Hybrid Homework

Moving up from a Popup, to a Pop-Out, wasn't an easy decision.  There are many floor plans and options out there between multiple reputable manufacturers.  Of course, each brand seems to have their followers and also their own set of issues, but layout and function for us was most important.

Things we were looking for:

1. Three Bunks to allow flexibility.  Yes, the kids still have to pair up, but we have options and don't have to convert a dinnette or a couch each night.
2. Nice Flow to the floor plan
3. Accessible storage when closed
4. Bathroom
5. Air Conditioning
6. Outdoor Grill - we cook a lot on the outdoor grill on the popup

What we found, is that items 1, 4, and 5 are pretty standard when looking at the hybrid lines.  Many have very very similar layouts of these elements and relationship to one another.  However, some manufacturers seem to have done things cleanly, and some, hap-hazardly, when it comes to the layout and flow of the camper.  Let's look at some of what I am talking about.

Jayco:  Well known, well constructed, good line of campers.  The X18D fits our mission, but is tight, especially at the front door space.  Why come in at dinner time with the table setup right there?  Why have to crawl over the bench seating to get into the front bunk?   The TV center is centered on the camper, away from most of the seating and over the cooking area,... seems like an afterthought.  Look at photos on Google, you'll find it seems very cramped and tight.

The next model up, the X23F, added the slide out dinette space and moved the door to a more central location.  This is pretty nice.  No crawling over the front seating to get to the front bunk,... looks like a good contender.  Couch area on the right with window to observe outside.  Dining table would seat 4 easily, not so much our 5.

 Coachman/Fleetwood has a few good layouts as well, but some of those WTF were you thinking moments in it.

The 21 TQX has a crammed front end, and very little open feel to it.  Similar to the first Jayco above, you have to crawl over seating to get into the front bunk and the dining space is small.  The small counter/TV space divides the dining from the middle of the camper and is right behind someone at the kitchen, meaning you can't step passed one another.

The 22DSX model has a HUGE slide out side, opening up everything.  But, to provide that they stuff the TV into the corner and have this awkward step in the rear area to get to the back bunk.  This also doesn't have the third bunk option, so we would have to use the sofa each trip.

Finally, the 23 TQX is a mix of the two.  Has a very nice dinette,.. a U-Shaped one that we can all sit at.  Front pass thru storage that makes things accessible during transportation/towing and an open layout.  Still has that weird step in the back,.. I'm not picky,... see for yourself, it's an after thought.

Click to see larger too.

 So,... what does this get us to.  We now know that we like to have the open floor plan that a slide out can provide.  We need the three bunk models for the sleeping arrangement flexibility and options for the future for the kids to have someone with us or a family member join us.  The U-shaped dining table gives us a lot better seating arrangement.  Many of these models could be equipped with an add-on outdoor grill, but were not always including a gas line so we would have to run a new one.

That took us to the Keystone Passport line.  Ironically, by chance, it was almost overlooked based on the brochure and layout shown there.  See our next post for a tour of the new camper!