When did the bunk models begin?

[El Chapo]

Here's my situation:
I've been in class c motorhomes since 2003. No trip longer than 2 months, with the average being 2 weeks.

This year i move into semi-retirement, with full-retirement coming in a couple years. We will be taking longer trips now and full-timing upon retirement (house will gone and only a small storage unit) We want to go into a Class A for more room, storage, and rainy day sanity reasons. Budget is $180k. Wife, two boys (currently ages 1 and 11), two dogs (though one is pretty old and she may not be around two years from now). I'll be needing both the side bunks and the drop down overhead bunk.

Now my dilemma:
The prevailing advice I see is don't buy new, but to get a higher end used unit. Since I plan to tow my Ram 1500, I'll need a DP. While my 2014 Sunseeker never had a single warranty issue, I doubt that could happen twice in a row for me. So I'm sold on a good used DP. I hear a lot of folks advise to get a pre-DEF unit. But i don't see bunkhouse versions of pre-DEF units. So i look to the later years.

When did the drop downs and side bunks become commonplace enough? I see Palazzo bunkhouses, but really want to consider other brands first. I'm a fiberglass roof guy and never want to deal with another rubber or TPO roof again. No intent to offend anyone, just my belief.

I figure this is a tall order, just hoping for a point in the right direction.

Jim

[denverh]

Although mine is a gas unit Fleetwood has been making bunk house for awhile. I've also seen Tiffin Allegro "QBH" I think is there designation. I think I did just see a bunkhouse used DP at the dealer where I bought my unit. Not trying to push the dealership but it is Whitehorse RV in NJ. Not sure what the curb weight is on the RAM 1500 but is it possible to downsize and go with gas RV? I pull a ford escape on a tow dolly without any sweat.
I think around 2010 or 2011 a number of mfgrs came out with the "hybrids" that were a cross between an "A" and a "C" for their sleeping ability. Mine will technically sleep 9 between the bunks, queen bed, dinette, sofa, and drop down queen over driver/passenger seats. However, good luck with that and a single bathroom. I think the most we have had is 5. Guess who got the dinette? Good luck with your search.

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi Jim! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Can't help with the questions but noticed you are kinda new on IRV2 and wanted to say hello! Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!


BTW, that username will definitely get some attention!

[El Chapo]

Originally Posted by denverh

Although mine is a gas unit Fleetwood has been making bunk house for awhile. I've also seen Tiffin Allegro "QBH" I think is there designation. I think I did just see a bunkhouse used DP at the dealer where I bought my unit. Not trying to push the dealership but it is Whitehorse RV in NJ. Not sure what the curb weight is on the RAM 1500 but is it possible to downsize and go with gas RV? I pull a ford escape on a tow dolly without any sweat.

I think around 2010 or 2011 a number of mfgrs came out with the "hybrids" that were a cross between an "A" and a "C" for their sleeping ability. Mine will technically sleep 9 between the bunks, queen bed, dinette, sofa, and drop down queen over driver/passenger seats. However, good luck with that and a single bathroom. I think the most we have had is 5. Guess who got the dinette? Good luck with your search.

I love the new Fleetwood Southwind 37FP. I'm not opposed to a higher end gas model, but i don't think i can put 5 of us and 2 dogs in something smaller than my Ram Rebel 1500 (it has a truck cap). It weighs about 6500, so a 7500 or 10000 hitch (with the GCWR to go with it) will be needed