Hybrid plus fixed bedroom

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

My wife is talking (finally) about getting a camper. However, she is interested in one that has a fixed bedroom for when it is just us going plus one push-out tent bed for when we bring the grandkids.

Anything like that out there? I've seen either hybrids, or fixed but not a combo. Plus we are looking used, which limits your choices anyway.

A hybrid gives more room, but she is concerned about the extra setup needed, plus my bad back.

Weight is an issue. Under 4,000 lbs needed.

[Ryan_V]

You would be able to do it without folding down an tent end, but you'll be sleeping on the couch or laying the table down. There aren't any that I know of with a setup like you're looking for. I'd look for a smaller travel trailer, then when the grandkids come, that's when the couch or table goes down. that way you still have your bed. Lots out there like that that will fit your desires on weight/etc

[Powerstroke]

There aren't any that I can think of. Especially not in that weight category.

As far as Hybrids, the setup is very minimal. I fold out the panel, pull the tenting over the corners and attach. Go inside and push up the poles. Done. I'd be happy to show you if she's interested. We live in Eden Prairie.

It gets harder on older models that use support poles instead of cables. Since the newer models have cables inside there is no holding up the bed trying to line up the pole underneath. That is a pain.

Only a small travel trailer is going to get you an actual bed inside the camper with your weight requirements and even then its probably gonna be something with a convertible dinnette, not a dedicated bedroom. Hard to do in a small camper.

The closest thing you're gonna find is something in the 16-17ft range that has a single hybrid bed and a convertible dinette that shares the other half of the trailer. Something like the Palomino 17S. The 176S hits the 4200lb mark fully loaded.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Wow Powerstroke, that is decent of you to offer a demo. What time is dinner

I should clarify that my vehicle will tow 6,000 lbs and I was just looking at a dry weight under 4,000 for a cushion.

She likes the idea of a non-hybrid, but she hasn't seen the difference in space between the two types. Lots more room in a hybrid style I think.

We wanted to go see some at the dealer today, but they were closed. No hurry, but it would be fun to go look. Saturdays are so busy and they have short hours then too. Makes it a little hard to shop.

[Powerstroke]

If your tow rating is 6K, then its best to figure a minimum cushion of 10%. You can safely tow 5400lbs. Depending on your vehicle and its drivetrain, you may want to keep it under 5K.

That actually opens up your window a bit. When I was shopping hybrids (we wanted a hybrid for sure) I shopped based on my 5000lb capacity. There is a distinct weight difference between the 15-17ft group and the 19-21ft group. In doing my best to get the most trailer for the least weight, I ended up with the Roo19. Loaded down it comes in under 5000 lbs., but I can keep it to 4200lbs if I don't add liquids and some other stuff. It also has tandem axles for better trailering and load distribution.

As far as hybrids go, I think (and some general internet opinions too) that the Roo is the best all-around hybrid out there. Jayco is second. Its kind of a mish-mash after that. I like the Roo because it has the most insulation and their floorplans, although the floorplans are becoming pretty standard as most companies are finding the most efficient use of space. Also most of them share the same components as far as appliances and such.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

I was impressed with both the Roo & Jayco also when I saw them at the RV show last Feb. Good input, thanks.

BTW, why were you set on a hybrid style?

[Ryan_V]

I would seriously look at a smaller travel trailer. We were looking at hybrids as well. For the same money, sometimes less, you can get into an enclosed trailer with a bed. We moved up from a pop-up to a travel trailer. Ours has a queen bed up front and bunks in the back. What we didn't like about the hybrid is that you still hear EVERYTHING in the morning and at night. With kids, we like it a little quiet. Some places we camp, you can hear kids that are up and running/screaming at 6am. In a hybrid, you're still in a tent end like a pop-up and it doesn't block sound. With a travel trailer you're insulated all around, and if you turn your fan on, you hear nothing until you want to!! My sister in law has about a 24 foot coachmen trailer, that has a bed. then the kids just go on the table bed/couch bed for sleeping. Theirs weighs 3200#'s or so.

Just take a look around. there are lots of deals to be had this time of year. Consider all options!! But, in your situation, a bed sounds pretty good, instead of crawling in/out/over. Nothing wrong with a hybrid though, they are made well, and are pretty light for their size. Just wanted to throw the rest of that out for consideration. Whatever you end up with, you'll like!!! Good luck!

[Powerstroke]

I don't mean to start a side-argument that may be irrelevant, but I would challenge any trailer over 20ft that weighs that little. That would be nearly impossible, especially on a travel trailer and an older one at that.

I suppose on the argument of being in the tent ends, its all up to what you want. We chose a hybrid for the feeling of "camping" instead of living in a box. I like that both ends of my camper are giant windows.

[Ryan_V]

No worries powerstroke...I was just giving my personal input to his situation. A hybrid didn't appeal to us for the reasons I stated. He wants a fixed bedroom with extra space for the grandkids when they come, so I was just throwing info out that I had. These newer campers are being built very, very light, even travel trailers. Like I said, my sister in laws is 24' and weighs under 3500#'s. I believe it's about a '99 or '00. My only point was that there are ALOT OF OPTIONS out there!!! Go to a large dealer and kick some tires!! Nows the time to look!! That being said, kids are in school now, so it's time for me to go buy some "pink" and think about putting mine in the shed for the winter