Jayco Swift SLX 165 RB Vs Starcraft AR-One 15RB

[bumbles75]

We are looking at the Jayco Swift SLX 165 RB & Starcraft AR-One 15RB. We like both of them and are having a hard time deciding which one to get. This would be our first camper. Does any one have any complains or comments regarding either one? I have noticed the only difference is 1' 4" and the Swift has a little more storage.

My son and I love to camp and have tent camped several years. I am trying to get my husband on board as well. I would be the one pulling it and camping in most of the time with my son. So I need something easy to set up and to tow behind our 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. It has a 3500lbs gross weight. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Trying not the make the wrong decision. Thank you

[amabee]

While I don't own either, a big factor for me would be the warranty, unless there is a really big difference in cost, the 2 year warranty from Jayco would win over the 1 year from Starcraft.
We did actually go through a 165RB a while back, it seemed much larger on the inside than you would think, the hybrid bunk end really helps. I didn't see it working for the four of us(sometimes 5), but with only 2 maybe 3 people it would work great.

[bumbles75]

Thank you for the advice. I noticed that you have a X17Z. I really liked it but it's on the heavy end of what we can tow. It would've been our first choice.

[Jagiven]

I cannot help you with your two choices you have narrowed it down to. However, my recommendation is to go to the dealership, ditch the salesperson, spend some time in the TT. Dig through each cabinet and cubby hole. Pull all the seat cushions off as there is usually access point to cubby under many of them. Then sit back and think about how you will use it, where you will be placing all your stuff. By the time you are done, I bet you will make a decision.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by bumbles75

We are looking at the Jayco Swift SLX 165 RB & Starcraft AR-One 15RB. We like both of them and are having a hard time deciding which one to get......snip

Welcome to JOF

When considering any style of camper, and since this is your first camper put very little stock in published UVW (unloaded vehicle weight) or Dry weights, think in terms of "loaded" weights. No one tows an empty camper and ignoring potential "loaded" weights is a first time buyer's biggest mistake.

The following JOF thread link may provide you with some insight with your future purchase. The vehicle model and camper may not be reflective of what your looking at, but the information shared in the discussion may cause you to ask a few more questions.

http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...V-Anyone/page3

I'm sure other JOF members will be able to provide you specific feedback on the Jayco & Starcraft models in question.

Bob

[bumbles75]

Hi, This is Bumbles husband. Our Jeep is a 4 door Sahara. The owners manual says it's towing capacity 3500. That means 80% would be 2800. The sticker on the Jayco is 2665. It looks like the Jayco has a little more lean angle on the front. I can't say for sure since both units are not on the same lot.

We also have a 2003 Chevy 2500HD 4WD. I use it to pull a 28' race car trailer. The Jeep would mainly be used when she wants to go camping on the same weekends that I'm racing.

[amabee]

Originally Posted by bumbles75

Hi, This is Bumbles husband. Our Jeep is a 4 door Sahara. The owners manual says it's towing capacity 3500. That means 80% would be 2800. The sticker on the Jayco is 2665. It looks like the Jayco has a little more lean angle on the front. I can't say for sure since both units are not on the same lot.

We also have a 2003 Chevy 2500HD 4WD. I use it to pull a 28' race car trailer. The Jeep would mainly be used when she wants to go camping on the same weekends that I'm racing.

The 80% rule, I like that, wish more would think that way. Does the yellow sticker on the 165RB say 2665?
How far would it be going? If it's mostly local and you packed fairly light, I would think you be ok.

[bumbles75]

Yes, the yellow sticker on the Jayco was 2665. The Starcraft is 2627. Not enough to make a difference. She might be pulling it a couple of hours one way at the most.

[muelldawg]

We have a Jayco Sport 165 and a selling factor for us (me) was the queen size lower bed that had an open end that allowed me to hang my feet out. And the fact that it was a single axle.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by bumbles75

Yes, the yellow sticker on the Jayco was 2665. The Starcraft is 2627......snip

As you may know, the yellow sticker represents the weight of the trailer as it departs the factory (Ship Weight). It should be noted that the weights reflected on the yellow sticker also includes the weight of the LP tank(s) when filled, even though the LP tank(s) are not filled at the factory.

The combined weights of the battery, WDH hardware (if utilized), and any other items the RV dealer adds are not included in the yellow sticker weights.

The new industry wide "Ship Weight" (yellow sticker) regulation also requires RV dealerships to attach another sticker if they add more then 100lbs to the new trailer, thus reflecting the reduction in the CCC.

The yellow "Ship Weight" sticker IMO reduces the confusion associated with many published UVW and DRY weights.

Bob

[mike12110]

The published GVWR for the Swift SLX 165 is 3,500 lbs. I think thats a little close to the max for your vehicle. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is not a good choice if your going to tow with any gear inside. I'd use caution on this one. Sorry for the bad info.

[bumbles75]

Thanks for the replies. Mike the Jeep would only be used when the truck isn't available. My 2500hd wouldn't even know it's back there. My wife tent camps now and packs light.

[campingva]

I know of one couple who had the Starcraft Hybrid. they used it about 6 months and decided it was very cramped especially in bad weather. Put your family in there and spend some time with the doors closed and see if it will work for you. I have the 176RB (17Z equivalent) and it is even close with just my DW and I in there and the weather is bad. I pull with a 6cyl Ford Escape and it is not good on hills at all. Currently looking for a new TV.

[bumbles75]

According to http://www.rvguide.com/specs/starcra...ble/176rb.html The 176RB is 3370 dry. The 165 is only 2665. That's 705lbs before loaded. The frontal area of the 176rb is also significantly larger. The 17z was her first choice but we decided it was just too much for the Wrangler to pull. Even though the 165 might be small, it's a huge step up from the tent she's been using. We do appreciated the input. Gives us more to think about. We are going to another RV show this weekend.

[Doug]

I have a 2008 V6 4Runner. I went with the 165 Sport. I didn't feel comfortable with anything larger.
Like you say, it's a step up from our PU and it forces you to spend more time outside where you should be :-)

Safe travels,
Doug

[bumbles75]

After trips to dealers and private owners all over the area, we found a '06 Starcraft XP18rb. We should be picking it up this week.