Last updated on November 1st, 2023 at 03:26 pm
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If you’ve been shopping for a new travel trailer with bunkhouse features, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best bunkhouse travel trailers available so you and your family can hit the road in style.
But what exactly is a bunkhouse travel trailer, and what should you consider when shopping for a new one? Let’s learn more about this unique style of travel trailer so you can get your questions answered.
Already know you want a bunkhouse travel trailer?
Check out the table of contents below to jump ahead and see all of our favorites:
What Is A Bunkhouse Travel Trailer?
A bunkhouse travel trailer essentially means you are purchasing a style of trailer with bunk beds inside. Bunkhouse travel trailers also imply secondary living space, where bunk beds and couches create a unique second living space inside the RV.
Bunkhouse travel trailers are often larger than traditional travel trailers, given the need for extra sleeping space. These types of RVs are perfect for large families or groups of people, especially those with younger children comfortable with bunk bed sleeping arrangements.
However, you may be interested in a bunkhouse travel trailer whether or not you have kids. They often have unique layouts and ample living space you wouldn’t normally get in a standard travel trailer layout. Some bunkhouse travel trailers even have two bathrooms, which I find a game-changer when multiple people are camping on board!
What To Consider In A Bunkhouse Travel Trailer?
Wondering what you should consider in a bunkhouse travel trailer? Here are some expert tips and pointers to keep in mind while you shop for your new RV.
Sleeping Arrangements
The most important consideration for your new bunkhouse travel trailer is knowing how many people can sleep in it, and how many people on average you expect to travel with. Bunkhouse travel trailers truly maximize sleeping arrangements, and some RVs can even have bunk beds that are three beds tall!
You’re most likely interested in this style of travel trailer because of its high sleep capacity. However, when an RV tells you how many people can sleep inside, this doesn’t mean everyone is sleeping comfortably. If you plan on traveling with more adults than kids, you should make sure the sleeping arrangements suit everyone accordingly.
Number Of Bathrooms
Traveling with a large group of people may mean you need multiple bathrooms in your bunkhouse travel trailer. Thankfully, this is a common request and most RV manufacturers have already planned for this when designing the layout of bunkhouse rigs. One bathroom is standard in just about any travel trailer unless you are shopping around for a smaller model with only a wet bath or no bathroom at all.
However, many large travel trailers or fifth wheels offer multiple bathroom situations. You may not get a full secondary bath, but a half-bath onboard is possible, which typically includes a sink and an additional toilet. Sometimes, this is all you need when camping with a group of people or family members.
Style And Overall Aesthetics
Bunkhouses are fun for the whole family, especially when you consider both the interior and exterior style and look of the trailer. While most RVs have a special sort of ugly style to them, you may find a bunkhouse that makes you feel cool.
Many travel trailers have multiple interior design options, and you can further customize your look and feel with your own personal touches. There’s nothing better than an RV living area that feels lived-in rather than brand new and sterile.
Bunkhouse Layout
The layout of your travel trailer is key no matter what style of rig you’re looking at, but this is especially the case with bunkhouse travel trailers. After all, the layout will be greatly affected by large bunkhouse living areas. Many travel trailers situate the bunk room toward the back of the travel trailer to allow further privacy and separation from other parts of the rig.
This can be especially valuable if you plan on traveling with a large group of children, as they can have their own space. However, no two travel trailers are the same, and you should make sure the layout works best for you and your family as well as any additional guests. Privacy is key for a bunkhouse travel trailer, but it’s wise to pay attention to the other living areas as well.
Total Length
Bunkhouse travel trailers can get pretty large, which is why you should pay attention to the overall length of your new rig. While the extra square footage may be necessary to allow everyone to come along on vacation, you may be surprised to hear that the length of your rig matters.
Many national and state parks have RV length rules or limits in place depending on the location and style of the park. This could be a wake-up call for those of you with rigs over 35 feet long- and most bunkhouse rigs are this large. However, these rules are different from park to park, and your bunkhouse travel trailer may do just fine on your travels. I find it’s always a good idea to call ahead before making reservations at campgrounds.
Weight
As previously mentioned, most bunkhouse travel trailers are mighty big. This means it’s vital to pay close attention to various travel trailer weights and the overall weight limit of your tow vehicle for optimum safety. You should never shop for a brand-new rig without first knowing what tow vehicle you plan on using and how much weight it can carry.
Since travel trailers are lighter than ever these days, you may be surprised how heavy some of these rigs actually are. Your tow vehicle may be able to handle the RV model you’re looking at, no problem. If not, it’s best to upgrade your tow vehicle or look at more compact, lightweight travel trailer options.
Budget
Finally, the last thing you should consider when shopping for a new travel trailer, bunkhouse or otherwise, is your budget. Travel trailers can vary widely in their cost, depending on amenities and the overall luxury of the rig.
You can easily create a budget and anticipate spending, but be sure to take a look at any non-standard features or options you can install on your new travel trailer. Many optional features are considered necessary by RVers, such as auto leveling and solar panels, but they will increase the overall expense substantially.
Benefits Of A Bunkhouse Travel Trailer
Curious to learn more about bunkhouse travel trailers? Here is a list of some potential benefits opting for a bunkhouse travel trailer can bring. Remember, it may be worth considering purchasing a good-quality used RV if you’re on a tight budget. My rig was an absolute steal secondhand, and I don’t regret a single thing about not buying a brand-new rig!
Many Different Layouts
After years of looking at different RV layouts and setups, bunkhouse travel trailers have some of the most unique ones I’ve ever seen. This is likely due to the creativity involved when adding an additional sleeping area.
You can expect a lot of unique features while shopping for bunkhouse travel trailers, and it may make these rigs appealing to you if you hadn’t considered this style of travel trailer before. It’s definitely worth looking at these travel trailers for this reason alone!
Room For The Whole Family
One of the main reasons many people choose a bunkhouse travel trailer is because they have room for the whole family, or perhaps room for an entire group of friends. These travel trailers maximize sleeping arrangements so you can bring as many people along as possible.
Again, this may not be ideal for a group of adults, especially those not expecting to share a room. However, that’s partially what camping is about, and bunkhouse travel trailers still ensure everyone is comfortable, even if they are sharing a bunk bed.
Space Saving Bunks
Speaking of sleeping arrangements, bunkhouses are designed with space-saving bunk beds so you can maximize both the guest sleeping arrangements and the overall storage space. Even if you don’t plan on feeling every single bunk bed onboard your new travel trailer, you still have ample bunks to use for storage or other purposes. You won’t have to worry about leaving anything at home if you buy one of these rigs!
Ample Storage For Cargo
Whether you plan on using the bunk beds for storage or require storage elsewhere, bunkhouse travel trailers give you tons of storage, both inside and out. This can be incredibly beneficial, especially when traveling with large groups of people who will each have their own belongings.
While a bunkhouse-style travel trailer may not be a first choice if you plan on living full-time in your rig, you may find this layout works well for you in terms of having enough room for clothes, personal effects, food storage, and more.
Extra RV Amenities
Even the most basic of bunkhouse travel trailers have a decent amount of RV amenities that you may not initially expect. If you’re able to purchase a more luxury travel trailer, then expect even more amenities than a simpler, budget-friendly model.
For example, you can expect plush mattresses, additional entertainment centers, at least a 50 amp RV service, and much more with just about any bunkhouse trailer purchase. The main living area may have theater seating, and your dining area may also be upgraded to accommodate additional people.
The list doesn’t stop there, but it will depend on the individual travel trailer you’re looking at for what sort of amenities you’ll receive. If you have something specific in mind, the RV manufacturer will no doubt tell you whether or not it’s possible.
Privacy From The Kids
Many RVers purchase bunkhouse travel trailers so they have ample space for the kids to hang out in. This gives adults privacy, and also some separation from their children while everyone is hanging out inside the rig.
While you can always just send the kids outside, this isn’t always an option, especially when camping in inclement weather. A bunkhouse travel trailer can make camping trips all the more restful and peaceful with a dedicated space for the kids!
10 Best Bunkhouse Travel Trailers
Ready to take a look at some of the best bunkhouse travel trailers available on the market today? Here are our top seven choices, full of information so you can make an informed decision and get started on your RVing journey!
Best Overall: Forest River Heritage Glen
Forest River makes some fantastic rigs, and the Heritage Glen is no exception. Available in both a hyper-lyte and classic trailer model with various floorplans, it’s easy to find a Heritage Glen to suit every RVer out there! Five of the multiple floorplans feature innovative bunkhouse arrangements, which is not only impressive but rarely found in the travel trailer world!
No one has to feel left out, as Forest River has made it effortless for the whole family to jump on board. The Heritage Glen is chock full of features, some of which include high-quality herringbone-style vinyl flooring, hardwood cabinetry, and an actual porcelain toilet. Yes, I’m honestly not kidding! This is a trailer with a perfect blend of functionality and luxury, which is what I want, living full-time on the road.
This travel trailer is built with opulence in mind from start to finish. The bunkhouse models on this rig have double-bed stackable bunks, providing sleeping areas for several people – some models have two sets of bunk beds! This particular rig is built wider to accommodate the extra bunks, as well as also being equipped with extra large pass-through storage compartments. This may make the Wildwood Heritage Glen a little trickier to drive, but any nerves will be obliterated after a few drives!
Not only is this travel trailer built with gorgeous finishing touches and convenient features, but it’s also bursting with luxury on the interior too. The electric fireplace is a promise for cozy winter evenings, and the unique peninsula kitchen is bursting with countertop space and panoramic windows so I can admire the finest views of nature. There’s also a family-sized dinette to enjoy, along with convertible furniture, a half bath, and an outdoor dog hitching station complete with safety mechanisms to keep fluffy friends safe too.
Best For Large Families: Jayco Eagle
Towable by most half-ton trucks and SUVs, the Jayco Eagle has two awesome bunkhouse-style floorplans, which bring the sleeping capabilities of this trailer to an incredible 10 people! Jayco is a popular name in the RV world, which is no surprise as their rigs boast top-quality construction and customer support.
Jayco’s warranties help calm any nerves for new RVers, and purchasing quality-made rigs results in happy campers. The Jayco Eagle is ideal for large families who need ample space both for sleeping and using a trailer in the best way possible. With bunkhouse options, everyone can sleep easily, and since the Eagle varies in length from 34′ 10″ to 38′ 9″, there’s ample space to keep things airy inside.
The overall length of each Eagle floorplan is pretty long, especially for first-time towing, but some might say it’s best to jump in the deep end! I would definitely advise taking some practice tows first, though, as it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry! For those with a tow car able to handle the Eagle, the interior design is truly where Jayco shines.
They offer all-wood cabinetry, specialty laminate flooring, several windows to flood the space with natural light, and quality convertible furniture for sleeping multiple people. Jayco constructs their rigs on a lightweight but sturdy aluminum frame which helps keep things lightweight. The fiberglass molded walls and roof are also lightweight, meaning less stress and strain on the tow vehicle.
The bunkhouse floor plans have exterior kitchens so I can enjoy the great outdoors for the entirety of my camping trip. While there’s ample living space inside the travel trailer, I like knowing I don’t have to solely spend all of my time inside! The perks found in this travel trailer are too many to list, from a second ducted AC to a power and auto leveling jack system to bring ultimate convenience to every campground trip!
Lightest Weight: Coachmen Apex Ultra-Lite
It’s possible to find a bunkhouse travel trailer that doesn’t weigh too much, and the Coachmen Apex Ultra-Lite is well worth a close look. This particular model of travel trailer is fantastic for several reasons, not just its lightweight nature and 13 floorplans! Each floorplan ranges in length from 25′ 6″ to 34′ 5″ making the Apex Ultra-Lite a great fit for a wide range of avid campers!
Out of all of the floorplans, seven have bunk bed options, allowing families to take vacations in style and comfort, all inside a lightweight rig! The largest bunkhouse floor plan weighs less than 6,000 pounds so even modest cars and SUVs should be able to tow this Coachmen rig. While the interior design seems a little beige, all of the cabinetry and countertops are made from quality materials, and it only takes the addition of some decorative belongings to spruce things up a bit!
You can bet these fixtures will last the lifetime of the rig, even if they may need a bit of help in bringing some color and personality. Coachmen is a division of Forest River, which means the construction of each bunkhouse travel trailer will be solid. All of the walls are made from well-insulated Azdel and bonded fiberglass so no matter the season, the Apex Ultra-Lite can tackle it!
This rig also comes complete with double or full-sized bunk beds making it possible to sleep a large group of people on board. Some of the floor plans also have exclusive master suites with walk-around queen beds which is a piece of luxury I miss from living in a traditional home! There are solar panels and solar prep as standard, though I think some of the non-standard features are worth a look too.
Some of these options include dark and frameless tinted windows, additional amps, a second AC unit, and theater seating. Coachmen will also back your purchase with a fantastic warranty and owner’s club. If you are worried about being able to tow a bunkhouse travel trailer, you don’t have to worry anymore with this lightweight model!
Travel Trailer With Multiple Bunk Beds: Dutchmen Astoria
Speaking of multiple bunk beds, the Dutchman Astoria is another fantastic model for catering to various sleeping needs from small families to large groups of friends. This Dutchmen can sleep a maximum of 11 people, depending on the floorplan of course! There are 15 floorplans in total, measuring in length from 29′ 11″ to 42′ 5″, meaning I can choose a size best suited to my towing ability and storage situation!
The Astoria offers four different bunkhouse models, and all of them offer a multiple bunkbed scenario. Creating sleeping areas for the kids or friends coming along for a weekend adventure means quality time spent together for everyone. Safety is always the number one priority for me, and so I love that Dutchmen have loaded their rigs with safety features.
Quality steel frames, a power tongue jack, and heavy-duty tires all work together to create a rugged camper that’s reliable, secure, and durable. The interior of the Dutchmen Astoria is lovely, with many homey features, including an electric fireplace and pantry storage in the kitchen. Personally, I find stainless steel appliances have an unbeatable classic look, so the kitchen in this rig is perfect for my tastes. Paired with the quality backsplash the kitchen is easy to clean and a joy to spend time in.
This rig doesn’t just look good, but it functions well too, partly thanks to the standard 50 amp service of the Astoria. Having enough power on board is essential for appliances such as microwaves or AC units, and 50 amps is a solid amount to start off with. I like the contemporary feel of this rig, with the intricate arched ceiling and overall modern design. The kitchen is clean and white, but I think adding a little color would really help bring the inside to life even more!
The larger models of the Dutchmen Astoria may be too big for some to handle, but the smaller models are well worth considering, and with several bunkhouse options available, there’s a good shot this rig could be the right fit for you! Dutchmen also offer many different warranty options as well as a comprehensive customer service line, so I can have all of my questions answered with ease.
Best For The Pets: Coachmen Northern Spirit
The Coachmen Northern Spirit is a fantastic rig for the entire family, including furry friends. They have many classy and exclusive features available onboard this rig, especially in the bunkhouse models. I’d be lost if I couldn’t bring my pup along for RVing antics, so the Northern Spirit is an ideal rig for me and my partner! With six different bunkhouse options to choose from, the Northern Spirit has an array of layouts for all kinds of RVing groups.
Not only do some models have bathtubs and double bunks, but there are dedicated pet features so furry friends can be just as comfortable too! Some of these features include built-in food dishes, an outdoor hitching post for a dog leash, and an outdoor shower complete with a doggy bath area. The exterior of this rig continues to impress, with powered awnings and exterior LED lighting. As for the interior, the Northern Spirit is a good-looking rig on the inside and outside!
Floorplan dependant, this bunkhouse trailer has a spacious kitchen, a bar-style breakfast nook, and even theater seating for ultimate comfort. The interior also features multiple bunk beds along with a master bedroom so my partner and I can have some privacy. I’m impressed by the volume of standard features, such as a detachable power cord, a solar panel with room to spare, and exterior speakers so I can bring the party outside during the summer.
The 50 amp electrical service and secondary AC unit in the master suite mean comfort even during the summer. No matter how hot it gets outside, I like that I can keep the entire travel trailer cool using this simple add-on. Like the other Coachmen model on this list, the interior design may be a little bland for some tastes, but nothing I don’t think some throws and cushions couldn’t sort out!
Best For Entertaining: Palomino Puma
Palomino claims to offer the most bunkhouse travel trailer options in the industry, and I’m starting to see why. The Palomino Puma has 31 different floorplans across both the travel trailer and fifth wheel models, with an astonishing 14 layouts featuring bunk beds! The Puma is a beauty inside and out, offering ample pass thru storage, sturdy fiberglass exterior walls, and power awnings with LED lighting.
I appreciate the safety step as I can sometimes be a bit clumsy, but together with the outdoor lighting, safety in the dark is greatly improved. The exterior speakers are perfect for entertaining guests of all ages, and the bunkhouse interior on select floorplans is what makes this rig fit for big families. With so many floorplans, it’s possible to find a bunkhouse option with two master suites, making it a perfect fit for kiddos, parents, and even grandparents!
The Puma is ideal for entertaining given the open layout allowing for easy transition through different areas of the rig. There are layouts featuring kitchens with islands and large countertops, or living rooms equipped with theater seating and electric fireplaces, ideal for cozy winter nights. This rig is built for adventure as well as connection, as it’s prewired for solar and WiFi. It has interior Bluetooth speakers and an entertainment center so everyone can keep happy and uplifted while traveling the open road.
Once the destination is reached, the power jack and built-in stabilizers help make the setup quick and easy, which is what I need after a long afternoon of driving! I’m also grateful for the ample storage throughout the Palomino Puma, as it means dirty gear can be stored away securely outside, limiting dirt and mess inside the trailer.
This trailer offers many floorplans across a wide variety of travel trailer lengths that makes it feel like there’s a layout for everybody. The roomy interior is finished in an open-plan way that’s perfect for entertaining, even if the party makes its way outside!
Best Indoor/Outdoor Bunkhouse: Keystone Outback Ultra Lite
Speaking of indoor/outdoor partying, the Keystone Outback Ultra Lite is a trailer with bunkhouse options to fit any RVer. This bunkhouse model has a lot to offer, and not only because it’s all housed on a super sturdy and lightweight aluminum frame. With 9 floorplans and a few of them serving as bunkhouses, there’s a lot to get excited about with this semi-luxurious travel trailer. Keystone makes quality rigs too, with four-season capable options which is exactly what I need, traveling year-round in my rig.
The largest model available under the Outback Ultra Lite name includes an outdoor kitchen, a rear bunkhouse, and a large electric fireplace, creating a welcoming interior. The master bedroom features a walk-around bed and a built-in pet kennel underneath with ample storage so our pup can have a dedicated place to sleep and relax.
The living areas on this particular travel trailer are spacious and accommodating, with open kitchens and dining nooks. The u-shaped dinettes can seat the whole family on some models, which is great considering some of these floor plans can sleep up to 10 people! I love it when the whole family can get together for an RVing adventure, but often it can be tricky to sleep everyone, but not in this Keystone rig!
One of the biggest perks of this travel trailer for me is the abundance of outdoor kitchen accessories available. I’m able to utilize a stove, sink, and mini fridge outside the RV, while an entire residential kitchen awaits me indoors should the weather turn bad quickly! Keystone offers multiple comprehensive warranties for their rigs, and I’m instantly reassured by the high-quality construction of each Keystone travel trailer.
The Outback Ultra Lite is also fit with 4G LTW and Wi-Fi prep for staying connected even in the heart of nature. There’s also ducted heating and cooling which helps to make this rig four-season capable and promises successful all-season adventuring. There’s a lot on offer with this trailer, especially for those who enjoy both being warm and secure inside an RV, but also heading out into the wilderness at any opportunity!
Best Budget-Friendly: Winnebago Micro Minnie
Out of the 11 floorplans available with the Winnebago Micro Minnie, 4 of them are bunkhouse layouts, creating room to sleep up to 5 people. This isn’t as many as the Palomino Puma, so large families may have to opt for a bigger rig. However, small families or groups of travelers will fit perfectly in this attractive trailer from one of the best budget-friendly RV brands out there!
Winnebago has been in the RV game for some time, and this is reflected throughout all of their rigs, including the Micro Minnie. The smallest floorplan has an overall length of 19′ 5″, while the biggest model measures a substantial 25′ 5″. As the name suggests, the Minnie isn’t the biggest travel trailer out there, but for the price, it boasts an array of great features.
An open galley kitchen equipped with a 3-burner cooktop, convection microwave, and large fridge bring functionality to the trailer and an overall clean kitchen aesthetic. There’s an optional upgrade of European-style cabinetry, but if you don’t mind a more standard finish, keeping away from optional extras will help reduce the final cost.
The large windows throughout this Winnebago allow fresh air to dance throughout the trailer, and help keep things smelling good. I like that the interior isn’t full of storage at every single possibility, and this is thanks to both the interior and exterior storage solutions to keep everything stowed away neatly and securely.
I love spending time outdoors, and although there aren’t too many exterior features with the Micro Minnie, the JBL Premium exterior speakers and powered patio awning with integrated LED lighting help bring personality and fun to the outside of the rig as well. The 200W of solar power on the roof is fantastic for boondocking, but personally, I would like a bit more power so I can run everything in my rig without the use of a noisy generator!
Most Luxurious: Grand Design RV Imagine
Not every floorplan of the Grand Design RV Imagine is a bunkhouse one, but a couple are, and since Grand Design are renowned for producing luxurious rigs, I couldn’t leave the Imagine off our list! Typical of Grand Design RV, the Imagine is constructed with the highest quality possible, with the sidewalls, rear wall, slide-room walls, and slide-room roof all packed with rigid foam insulation.
Not only does this result in a sturdy trailer, but this also means better temperature regulation throughout the year. It’s also possible to walk on the roof which is a game-changer for completing maintenance tasks like covering the RV for summer to prevent sun damage. The enclosed underbelly and double insulated floor also help to regulate the temperature and will help keep the rig in better condition for longer too.
Even the roof is as strong as anything and is backed by an 18-year warranty. I don’t think I’ve seen a warranty this impressive from any other RV! There’s more to the Imagine than just an impressive exterior, however, and the inside of this rig is the dream blend of luxury and practicality. Some of the internal features across select floorplans include double bunk sleeping, a booth dinette, a queen bed, a spacious bathroom with a skylight above the shower, theater seating, and an awning.
It seems Grand Design has thought about pretty much everything with the Imagine, and each layout can be tailored to suit such a diverse range of RVers. This luxury does come at a bit of a higher price than other trailers on our list such as the previously mentioned Winnebago, but the Imagine is a stunning rig, promising adventures far and wide for many years to come.
Best With Slide Outs: Cruiser RV Embrace
Cruiser RV isn’t a name I hear mentioned too often, even though they’ve been in the RV game since 1988! The Cruiser RV Embrace is a travel trailer with 6 different floorplans, with 4 innovative bunkhouse options, ideal for families. The Embrace utilizes slide-outs to enhance the interior space, and this is one of the reasons the interior feels so airy and spacious.
There are many pros and cons to owning a rig with slide-outs as they are another component that will need maintaining, however, they bring extra room and can save the day when last-minute guests want to jump on board for vacation! Starting at just 5,904 lbs and 30′ 8″ in length, the Cruiser Embrace is by no means a small trailer! Measuring in at over 30′ might be too long for some RVers, especially those new to towing.
However, I find practice makes perfect, and my confidence increased substantially after the first few trips I took towing my travel trailer, so don’t lose hope! A couple of layouts are able to sleep upwards of 10 people without a drop of hassle, and this is due to the addition of creative bunk sleeping areas. Along with comfortable beds, there’s also comfortable seating throughout, a dinette, a spacious kitchen, and more to make camping on the road as convenient and fun as possible.
Slide-outs might not be to everyone’s tastes, but in the Embrace, they are fundamental to each and every layout option. The aluminum roof, power awning, underbelly storage, and solar prep, all help make the exterior as impressive as the interior. Upgrading to a 50 amp service is possible with some models, and something I would look into as having more power on board means less stress through cold, dark winters.
Overall, the Cruiser RV Embrace is a solid trailer, equipped with slide-outs, helping create a spacious camper where everyone can feel at home and families can make long-lasting memories. The only downside with this rig for me, is that the holding tanks are only 30 gallons, which is a little on the small side, especially for full-time living and boondocking. However, if this isn’t a dealbreaker, the Embrace is worth considering for a bunkhouse trailer with elegance, slide-outs, and an array of impressive features.
Final Thoughts
Bunkhouse travel trailers are some of the most spacious and unique RV options on the market today. We’ve hopefully helped narrow down your RV search by showcasing some of the best bunkhouse travel trailers around! Finding the perfect RV often takes time and patience, but I trust that you’re not too far away from finding the perfect rig to kickstart your RVing journey.