Top 7 5th Wheel Bunkhouse Options for Your Family

Ah, the simple joy of the open road! Either you have experienced it or you are really ready to experience it at last in a well-suited RV.

Whatever your situation, you can trust me that a 5th wheel bunkhouse trailer will allow you and your family to ride in style and comfort as you get out for your next adventure!

As we shopped for our first RV a few years back, we were extremely tempted by bunkhouse models. Since we planned to have three older kids with us for part of our full-time RV adventure, the separate space would allow them to have a private area.

We would all maintain our sanity and civility. For the most part.

But in the end, we couldn’t make a bunkhouse work for us. We blame it all on our 6-foot-something son who couldn’t fit in the typically smaller sized bunks you find in RV bunkhouses (sometimes only 28-32 inches wide).

If you’ve got more RV-friendly size kiddos along for the ride, however, a 5th wheel bunkhouse may honestly be the best decision you ever make!

Let’s take a look at some fantastic 5th wheel bunkhouse options on the market that you should definitely consider.

5th Wheel Bunkhouse Options for Your Family

Right off the bat, you need to understand that bunkhouse options are going to add additional length to your 5th wheel. Aside from the bunk size that didn’t work for us, the vehicle length issue also steered us away from a bunkhouse option.

We wanted to have access to as many campgrounds and national parks as possible, so we wanted to stay under 30 feet. From our searching, we concluded that that just couldn’t happen with a bunkhouse 5th wheel.

Don’t take my word for it, though! If you also would prefer the shortest vehicle possible, continue to do your own searching and see if you can find the right bunkhouse option that doesn’t exceed your preferred length.

And now, let’s jump in!

2020 Jayco North Point 377RLBH Fifth Wheel

As you’re probably aware by now, Jayco is one of the most well-known RV brands in the industry. For over 50 years, they have produced RVs of all shapes and sizes.

Jayco caters to outdoor enthusiasts and travelers across the nation. RVers experience fun and adventure and create lasting memories with the ones they love.

Their tagline “Generations of Family Fun” pretty much says it all!

This particular bunkhouse model fifth wheel is no slouch in their lineup. The floorplan offers the benefits of both a rear living setup (perfect for family nights) and a separate bunkhouse/office with elevated loft in the middle of the rig.

The rear living setup is a perfect spot for families to talk about their daily outdoor adventures, play cards, or have a snack. For some families, the Jayco North Point is a perfect layout for hitting the road in convenience and comfort.

Others might feel the optimal spot for the bunkhouse would be tucked away at the back of the RV. Locating the bunkhouse in the back would allow for a more private space away from the master bedroom.

A space in the rear of the rig would distance someone from the kitchen. That would be ideal if the person in the bunkhouse prefers a quieter space.

As it is with any major decision, ranking the best location for an RV bunkhouse will depend on an individual’s particular family situation.

Let’s review some great 5th Wheel bunkhouse options you may want to check out.

**Note: GVWR stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and UVW stands for Unloaded Vehicle Weight in the lineup below.**

JAYCO NORTHPOINT RV SPECS

This RV does not come in a junior size! It’s a beefy contender with some impressive (and maybe daunting) specs:

• GVWR: 16,750 lbs
• Empty Weight (UVW): 14,040 lbs
• Cargo Capacity: 2,710 lbs
• Dry Hitch Weight: 2,855 lbs
• Exterior Length: 42′ 11″
• Exterior Height: 13′ 5″
• Fresh water capacity: 75 gal
• Gray water capacity: 50 gal + 37 gal secondary
• Black water capacity: 50 gal

As you can see, you are going to need plenty of truck in order to safely and reliably tow this bad boy. With an empty weight of over 14k pounds, it’s at the heavy end of the fifth wheel weight spectrum.

And towing 42 feet is no joke! That’s a lot of living space following you around, so be prepared to take some time to get used to maneuvering with this load, my friend.

But, as someone who is interested in boondocking, I really do appreciate the healthy holding tank sizes. These tanks provide added freedom to really explore the more untouched regions of the continent, if that’s your desire.

There is plenty of adventure potential packed into this 5th wheel!

NORTH POINT FIFTH WHEEL FLOOR PLAN AND FEATURES

As I mentioned, this model offers you the comfort of a rear living setup, with comfortable seating for five, coupled with a mid-rig bunkroom/den/office/guestroom with large loft sleeping area above.

I see it as one of those rare layouts that could work well for a couple of digital nomads, who could use that office space and an extra sleeping area just in case, as well as for a family of five or more.

With the flip-up bunk, the tri-fold hide-a-bed and the loft sleeping area, you can comfortably sleep three or four kiddos in here AND have places for them to sit and relax in the living area as well. (I say that as if they ever sit down.)

Couple these conveniences with the full-size residential refrigerator and pantry and you’ll feel like a VIP on the red carpet.

Plus, there is a walk-in closet and washer/dryer prep area in the master bedroom. With these kinds of luxuries, it’s a very serious contender for a family rig that will keep you all rolling for years to come.

2020 Forest River Arctic Wolf 287BH Fifth Wheel

Okay, I have to say that I’m pretty much in love with this 5th wheel floor plan, and I don’t think I have ever said that before. I’ve always been much more of a travel trailer kind of guy, actually.

But when I look at this particular option, I see something that could have worked so well for our full-time travel!

It’s similar to our travel trailer, with the same type of larger bunks that we needed, but it has some extra space, added comforts, and separate bunk room that would have definitely made our kids feel at home.

FOREST RIVER ARCTIC WOLF FIFTH WHEEL SPECS

You will quickly see that this option is a more manageable size for those of us looking for some simplicity and maneuverability in our rigs:

• GVWR: 11,525 lbs (estimated)
• Empty Weight (UVW): 8,368 lbs
• Cargo Capacity: 3,157 lbs
• Dry Hitch Weight: 1,325 lbs
• Exterior Length: 34′ 0″
• Exterior Height: 12′ 11″
• Fresh water capacity: 49 gal
• Gray water capacity: 70 gal
• Black water capacity: 35 gal

As you can see, with an exterior length of 34 feet, this is a much smaller rig compared to the North Point option above. It’s also quite a bit smaller in terms of weight and height.

If you like the smaller 5th wheel options, click here to see our best recommendations for small 5th wheel trailers.

The difference in weight is the most astounding as it comes in more than 5,000 lbs lighter than the North Point. It’s also nearly nine feet shorter and six inches shorter. As one who loves great things in smaller packages, this one has my attention.

On the topic of holding tanks, it’s not necessarily overly impressive. Each tank is smaller than those in the North Point.

That said, a 49 gallon fresh water tank is doable. As is the 70 gallon gray water, and 35 gallon black water tank.

These should allow for a decent amount of time boondocking without running into major issues. Of course, I make that statement with the assumption that you follow recommended boondocking guidelines and play it safe with tank usage in general.

ARCTIC WOLF FIFTH WHEEL FLOOR PLAN AND FEATURES

For a fifth wheel, I feel like this is a pretty unique layout. I rarely come across a fifth wheel with bunks that are 54″ wide.

The extraordinary width of the bunks, coupled with the closed off bunk room makes the Forest River a very family-friendly RV.

Imagine the calm morning scene when Mom and Dad go about their business enjoying a steaming hot cup of coffee in complete and total silence. That’s right, the kiddos are still asleep in that separate bunk room!

Much like our smaller 26-foot travel trailer, however, the living area in the Arctic Wolf 5th Wheel is not sufficient for the whole family to sit together.

Compare the Arctic Wolf floor plan to the North Point and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

You still have the dinette for added seating, but that is obviously not going to offer the same level of comfort as a couch or love seat.

I understand this may not matter to everyone. I’m simple pointing it out because the wide, quiet area for the bunk room is so dreamy, it’s easy to miss the simple practicalities.

As always, whether or not the Artic Wolf floor plan will work depends on the unique details of your situation.

We prioritized the sleeping arrangement over the extra seating. For our family, the bunks were a more important factor to consider.

If you’re in the same boat, you owe it to yourself to take a closer look at the Arctic Wolf, a compact yet suitable family fifth wheel.

2021 Grand Design Reflection 28BH Fifth Wheel

The Grand Design! I was introduced to this RV brand early on in my RVing experiences.

Our travel trailer was parked in the storage lot next to a Grand Design travel trailer of about the same size. I met and got to know the owner on we talked on several occasions.

I was very happy when he took me on a tour of and let me look around his Grand Design Fifth Wheel. Needless to say, I was impressed.

In my option, the attention to detail and quality construction are definitely strong suits for this brand.

If I had already owned (or been willing to purchase) a heftier truck capable of towing a bigger rig, this model would have been at the top of the list for our full-time RV adventure.

GRAND DESIGN REFLECTION FIFTH WHEEL SPECS

You’ll find that the overall specs are comparable to the Arctic Wolf model. However, there is a key difference.

All three tanks in the Grand Design are larger! And you know that’s a big deal in my book!

• GVWR: 11,495 lbs
• Empty Weight (UVW): 8,997 lbs
• Cargo Capacity: 2,498 lbs
• Dry Hitch Weight: 1,592 lbs
• Exterior Length: 34′ 8″
• Exterior Height: 12′ 3″
• Fresh water capacity: 60 gal
• Gray water capacity: 86 gal
• Black water capacity: 43 gal

Compared with the Arctic Wolf, you’ll deal with about 8 inches less of clearance while adding about 8 inches of length.

The cargo carrying capacity in this Reflection model is approximately 650 pounds less than the Arctic Wolf. For most of us, that loss of cargo capacity is not a deal breaker.

That said, once you’re on the road you may be surprised how quickly the weight adds up (and continues to creep up as your adventure unfolds). If you plan for a full-time RV lifestyle in this beauty, plan carefully with extra thought into what you pack.

As far as features go, we can’t move on without mentioning the gourmet kitchen, ductless flooring, and universal docking station offered in this series.

Pair that with one-touch auto leveling and it’s easy to start falling in love with the Reflection 28BH.

REFLECTION 28BH FIFTH WHEEL FLOOR PLAN AND FEATURES

You can probably identify some strong similarities between this floor plan and the Arctic Wolf we covered above because the length of both RVs are similar.

There is only one designated entertainment seating area (dinette will be used to accommodate everyone). Also, the bunkhouse is tucked away at the back of the rig. Note that it’s also closed off with a door, which is a nice feature for family travel.

Check the bottom left of the floor plan because this Reflection model also has a nice outside kitchen to enjoy. For us, an outdoor kitchen was pretty much non-negotiable.

Personally, I am not a big fan of where the sofa is located, because you need to turn your head to watch TV.

That would quite literally be a pain in the neck. I strongly prefer an RV floor plan where the sofa or loveseat is positioned on the opposing wall. That way, I can enjoy a nice movie when our RVing adventure coincides with a rainy day.

While these bunks are all smaller than the 54 inch option in the Arctic Wolf, you will still have a 48 inch bunk, plus two narrow bunks for any smaller tikes who came along for the ride.

All in all, it could be a perfect design for families with a mix of older and younger kids. So give her a good look if you fall into this category.

2020 Highland Ridge RV Silverstar Limited SF295BHS Fifth Wheel

Highland Ridge RV may be a lesser-known brand on the market today, since it has only been around since 2014. But don’t let that shorter track record scare you away for these two reasons:

• It previously operated as Open Range RV starting in 2007
• It is now a subsidiary of Jayco, but operates its own facilities, sales teams, etc.

With this strong affiliation with a trusted brand like Jayco, you have nothing to shy away from here. 

SILVERSTAR LIMITED FIFTH WHEEL SPECS

Let’s see how the Silverstar Limited stacks up against our previous recommendations in terms of its specifications:

• GVWR: 9,995 lbs
• Empty Weight (UVW): 8,085 lbs
• Cargo Capacity: 1,910 lbs
• Dry Hitch Weight: 1,315 lbs
• Exterior Length: 34′ 9″
• Exterior Height: 12′ 6″
• Fresh water capacity: 51 gal
• Gray water capacity: 58 gal
• Black water capacity: 29 gal

Not surprisingly, I am quickly becoming a fan when I see the GVWR under 10K lbs (yippee!).

This matters when full-time RVing because of the requirements for the tow vehicle and because of overall fuel costs.

However, that low Gross Vehicle Weight Rating does come at a price. This rig can carry less than 2,000 lbs of cargo.

That’s nearly 600 pounds less than the closest competitor thus far. It’s 1,200 pounds less than the North Point.

Again, the only time I think this will potentially become a factor is if you choose to RV full-time in this rig. In my opinion, living and traveling full-time with a family in this RV could easily exceed the cargo capacity.

Honestly, it is a also a bit light on the size of the holding tanks as well. All tanks are the same size or smaller than the other three fifth wheel rigs we have reviewed. On you can decide if that matters.

SILVERSTAR LIMITED FIFTH WHEEL FLOOR PLAN AND FEATURES

Normally, I would jump right to the floor plan at this point. But, there’s one feature that must be highlighted first: the PVC roofing!

While we were living full-time in an RV, I had my fair share of issues with the roofing. This was due in part to a botched job done by a mobile repair company when we were in Sedona, Arizona.

But even with that factored in, I can 100% appreciate and get on board with a stronger roofing option. This one is particularly appealing because it comes with a 15-year warranty!

For me, that’s like GOLD. Notice that it says they have had “ZERO PVC membrane failures to date”. Um, yes, please!

Anyhoo, I’ll stop daydreaming about the chance to travel without fretting over roof issues. Let’s get to the interior.

As you can see, this is another fifth wheel model that offers both a separate bunkhouse at the back of the rig AND two larger bunks for the not-so-tiny kids along for the ride.

Those double bunks are sure to be a hit.

Personally, I really like the slightly more spacious bathroom with radius shower in this model. It seems a bit more user-friendly than some other options we have seen.

All in all, at under 10K lbs with separate bunkhouse and double sized bunks, you should check out this Silverstar model. Visit an RV lot and tour the inside to see how it fits your family’s needs.

2021 Grand Design Solitude 3740BH Fifth Wheel

Alright, back to the “big boys”. This is a 37-foot model that brings with it the expected added weight and length as well as some additional features. We’ll review the features shortly.

This is also a Grand Design, the same RV manufacturer that makes the Reflection 28BH fifth wheel we reviewed above.

We know that the brand is solid and holds a spot amongst the leaders in the industry in terms of quality.

GRAND DESIGN SOLITUDE BUNKHOUSE SPECS

Brace yourself. As I said, this is not a tiny home.

• GVWR: 16,800 lbs
• Empty Weight (UVW): 13,884 lbs
• Cargo Capacity: 2,916 lbs
• Dry Hitch Weight:  2,900 lbs
• Exterior Length: 40′ 4″
• Exterior Height: 13′ 5″
• Fresh water capacity: 91 gal
• Gray water capacity:  106 gal
• Black water capacity: 106 gal

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this is our highest GVWR yet. It lists at just under 17,000 pounds!

On the plus side, that allows for a generous amount of cargo. Specifically, cargo capacity is nearly 3,000 pounds.

Be sure to put on your “tow master” hat before hitching up this bad boy. At over 40 feet in length and an exterior height of nearly 13.5 feet, this rig is no joke.

It’s nice to see that Grand Design has decided to keep the tank capacities in line with the overall size of this 5th wheel bunkhouse.

By FAR, these are the largest tanks in our lineup and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a rig with gray and black tanks over 100 gallons. Wow, wow, wow! Who wants to go boondocking?!

GRAND DESIGN SOLITUDE FIFTH WHEEL FLOOR PLAN AND FEATURES

With four slides in this model, you can bet you won’t be hurting for space. Let’s take a closer look at the floor plan details.

Does it have a bunk room? Yeah, you could say that. I think this RV bunkhouse sleeps 18.

Ok, I’m kidding. It’s more like 5 or 6. This Solitude model includes three small bunks, one large bunk, and one tri-fold sofa/sleeper.

In addition to the incremental sleeping area that’s separated from the living space, this model offers a half bath inside the bunk room. There is also an exterior exit out of the bathroom. It’s got it all.

At first glance, it looks like you have the same situation with limited entertainment seating. But, you can actually set up an optional Super Sofa that seats at least four people.

While the Super Sofa option eliminates the dinette, you will gain two small removable tables for eating.

Here are a few additional Grand Design RV features related to quality construction and warranty that will definitely interest you (click here to see the full list):

• Wood truss framed roof (fully walkable)
• TPO roof covering with 12-year warranty
• Ductless flooring
• 3-year Limited Structural Warranty

You have quality, you have top notch features, and you have a company that stands behind their product. The Grand Design Solitude deserves your attention.

2020 Crossroads RV Volante VL295BH Fifth Wheel

Crossroads RV may not be one of the most recognizable names in the industry, but I sure like what I am seeing so far with this particular Volante fifth wheel option.

While I have never been inside this brand of RV, it comes across as a solid company that has been around since 1996. Yeah, they’ve got a few years of history to speak for them.

CROSSROADS VOLANTE FIFTH WHEEL BUNKHOUSE SPECS

• GVWR: 10,270 lbs (estimated)
• Empty Weight (UVW): 8,242 lbs
• Cargo Capacity: 2,028 lbs
• Dry Hitch Weight:  1,472 lbs
• Exterior Length: 33′ 8″
• Exterior Height: 12′ 4″
• Fresh water capacity: 51 gal
• Gray water capacity:  78 gal
• Black water capacity: 39 gal

This 5th wheel bunkhouse stays close to that 10K GVWR mark, which is typical for this size rig, while offering just over 2K lbs cargo capacity.

Hitch weight is also in line with comparable size models. Exterior length and height are slightly lower than some of the smaller models we have covered above, which is always nice to see. (Less is more in my book!)

And while fresh water and gray water tank capacities are respectable, I am a little disappointed to see the 39 gal black water tank capacity.

But honestly, it is still slightly higher than multiple units of the same basic size we have covered. So I can’t really fault them for that.

VOLANTE FLOOR PLAN AND FEATURES

Since we have been seeing some really solid quality roofing options on some of these recent models, I was immediately on the lookout for a similar offering on this model.

However, I am not seeing much information on their site at all. On the Crossroads Difference page, all it says under quality about the roofing is “seamless one-piece roof”.

No other details and no information on a separate (and greatly extended) warranty covering that roof like we saw with the Grand Design RV and Highland Ridge RV.

I’m honestly a little unclear on what that separated bunkhouse at the back of the rig offers in terms of bunks, but it looks like it might be two larger bunks.

So if you have a couple of teens in the rig that will come in very handy. And a convenient little ward for clothing will help keep the space tidy…probably.

While the master bedroom seems to offer some decent space, the living space suffers a bit with just the loveseat for dedicated entertainment seating.

But at least it is situated well so you won’t have a crick in your neck from turning sideways to watch the TV. Those cricks are no fun.

So there you have it. Plenty of similarities to other rigs above, but it depends on how many total you will have in the rig as to whether or not it will comfortable accommodate everyone.

Get yourself inside a Volante VL295BH 5th wheel bunkhouse and see how it fits you!

2020 Keystone RV Montana High Country 335BH Fifth Wheel

And now for a pretty unique option from none other than Keystone RV. As I mentioned, we have some experience with Keystone since we hit the road in a Keystone 26-foot travel trailer back in 2017.

We’ve also done some tours of additional Keystone RVs over the past year (a Montana fifth wheel and a Cougar travel trailer) at the local RV dealership where we purchased our rig.

Also, just for a bit of fun and WOW, take a look at the over-the-top “Ultimate Montana” that Keystone RV and The Flipping Nomad designed together. It will blow your mind, guaranteed!

While the option we are looking at is not THAT unique, it’s pretty innovative and may be exactly what you are looking for.

MONTANA HIGH COUNTRY FIFTH WHEEL BUNKHOUSE SPECS

• GVWR: 16,000 lbs (estimated)
• Empty Weight (UVW): 12,155 lbs
• Cargo Capacity:  3,845 lbs
• Dry Hitch Weight: 2,405  lbs
• Exterior Length: 36′ 8″
• Exterior Height: 13′ 4″
• Fresh water capacity: 66 gal
• Gray water capacity: 88 gal
• Black water capacity:  88 gal

Obviously, there’s one spec here that jumps off the page…and not just because I put it in bold text. Nearly 4,000 lbs of cargo capacity? Is this a typo? Um, no.

That is the real deal, my friend, even if it is hard to believe. It is, in fact, more than double the cargo capacity of the Silverstar Limited model we covered above. That’s pretty astounding.

With a total length of over 36 feet and a GVWR of 16K lbs, this is a sizeable option that you need to be prepared for in terms of a tow vehicle.

There will be no half-ton towing going on here (as far as I can tell, but do your own due diligence).

Keystone has also come through with some very solid holding tank capacities that will open up many adventurous paths to you and keep you out of the RV parks, if that’s what you wish.

HIGH COUNTRY FLOOR PLAN AND FEATURES

But now, let’s take a look at this very unique floor plan that I don’t believe you will find with any other RV manufacturer.

For the second time, we are seeing the loft idea in the bunkhouse (remember the Jayco North Point in our first position?).

But this bunkhouse is at the back of the rig instead of in the middle like the North Point. With the three sleeping spaces in the loft and the two in the bunks below, you can fit five individuals into this bunkhouse.

And as a couple of bonuses, they will have their own entrance and their own half bath so they won’t be tromping through the RV to the bathroom at the other end. Can you say “dirt containment”? Yeah, that’s always nice.

While this rig officially sleeps 8 individuals, only two of them will be provided with comfy seating in the living area.

I can’t help but see this as a bit of shortcoming, but if your crew is open to sitting on the floor for a movie, then it may be a non-issue for you.

With the master bedroom offering two wardrobes, two dressers and plenty of floor space to enjoy, I don’t see anything not to like.

Add in the patent-pending front windshield to bring some daylight into the bedroom and you’ve got a winning combination.

The extra space carries into the master bathroom as well, where you will find a radius shower and a wardrobe for bathroom necessities to keep everything tidy.

Overall, you’ve got a lot to love in this 5th wheel bunkhouse model and I hope it’s worth taking a closer look for your family.

Which 5th Wheel Bunkhouse Option is Best for Your Family?

We have covered a ton of information here, maybe more than you were expecting to see. Of course, I simply hope that the information and evaluation of each 5th wheel option has taken you one step closer to finding the “most perfect” option for your entire crew.

Our goal is to help you in any way we can to get out there and adventure more, so move along now! Hit the road! Via con Dios!

Todd Bonner

Todd loves a competitive game of table tennis, a breathtaking hike, and exploring new places. He lived and traveled in an RV with his family as they traveled throughout much of the US and parts of Canada. Todd has extensive knowledge about RV travel, safety, and accessories and has shared many of his stories here on TREKKN. When he’s not busy launching and building small businesses, you may find him staring at pictures of Glacier National Park (probably his favorite spot on earth).