Top 5 Bunkhouses from 5,000 to 7,500lbs
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 ก.ค. 2024
- Wrapping up this year's "Top 5 Nerd Preferred" series we're going to zero in on what I feel are some of the best bunkhouse campers out there between 5,000lbs to 7,500lbs!!
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5.) Tracer 200BHSLE
→ Full Video: bit.ly/3yZYO6a
→ Pricing & Availability: bit.ly/3cDhIZ4
4.) Transcend 247BH
→ Full Video: bit.ly/3uJVhI1
→ Pricing & Availability: bit.ly/3o0ZUcY
3.) Freedom Express 257BHS
→ Full Video: bit.ly/3q0wQ7p
→ Pricing & Availability: bit.ly/3NRgBCD
2.) Apex 208BHS
→ Full Video: bit.ly/3xAvBiI
→ Pricing & Availability: bit.ly/3JbD63U
Honorable Mentions:
→ Jay Flight 264BH: bit.ly/3i8zBPq
→ Grey Wolf 22MKSE: bit.ly/33HkckJ
→ Wildwood 19DBXL: bit.ly/3OcXgvT
1.) Rockwood 2509S
→ Full Video: bit.ly/3iMKK8T
→ Pricing & Availability: bit.ly/3PYG5Q7
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#top #list #countdown #RVNerd #RV #rvlife #rving #travel #camp #camping #camper #campinglife #homeonwheels
00:00 Introduction
00:58 Tracer 200BHSLE
04:18 Transcend 247BH
07:02 Freedom Express 257BHS
10:04 Apex 208BHS
12:11 Honorable Mentions
13:00 Rockwood 2509S
16:39 What's YOUR Top Pick?? - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
The Rockwood and Grand Design with their quality standard features, comfortable seating and superior livability rise above the other three 👍👍👍
Thanks again Josh ,another excellent presentation of comparable options in one neat video .
If I were looking for a bunkhouse trailer the Rockwood 2509S would be my pick. That layout of the couch/Murphy just gives so much space.
Pound for pound it’s such a monster
I finally bought a 264 BH based of your reviews and my research. Thanks for always being so transparent and knowledgeable…plus entertaining!
Hope you love it!!
@@JoshtheRVNerd taking it out for the 2nd weekend trip today…loving it! We got 3 kids 12-10-8 and a dog. We love it!!!
Love the energy you bring to the videos, we are planning to purchase a Jayco because of your videos
Wow Ty! Would you please drop me a quick review at g.page/r/CdPcitNVx2nDEAg/review in return for the helping hand? It would sure mean a lot!
Have the rockwood 2508 but the 2509s is pretty nice
Love the simplicity and maneuverability
Tow with 2018 Sequoia
Love your reviews! Would like your opinion on the best dual slide bunkhouse with Theatre seats in the 35 foot range.
Keep up the good work!
I know I've bugged you LOTS over the past several weeks regarding bunkhouse models and towability with a big suv and yadda yadda! After my wife and I agonizing over several makes and models and the concessions we were going to have to give up, we decided NOT to give up the things we really need in a lighter weight bunkhouse. We're going to upgrade to a 3/4 ton Ford truck (used!) And then get the Grand Design Imagine .....or the Cougar Half Ton( ugghhh, we STILL can't decide! ) and be on our way! Thanks again for all your input Mr. Nerd!
P.s nice Sir Mix aLot reference! 😂
Glad you’re not just trying to push your SUV’s limits though! Saw someone earlier saying how their new rv was great for them but were towing with a painfully under-rated truck
I transport rv's for a living and I'm glad to see a comment like this where a buyer is seeing that their vehicle is in fact too small for what they want in their new unit. I see it day in and day out people towing too big of a rv with too small of a vehicle. The 3/4 ton will do you well in my opinion as I run a 3/4 ton duramax chevy and it handles most units just fine. Get yourself a weight distribution hitch and if you travel a lot, firestone air bags are a great, not real expensive upgrade for the truck.
@@davex36 It's a combination of factors leading to what you're seeing. In my years of experience I commonly hear...
* Truck Dealers unqualified to comment on towing scenarios
* RV Dealers equally unqualified or uninterested in learning proper towing safety
* Customers frankly wanting to argue that somehow THEIR truck is special and can handle more
* And plenty enough people simply not asking the questions or caring and just slapping rigs together
It's less fun telling people "no, that doesn't work" and it doesn't make you money. But I do sleep better at night that way
@@JoshtheRVNerd The other factor is the bit of deception in the marketing by the manufactures of both the trucks and trailers. the big number that they dont tell you about is payload. My ram 1500 can pull almost 12k but my payload is pretty limited. I put it on the cat scales with my family on board and I can only put 600 lbs of tongue weight on it. I don't like how the trailer manufactures only give out dry tongue weights. I get that people are going to load different things into the trailer but I feel like they could at least add propane and an average battery into the specs. Seems like the trucks wanna be able to claim to pull a mountain and the trailers wanna be light as a feather even though neither is true.
@@JoshtheRVNerd I think you hit the nail on the head with my limited (about a year) in the industry. Im not innocent, I've pulled dry weight trailers that legally I can, but should I have, probably not. Another thing I'll add is people think maxing out their trucks, and suvs is fine. When you factor in wind with these things, not a good idea. I personally about a month ago did a park model/destination trailer 42' puma grand villa that my truck handled it fine until I hit wind. Rough ride and as you can imagine, a wobbly ride when I got smacked with a side wind.
With the way prices have increased, it's nice to see a handful of basic vacuum laminated travel trailers that keep the price down while providing decent comfort. Certainly people tend to like it better when you can better pick and choose the level of digital controls too which is also a basic vacuum laminated travel trailer attribute most of the time too.
Some great options! Thanks!
I challenge you to do a top 5 of travel trailers under 30 ft with a built in generator. With portable generator bans going into effect I would expect these to become more common.
We're really enjoying these Top 5 Series videos.
These today were all great ..... But that Apex Nano is absolutely incredible!
I got a late start on them
I think I am about done with it for this year though. New stuff coming out resets the rankings!
Good video, and sure are the best RV s thanks
Ty Mildred
Thanks for the videos. I really enjoy them.
My brother and I are looking at travel trailers, and we're having a lot of trouble finding one that meets our needs.
We're two old single men age 49 and 55. We see a lot of bunkhouse trailers out there, but we rarely see a two bedroom trailers that's for adults. There's plenty of second bedrooms for kids, but it feels like there's not much out there for two adults to have their own bedrooms.
It just feels like they could use that same bunkhouse space except design it with a single bed and no bunk.
..hmm.. try this one: bit.ly/3PhYpU5
Love the 2509S, love the upgrades for the 2023, wish they would raise the Murphy bed 🛏 so the pass through was more functional.
This video confirms my top 2 choices.
But the winner by far is the 2509S.
This just makes me want that one that much more. I have been looking, and looking..
& looking..
& looking..
& now there's no doubt.
2509s it is.
Thank you for this video!
The Transcend would be the one I would choose of the 5. However, that Jayco 274BH(?) you previewed the other day looks interesting. 🤔
It's very easy to me to get carried away thinking about products closer to the Eagle/Reflection/Cougar class since I'm full time in an aging Vanguard Kodiak 5th wheel (if anyone remembers that brand lol)
That being I'm only 21, if I was to go out and make the financially irresponsible decision to buy a new camper to take on trips with the guys before using it for my future family it would most likely be the Freedom Express 257 since it nails the storage, it's small enough to be frequently towed, yet it wouldn't feel overly cramped on a rainy day.
You might have me also leaning towards that Transcend we discussed on your recent 23' Jayco video now....
Ty keep smaller cheaper campers coming!😊
I always like what I see on this channel!!! 😉
HE IS THE REASON I WENT WITH IT.
@@ericjustiniani9676 same!!!
Rockwood for the win baby! Very happy with our 24brds/2509s. Love that the 2023 version now has cargo door and i believe they got rid of the shaggy carpet.
Yep! No more carpet for 2023’s
Like these videos I wonder if you can tell me the best one for all year round living in
Transcend.... First starter camper.... Lol. I will always argue it is the ideal camper Josh! This is my current rig after going through 3 others from a micro lite 23LB, North Trail 24BHS and an east to west 3150 KBH. Becoming a seasoned camper I found the 247 checks ever box for us. No slides, low pro aluminum siding, under 30ft, seperate bed for adults, couch across from TV, no u dinette (hard to get back plus no way to seat more than 4), has a ladder. The only thing missing is the outdoor kitchen.
That 247 is amazing without a doubt
I really like that Transcend. It checks off all my boxes. I've already got the Imagine XLS 21BHE and the XLS23BHE on my list, but this is the same weight as the 23BHE but adds a private bed and a sofa. Just need to make sure we can tow with our 22 year old Silverado 1500 Z71. Its within the GVWR. Thank you. I had no idea any of the Tanscends were within our weight rating.
Pound for pound I think they have one of the best lineups out there today
The Jay Feather X213 has a bunkhouse that has a lower that flips up for bikes underway and an upper that my 6-ft boy fits in. The trailer sleeps 6 easy (or even 7 not easy) with a king bed rear slide. Acts like a 25-footer in a 20-ft box and tops at 5,500lbs. I have the 2017 model and love it.
Sadly it’s retired from production now
JAYCO JAY FLIGHT 264BH FARMHOUSE R.M.E IS THE BEST FOR MY FIRST TRAILER . PULL WITH 2019 V6 CHEVY COLORADO .
Hey Eric - curious what rear axle ratio you have on the Colorado? Asking as my '15 Silverado w/ 5.3V8 is rated to only 6200 lbs given its 3.08 rear axle ratio. The same set-up w/ different ratio (3.42) rated to 9200.
I've got a 2022 model and I tow it with a V6 2021 ram 1500. With the 3.21 gears 4600 lbs tow capacity it will pull it but struggles on steep hill, its gonna get upgraded to the 3.55 so I can get my 7600 pound tow capacity this next month.
@@whitleyca ITS THE STOCK 4:10. WITH THE 8 SPEED TRANSMISSION IT DID OK FROM RIVERSIDE TO VEGAS, FROM VEGAS TO LAKE TAHO AND BACK. UNFORTUNATLY I WAS OVER LOADED AS MY KIDS PUT ALL THERE GEAR IN THE TRAILER. AND GREY TANK HAD WATER. PLUS FOOD,TOOLS,DRINKS, AND GEAR. WILL NEED TO TAKE A TRIP WITHOUT ALL THE WEGHT. WILL BE INSTALLING A TRANS COOLER,INTAKE AND EXHAUST. IF YOU ARE NOT FAMILER WITH THE ROAD TO VEGAS SOCAL. ITS LOTS OF UPHILL.
You had me at "no slide" on those first 2.
I'm really interested in the Sundance 241BH. Only 7500 lbs gross, private master bedroom, double bunks, power jacks/stabilizers/awning, awning actually covers the outside kitchen (major plus for me) and only 27 ft long from bumper to hitch!
We got a Forest River Surveyor 19bhle in March at the Milwaukee RV show. Absolutely excellent trailer, especially moving up from a pop--up. Very comparable to the Apex 208.
Ty for sharing Dennis!!
Really like these comparison videos.
Suggestion to manufacturers: a BH is designed to be able to sleep more than a couples camper, more people=more fresh water needed... We're going to move up to a BH and surprised at how hard it is to find decent water storage... So far it looks like the Transcend wins. But if one can do it in an under 30', .. others could ESPECIALLY on their 30+'s
Just saying.. 😉
Great video. Very informative. My wife and I have started looking at bunkhouses for our family of 4 plus a dog. I would be interested to see your Top 5 Bunkhouse for say the next size up. I drive a 2018 Ram 2500 6.7 Cummins and interest to see if you would recommend more 5th wheel style or still more of the travel trailer. Anyways keep making the entertaining vids.
Thx Joe! If you search this channel for “top 5” I think we have some options for you!
Thank you. Yeah I saw those but they all seemed a bit on the larger size other than the Jayco. I like the Jayco 295BHS but was interesting in seeing if there were other trailers I was overlooking. Was trying to stay under 35'. Also not totally sold on the bunkhouse style but not sure what other styles are good for a family of 4
Reminds me of that commercial:
"I don't always drink dos Equis, but when I do, I use it to chase a blackened bunless frankfurter."
Love these Josh. Possible to get top 5 bunkhouse that’s 1/2 ton towable?
This list would certainly include some things there
I have a few other top 5’s already
Try using the search function on the channel for “top 5” and a few options should jump out there
Great vid. I like this size and would be our first. Thank you.
Good choice!
I don’t think I’ve seen you review any Keystone, but IMO the Passport SL 221BH should be on this list. Coming in at about 5200 lbs dry and about 26 feet long, it packs a lot into the space. Such as queen Murphy bed, double over double bunks with cargo door and a decent kitchen. A very worthy contender, I think.
I've simply never had a chance to see it personally. I have a lot of respect for Passport RVs
Thank you for this! I would love to see your suggestions for trailers with a private bunkhouse under 32 feet.
Under 32ft total or box? There are very few private bunks under 32RLTS feet
@@JoshtheRVNerd 32ft box. Something along the lines of the Forest River Vibe 28QB!
@@ap9151 Good that opens up a lot of doors. There are a bunch but one of my personal favorites is this old standby: bit.ly/3EEqMG2
😄👍Good Stuff, Great Tips
Thanks! 👍
The Grand Design Imagine 2400BH should be included, at least as an honorable mention. It's retired, but the Catalina 221TBS was amazing.
@7:48 Man that fresh water will last FOREVER!
lolol
I fat-finger a lot of keys
Josh I want one of those coachmen freedom expresses with 540 gallons of freshwater if you have that we have a deal.
Hahhaha
#typo
Still go with the coachman FE 238BHS
I would move no. 5 to no. 2 spot because slides should be on the bottom of the list. ; ). my 179dbkx didn't make it oh well guess I have to go find a new channel. LOL.
😆
Dutchmen Kodiak 296BHSL (or the 28 version) have bigger bunk rooms that don't share space with the bathroom (at the expense of the kitchen)
Curious why you haven't done the Grand Design Imagine XLS 21BHE. No slide bunkhouse that would fit neatly in this countdown.
Just haven’t been able to get my hands on one. It’s not more involved then that
The one thing that stands out about the tracer is the shower has the little seating area in the corner that's perfect for when the wife shaves them cactus 🌵 legs😆
Hi Josh. I think I'm looking for a unicorn. I want a bunkhouse trailer under 30ft. I want a private bedroom, bunkhouse with a door, and outside kitchen. The North Trail 24DBS is close but no outdoor kitchen. Any other suggestions you can think of?
This one is criminally underrated m.th-cam.com/video/dsi00wO4U98/w-d-xo.html
@@JoshtheRVNerd Thank you! That one is definitely high on our list. The only thing missing from our wish list is a door for the bunks like the 24DBS.
Looking for a couples camper with big camp kitchen I can’t seem to find one
They’ve become rare. Here a personal favorite m.th-cam.com/video/170xnFqsK0A/w-d-xo.html
Not sure how the apex 208bhs got on the list but the freedom express 257bhs was prefered to the apex 245bhs not saying there isn't a good reason, but as a buyer i'm still struggling to understand what justifies the extra weight and cost of the freedom express... and if freedom express is indeed better, then why the apex 208bhs is better than a freedom express 238bhs... (similar floor plan...)? genuine question here...
Not necessarily better - just different
Freedom express gains a lot of features apex lacks but at extra cost and weight
Taller ceiling, consistency with true queens vs here or there, ladder to roof.. there’s plenty that separates them though they do overlap quite a bit as well
Yeah you dropped the ball on this one . The apex 300bhs is the absolute best bunk house under 7000 lbs (actually under 6k) take a look and you’ll agree
Just a minute ago I viewed a SEIRA 5TH WHEEL BH. I'LL BE RIGHT BACK. I'M WATCHING U, and bh models. be back
I'm bsck.. I USE 2 LOVE SIERA FANCY 5TH WHEEL MODELS. THIS IS THE 1ST I'VE HEARD THE NAME IN YRS, AND IT'S A BH. I CALL IT A 2 BEDROOM A BATH AND 1/2. PLEASE REVIEW THIS.BEING FOREST RIVER IS A BIG +.
the SIERA 3440BH IS GREAT. 2706BS 2 BH MODELS TO LOOK AT.
THE SIERA IS A GREAT RV FOR 2 PPL SEP. BEDROOMS 1 FULL 1 1/2 BATH.
Heartland trail runner 199bhss
The Apex Murphy bed👍but no ladder😕The Freedom Express dinette only floorplan😩The Tracer’s camp queen mattress, dinette only floorplan and no ladder = No Sale😕😕😕
Uncle Bish!
Don't they make these RV/trailers bunks just a bunk (1). Need extra lounging/sleeping area for person or pets
Freedom express has a 540 gallon freshwater tank. Unbelievable 🤣
Sigh… a guy makes ONE typo 🤣
@@JoshtheRVNerd all good, just gave me a laugh.
No Ember 221MDB?
Hadn’t YET been able to fully record it
But I do have video of it coming
@@JoshtheRVNerd Awesome! I can’t wait!
Run threw hybrids by rockwood
I'm still digesting these options but while you regularly make observations about space for a CPAP device, you don't mention the possible challenge of claustrophobia in bunks. I guess the general thought is to park the kids in the cubicles, but some generational families making weekend trips don't want a monster trailer. Adults in the bunks make a smaller trailer feasible; however, some bunka seem more confining than an MRI tube. Over the years you have shown some models where the bunks are half open to the rest of the trailer - like an open MRI machine - and the walls do not feel as if they are wrapping you into a cocoon. I suspect claustrophobics are about as common as CPAP users. Pointing out less confining options might be important factor for some RV'ers. Perhaps more concerning than the toe monster licking chops at the foot of those camp queen beds.