Community Forums

Nlambert · 09-08-2020, 08:32 AM

We are in the process of selling our 2017 Keystone Hideout 298BHDS in favor of a midbunk unit with more space for the family.

We have not had any issues with our Keystone but have considered some other brands that seem to be more nicely appointed in our price range. Do any of you have experience with any of these models? We are trying to stay in the $45-55k price range. Weight is not an issue, but not having enough space is. We will be traveling with this one and need plenty of room.

Coachmen 392MBL <-- our current top pick. Has every option we want plus a full outdoor kitchen, which is a must have for us.
Wildwood Heritage Glen 369BL - 2nd place
Cougar 268MBI - 3rd place - not much of an outdoor kitchen

Are there any other models that we should consider? Our primary requirements are an outdoor kitchen, auto leveling, rear living, mid bunk "preferably" without the overhead bunk above the sofa.

HDGoose · 09-08-2020, 09:16 AM

My wife and I usually cook outdoors while camping. We found that someplace we go, once the trailer is leveled, the outdoor kitchen could be too tall for her to use. So we bought an outdoor kitchen that has a quick setup, and a place for the grill. We use the "Coleman Pack-Away Portable Kitchen" and we find that it works well for us.

Just an idea to consider.

But it will draw neighbors...lol

Nlambert · 09-08-2020, 11:09 AM

I guess I should clarify that we don't use the cooktops that come in some of the rigs. We only use the outdoor kitchen for the fridge in our current unit. I cook exclusively on a Blackstone griddle that sits on a table next to the kitchen.

The Chapparal also has a pull out grill that sits at a pretty manageable height. We also like that the outside TV is in that same unit instead of having to drag one out from inside. We also like that the outdoor kitchen is set to the back of the rig and not under the awning.

The Cougar 368MBI only has a pull out grill but it's directly centered under the awning, which takes away from covered sitting space if we were using it.

The Heritage Glen only has a refrigerator, which is workable but the gas line is also centered under the awning.

We are really liking the layout of the Chapparal but I have never owned a Coachmen and really don't know how well they are built in comparison to a Keystone product.

Yosemite77 · 09-08-2020, 02:58 PM

I consider our 2019 Chaparral to be somewhere in the middle of the pack in terms of quality and construction. Take the roof for example. While it can be walked on, to me it felt a bit spongy when I did so. Having said that, I have no real need to go up there.

Assuming the GVWR on the units you are looking at to be relatively close, I would suggest comparing the frame size and axle ratings on the various units you are considering. I would also look at wall thickness, and compare the thickness of the plywood on the roof. These all can give you an idea if a manufacturer is skimping on quality.
Good luck with your decision.

Bamaman · 09-27-2020, 08:14 PM

I've got one of the first Grand Design Reflection bunkhouse units with 4 slides and an outside kitchen. Our model has given great service since 2015.

We do most of our cooking outside, and have a sink, double head LP cook top, microwave and a 4 1/2 cu. ft. refrigerator. We also have a gas grill on a swing out bracket that's plumbed into the LP system.

You might want to look at their new Reflection fifth wheels to see their middle bunkhouse model(s).

Nlambert · 09-28-2020, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bamaman

I've got one of the first Grand Design Reflection bunkhouse units with 4 slides and an outside kitchen. Our model has given great service since 2015.

We do most of our cooking outside, and have a sink, double head LP cook top, microwave and a 4 1/2 cu. ft. refrigerator. We also have a gas grill on a swing out bracket that's plumbed into the LP system.

You might want to look at their new Reflection fifth wheels to see their middle bunkhouse model(s).

We did look at the Reflections first, but the 31MB was too small (and expensive) and the 367BHS was just too expensive considering the build quality and materials were pretty much on point with the Chapparal.

We actually picked the Chapparal 392MBL up last week. We've spent all weekend testing it and prepping for the first outing this coming weekend. So far the only issues I've ran across was the coax port in the wet bay had the bedroom and living room coax cables reversed. Aside from that, everything seems good (so far).