GusCalifornia
California
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Joined: 02/09/2021
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Hello, we are looking to buy our first travel trailer right now. There are three models that look pretty good to us and we are having trouble making a decision. Two of the models have a panel that comes down with an outdoor sink and cooktop area. The third model does not have that but it has a second door which would lead directly into the bathroom. We will be traveling with 2 kids, 2 adults, 2 dogs.
Previously, we have only done tent camping so we are unsure what would be the pro/con of these features. We don't want to make a huge purchase and then kick ourselves in a year wishing we had gone in the other direction.
Thanks for any help!
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IDman
Oklahoma
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Joined: 07/19/2010
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Only YOU can decide what YOU should buy since YOU will be using it and YOU will be paying for it.
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TenOC
On the road -- Full time
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Joined: 03/08/2004
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I would never use an outdoor kitchen. When I cook outdoor I use a stand alone propane grill and/or a propane camp stove so I can locate them where I want.
With 4 people I want as much storage space in the TT as I can get and since you have tent camped you are use to cooking outdoors.
Please give me enough troubles, uncertainty, problems, obstacles and STRESS so that I do not become arrogant, proud, and smug in my own abilities, and enough blessings and good times that I realize that someone else is in charge of my life.
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Walaby
Georgia
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I thought at on time I wanted an outdoor kitchen, then decided I wanted the extra storage instead. Im with TenOC.. flexibility to move the grills etc to wherever I want them, not wherever the RV wants them.
Mike
Im Mike Willoughby, and I approve this message.
2017 Ram 3500 CTD (aka FRAM)
2019 GrandDesign Reflection 367BHS
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Durb
NW
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My kids had a trailer with both an outdoor kitchen and a rear door into the bathroom. They liked and used the outdoor kitchen a lot, especially the blender and refrigerator. One unfortunate opening of the outside bathroom door caused it to remain locked and unused.
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GusCalifornia
California
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Joined: 02/09/2021
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Durb wrote:My kids had a trailer with both an outdoor kitchen and a rear door into the bathroom. They liked and used the outdoor kitchen a lot, especially the blender and refrigerator. One unfortunate opening of the outside bathroom door caused it to remain locked and unused.
Hahahaha - yes I could see that as an issue.
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GusCalifornia
California
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TenOC wrote:I would never use an outdoor kitchen. When I cook outdoor I use a stand alone propane grill and/or a propane camp stove so I can locate them where I want.
With 4 people I want as much storage space in the TT as I can get and since you have tent camped you are use to cooking outdoors.
Thanks - yes, a good point. And we do already have a propane stove.
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MitchF150
Puyallup, WA
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When I saw the first outside kitchen setups back some 10 or so years ago, I really thought that was something I would really like. I love to cook outside while camping and do so as long as I can be under the awning at least when the weather is not so kind..
Turns out, the doors usually are too low for me. I'm 6'3" tall and they usually end up at the back of the trailer behind the awning, so the only cover is the door, and on level ground, I seemed to always have to duck under the door on the ones I looked at.
Anyway, I ended up with a trailer that I liked the floor plan better than the outside kitchen, but I still basically ended up with one as the new Rockwood we have came with side mount attachments that give me a place for the included BBQ grill and I also use it with my old Coleman stove on a board. Next to it has a nice side table that holds the cooking stuff.
And it's all under the awning. I don't have to drag out my big stove table and I have tons on interior space where that outside kitchen would normally be.. I don't really need an 120v fridge or sink outside either... My beer fits fine inside the RV fridge. (one door rack is just for 6 beers! I just re-stock it as I consume it..)
Anyway, in the end, it really depends on what you want and how you camp.. Coming from tent camping, I'd think any RV will be different, so you just gotta find your own route in the end.
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/x7YmNPnm.jpg)
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/SLzIspIm.jpg)
Good luck! Mitch
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/XG8H0uzm.jpg?1)
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2013 F150 XLT 4x4 SuperCab Max Tow Egoboost 3.73 gears #7700 GVWR #1920 payload. 2019 Rockwood Mini Lite 2511S.
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BarabooBob
Baraboo, WI
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I don't like the idea of cooking grease splattering on my TT. I just keep imagining a huge grizzly licking off the smells and deciding that there may be some tasty morsels inside. A grizzly stays out of our TT's because he does not want to come in. I will continue cooking on the picnic table or our portable table which rides in the back of my truck. I scrub the picnic table off when I arrive and before I leave.
Bob & Dawn Married 32 years
2017 Viking 17RD
2011 Ford F150 3.5L Ecoboost 420 lb/ft
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valhalla360
No paticular place.
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Having an outside fridge so dad and the kids can grab drinks without going in and out of the trailer would be nice (especially if it's hot and the aircon is struggling to keep it cool) but the outdoor kitchens we've seen look fairly low grade and unusable otherwise.
We would prefer the extra storage space. Get a 22" blackstone and either set it up on the picnic table or get a folding stand. That will be far better than the tiny 1/2 burner stove you get with an outdoor kitchen.
Tammy & Mike
Ford F250 V10
2021 Gray Wolf
Gemini Catamaran 34'
Full Time spliting time between boat and RV
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