Top 5 Picks for Best Bunkhouse Camper Today! Actually SIX!

[@prettybadboylagerberg6385]

We got into the Rockwood 2509 because of the Nerd’s reviews so I’m partial. It’s not without hiccups - like the road mode isn’t great and it’s a bit dark with the Murphy still up. But, it is 10lbs of sugar in a 5 lb sack as JTRVN likes to say. Love having a sofa in a 26’ trailer. It’s got a huge awning and ABC Marketing’s Power Package is truly one of the best solar packages out there. We have so much flexibility because of the smaller size and excellent off grid power availability. I still watch Nerd’ videos because he is such a joy and have still not found anything out there I’d rather have. Thx Nerd!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Ooh you got one all juiced up! Niiiice

[@EmberRecreationalVehicles]

Thanks so much for including us in your TOP 5-6 LIST! 🔥 Your videos give customers a great look at so many options! Thank you for sharing us with the world!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Our pleasure! Ty

[@pattyaksamit5781]

Love your videos, I love all the good bad and in between that you take the time to show and explain. 😊

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

TY Patty! I sure try!

[@FasuloA]

We just went to an RV show (2nd in a row) in Tampa. I think for our family of 4 we need: Private bedroom for Mom and Dad, Double/double bunks, a fair amount of kitchen prep space as far as these RV's go, and an outdoor griddle & mini fridge. I like the JAYCO ones but we'll see what we can come up with. If we're up in MI again to visit friends we will have to come for a visit. My kids eyes were darting around the RV show in Tampa just in case they spotted the RV Nerd!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Ironically I was in Florida recently - just at universal visiting hog warts lol

[@TYinNH]

My wife and I have looked at many of these as we are upgrading. We are going with the 2024 Forest River campsite reserves 23lm. Hands down our favorite.

[@user-lu2uo3zg9e]

Such great info we're a family of 5 this gives me an idea of what to look for.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I'm glad it helps, that's what I strive for!

[@stevez340]

Very nice family bunkhouse floorplans👍but when you have 4-6 people in your RV, a comfortable place to sit on a cold or rainy day, a porcelain toilet for all of those butts, a shower door and a quality bathroom vent fan makes weekends so much nicer💥💥💥

[@tbdrummer67]

What about those of us who WANT something larger, but not unmanageable? I would love to see a list of travel trailers 32-35 feet long, with 3 or more slides.

[@willsnowh]

We got our FE 238bhs after watching your videos and it ticks all the boxes for now, while our boys are 4 1/2 and 1. We winter boondock at ski resorts with it and it does fine (with tank heaters, big Li battery bank and a generator to back it up) But we'll find a private bedroom before the boys start smelling like teenagers. That Imagine looks awesome, but the Ember Touring 24mbh is currently top of my list. Euro windows make so much sense with winter camping. Thanks for all the info Josh!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Smelling like teenagers lolol

[@npfish]

I have to throw in a "shorter" 5er that we recently bought from Bish's. KZ Durango D274BHD. Great experience buying from Bish's and greay support after the fact. I made a comment in a video awhile ago about quad bunkhouses not being very good in 5ers. This one keeps us short and has everything we need for 4 young boys.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Thanks for sharing! I’ll have to look up the layout

[@user-DaveRivett]

Thanks my friend. I truly appreciate your candidate program and honest.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

My pleasure Thank you for watching!

[@roderickhance2088]

Until just recently have I seen something that I almost like better than our 2509s from Rockwood. Love that manufacturers keep innovating. Love your top pic videos as always, great job!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Awesome Ty!

[@bricejohnson6438]

Just bought a Jayco 264BHW, strikingly similar to that Bish's RV unit he showed minus some bells and whistles (obviously because im pretty sure Jayco or THOR makes them for Bish), quite relieved that you spoke so highly of it as a starter family camper, least i know i made a decent choice. Thanks Josh!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Jayco is the parent company over the group that produces our GO►PLAY models so they’re super similar

[@bricejohnson6438]

Good to know thanks for the reply. Also keep the videos coming man, love your content.

[@johnnyfish8273]

We love our Jayfeather 27bhb! It does everything we need and more. But good line up !!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Now that it has a true queen bed that one has slid up on my list

[@Patricksmancave]

Nice video! Love that Jayco 21MBH Love the open living room. Please make more of these videos! Have a good day josh!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Will do! Thank you for watching!

[@sladesmith6975]

Love the triple slide 30’. One day I’ll get a goth wheel closet in a smaller camper 😂

[@Toddstjohn]

That convertible bunk system in the Ember that can turn into just storage? When they start making fifth wheels in full-timers get a load of that system they may sell these things like crazy

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

They do have plans to make FWs in time actually!

[@Toddstjohn]

@@JoshtheRVNerd I'm looking forward to it

[@EmberRecreationalVehicles]

Thank you for sharing your comments! Fifth wheels from Ember…? Hmmm. We like that idea! 🔥🔥🔥

[@jeffwise6575]

🎉 A No-Side made the top 6 🎉 Thank You Josh as always Great information

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

My pleasure!

[@Jeffchizoate]

Still a big fan of the Wildwood 179dbk. Double bunks and no slide to maintenance or break.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I'm shocked more brands havent copied that one

[@COMMANDER-ONE]

20:29 this is a beautiful side profile. Clean !!

[@texillini1]

1) Greetings Professor 🧑‍🏫 Nerd. This nerdy student of yours is back from visiting my first National Parks ever and I’m catching up on all of my KZbin channels. 2) To the class, South Dakota and Wyoming are beautiful. I’ve never been further west than Topeka, KS before. I now know why people travel west. The Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse, and Devil’s Tower in WY are a must see. I had checked all of them off my bucket list as well as a helicopter 🚁 ride on this trip. Seeing these sights by air is well worth the money folks. Now after experiencing my first chopper ride, I want to see the Grand Canyon by air too 😁. The campsites that we had driven by seemed to have been mostly full with some vacancies still, and from our drive from IL, the closer that we had gotten to our destinations the more RV’s that we had seen, including those rental Cruise America Class C’s on the roads and in the National Parks. If you’ve never been out west, you MUST go. Most of the views are breathtaking. The cost for the Badlands was $30 for the two of us (I’m think the cost is for the carload). Devil’s Tower was $25. The others was part of or our bus tour (Ft. Hay’s Chuckwagon and Country Music Show). Highly recommend that bus tour, only way to see things, especially for the first time. They feed you breakfast, take you to the sights, feed you supper and put on a country variety show. Our bus tour guide Dan is a retired pastor and also ended up being the keyboardist and the funny man in the show. He had a long day. I left a review on TripAdvisor so check it out. 3) Sorry for the Segway Uncle Josh, but I thought the class would enjoy. 4) Question. I know that Go Play is an entry level camper, and I very much appreciate the way that you do these reviews, because as you say, I want to make my second camper purchase the first time around. That being said, do you know if the Go Play’s plan on building a camper that would be a one and done? The second, third, etc purchase the first time around? 5) I’ve been told by RV’ers that your first camper is bought because you like it and that you “think” you know what you want. Your second RV is bought because after owning the first one, you now know what you want and didn’t get on the first purchase. The third and fourth RV purchase is due to lifestyle changes. Correct? Ok, I get that logic, but these things are expensive and (as I’ve never RV’d before) at this point in my life, I don’t see myself taking the time to use it often, which is why in reality it’ll be in my retirement years in less than 5 years; which is why this nerd 🤓 has enrolled in your class Professor 🧑‍🏫, to research so that I don’t make the wrong financial decision. Ultimately I plan on renting first, but I’ve gained a lot knowledge watching your videos. So I guess my question is…. Am I being too picky? Am I wrong for wanting to only buy once? Buy once cry once and forever be happy with this depreciating asset? Your thoughts. I’ve always thought that it would be cool to see our National Parks via a RV. This trip was done in a car and an Air B&B. Have a great summer.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

We are absolutely working on a more upscale GO-series RV. We're roughly targeting show season for 2025 but it's not finalized

[@susanjspaulding]

*LOVE the Cougar AND the Wildwood* !! *The bunk room in the Cougar is bigger* !! *The kitchen in the Wildwood is FABULOUS* !! #JoshTheRVNerdAtBishsRV 🇺🇸

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Thanks so much!!

[@trzam400]

another great video

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Thanks again!

[@tooshay7396]

the layout is way cool.. nix the poop side kitchen window for wall and storage. the back side kitchenwindow . . make it less big to add overhead storage. .bunks are cool except the reduced leg room. can e bikes go in there for road mode? kindly do a video all about the sliders

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Sorry I don’t know which model you’re referencing

[@h20fowler2012]

Surveyor legend 240BHLE or 260BHLE. I think these should be on the list. 👍

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Both are good models. The 260 was one I was considering Ember 22ets bumped it purely for the bunk system

[@davidlee2068]

I bought a Jayco 171BH 3 years ago to take my 2 grandchildren camping. I'd like another bunk house a bit bigger but I can't seem to find any around 5,000 dry (5,500 max) and just a bit bigger, maybe with a slide out. It's either the micro Jayco (19ft) or you have to jump to 27ft+ plus! Any suggestions? Jayco has a 199MBS but there isn't ONE SQUARE INCH MORE OF KITCHEN COUNTER SPACE! I'd like a bit more living area and more kitchen prep area than my 171BH.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

The hiccup you're running into is as soon as you get bigger than that jay feather you gain enough size/weight to require tandem axles. That immediately adds all the weight of the extra axle and hardware AND requires a chassis upgrade The end result is something pushed just beyond your target mark. There's really not a lot in that range you're pinpointing as a result.

[@angeliqueperkins5827]

We are really drawn towards the rear kitchen layouts that have HUGE windows! #3 in the video is a great example.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I like those as well! Thank you

[@Drewkungfoo]

I prefer anywhere from 3-4 slideouts with a Mid Bunk Room 36.’-41’

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

It's nice how those still give you good living space vs most bunkhouses

[@Redfour5]

The big problem in under 30 footers is that you CANNOT get both a dinette AND the lounge chairs AND usually, the bedroom is set up so you cannot walk around the bed... It's like the price you pay for bunks. They really did a good job on the Grand Design DBE... Well laid out floor plan getting MORE into less. But never inexpensive... But, the one that really has my attention is the Forest River 2616BH... By putting in the three slides, they have achieved the space of a fifth wheel without the fifth wheel logistics including the small bedroom "closet" a private bunk area with storage AND under 30 feet the critical length limit for so many campsites in the US. Come on wife, retire please... Thirty feet is my sweet spot along with my Ram 2500 HEMI payload and max tow weight. I also love the tortion suspension, the extra fivish inches that gives you along with the better ride and that they are using rack and pinion on the heavy slides.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

That’s where things like the Jayco flight 261 or go play 26bhs come in Or imagine’s new 25BHE

[@scottrossingnol6034]

No love for the Outdoors RV bunkhouse?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

ORV is awesome but not quite my personal style of camping. I camp simply and often in parks. This video is focused on a few of my personal use type picks If was best built bunkhouse then northwood and ORV would be up there

[@COMMANDER-ONE]

14:40 😅 love ya brother.

[@KS-ce8vm]

The Rockwood has too many slides on one side. Makes me nervous for structural integrity. Valid concern as manufacturers of late are putting out junk.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

They’re a well respected brand who isn’t known for challenges but I always encourage people to purchase according to their peace of mind. Thats a new model. We will see how she holds up after a few years

[@user-DaveRivett]

Hey Josh...Can provide your magic and give us a review on the Rockwood 2720 IK?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

It’s been a couple of seasons. I’ll see if I can track one down

[@chadkinsley542]

Nice video! Why does Jayco put 14" tires on most of their trailers under 30' when just about everyone else puts on 15" tires? Is this even something to be concerned about? Thanks.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

You know.. I haven’t looked at tire sizes in a while. I’ll have to take a peek

[@ironwolph]

What is your opinion on a starcraft 241bh? Thanks

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I've not been thru one personally. There's nothing there I see at a glance that scares me. It's a cousin to something like a jay feather 24bh or a BUNCH of similar layouts kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3TahJ-kar6SgNE

[@1337brian2]

Hey Josh my kid is 6 foot tall any bunks going to fit him you think? I need something like that 23 Ft thinking apex nano 😊

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

In that size .. I can’t think of anything I’m afraid Maybe a non-bunkhouse could work weirdly Like a front bed with rear full u-dinette

[@mundeezy1779]

Under 35 feet, the Keystone cougar 31BHKWE and for under 30 feet, the venture sonic SN211VDB is amazing!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I’ll keep an eye out. Ty

[@COMMANDER-ONE]

Thanks Nuurd!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

👍🏻

[@SuperBee039]

I’d love to see this with 5th wheels!!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I actually have some vids like that out! Feel free to search thru the channel or use the playlists for fifth wheels

[@SuperBee039]

Thank you! I did a search, but me and tech are not good friends. I’ll enlist the help of my teenagers!

[@gregd4391]

I like it, but I don't need a bunk house. I'd rather have a larger shower/bathroom, living space, kitchen counters, and bed that will fit me, my wife, and my girlfriend. 😂 If it had a rear door, for access to the bunk area and it could be use as storage, that would be attractive to me.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Fair enough!

[@gordonschwartz6297]

How do I get in touch with you I am looking for a trailer

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I’m not in sales myself. These videos are more than a full time job But our folks at www.bishs.com/contact-us can assist you!

[@markvhidalgo]

Coachmen freedom express?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I *love* FE models but they actually did away with the 257 I always liked

[@chrisakans]

I know you’ve reviewed ORV before, I can’t believe the 28BKS didn’t make this list! 😱

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I have huge respect for Northwood and ORV but they’re beyond anything I would personally seek to use regularly which is really the focus of this video

[@chrisakans]

Well put 👍

[@Cowboy47]

#RVNerdHerd 🎉 😊 🎉

[@laura7053]

🎉#NerdHerd

[@gregd4391]

Josh, I think you might need to slow down. It looks like you had a stroke when you said, "Rockwood is an old dog who learned new tricks."

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

It frankly wouldn’t surprise me

[@RaiderElliot]

I need a camp trailer without bunks. Bunks is waisted space to me 🤓

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Plenty of videos dedicated to no bunk models here for you as well!