Keystone 220RBI Bullet
2017 Ultra-Lite Trailers

Keystone 220RBI Bullet travel trailer is a modern ultra-lite camper; attractive floor-plan including 2 slide-outs promises comfortable vacation for family of 2 (or 2+2 kids);

        When Keystone RV (founded in 1996 by Cole Davis), came out with its first model – Sprinter, it was an instant success. 

Then it wasn’t surprising that in no time the company became one of the biggest US manufacturers of towable RVs (travel trailers, toy haulers, fifth wheels). From their long list of brand-name RVs (actually too long to quote here) for this presentation we selected the model 220RBI from the series Bullet.

      Bullet travel trailers characterized by aerodynamic “bullet-like” front nose (name obliges) are very popular among RV-ers. The model 220RBI with its length of 25’7” is the smallest one in the series (the largest one reaches 37’6”).  

Definitely it is not the luxurious trailer although has some characteristics of residential-like ones. The popularity of 220RBI RV is certainly determined by its dry weight of just 4,664 lbs. Given the respectable length of 25 feet 7” it clearly belongs to the class of ultra-lite travel trailers that can be towed by popular pickup trucks. 

Keystone 220RBI Bullet travel trailer

   ... and its layout

      As all Bullets, it looks stylish from the outside.  Attractive layout, generous furnishing, and some residential-quality “touches” makes it not only practical and comfortable but also an elegant choice for couples or couples with kids (2+2). But let’s make it also clear – the Simplicity (and affordability – somewhere mid 20k$) which comes together with 220RBI are probably two of the most important decision-making factors. 

The 220RBI is a front bedroom, central kitchen and rear bath camper. Two slide-outs: one deeper on the street-side (housing dinette) and the second one, more shallow on the curbside (housing galley) make the central part roomier. 

Bedroom

Bedroom: open wardrobes and overhead cabinets give better picture of how much of storage space you will have there

Once closed, you can see mirrored wardrobe doors and nightstands

This wall separating the bedroom from the living area houses the Entertainment Center (on the opposite side) and provides niche for an optional TV screen facing the bed.

      The walk-around queen-size bed comes with an “improved” (whatever it means) foam mattress. It’s probably not the top of the line (like pillow-top mattresses), but hopefully good enough to offer comfortable sleeping “environment”. Two bedside wardrobes with hanging rods as well as overhead cabinets offer storage space for what you will need on the daily basis. The under-bed box has large storage capacity but should be used wisely – basically for stuff you do not have to access frequently. 

Two nightstands complete the cabinetry along the front wall (bed-head). However there is one more practical detail worth to mention – the Laundry Chute. It allows you to get rid of all dirty stuff throwing it directly to a laundry basket located in the pass-through storage just below the bedroom.

      The bedroom is separated from the remaining section of the camper by a “cabinetry-wall”.  Basically it is an Entertainment Center set for primary use in the living area. However, on the bedroom side there is a niche ready for an additional TV screen with all required hook-ups. While it’s very thoughtful idea, to us it seems a bit like “not finished business” (design-wise).  What about instead of installing an extra TV, we will be able to rotate the main one facing the living area? It will save money and weight and it is an easy and workable solution in coaches designed just for 2 (or 2+2kids). So here is the room for improvements!

The bedroom’s privacy is “sealed” by the door leading into the “living area” of the trailer.

Kitchen

Galley and the central island

Kitchen Island - plenty of storage space

       The major part of the galley is located in the curbside slide-out. It includes a 3-burner range, hood with light and exhaust fan, 6 cubic feet, 2-doors refrigerator and freezer, built-in microwave and cabinetry with large solid-surface countertop. The central island with sink brings the residential accent into this section of the camper. It is quiet unusual solution in medium-size campers, but here due to “opened space” offered two opposing slide-outs it seems to be enough of room for the island. The stainless-steel, double bowl sink has solid-surface cover so it adds the working space (if needed). 

“Constructive” note: The kitchen island will be more elegant if the sink is under-mounted allowing for flush-mount (and countertop matching) cover. Maybe we will see it in next year edition of the 220BRI Bullet?

      The kitchen has enough of storage space (both standing cabinets and overhead one) not only for cookware but also for “usual stuff” (dry food, small appliances…) and even for the waste basket.  And if necessary, there is a large cabinet (with countertop) next to the entrance door.  It can be used as a pantry, but also as the wardrobe or linen cabinet – all according to your needs.

Living/Entertainment

That is the "Living Space" (on the back visible pantry/wardrobe (left corner) and door leading to the bath (right corner)

Main side of the Entertainment Center

       Bullet 220RBI travel trailer does not have a “well-defined” living area. It’s too small to house any lounge-type corner with chairs or sofa. The living and dining areas are blended together with the kitchen (or at least with the kitchen island) creating one multi-purpose open space.  

The main part of this area is the large slide-out dinette. Thanks to its U-shaped form and comfortable seating the dinette can be used not only for serving  meals but also for work (if any), reading, listening to music, playing games (let’s call it “hang-out” activities) and obviously for watching TV programs. And for the night, the dinette can be converted to double- bed offering an extra sleeping place for two.

       The adjacent wall houses built-in Entertainment Center with large 32” TV screen, and A/V system including standard these days features (CD/DVD/AM/FM/MP3/Bluetooth ….) feeding 2 interior and 2 marine-grade exterior speakers. The remaining part of the wall’s cabinetry houses shallow storage spaces with doors. 

It should be noted, that both slide-outs open flush with the central floor.  Also both slide-outs are carpeted; although is really nice (soft and warm) solution for the dinette, the narrow strip of carpet along the galley is not practical as it will be difficult to keep it clean. Unfortunately this design practice is usually used for slide-outs because the carpet provides one level of thermal insulation! 

Bathroom.

Shower cabin, vanity and medicine cabinet

Vanity with sink

        The walk-in bathroom is located at the rear corner of the camper. It offers standard features including shower cabin, foot-flushed toilet, vanity with sink and medicine cabinet with mirror door. Small skylight above the shower brings some daylight, but for real “brightness” you may need some extra “boost” from LED lights.

On the “constructive-thinking” note – we would like to see the shower cabin with sliding doors. Traditionally opening door (as it is in current version of the 220BRI camper) is simply taking too much of precious space in tight bathroom environment…..

Other notes:

   Seen from the outside, the 220RBI proves it deserves the name “Bullet”. Its aerodynamic front-cap and enclosed underbelly greatly reduce wind resistance at higher highway speeds. 

      Downspouts help to direct the rain water runoff from sidewalls preventing them this way from black streaking.  You can then expect that the travel trailer will keep looking like new over the long years.

The power awning extends (or rather offers) much needed living space. Given the fact that over-sized pass-through storage can store all kind of comping gear, you can actually make the patio quite enjoyable place to hang-out for longer hours (provided friendly weather). What also can help you to make it happen is the rear-mounted grill which comes as an option.

          The curbside slide-out takes a bit of patio, but still it should be sufficiently large to accommodate your “outdoor” needs. Well, to some extent the awning helps to keep slide-out roof clean (protected from leaves and debris), but that is only half-truth. You really need this protection more than ever during windy days, but unfortunately that is when you also have to retract the awning!

       According to Keystone RV the 220RBI Bullet compared to similar size travel trailers (length of 25’7”) is about 1,000 – 1,500 pounds lighter. And that combined with an affordable price (mid 20k$) makes it an attractive choice for couples (or couples with small kids).

220RBI Bullet with opened awning

Specifications

Construction

• Frame: 7.5”-10.5” Steel I-beam w/full length welded outrigger
• Body: Aluminum framed (including slide-outs) w/laminated fiberglass walls and front Diamond Plate
• Roof: One-piece TPO
• Floor: 2” thick laminated aluminum
• Insulation: R-11 floor w/enclosed, heated underbelly, R-11 roof, R-7 sidewalls
• Axles: Twin Dexter w/E-Z Lube
• Brakes: Electric (all 4 wheels)
• Wheels: Aluminum rims /Tires ST205/75R14C (R15 in Western Edition)
• Flooring: Vinyl/carpet

Bedroom

• Walk-around queen-size bed w/upgraded foam mattress
• Two wardrobes w/hanging bars and mirror doors
• Overhead cabinets
• Two nightstands
• Laundry chute
• Under-bed storage
• Individual LED reading lights
• Hardwood privacy doors
• TV-prep
• Two 110V outlets

Stainless-steel kitchen sink

Flush-mounted sink will offer more practical (and elegant) working space

Kitchen

• 3-burner, Flush-mount range w/glass cover
• Hood with light and exhaust vent
• 6 cu.ft 2-way, double-door Fridge and Freezer
• Microwave oven
• Island w/ Stainless-steel double bowl sink (with cover)
• High-rise faucet
• Solid-surface countertops
• Cabinetry (storage, shelves, drawers…) w/hardwood doors
• Pantry/wardrobe/linen cabinet

Dinette set for the night as a double-size bed

Living

• Radius U-shaped dinette w/storage (converts to double-bed)
• Comfortable seating
• Wardrobe/Storage w/solid-surface countertop 

This is the extra storage that can serve as pantry, wardrobe, linen cabinet or as the storage for the "outdoor gear" (handy given the fact that it is located next to the entrance doors)

Audio/Video system

Entertainment

• 32” LED TV
• TV antenna
• Satellite/Cable hook-ups
• DVD/CD/AM/FM/MP3/Bluetooth Stereo with Aux and I-Pod inputs
• Interior/Exterior speakers

Pedal-flush toilet

Bathroom

• Angled shower cabin w/glass door
• Skylight
• Foot Flush Toilet
• Vanity w/ sink
• Medicine cabinet w/mirror doors
• Power vent fan

Interior Features

• Residential-style cabinets w/Hardwood Doors
• Full-extension drawers guides
• LED lighting throughout
• Night Shades

Pass-through storage

Rear bumper with the rack for an exterior grill

Exterior Features

• Power awning w/LED lighting
• 2 LPG tanks with cover (tongue-mounted) 
• Dual battery rack (tongue-mounted / no cover)
• Oversized Pass-Through storage
• Radius doors (w/ gas-strut) and Grab Handle
• Power tongue jacks (only Western Edition)
• Triple entry steps
• 4 stabilizer jacks
• Front Diamond Plate
• Downspouts
• Magnetic storage doors catches
• LPG quick connect
• Grill-mounting hardware (optional)

Entrance steps (we would expect to see here aluminum)

Climate

• 13.5k BTU ducted A/C unit (15k BTU optional)
• 30k BTU furnace (ducted heating)
• 2” duct-off to underbelly
• Thermostat
• Power vent fan

Universal Command Center

Electrical

• Solar prep (only Western Edition)
• GFCI receptacles
• 120V receptacles
• Command Center (slide-outs, awning, water pump, water heater gas/el, lights, battery and tanks monitors)

Water hook-ups

Water

• 6 gallons Gas/El DSI water heater w/quick recovery
• Exterior shower w/hot-cold water
• Black tank flush
• Fresh water/City water hook-ups

Safety

• Spare tire w/carrier (rear-mounted)
• Electric Brake System (4 wheels)
• Alarms/Detectors (smoke, LP, CO)
• Fire Extinguisher
• Egress Window (fire escape)
• Safety chains
• GFCI receptacles

Exterior bumper-mounted grill

Options

• 15k BTU A/C unit
• Bumper-mounted Aussie Grill

And now time for short tour of new 2017 Bullet 220RBI travel trailer

Summarizing: Keystone 220BRI Bullet is a modern, nicely furnished ultra-lite travel trailer that can offer comfortable vacations for couples or family with small children. Attractive layout, good selection of features and affordable price makes it one of favorites for the 2017 season…. 

Go to: --> Top Ultra-Lite Travel Trailers for 2017

Note:  Check with the manufacturer and / or authorized RV Dealer for the up-to-date list of features, options as well as latest specifications. These written above may not be accurate and certainly are subject to change by the factory. We are not responsible for any inaccuracy, the above text is provided only for the general information.

This review was written based on publicly available information for the benefits of the community of RV-ers. We do not receive any gratification or financial benefits from RV manufacturers, dealers, and any other promoters of RVs. 

We are NOT involved in sale and/or retail of RVs!

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