Hi Guys...just throwing in our 2¢ worth here, as we had the exact same thoughts on our next trailer, i.e.
* must have outdoor kitchen (with fully plumbed sink) and full bunkhouse
* ample storage (we were pampered with storage in our Puma 28BHS)
* GVWR
We visited and compared a ton of models at the Houston RV shows, as well as talking to fellow campers and RV sales places over a couple of years before deciding to upgrade to a brand new M32 last year. (CW had a great deal in Houston)
* GVWR is 8600 lbs, however that is with all tanks full, and besides ~5G of fresh water we travel with empty tanks, so about 800 lbs+ lighter. That puts me well into the towing comfort zone - see signature.
* Not having the bunkhouse door turned out to be not a big issue. Noise is not muffled more with a door anyway. And it gives actually more space as no open door is in the way.
*
Space! As mentioned above we were pampered before withour fam of 5 plus two dogs, but there is actually ample storage in this RV, which we organize in large as follows:
* all pans are in the oven
* pots and plates and cups are in the storage above the sink (additional cups in the outdoor cabinet, i.e. no need to go inside)
* all cleaning supplies are in the cupboard under the sink
* the pantry across is easy to access and we use three shelves for supplies (using tension rods to reduce sliding); top shelve is beach and shower towels
* bunkroom has all kids clothes and blankets (3 shelves, one per kid
)
* under master storage is for large, seldom used items like extra cooler, stand up fan, foldable wagon
* under dinette storage (thinking of adding doors) is for the vacuum parts, the dinette bed parts and still has tons of open space
--> check out some of the mods posted in this forum, many great ideas !
The second AC has not been an issue for us in the Houston heat, and the bunkhouse heat issue is resolved by fixing the ducting (or add a second line).
Cheers