are easier to hang on a low tree limb.

Is it worth the extra investment? For us, yes, for everyone, probably not. Remember that as your kids grow, their interests will change, so keep that in mind. Later, you'll be changing tricycles and bicycles for motorcycles and ATV's. It's tough to plan the future, but if you think along those lines, you'll most likely be happier with your choice of RV's.

gtsum2 · 02-12-2014, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

Really, it depends on your wallet, your tow vehicle and your needs. A fifth wheel will tow easier, but you loose the truck bed for storage of anything that's taller than the rails, you gain some extra trailer storage and more private space inside (steps to upper section) but lose some height in the front. You can't put two dirt bikes in the truck bed with a fiver attached. Fifth wheels are usually a bit more rigid with sturdier frames, but not always. They are easier for one person to hitch, sit taller and are easier to hang on a low tree limb.

Is it worth the extra investment? For us, yes, for everyone, probably not. Remember that as your kids grow, their interests will change, so keep that in mind. Later, you'll be changing tricycles and bicycles for motorcycles and ATV's. It's tough to plan the future, but if you think along those lines, you'll most likely be happier with your choice of RV's.

Good points and thank you. Actually, my 6 year old has been riding a raptor 50 atv for 2 years now..I also ride quite a bit..and my 3 year old has been riding an electric one for a year...a toy hauler might well be in our future, but I am guessing that would be 5 years down the road as that way I could take them both to Hatfield Mccoy in west va with me (I wouldnt take my 6 year old there now..too dangerous for him).

I have considered just getting a TH now, but I cant justify towing around a 14k TH when we just go camping to a state park or something..plus, I would likely have to get a DRW truck and that I dont want to do at this time (3500 SRW is going to be ordered soon though).

Lack of space for bikes in the bed would be a challenge though...I imagine I would have to get creative and put them inside the 5er or rig something up. The cost difference isnt that big in the grand scheme of things I suppose...I think a TT would fit us better (to be able to use the truck bed for bikes, etc), but the benefits of the 5er seem to be swaying me back that way too...what to do, what to do??

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