I buy this same model, and I just did a few upgrades, and I'm very happy with this camper, I upgrade the backup and side cameras, it has been a great help to back up, I upgrade both faucet kitchen and bathroom, also I put a tv on the bedroom and now the camper it is good to go, the only complian is that do not have a fireplace and not latter to get to the ruff of the rv, but I camping on cold weather and the camper responds great, just I used the water pump and didn't connect to city water do to the cold weather and the camper work prefect, this camper is great, the latter and fireplace is the only complain o and the bumper other than that is a perfect camper for me.
Love the floorplan with the TV and decent seating capacity, the true queen bed and the under bed storage areađbut when I see a $58,000 MSRP I also expect to see a porcelain toilet, a decent bathroom fan, a shower door and a ladderđ
Fireplace would be a nice addition. Headboard pockets behind the wardrobe would also be a nice addition. I'd favor theater seats over the fold out couch
Josh itâs a great TT, but the Northern Spirit will probably be home sick while being in Texasđđ, so weâll let it stay up there with yâall. Josh đđđfor videoing in the rain, itâs a good thing that you wonât melt when wetđ. Also I think that plastic toilets should be banned from the universe. Keepâm coming have a blessed day today and God Bless
This is one of those RV's were I'd buy and just remove the bunks and turn that space into something more useful like a small stackable washer and dryer.
Hey I wanted to let you know that because of you I'm spending my first trip in a brand new travel trailer that I bought 9 days ago from Bish's in Ludington. Thank you Josh
Love the review, but I want to point out an issue that a lot of people may not consider regarding the lift system for the queen bed. When we got our trailer home, the first thing we did was replace the mattress with a residential queen mattress. It is so much more comfortable! However, the issue that we discovered is that the residential mattress is significantly heavier and thicker than the one that came with the trailer. This means that the shocks are not able to hold the mattress up on their own and need to be supported by someone when the bed is lifted. Also, because the mattress is thicker, the bed is not able to be lifted as high and it's awkward to have to get under the bed into that center section. We got lucky with our Freedom Express because it has drawers that open to the outside of the bed, so the center section is more of a storage area. With a trailer like this one, it would be a problem because you need to access the middle to get into the drawers. Something to consider!
With max towing package... *maybe* and I'm not feeling amazingly comfortable about it. Heavy duty Weight Distributing/anti-sway hitch and brake controller both 100% recommended (braking unit required actually)
@@mikeshirley8751 I donât believe they carry Keystone at that facility. So they may not be directly set up to do things like warranty work, but typically any location at any dealership should be able to work on any RV. They simply have to call the factories for pre-authorization. Again though, they may well be severely backlogged and unable to take on additional work at this time. Iâm only theorizing as I cannot speak for staff members at a different location like that
@@JoshtheRVNerd That makes sense. The place I bought it from (with an extended coverage plan) always downplays the issues and doesnât seem to want to actually fix anything. So I am looking for some reputable place that does qualify work. Always appreciate your videos and your honesty!!!
Closest location to the black tank. Provides the best flush. That's actually pretty common I don't love the location of it myself but that's the reasoning.
I like this one. I can see me purchasing it in a few years. I like the open bunks, wish I had those now. No problem with no fireplace, I like both options of theater seat or fold out sofa bed. Storage behind the tv is nice, great place to store board games, books, movies. Glad to see them putting some storage in the bunks. Wish the dinette had a floating table, but it isnât too bad if itâs flipped around. Great bathroom. Love that all windows open. Iâm glad they put the bedroom lights on a switch for those of us that are vertically challenged. Master bedroom storage is great. Thank you for showing this one.
I have the 2549bhx model of this and I can say itâs top quality for sure. My teenage kid loves the bunk size and ceiling height. Also the kitchen sink has stainless braided water lines underneath!! Pulls well down the road with my 1500! I upgraded from an Apex nano and this is very similar but on steroids!! All around a great solid camper with some fine details! The 12 volt fridge gets ice cold in 30 mins! The fishing rod compartment is a great spot for a flag pole as well!! đ
Yeah those 12v fridges are for real. I was hesitant to adopt them after a rocky history with the true residential fridges, but these 12v guys are the business
I thought this was going to be just another average camper, however, this had several things that Iâve never seen before and were very nice to have. The storage spot for the sink covers, the under bed cut out that has more drawers, that slick little leveling system, The fishing pole storage! Great video JTRVN! I havenât finished the video yet. Iâll probably write some more tomorrow about this.
Years ago I did do a little sales and some of my customers started calling me the matchmaker. At least three couples I personally assisted proposed in the RV and several reported *ahem* _expanded their families_ during camping trips lol
I like this one Josh , I am a solo camper but have grandkids . So I like the bunks .... ladder , ah not that big of a deal . There are available folding ladders that will do nicely . Keep up the good work đ
You're right Josh, this is a plan that serves families with small to large...to no kids. It would be worth keeping even after the kids are gone because the bunk area simply becomes a storage area.
đeven with the rugrat racks, this is a neat little camper. I so like what Coachmen is doing. Like you say, "no such thing as a perfect RV." It's easy to nitpick, but Coachmen is doing some pretty good things in the industry.
I feel like they're doing good work, but not really "broadcasting" and advertising themselves like a lot of other brands so they sometimes slip thru unnoticed. I became a big freedom express fan years ago. Then apex came into the mix. Spirit is sort of something between
hi josh, I inadvertently texted this on the wrong camper you demonstrated. Again, we have a 1/2 Silverado with the Duramax 3.0 Turbo Diesel, and the Allison 10-speed transmission, with a tongue weight of 940 and gvw of 9400. Would these specâs be sufficient for the Northern Spirit 2963BH, with the mentioned accessories you gave me??
Welcome back :) Here's specs on this spirit: Hitch Weight: 760 lb. GVWR: 7,600 lb. UVW 6,408 lb. CCC 1,192 lb. Exterior Length: 34' 0" Exterior Height: 11' 1" Exterior Width: 96" Fresh Water: 49.00 gal. Gray Water: 33.00 gal. Black Water: 33.00 gal. Awning Size: 18' I have a similar answer on this one as the last one. On flatlanding without nasty winds it would likely be okay. The hitch weight is really at the peak of what you should/could be handling for sure
Josh...I don't get why??? a designer wouldn't at least make bracing for an attached ladder on an RV. I have I just been scared stupid or what??? will in Florida P.S.- Otherwise I think this rig is GREAT!
In the coming 2023 models it seems like everybody and their brother is AT LEAST putting on those mounts for a detachable ladder. Better than nothing I suppose
I really like this one. I am so torn between one like this, or the Freedom Express, or Cougar pull-behinds or a short fifth wheel like a Reflection 150 278BH
Well, current truck isnât going to cut it (2019 Ram 1500 -but itâs paid off). Plan on 3/4 ton when I can find oneâŠfifth wheel definitely out till then.
I like the look of the outside a lot. That dinette is horrible . Two benches would be much better in that space. 220lb rating on a double bunk? That is a head scratcher. The storage to the right of the TV would be great for bathroom linens. Just put a sticky note on the door ."TAKE A TOWEL WITH YOU!"
I had a similar feeling on the bunks. I carefully tested one myself. Felt plenty solid and I'm pushing that mark so you'd expect some kind of flex or something. They were solid. I THINK what's happening is their single bunks are rated for 220lbs, so the lawyers just said "use that sticker on everything" whether it made sense or not. I could be wrong. Just a theory
Big fan of this type of unit. I live in a real flat area so I think my ram with the hemi can pull it fine. Theatre seats all the way. You can sleep like 6 already so trifold seems unnecessary.
@@JoshtheRVNerd I always thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to carry some medium to heavy duty screw in ground anchors, and you could use those d-rings to strap the trailer to the ground if there's some really nasty weather coming
Love the tall ceiling and no carpet,, and light color cabs, and ANY road worthy access! And outdoor kitchen. Prefer a cover over rear door too Bunks are too lightweight, should accommodate 2 full-size adults each!
I am considering a camper in this class range to tow with my half ton but you make me second guess it. Its below 80% of my tow capacity as is and we never travel with water in the tanks. Would weight distribution and sway control lean you to be more comfortable with it? I value your opinion and know most rv sales would say, "sure you can tow this no problem."
Without specifics on the truck I really canât say Ken. Difficult to offer specific advisory without specific details Towing is multi faceted. Where you plan to take the rv is another let big factor - terrain / wind / etc
@@JoshtheRVNerd truck is a 2021 Ram 1500 5.7l rated for 10k or 11k with WD. 3.97 gears. We live near Atlanta and.most travel will be Appalachians/ Eastern coast. I have experience towing tt and other commercial trailers, gooseneck, etc.. fully loaded but usually with bigger trucks. Edit: if its too windy I know when to stop. More worried about what the truck can handle on highways and in low mountain roads under normal conditions.
I'm not sure if the factory will remove the bunks but we certainly could. "Dreaming Norwegian" is an amazing name btw Interestingly.. I do not see a table/chairs option on this However, I *just* finished recording Cougar's version of this layout. They do offer a table and chairs but again we'd have to inquire about removing the bunks
Hi Josh đ Yeas that name since i like to some day have my holyday and get back to USA and visit your Bish's RV shop , and hope i can find one to get back to Norway đ€ You have now realy nice RV's and great flor plan's as well , and with my Chevy Silverado 2500 HD with a Shocker hitch i think i can do great with one like this . Thank you for the fast reply , love to see you video's . All the best from Norway , and my real name is Kjell Magne Stubhaug đ
Those upper cabinet doors on the camp kitchen should open up instead of side to side so if you accidentally close the hatch door, it will push them closed instead of breaking them off. I do like the rain awning feature the hatch has when itâs open. This is a nice unit overall. What do the do on the pop outs to keep water from pooling on the top surface. That has always bothered me that they are not slightly sloped to encourage water egress and run off. It has always struck me as poor water management. And it . Appears as if almost all the manufactures have those flat water catcher/leaker designs.
The slide shape depends a bit on the type of slide system used. It is smarter to have a way for water to run off them though. You're not wrong about that!
Liquid sunshine.
Awesome video would love to see more of this!
I have several more on file here in the library for you
I buy this same model, and I just did a few upgrades, and I'm very happy with this camper, I upgrade the backup and side cameras, it has been a great help to back up, I upgrade both faucet kitchen and bathroom, also I put a tv on the bedroom and now the camper it is good to go, the only complian is that do not have a fireplace and not latter to get to the ruff of the rv, but I camping on cold weather and the camper responds great, just I used the water pump and didn't connect to city water do to the cold weather and the camper work prefect, this camper is great, the latter and fireplace is the only complain o and the bumper other than that is a perfect camper for me.
Thx Richard. What have you added to it??
You are such a hard working man,Josh! Your wife and daughter should be so proud of you!! Work it!
Thank you so much for that đ
I had settled on the Freedom Express 287bhds, but this one just edged it out.
Itâs a great layout. Cougar made this and I LOVED their version but sadly itâs been retired
Thankfully Spirit still makes this one
More please
Roger that! I"ll see what I can get :)
Love the floorplan with the TV and decent seating capacity, the true queen bed and the under bed storage areađbut when I see a $58,000 MSRP I also expect to see a porcelain toilet, a decent bathroom fan, a shower door and a ladderđ
Fireplace would be a nice addition. Headboard pockets behind the wardrobe would also be a nice addition. I'd favor theater seats over the fold out couch
TY for the feedback
Josh itâs a great TT, but the Northern Spirit will probably be home sick while being in Texasđđ, so weâll let it stay up there with yâall. Josh đđđfor videoing in the rain, itâs a good thing that you wonât melt when wetđ. Also I think that plastic toilets should be banned from the universe. Keepâm coming have a blessed day today and God Bless
Did you hear? We have a store coming to Texas!!
I love it
Edit*
Then I saw the fishing pole storage........... I'm in love with it....
Love, love love.....thank you for the thorough review but why do you have to be so far away?? âčïž
I like how they do the under bed storage and great looking TT. Thanks for sharing Joshđđ
Thanks Josh!
My pleasure :)
This is one of those RV's were I'd buy and just remove the bunks and turn that space into something more useful like a small stackable washer and dryer.
Hey Josh that's a great lookin Travel Trailer by Coachman! đđđđđđđđđđđđ
Thanks đ
@@JoshtheRVNerd you bet Josh buddyđđđđđđđ
Hey I wanted to let you know that because of you I'm spending my first trip in a brand new travel trailer that I bought 9 days ago from Bish's in Ludington. Thank you Josh
Dean that's awesome! TY so much for sharing!
Please be sure to drop the team a quick review at g.page/r/CWS6rEWlP16lEAg/review
What size tv fits in the entertainment center?
apologies MFGs dont provide us schematics with sizing I could check for you
Nearly perfect...Really like this effort.
TY Mark! :)
Love the review, but I want to point out an issue that a lot of people may not consider regarding the lift system for the queen bed. When we got our trailer home, the first thing we did was replace the mattress with a residential queen mattress. It is so much more comfortable! However, the issue that we discovered is that the residential mattress is significantly heavier and thicker than the one that came with the trailer. This means that the shocks are not able to hold the mattress up on their own and need to be supported by someone when the bed is lifted. Also, because the mattress is thicker, the bed is not able to be lifted as high and it's awkward to have to get under the bed into that center section. We got lucky with our Freedom Express because it has drawers that open to the outside of the bed, so the center section is more of a storage area. With a trailer like this one, it would be a problem because you need to access the middle to get into the drawers.
Something to consider!
Good point. TY :)
We swapped out the factory mattress for memory foam with a gel topper and the struts hold it up without issue so far!
Will my Lincoln Navigator tow it?
With max towing package... *maybe* and I'm not feeling amazingly comfortable about it. Heavy duty Weight Distributing/anti-sway hitch and brake controller both 100% recommended (braking unit required actually)
Josh you're a lucky man, you don't have to worry about your hair getting wet in the rainđ€Ł
I actually enjoy the ease of NOT having hair
Which is good.. mother nature didn't give me much choice and I'm not going to be a combover guy
Does Bishâs do service repairs on Keystone Cougars?
We can yes. Many of our service teams are still working out of a covid-era backlog unfortunately so we may not be able to get you scheduled quickly
@@JoshtheRVNerd I called the Junction City Service Department and they told me they donât service Keystone. So I thought I would ask you.
@@mikeshirley8751 I donât believe they carry Keystone at that facility. So they may not be directly set up to do things like warranty work, but typically any location at any dealership should be able to work on any RV. They simply have to call the factories for pre-authorization. Again though, they may well be severely backlogged and unable to take on additional work at this time. Iâm only theorizing as I cannot speak for staff members at a different location like that
@@JoshtheRVNerd That makes sense. The place I bought it from (with an extended coverage plan) always downplays the issues and doesnât seem to want to actually fix anything. So I am looking for some reputable place that does qualify work.
Always appreciate your videos and your honesty!!!
Very nice model!
Thank you very much!
Why is the black tank flush on the door side?!?!?
Closest location to the black tank. Provides the best flush. That's actually pretty common
I don't love the location of it myself but that's the reasoning.
@@JoshtheRVNerd It's just a connector that leads to a hose that goes to the black tank. No reason why that can't be mounted on the other side.
I like this one. I can see me purchasing it in a few years. I like the open bunks, wish I had those now. No problem with no fireplace, I like both options of theater seat or fold out sofa bed. Storage behind the tv is nice, great place to store board games, books, movies. Glad to see them putting some storage in the bunks. Wish the dinette had a floating table, but it isnât too bad if itâs flipped around. Great bathroom. Love that all windows open. Iâm glad they put the bedroom lights on a switch for those of us that are vertically challenged. Master bedroom storage is great. Thank you for showing this one.
Focus brother. Focus. Nice job!
SQUIRREL
Nice upgrades have been done since my 2019 model year 2963bh !
Giant burrito storage , or the poop hose . Idk I'm just saying pokemon & anime in our house., I've never owned an RV .đđŁđœđœđ„đœ
I have the 2549bhx model of this and I can say itâs top quality for sure. My teenage kid loves the bunk size and ceiling height. Also the kitchen sink has stainless braided water lines underneath!! Pulls well down the road with my 1500! I upgraded from an Apex nano and this is very similar but on steroids!! All around a great solid camper with some fine details! The 12 volt fridge gets ice cold in 30 mins! The fishing rod compartment is a great spot for a flag pole as well!! đ
Yeah those 12v fridges are for real. I was hesitant to adopt them after a rocky history with the true residential fridges, but these 12v guys are the business
To be EXTREMELY evil in Monopoly, buy up all (or as many) the little green house pieces! That way your opponent can't build any hotels đ
Iâve totally done that
I thought this was going to be just another average camper, however, this had several things that Iâve never seen before and were very nice to have. The storage spot for the sink covers, the under bed cut out that has more drawers, that slick little leveling system, The fishing pole storage! Great video JTRVN! I havenât finished the video yet. Iâll probably write some more tomorrow about this.
Thx John! I love that you gave it a chance anyway -- it's like trying a new food you're not sure you'll like. Sometimes.. you're surprised
Josh, youâre a RV baby makerâŠ.Just in case you didnât know. đ
Years ago I did do a little sales and some of my customers started calling me the matchmaker. At least three couples I personally assisted proposed in the RV and several reported *ahem* _expanded their families_ during camping trips lol
@@JoshtheRVNerd đđ€Łđ I meant when you refer to two models having a baby.
đđ€Łđ
@@dronecatalyst âŠoh
đ€Š đ
I like this one Josh , I am a solo camper but have grandkids . So I like the bunks .... ladder , ah not that big of a deal . There are available folding ladders that will do nicely . Keep up the good work đ
How hard would it be to put a porcelain toilet in?
It's not hard at all. We've done it plenty of time.
You're right Josh, this is a plan that serves families with small to large...to no kids. It would be worth keeping even after the kids are gone because the bunk area simply becomes a storage area.
Yep yep! Just recorded the cougar version of this layout today which is a personal favorite
đeven with the rugrat racks, this is a neat little camper. I so like what Coachmen is doing. Like you say, "no such thing as a perfect RV." It's easy to nitpick, but Coachmen is doing some pretty good things in the industry.
I feel like they're doing good work, but not really "broadcasting" and advertising themselves like a lot of other brands so they sometimes slip thru unnoticed.
I became a big freedom express fan years ago. Then apex came into the mix. Spirit is sort of something between
I wouldnât mind seeing more spirit rvâs.
Good to know! I've been trying to sprinkle a few in here and there
hi josh, I inadvertently texted this on the wrong camper you demonstrated. Again, we have a 1/2 Silverado with the Duramax 3.0 Turbo Diesel, and the Allison 10-speed transmission, with a tongue weight of 940 and gvw of 9400. Would these specâs be sufficient for the Northern Spirit 2963BH, with the mentioned accessories you gave me??
Welcome back :)
Here's specs on this spirit:
Hitch Weight: 760 lb.
GVWR: 7,600 lb.
UVW 6,408 lb.
CCC 1,192 lb.
Exterior Length: 34' 0"
Exterior Height: 11' 1"
Exterior Width: 96"
Fresh Water: 49.00 gal.
Gray Water: 33.00 gal.
Black Water: 33.00 gal.
Awning Size: 18'
I have a similar answer on this one as the last one. On flatlanding without nasty winds it would likely be okay. The hitch weight is really at the peak of what you should/could be handling for sure
Ok so did you finish explaining the D-rings on both sides at the back????
Dog leash attachments!! đ¶
Josh...I don't get why??? a designer wouldn't at least make bracing for an attached ladder on an RV. I have I just been scared stupid or what??? will in Florida P.S.- Otherwise I think this rig is GREAT!
In the coming 2023 models it seems like everybody and their brother is AT LEAST putting on those mounts for a detachable ladder. Better than nothing I suppose
I really like this one. I am so torn between one like this, or the Freedom Express, or Cougar pull-behinds or a short fifth wheel like a Reflection 150 278BH
Hmm.. what type of vehicle do you have??
Well, current truck isnât going to cut it (2019 Ram 1500 -but itâs paid off). Plan on 3/4 ton when I can find oneâŠfifth wheel definitely out till then.
I like the look of the outside a lot. That dinette is horrible . Two benches would be much better in that space. 220lb rating on a double bunk? That is a head scratcher. The storage to the right of the TV would be great for bathroom linens. Just put a sticky note on the door ."TAKE A TOWEL WITH YOU!"
I had a similar feeling on the bunks. I carefully tested one myself. Felt plenty solid and I'm pushing that mark so you'd expect some kind of flex or something. They were solid.
I THINK what's happening is their single bunks are rated for 220lbs, so the lawyers just said "use that sticker on everything" whether it made sense or not. I could be wrong. Just a theory
Big fan of this type of unit. I live in a real flat area so I think my ram with the hemi can pull it fine. Theatre seats all the way. You can sleep like 6 already so trifold seems unnecessary.
I agree on the sofa - when you already have bunks the hide-a-bed rarely feels needed
You never finished saying what the knee rings on each side were for?
Oh, sorry lol
Dog tie downs or a good way to secure stuff like chairs and bikes overnight or at seasonal sites while away
@@JoshtheRVNerd I always thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to carry some medium to heavy duty screw in ground anchors, and you could use those d-rings to strap the trailer to the ground if there's some really nasty weather coming
Love the tall ceiling and no carpet,, and light color cabs, and ANY road worthy access! And outdoor kitchen. Prefer a cover over rear door too
Bunks are too lightweight, should accommodate 2 full-size adults each!
Two things my Bish
1. Wife likes you in a hat.
2. Like this rv she is carpetless.
lol jim you make me laugh man
Does Bish's sell Kodiak trailers? I'd love to see you do a video on the 332bhsl, such a great floorplan.
Actually I don't think we have them in our lineup *CURRENTLY* but that could change at some point
what do you have that can be pulled by a Tesla Model Y w/payload=1200#?
I am considering a camper in this class range to tow with my half ton but you make me second guess it. Its below 80% of my tow capacity as is and we never travel with water in the tanks. Would weight distribution and sway control lean you to be more comfortable with it? I value your opinion and know most rv sales would say, "sure you can tow this no problem."
Without specifics on the truck I really canât say Ken. Difficult to offer specific advisory without specific details
Towing is multi faceted. Where you plan to take the rv is another let big factor - terrain / wind / etc
@@JoshtheRVNerd truck is a 2021 Ram 1500 5.7l rated for 10k or 11k with WD. 3.97 gears. We live near Atlanta and.most travel will be Appalachians/ Eastern coast. I have experience towing tt and other commercial trailers, gooseneck, etc.. fully loaded but usually with bigger trucks.
Edit: if its too windy I know when to stop. More worried about what the truck can handle on highways and in low mountain roads under normal conditions.
@@FubarKen on paper it seems like a solid pairing
Hi Josh đ
Is it posible to get this one delivered with no bunk's , But maybe a table and 4 chair's ?
All the best from the dreaming Norwegian đ€
I'm not sure if the factory will remove the bunks but we certainly could. "Dreaming Norwegian" is an amazing name btw
Interestingly.. I do not see a table/chairs option on this
However, I *just* finished recording Cougar's version of this layout. They do offer a table and chairs but again we'd have to inquire about removing the bunks
Hi Josh đ
Yeas that name since i like to some day have my holyday and get back to USA and visit your Bish's RV shop , and hope i can find one to get back to Norway đ€
You have now realy nice RV's and great flor plan's as well , and with my Chevy Silverado 2500 HD with a Shocker hitch i think i can do great with one like this .
Thank you for the fast reply , love to see you video's .
All the best from Norway , and my real name is Kjell Magne Stubhaug đ
@@kjellmagnestubhaug2839 oh neat my real name is Joshenheim Nerdstradamus Gary J McGillicutty Winters
But âHey Nerdâ works too
Those upper cabinet doors on the camp kitchen should open up instead of side to side so if you accidentally close the hatch door, it will push them closed instead of breaking them off. I do like the rain awning feature the hatch has when itâs open.
This is a nice unit overall.
What do the do on the pop outs to keep water from pooling on the top surface. That has always bothered me that they are not slightly sloped to encourage water egress and run off. It has always struck me as poor water management. And it
. Appears as if almost all the manufactures have those flat water catcher/leaker designs.
The slide shape depends a bit on the type of slide system used. It is smarter to have a way for water to run off them though. You're not wrong about that!
Do you know the dimensions of that rear cargo door?
Not offhand I am sorry. One of our team members could certainly check though
@@JoshtheRVNerd no sweat. Thanks for the reply.
Josh, youâre a RV baby makerâŠ.Just in case you didnât know. đ