2013 Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite 259BH Review
Whether you’re a beginner to travel trailers or a veteran of the road, the 2013 Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite is designed for anyone interested in camping. The Ameri-Lite’s features cater to those who want to experience the wild outdoors from the comfort of their own homes.
Eight Ameri-Lite floorplans are availebe – we’ll be taking a closer look at the 259BH. Its layout uses space efficiently and sleeps five people comfortably. The 259BH has an overall length of 28’10”, overall width of 90”, exterior height of 116” and interior height of 6’4”. It has a dry weight of 4,880 lbs, hitch weight of 620 lbs and net carrying capacity of 2,749 lbs. For water, the 259BH has a black water tank capacity of 27 gallons, grey water tank capacity of 27 gallons and fresh water tank capacity of 30 gallons. The water heater has a six-gallon capacity and the furnace is 16,000BTU.
As for the Ameri-Lite’s construction, the floor deck is screwed and glued to solid wood floor joists on 13”centers. The deck is covered with durable vinyl flooring and supported on a power coated tubular steal foundation. Walls are framed with solid wood studs and fiberglass insulation is glued in place, making it sturdy. The crowned, seamless, rubber roof comes with a 12-year warranty and sheds water using tapered rafters. The construction is pieced together with glue, screws and tough steel straps.
Inside, the handcrafted hardwood cabinets and wood-grain vinyl flooring create a cottage-like atmosphere. Cabinet doors are equipped with Mortise and Tenon joints. The vinyl-lined drawers are deep and operate on roller bearing guides, which makes opening and closing a smooth operation. Absorb your surroundings from the black-framed radius windows that decorate the trailer. If you need privacy, just pull the curtains.
The kitchen contains all basic necessities for cooking meals and storing food. It comes with a flush-mount refrigerator, big enough to store groceries and dinners. A three-burner range top is included and for quick re-heating there is also a microwave oven. A double sink in the kitchen provides enough space for storing and washing. The kitchen is equipped with a six-gallon water heater and a power range hood. Drawers are deep and provide plenty of room for cutlery. Gulf Stream has also thrown in a knife holder for eager cooks who love to chop, cut and slice. When dinner is ready, serve it at the dinette, conveniently located beside a large window that looks outside. The black frame windows throughout the trailer are wide and tinted.
In the bathroom, you’ll be pleased to see an actual tub, which is not always the case for travel trailers. The bath, hidden behind a stylish shower curtain, is 24” by 36” and contains a power bath vent. If you’re not a fan of baths, you can get a shower pan installed instead. A skylight over the tub lets natural light in and can save you on electricity. The porcelain foot flush toilet is easy to clean and hygiene-friendly. You can store all grooming tools in the medicine cabinet, which hangs above the sink.
When you’re ready for your beauty sleep, head to your cozy bedroom. If you need privacy just close the curtains. The queen-sized mattress sits between a wardrobe and a shirt closet, which provide sufficient storage space for clothing. There’s an overhead on the bed and a nightstand for alarm clocks or cell phones. The bed also comes with easy access under-bed storage, which is great because it provides extra storage without taking up extra room.
If you plan on traveling with friends or family, they can sleep on the bunks. Beside the bathroom you’ll find a small nook with a closet, bottom bunk and upper bunk. The closet isn’t big, but if your guests need extra storage space, they can use the hidden storage behind the sofa.
Being in the wild outdoors doesn’t necessarily mean you’re cut off from the rest of the world. All Ameri-Lites come with a television antenna, cable satellite hookup and you can request an AM/FM CD Player. As well, you can upgrade your TV antenna and request an AM/FM/CD/DVD Touchplex Stereo Theatre.
If your family loves doing everything outside, you might want to invest in some outdoor options. You can get a bike door if you plan on cycling. You can also install an outdoor hot and cold shower. An outdoor barbeque is a great addition if you plan on travelling during warmer seasons.
The 2013 Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Travel Trailer 259BH sells for around $20,000. Its lightweight body swallows less fuel, making it an economical and easy-to-tow choice. For more information visit http://www.gulfstreamrvtrailers.com/.
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