We've been bitten!

[Luv2DressEmUp]

Yes, we've been bitten by the FW bug! Went down about 6 years ago as first family trip, 3 kids and borrowed campers later, we're ready to buy a camper for ouselves! We've outgrown the pop up camper that we were borrowing. (one of the larger models too...)Just no space to "be".

Questions....We've considered a hybrid travle trailers. Has anyone had any experience with these? I really like the Roos. Wondering though if there's room to put luggage, so we don't feel cramped. We like to stay usually 2 weeks or so at a location.

Can hybrid campers still use the pop-up sites or is that cheating?!!

Any suggestions on a travel trailer, are welcome! Would really like to have at least bunkbeds for kids if they can't have their own beds. We are a FW loving family of 5. DH, Me, DD10, DD4, and DS1

 

[jeffrey1966]

Yes, we've been bitten by the FW bug! Went down about 6 years ago as first family trip, 3 kids and borrowed campers later, we're ready to buy a camper for ouselves! We've outgrown the pop up camper that we were borrowing. (one of the larger models too...)Just no space to "be".

Questions....We've considered a hybrid travle trailers. Has anyone had any experience with these? I really like the Roos. Wondering though if there's room to put luggage, so we don't feel cramped. We like to stay usually 2 weeks or so at a location.

Can hybrid campers still use the pop-up sites or is that cheating?!!

Any suggestions on a travel trailer, are welcome! Would really like to have at least bunkbeds for kids if they can't have their own beds. We are a FW loving family of 5. DH, Me, DD10, DD4, and DS1

Luv2DressEmUp, Hi! I currently own a Jayco x19h hybrid and really like it. This camper has front and back fold down beds(queens), dinette which can convert to a bed ( for a child) and a fold down sofa. Most of the time it's just me and my son in the camper so there is more than enough room. If my son has the occasional friend come along for the weekend it still works. This past october we went on a fishing trip and had a total of 6 people in it for the weekend and it was tight. The people that came with us insisted on bringing all of their luggage into the camper and setting it on the floor. We were walking around and over bags and moving bags to access certain cabinets. I have always wanted to own the Jayco x23f and am currently in the process of trading in the current camper for the x23f. The 23f has three fold down beds and a slide-out dinette(convertable) and a fold down sofa. We are going to be making these fishing trips every year so I figured it was time to trade up. You mentioned a Rockwood Roo and I believe them to have comparable models in their line of hybrids. A hybrid works well for me because when it is set up it feels roomy and when it is folded up at home in the driveway it doesn't take up too much room. As far as bunks for the kids I haven't seen a hybrid model with bunks. I am not sure if a hybrid is allowed on a pop-up site. What are the limits for your tow vehicle? Good luck!

 

[InMemory]

We just got rid of a travel lite hybrid. It had 3 beds that came out. We were a family of 9 and used it successfully for many a trips. We didn't use luggage when we were a family of 7. We try to take storage space into account when we buy and packed our clothes in cabinets. Rarely did we take a suitcase or bag. We started out in a pop up, then a hybrid, and just upgraded to a trailer with 3 slide outs. Now we think we are at the Ritz! Good luck!
I thought the sites were split by full, preferred and premium. We stayed in full with both pop up and hybrid.

 

[staceyrhood]

Hi! We own the roo 23ikss hybrid and love it! Very roomy and has an island kitchen. The two ends pop out to queen size beds, couch folds down and the dinette makes into a bed, will sleep 6 adults and 2 kids. A ton of storage, 2 hanging closets and a pantry. We always stay in the premium sites because of the two slides, they are pretty big. We looked at a few hybrids and just loved this one the first time we walked in it.

 

[retired and happy]

I don't know how you may feel about it, but we have owned three motorhomes that had dinettes that made into beds. They have been used exactly twice for a bed. Once about twelve years ago when we carried a BUNCH of folks to Disney, then last year when our slide would not work and we had to put two grandkids somewhere. We prefer to keep (DW insists on this) the dinette for sitting , playing games, eating, etc. We now have a table and freestanding chairs, so this is no longer an issue in our MH. We have used inflatable mattresses in the aisle or in a side room in the interim. A lot of folks also carry a tent with matteresses for kids who are big enough to sleep independently.

 

[Luv2DressEmUp]

Went to "kick tires" yesterday. Found a Coachman Catalina Santara that we loved! Finally decided that it was going to be just too long to drive with our Yukon. Boo! It had a nice back room that we could put the kids in! So off to find more. Guessing we're going to try more hybrid looking so we can get room but have a lighter pull??

 

[5stljayhawks]

We were aerolite cub c236 owners. Look at the fold out beds size as they say "queen" but are 6" to 12" short. with three kids, chances are you are moving a couch or table to a sleeping position. Just a P.I.A. every night. If you got a dog that is coming with you, then space will be tight.

Really think about full TV with slides. Also what is your tow vech? this will help guide you and us in what we recommend. The above camper was stickered at 4500 lbs, but was closer to 5800lbs rolling down the road.

We loved our hybrid, set-up/tear down was little longer and more labor intensive, VS flipping a switch to bring the slide outs. Was a little chilly on really cold nights (20-30)

PM if you have questions or thoughts

 

[Luv2DressEmUp]

We're pulling with a 1999 Yukon V8

 

[5stljayhawks]

You may want to try chatting with folks over at RV.net lots of good threads. There is a specific hybrid section.. Also I would know for sure the max tow capacity of the TV before you get a camper and shot to tow only 80%.

Not sure how you all are on car maintenance, but on my 06 burb it has around 90K miles. justed replaced the main belt and tensioner - this spring I will be replacing water hoses, radiator flush, probably thermostat. differential fluid front back and most likely tranny fluid flush, although had done at 50K. then brake and power steering fluid flush.

Also on the camper I have the wheels/hubs greased ever two years or before I am making a long trip. Also RV tires do have a limited life span, even with thread still left on them. cheap insurance.


Also a tranny cooler on the TV is really nice to have. Some would say must have.