Hello from MA

[Friendly Street Crew]

I am a new member and wanted to say hello to everyone. I have a 2013 Keystone Bullet 230BHS. We are the 2nd owners and have owned it for about 4 years. We have been camping since forever- we had a popup before the Bullet, and tent camped pre-kids.

We are in a good work- life balance situation where we can take off for several weeks in the summers, and probably could do a little more in the fall / spring as well. We would like to show the kids a little more of the surrounding areas, states, so on.

I have been looking at getting a newer camper this year, but I would love to hear what people think. Our current camper works for us, but I am sure is going to start needing upgrading. Is it worth putting money into a 2013 bullet or should I nab a newer model? Some of the things I would really like in a newer model (or maybe could upgrade my current camper) are: rear camera, walkable roof (don't think that can be upgraded), rear receiver hitch, 12v fridge (ours is propane / AC), solar panel.

Thank you for any information you have. I am excited to be part of the community.

 

[Clegg]

Welcome, from another new member. I say go for the win with a new unit! There are so many new features in the newer units. Good luck!

 

[jxnbbl]

Welcome to the forum. We have owned 2 Bullets a 273BH and 330bhs despite being "only a couple". The first we bought since it was the only option and we were going on a long trip during covid. The second we bought less than a year later as most of our trips are "family trips" and our grandchildren want to stay with us. My only advice is if your current trailer does NOT fulfill your needs then look, newer does not always mean better that is for sure! But for us, we made a list of functional items that we "like" vs "need". The next trailer will be the equivalent of the 330bhs but a 5th wheel as the current trailer is about as long as you can possibly get, we tend to go on very long trips (and meet family at the destinations) and there are times/occasions where the overall length is a pita.

 

[Max23]

Welcome aboard, lots of good peeps here. I can't really advise you on whether to buy new or not but can give some things I see with what I have. First on year of current unit, it is over 10 yrs old. If it works and had everything you "need" then I don't see an issue. The ONLY negative there is some "snobby" RV parks won't accept units over 10 yrs old. (pretty easy to avoid those).
Rear camera can be easily added. Probably not going to come with your new one anyway, usually always an upgrade but maybe easier to put on a new unit.
Walkable roof, well, I never "walk" on mine, just don't trust it. That said, DW will walk on it in her stocking feet (no shoes allowed) to sweep off the slide before we leave a camp site ( we don't have a cover over it ) but myself, I still crawl around when up there.
DW weighs all of a buck 20. LOL
Rear hitch would probably have to be added anyway, or reinforced as factory stuff is usually garbage. Depends.
12 v fridge is very nice. I do like that. To me thats a plus. I never shut ours off in the summer, just leave it full and turned on so ready to go. The solar has 0 problems keeping up with that.
Solar I also think is great, for above mentioned and for any quick overnight stops. I have had my batteries down to 20% before and the solar will recharge that in a day (just testing the system). I have the 400i system with lithium batteries. That I really like. Can take the batteries way down without ruining them.
Doubt any of that helped you but just throwing out my experience with your above mentioned. Good luck and I really doubt any decision you come to will be the wrong one for you because you are really the only one that knows your needs and particular use.

Again, welcome aboard!!!!!

 

[Cajun Couple]

Welcome to the site. Wife and I downsized to a travel trailer almost 3 yrs ago. More of a couples floorplan but still has enough room for an occasional grandson. We had two different 5th wheels prior and didn't need all that space for just the two of us. Cougar 25RDS is what we have and find the floorplan suits us fine. Rear dinette and lots of windows. King bed and 8ft wide bathroom is also nice. 12v fridge and a 200 watt solar panel. 2 AC units keep us cool even in hot summers in SE Louisiana. This camper is hitch heavy and more suited for a 3/4 ton gas or diesel.

 

[spicercars]

Welcome from northern MN.

 

[DutchmenSport]

Here's my thoughts.

First, if the current camper is working for you, then don't change. However, sometimes our "wants" outweighs our "needs". The fact you posted tell me you have put considerable thought into this decision. I think you are on the verge of purchasing a new unit and just want confirmation you are doing the right thing.

Well, unfortunately no one can answer that for you. All we can do is give you "things" to consider to solidify the decision (you'd really like to make).

So, here's some considerations. Depending on how "new" you go, you may have to get a loan. Your older model may already be paid for.

Next, a new model (especially if you have a loan) will require a higher premium insurance from the loan company.

Next, the license plates and registration may cost you more, depending on the age of the camper. (In Indiana, the cost of registration / plates decreases very year until the unit reaches about 5 years old. )

Next, if you go with a new camper, chances are you'll go longer and bigger, and potentially heavier. Will you need to make any special concessions on your tow vehicle?

Now, here's something else to consider.... kids? Does the current camper accomidate the kids OK. If they are small right now, when they get bigger will the beds still accomidate their longer stature? Boys and girls? All boys, all girls. When they get older, they will want their own space especially if boys and girls. It might benefit you to bring along a small pup tent the boys can sleep in outside. It's a good compromise, regardless of any type of camper you may have.

These are some of the items you need to consider that are not directly camper logistics, but still a very important part of the over all decision making.

Either way, upgrade or purchase a different camper, the ultimate decision is yours.

One thing to consider and NOT feel guilty over.... almost every one on these forums have traded their campers, sometimes multiple times, because after time, their first camper did not fit their life style any more. Then the second one didn't work for them any more, and the third one was a result of some significant life changes. It's OK to swap out campers. It's all part of the RVing experience. It really is OK if you want to change!