The Jayco Jay Feather Micro travel trailer line is officially coming to an end, and like many families, you may be wondering what replaces it. This line started in 2021 which is when we purchased the Jay Feather Micro 171BH bunkhouse travel trailer. While it’s definitely bittersweet to see this line go, there are several 2026 models that come surprisingly close to what made the Micro line so appealing. In this article, I’ll walk through the Jayco models that best replace the 171BH and also share a few strong bunkhouse alternatives from other manufacturers worth considering.
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What Replaced the Jay Feather Micro Line?
Jayco has effectively replaced the Jay Feather Micro line with the Jay Feather Air lineup. Within this lineup, there are actually two categories: Jay Feather Air SL and Jay Feather Air.
The Air SL (Super Light) models are designed to keep weight and cost as low as possible. While one Air SL floor plan looks very similar to the 171BH at first glance, there are major differences that make it less comparable. These models lack features like an enclosed underbelly, have smaller tank sizes, and even remove the bathroom sink. While those trade-offs may work for some campers, they don’t align closely with what made the Jay Feather Micro such a well-rounded option for dry camping and family use.
Because of that, the focus here is on the standard Jay Feather Air models, which are built more similarly to the Micro line and offer a closer match overall.
Key Differences Between Jay Feather Micro and Jay Feather Air
Length and Storage
The Jay Feather Air bunkhouse models are slightly longer than the Micro line. The Jay Feather Micro 171BH measures just over 20 feet in length, while most Jay Feather Air bunkhouse models fall right around 23 feet. That extra length allows for improved storage, including larger pantries, which is a welcome upgrade for families.
Tank Sizes
One of the biggest advantages of the Jay Feather Air models is increased tank capacity. The Micro line offered a generous 55-gallon fresh water tank with 30.5-gallon black and gray tanks. The Jay Feather Air keeps the 55-gallon fresh tank but increases black and gray capacity to 38 gallons each. For dry campers, that larger black tank can make a noticeable difference in how long you can stay off-grid.
Bed Size
Another notable update is the front bed. Jay Feather Micro models used a Full XL mattress, while Jay Feather Air models now feature a standard queen bed (60 x 80). This change improves comfort but also helps explain the slightly longer trailer length.
Closest Jay Feather Air Replacements for the 171BH
Jay Feather Air 16DB
The Jay Feather Air 16DB is the closest overall match to the retired 171BH. It keeps a very similar front layout with a permanent bed and dinette-style seating. The biggest differences come in the rear, where the trailer now features double bunks instead of singles and a reworked bathroom layout.
This model also adds a large pantry and includes a well-equipped outdoor kitchen with a griddle and fridge. While it’s nearly three feet longer than the 171BH, weights and tank capacities remain comparable, making it an excellent option for families who liked the Micro but want a few modern upgrades.
Jay Feather Air 18MBH
The 18MBH feels like the inverse of the 171BH. The rear of the trailer (including the single bunks and bathroom layout) is nearly identical to the Micro, complete with a bathroom sink and generous space. The front, however, is entirely different.
Instead of a traditional dinette, this model features a bar-style seating area positioned at a large camp-side window. The kitchen is relocated into a slide, and the bed up front is a Murphy bed that converts into a couch during the day. While it doesn’t include a built-in outdoor kitchen, it does have a quick-connect for setting up your own exterior cooking system.
Jay Feather Air 19MBS
The 19MBS is very similar to the former Jay Feather Micro 199MBS. It includes double bunks, a Murphy bed, and an outdoor kitchen setup. One notable difference is the dinette style. The Micro version had a U-shaped dinette, while the Air model uses a standard dinette located in a slide. Overall, this model carries forward many of the features families appreciated in the Micro bunkhouse lineup.
Bunkhouse Alternatives Outside of Jayco
If you’re open to looking beyond Jayco, there are a couple of bunkhouse models that closely mirror what made the 171BH appealing.
Forest River Ibex 16MKD
The Ibex 16MKD is a strong alternative for those wanting something closer in size to the Micro line. At about 21.5 feet long, it splits the difference between the Micro and Jay Feather Air models. It includes a queen bed, single bunks, a bathroom with a sink, and an outdoor kitchen, all without a slide.
Tank sizes are smaller at 30 gallons for fresh, black, and gray, but the trailer includes an enclosed underbelly and is well-equipped for dry camping. If compact size and simplicity are priorities, this model is well worth a look.
Coachmen Apex Nano 183BH
The Apex Nano 183BH stands out for its unique design and impressive outdoor kitchen setup. At just under 23 feet long, it’s similar in size to the Jay Feather Air models and offers relatively large tanks (52 gallons fresh and 27 gallons black and gray).
This model includes double bunks, a Murphy bed, and a bathroom sink, but where it really shines is in how the indoor and outdoor spaces connect. A large pass-through window near the bar seating allows people inside and outside the trailer to easily interact, making it a great option for social camping, even in less-than-perfect weather.
Final Thoughts on Replacing the Jay Feather Micro
While it’s sad to see the Jay Feather Micro line come to an end, the 2026 bunkhouse models available today offer some exciting alternatives. Whether you’re drawn to the updated Jay Feather Air lineup or interested in looking at similar trailers from other manufacturers, there are plenty of solid options that carry forward what made the Micro line so popular.
If you’re in the research stage and would like a direct comparison between two specific models, feel free to reach out or leave a comment. I’m always happy to break down layouts, specs, and real-world usability to help you find the right fit for your family. Happy camping!
