Bunkhouse Queen Camping Trailer Review

Bunkhouse Queen Camping Trailer
Bunkhouse Queen Camping Trailer

The choices motorcyclists have among on-the-road lodgings differ as much as their choices in motorcycles. Many prefer comfort and choose a motel or bed-and-breakfast; others opt for rustic pleasure and pitch a tent in some idyllic setting. We recently evaluated a product that allows you to combine the best of both worlds.

Bunkhouse began manufacturing motorcycle camping trailers in 1974 and was recently acquired by Bushtec Manufacturing. Both lines are now produced in Bushtecā€™s Jacksboro, Tennessee, factory. The Bunkhouse line consists of two camper models: the LX and the more compact Bunkhouse Queen. The Queen model was our tester. It has a queen-sized bed (naturally) that is comfortable for one or two adults. Zippered tent-type access leads to a 4- by 5-foot stand-up dressing area. Access to a 17-cubic-foot storage area can be gained when inside the dressing area, or from an exterior door. The lockable compartment is large enough to hold the camping gear two people would normally take on a weeklong trip.

Bunkhouse Queen Camping Trailer
Bunkhouse Queen Camping Trailer

Much thought was involved in designing this unit to be compact as a trailer, but as spacious as a sleeper. Just shy of 9 feet in total length and just over 4 feet in width, the folded trailer stands 38 inches tall on 12-inch wheels.

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Before evaluating the Bunkhouseā€™s camping comforts, I gave it a good wringing out as a trailer. Jacksboro is located in the beautiful Smoky Mountain region, real Crockett and Boone country, with great motorcycle roads that on any given ride can easily take you across the Tennessee border into Kentucky, North Carolina or Virginia. My mount was a Honda GL1800 Gold Wing, which didnā€™t breathe hard pulling the Bunkhouse at 80 mph up Jellico Mountain on nearby Interstate 75. The trailerā€™s torsion bar suspension kept its standard 285 pounds level and tracking true.

Descending the mountains at speed and riding the curvy adjacent roads presented no braking problem for the Gold Wingā€”and the Queen tester did not have the optional ($1,225) electric hydraulic brakes. Those who load heavily or ride in extremely mountainous areas might find the trailer brake option worthwhile.

One Bunkhouse option worth consideration is Bushtecā€™s swivel-joint pin hitch ($149). A regular ball coupler with twin safety chains is standard and works exactly as designed. But the swiveling pin coupler enables a rig to really stay planted in the twisties.

According to the website usacampgrounds.info there are over 12,000 public campgrounds in the USA and Canada. One of the most beautiful must be Cove Lake State Park, not far from Jacksboro. There I found the Bunkhouse setup and takedown quick and easy. It might have taken this rookie 12-15 minutes to unhook, properly place, level, unzip, unfold and stake out the access door. Faster than a hotel check in.

The Bunkhouse Queen camperā€™s MSRP is $3,699; the larger LX is $4,299. Many factory accessories are available, from air conditioner vents to fully screened dens and storage spaces. With the prices of todayā€™s other lodging choices, it doesnā€™t take long for a Bunkhouse camper to pay for itself, and think of all of the opportunities to commune with nature!

For more information:
Call (888) 321-2516 or visit bunkhousecamper.com

24 COMMENTS

  1. we have owned bunkhouse since 2009, we have recently traveled to all 48 states with it and loved every minute of it . the Goldwing pulled it with no problems.
    recently the top lid is getting out of line with the fiberglass bottom.. it still opens but is hanging up on the non hinge side when closing. .. the inter hatch still open and closed normal./ the hinge on the back seems to be slightly bend looking from the under side..
    has any one else had this problem and or found the corrective action need to fix the problem
    paul taylor
    Neenah wi

  2. I have a older bunkhouse trailer and would like to replace all the tent fabric. Where can I find a replacement for it? Help me anyone!

    • Gary what did they tell you. I have one of the first Bunkhouse ever made and am needing a new tent part too. The body of the one I have has changed very little to the ones now. Mostly fenders, lights and bumpers are all.

      Thanks

    • I have a bunkhouse 2017 queen and tow with a 2016 Road Glide Ultra.103. I typically get 48 mpg without trailer about 40 mpg with. In heavy wind or all up hill it can drop to 36mpg.

  3. my bunkhouse which was built when the company was in the Elk Grove / Chicago area.
    I pulled it with 1993 K1100 LT BMW.
    Thousands of miles. No problems.
    No longer have the bike but continue to use the camper. I put a Avt flag on a fiberglass pole on the camper bumper so I could see it in the rear view mirror.

    • There is a Facebook group for bunkhouse camper owners that share lots of information, including contact for a person that makes new tent toppers. Check it out.

  4. Love my ’03 Bunkhouse,
    I was forced to give up M/C ridings couple years ago šŸ™ but i kept my little camper and pull it with my VW Dune Buggy. We love it and use it often. Would love to find a new canvus for it someday.

    • I just purchased an 03 bunkhouse myself. In searching for info, I’ve come across this website. It seems the 03 is kinda popular. I’m also looking for a new canvas makeover. I do have info for a local fellow who makes tent canvas, but would like to compare pricing.

  5. Iā€™m interested in parts for my camper if somebody could please contact me with my email address or my phone number 863-838-5610 my name is Rick. Thank you.

  6. There was a article written on this camper back in the late 80s that had pictures of q young lady showing all the options it had. Has anyone seen this article? Please let me know the girl is me and my step dad wrote the article. He died and I can’t find his copy want to have it for memorabilia

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