With the snow melting in most parts of Canada, the urge to get out on the road in our RVs grows, especially with kids who have been stuck indoors all winter. You might be looking at family-oriented travel trailers to accommodate everyone, including the dog. These are a staple of most brands, Keystone being one of them. For 2023, Keystone offers new floorplans in their modestly priced Springdale lineup and new standard features. The Springdale trailers appeal to first-timers and those on a budget, yet they offer considerable amenities.
The one that caught my eye was a bunkhouse model that combines style, practicality, and ease of use. It can also sleep up to 10 people, so bring earplugs! At over 7,000 lbs, this unit is towable by any half-ton pickup or large SUV, and with the possibility of 10 people in the unit, you’ll need the 32 feet of length it has.
The Springdale 286BHU is a great option for families who want a traditional bunkhouse but need space for the fun stuff. The rear of the trailer has a compartment with a large door that gives you an extra 22 square feet of storage when the bottom bunk is flipped up. This 44″ x 48″ rear door allows the storage of large items like a generator, full-sized bikes, totes, or even a kayak.
It’s even equipped with two tie-downs to strap down your items. Another feature that will keep the kids outside is an outdoor refrigerator drawer for beverages on the go.
Inside, this clever camper is designed with a large U-shaped dinette and theatre seats in front of the double-over-double bunks in the rear. This new floorplan features an electric fireplace and a 40” TV.
With the additional counter space that the entertainment centre provides, this kitchen is a decent size with plenty of storage and counter space. A nice touch is the addition of two large windows in the kitchen.
This dual entry coach also has a private bedroom separated from the living space by the walkthrough bathroom. Below are some new features found on the full line up of Springdale models.
- Spacious, easy-to-access under-bed storage
- Two shelves above the bed
- Flip-up bunks for oversized storage (most models)
- Shoe cubbies underneath entertainment centers
- USB ports with storage nets underneath
- Power tongue jack
- Electric stabilizer jacks
- Power awning
- Black tank flush
- New Girard tankless water heater
- Solarflex 200 solar power system w/optional dragonfly energy lithium-ion batteries
- Laundry chute in bedroom
- Magnetic knife and utensil holder
- Large campsite windows
- Arched ceilings
- Fireplace (most models)
- Do-more dinette (most models)
- Blade high-performance air handling system
This line of trailers from Keystone is considered modestly priced. Realizing that the price point and many floorplans will attract first-time RVers, Keystone has developed various online tools to answer those first-timer questions not only during the buying process but also after the fact. Since it’s usually when you get to your campsite that most questions like “How do I turn on the AC?” or “What’s a dump hose?” arise, this is a beneficial feature.
Specifications
- Dry weight: 6,955 lb
- Carrying capacity: 2,045 lb
- Length: 32’11”
- Height: 11’3”
- Fresh water: 46 gal
- Grey water: 39 gal
- Black water: 30 gal
- Propane: 2 x 20 lb
- Sleeps: 10