Community Forums

rte1985 · 07-24-2017, 04:56 PM

I know there are probably a billion threads/posts on a/this subject but here I go anyway.

My wife and I are now just starting our search for our future family camper. This is hopefully a sub 18 month plan before we pull the trigger but being such a large purchase and being so anal about things I don't want to get tunnel vision on a certain brand or model. We plan on going to our local rv show next time it is in town. Also in a couple of months we hope to get to a few local dealers to physically get into some unit to get a better idea. As for right now we are at the internet searching phase and I can say I have put in who knows how many hours on forums, dealer web sites and such soaking up as much info as I can! Here is where we are at

We want a bunkhouse, we have two toddlers at this time (3 yo and 2 yo). Price wise we would like to be under $35,000 (Ideally under $30,000)
I really like the bunkhouses with a slide because I feel that they offer so much growing room for our kids and their (future friends), also they can spread out and play if we are forced inside. But the weight of a slide in the bunkroom adds up. Speaking of weight I really want to stay under 9000 lbs gross weight (which would probable be 7000-7500 dry weight range)

If anyone has some thoughts on brands/models. We are really leaning toward fiberglass siding. This will also have to be a travel trailer since we will be towing with an suv. Some of the models that have peaked our interest in no order are.
Coachmen Freedom Express 310 (azdel, fireplace, large outside kitchen)7500 dry
Keystone Cougar 31sqb (love the cub couches, king size bed)7100 dry
Grand Design 3150bh (Love the looks, top end of budget and no TUB!,wife really wants a tub for the kids) 7500 dry

If anyone has any ideas or owns one of these brands or models I would love your thoughts. We don't want buyers remorse. We have dealers for all of these brands close by. Thanks for any input (like I said we have plenty of time to make a choice but I'll research myself to death and be more confused than when I started. Thanks and sorry for the long post.
Ray

Pricejh · 07-24-2017, 06:18 PM

Please make sure that your SUV can actually handle the weights you are considering. 7 to 8K Empty will gross out at around 9 to 10k gross. I really suggest that you keep LOTS of extra capacity in front of the trailer. LOTS....I would have been way ahead of the power curve if I had of had my Ram 2500 going into the RV lifestyle. Went from a Toyota PreRunner to a Ram 1500 to a Ram 2500 Cummins in a span of 3 years. Expensive chase.

rte1985 · 07-24-2017, 06:41 PM

Thanks for the reply. I agree with the gross load. Thats why I don't want to gross over 9000 lbs. I would love to be lighter than that. I just don't want to outgrow the camper. We are hoping for one and done. Most of the towing will be midwest flat ground and maybe the once a year to eastern TN KY. Looking at our Chevy Suburbans numbers we should be right in reason if we stay at that 9000 lb mark or lighter. I think Keystone also has the bullet premier that has gcwr at around 8000 lbs in similar a similar bunkhouse floor plan so that might be another option.

1KoolKat · 07-24-2017, 07:19 PM

Grand Design is a favorite manufacturer of ours! They stand behind their product and have awesome customer service/warranty. The only reason we sold our Momentum is so we have more choices of camping locations.

rte1985 · 07-24-2017, 07:39 PM

The grand design does seem great. The tub is the one downside for the kids but in a couple of years bath time might be obsolete for the kids. I think them and north woods and lance are the highly spoken about when it comes to quality and service.