23DBH vs 26BH

[FordFan]

Hello Everyone!! Looking for any 23DBH or 26BH Owners. My DW and I are thinking of upgrading from our Shamrock 21DK Hybrid. We have 2 little ones ages 2 and 4 and 2 dogs. The set up and teardown of the Hybrid is getting a little tiresome.

We think we have narrowed it down to these 2 models / floorplans, and was able to tour a 23DBH at a local dealer on Saturday. Can anyone offer any opinions (Good or Bad) of either model? If you have the 26BH and a similar size family, are there any issues with space by not having the slide.

Thanks in advance

[JustB_Rad]

Originally Posted by FordFan

Hello Everyone!! Looking for any 23DBH or 26BH Owners. My DW and I are thinking of upgrading from our Shamrock 21DK Hybrid. We have 2 little ones ages 2 and 4 and 2 dogs. The set up and teardown of the Hybrid is getting a little tiresome.

We think we have narrowed it down to these 2 models / floorplans, and was able to tour a 23DBH at a local dealer on Saturday. Can anyone offer any opinions (Good or Bad) of either model? If you have the 26BH and a similar size family, are there any issues with space by not having the slide.

Thanks in advance

If those are the 2 units you're considering (good, bad or indifferent), why aren't you looking at the 26DBH? I think the dealer I got mine from charges $500 more for the 26DBH from the 23DBH and then you get the couch and the slide out. The max weight is the same on all 3 units, your cargo carrying capacity is the only thing that changes.

[FordFan]

I was leaning away from the 26DBH because of the higher tongue weight and longer length. Didn't think the addition of the couch added that much value.

[JustB_Rad]

We had a 23 ft. without a slideout before we got our 26DBH, and that was pre-child, and I'd never have another camper without a slideout. Obviously the 26dbh to a 23DBH is a personal preference, but the extra space alone would be worth it to me. Plus you gain additional storage behind the couch. I use that space for my leveling blocks and tools. We also picked the 26DBH for the the floor space for the baby to play in during bad weather, which for us turned out to be a good decision because we've had bad weather with like 4 of our last 6 trips.

[kfcflores]

Upgrade to the 26dbh or the 274dbh. Trust me with 2 kids and 2 dogs u will regret not having extra space. The price jump is def worth it.

[xivjae]

I have the 26BH. Went with that over the 26DBH because we're first time owners and wanted to keep it simple. I have a 10 year old and a 13 year old. It's a little cramped, but nice.

[leonards]

I contemplated between the 23dbh and 26dbh. Took into consideration all the differences and having twin 11 year olds kids I went with the 26dbh and have been very happy with my decision. You'll need the space for sure. Couch and the bigger pantry.

[Mikeschultz85]

Originally Posted by FordFan

Hello Everyone!! Looking for any 23DBH or 26BH Owners. My DW and I are thinking of upgrading from our Shamrock 21DK Hybrid. We have 2 little ones ages 2 and 4 and 2 dogs. The set up and teardown of the Hybrid is getting a little tiresome.

We think we have narrowed it down to these 2 models / floorplans, and was able to tour a 23DBH at a local dealer on Saturday. Can anyone offer any opinions (Good or Bad) of either model? If you have the 26BH and a similar size family, are there any issues with space by not having the slide.

Thanks in advance

We have the 26BH with twin 8 year olds and a large dog. Each kid gets a bed and the dog gets the couch. :-)

Went this route because all my friends seem to have leaking issues with their slides and I didn't want the extra weight (I had a 1500 Suburban when initially got the camper) and less $$$.

The extra room with a slide would obviously be nice, but we spend most of our time outdoors when camping anyway, so it hasn't been a problem for us. Plus, we upgraded from a pop-up, so there's much more room compared to that!

Mike

[kantonburg]

We have a '17 26BH. The only reason we went with the BH vs. DBH is weight. We have a 15, 15, and 7 year old and recently started taking one of our dogs. Personally there is NO way I wouldn't have the couch. It's nice to come in and sit down on something isn't a bed or table.

The slide is nice, but aside from cooking the extra room isn't a huge deal. For us at least.

[Petef729]

We just picked up a 23dbh. We love it.

[klrobert]

Something to consider is even if everyone is okay with a trailer without the slide now, the children will grow. We had a hybrid and were okay when our two children were small, but as they grew up camping became uncomfortable. We ran out of room. We had intended to keep the hybrid until the girls were out of school and then buy a nice fifth wheel for the two of us. It had gotten so camping was not enjoyable with the limited space, so we got a 274DBH and it is great. Get the largest trailer you can afford. You will enjoy camping much more.

[Wobbles]

I got my 26BH in January of 2015. The bride and I decided that with the bunks the grand kids could stay with us as they were 5 & 7 at the time.

Today we realize that while the unit is good, we should have looked for a bigger bathroom and shower. The bunks are cool yet the boy sleeps in his bunk and the girl sleeps with mom and grandma in the the bed. I own the couch and prefer it when we have company. (that kid spins like a clock when she sleeps and kicks too. lol...)

The father has not been able to camp with us, but he is going to be offered the tent when it works out.

Looking back at our choice, the kids would be happy in a tent or on the floor when it is too cold or wet. The kids are tuff'r than you think. It is your call...

Just my opinion...

[nuclearelf]

We just bought 23DBH. Taking it out for the first time tomorrow! Initially looked at 26BH, but thought it looked a little cramped. Loved the 23DBH when we saw it. The 26DBH was getting a little longer and heavier than we were looking for. Didn't think we'd need the couch. We have comfortable lawn chairs. Good luck with your decision!

[Grey Wolf 22]

We bought the 26bh. We have a 5 and 7 yr old. Also had the dog when we bought it. She's gone now but another will take her place eventually. We like the simplicity of it, no slides , low weight and very bright inside. Lots of windows. It can be cramped on a rainy day or mealtimes but we are camping to be closer together. We enjoy it. We tow it with a 2017 Silverado 1500 crew. 5.3 v8. 3.42 gears. Factory tow package and an equalizer wdh.

[GerryK]

We just bought a 23DBH and are taking it out Monday for a week. We loved the floor plan with the separate room and our daughter loves the bunk. At my age (60) I don't feel like towing anything longer than that.

[FordFan]

Thanks to everyone for the responses. Not sure if you have made our decision easier or harder. We may take another trip this weekend to try and compare both together.

[kfcflores]

What is the price difference?

[FordFan]

Originally Posted by kfcflores

What is the price difference?

The 23DBH is $2K more than the 26BH.

[kfcflores]

And the 26dbh is usually around $1500 more than that. Obviously it's what u can afford. But for $3500 more the 26dbh is the way to go.

[kfcflores]

I just looked at the floor plan of the 26bh. Personally I don't like it. The other plans have double big bunk beds. Privacy with door to master bedroom. Wayyyy more storage. The pantry in the other models is huge. Wraparound kitchen seating. Lots to think about. What otd prices have you been quoted. Remember there is a lot of room for negotiations on these trailers.