Hello from Ontario! I've been reading the posts on this forum for a long time and appreciate the information provided by everyone (yes... I printed off the PDI list that I'll be making use of soon), and thought I'd open an account a bit early. After a couple of years of viewing and considering RVs, our family will be picking up our first ever RV in April - a 2025 Passport 229BH. Family has been camping on the ground for about a decade, and I personally have been camping, backpacking, etc. for 30+ years.
For your benefit and for those considering RVing, I've listed the main reasons why we picked the 229BH, in order of importance below. It looks like they made a lot of upgrades over the 2024 models that I would also consider more "premium" - and that helped (e.g. barrel ceiling with LED strip lights, porcelain toilet, cabinetry feels better). Anyways, here's the list:
Looking forward to RVing!
For your benefit and for those considering RVing, I've listed the main reasons why we picked the 229BH, in order of importance below. It looks like they made a lot of upgrades over the 2024 models that I would also consider more "premium" - and that helped (e.g. barrel ceiling with LED strip lights, porcelain toilet, cabinetry feels better). Anyways, here's the list:
- Towable with 2018 RAM 1500 Diesel 3.0 - not going anywhere if I can't tow it
- Dual Axle - I've towed trailers before, and a flat with a single axle trailer is not fun
- Fiberglass exterior - maintenance reasons, resistance to water / critters
- Fiberglass front cap - those bugs and birds pack a punch at driving speeds - ask anyone on a motorcycle
- Still good length to use in most parks (under 27’) - would have liked shorter, but it was getting claustrophobic
- Under $40K CDN +tx. (~$28K USD+tx) - managed to even get the WDH with sway bars within budget!
- Bunkhouse floorplan for kids and space for dog below - versatile space that can be converted to storage / closet later
- Dinette (and slide out) - designated space for games and eating, and for space.
- Outside range and shower - rather cook outside and not stink up the RV, and the dog is a dog... sometimes a pig
- Solar with 220W solar panel and 30A charge controller. - Looking to upgrade this, but love that it is wired for a 30A system
- Inorganic floor (Hyper Deck) - No. 1 enemy for a building / RV is water. I hope the hyperdeck will serve us well.
- Rooftop ladder - I wasn't going to carry more equipment than I need.
- Build quality - No need to rank higher since there isn't anything significantly better in this price range, but looks good!
- Queen Bed - Well, let's just say the wind isn't going to blow me away
- New or near new - I'm handy enough to work through future problems. Hit on depreciation, but wife is happy.
Looking forward to RVing!