Wanting to downsize. What models should we look at?

gowest · 03-29-2016, 03:01 PM

We currently have a Jayco Jayflight 25bhs. We really like the trailer but I really don't enjoy pulling it. I would like to move into something shorter and easier to tow. I have really enjoyed this jayco and it has been trouble free. What models do you think we should be looking at? We don't care for the models with the dinnete only would rather have a couch and improvise on the table. I don't think we would like the murphy bed models either. We wan't something short with a big floorplan and thats a tough item to find. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

RP53 · 03-29-2016, 03:25 PM

We have a SLX195RB perfect for the DW and me might be to small for you, it does have a walk around queen bed and we converted the dinette into a couch, very comfy to sit a cache a movie, I will say we are not very big folks I'm 5' 9" DW is 5'3"

**Crabman** · 03-29-2016, 03:27 PM

Unless you go with a hybrid models shorter then the 25BHS with your wish list may be hard to find.

borninblue · 03-29-2016, 04:10 PM

How about upgrading your TV to make your towing experience more enjoyable?

gowest · 03-29-2016, 05:53 PM

Tow vehicle is not the problem. I am pulling with a 3/4 ton diesel. I just don't like pulling it. I have pulled big boats forever and the trailer is just not the same for some reason. I just think something smaller would be better. We are wanting to go out west for several weeks and I think a smaller trailer would be a better fit. The problem is most shorter trailers don't seem to have a good floor plan. I wish someone made something around 21ft with double slides. We have been looking at the open range 216rbs but weight is comparable to the 25bhs

DebKen · 03-29-2016, 06:14 PM

We love our 19RD. It has a couch!

Jagiven · 03-29-2016, 08:24 PM

Have you considered a X23B. It's a smaller trailer, but the largest of the hybrids, I'm not sure of the length. When opened up it is very large. Tows very nicely. I have towed it out west with my Dakota as far as 4000 miles in one trip, with no issues, and it was very comfortable. With a 3/4 ton with a good wdh with integrated sway control, you'll never notice it behind you.

The new ones have 14" wheels, are a little higher up, and the axle can be flipped for added height.

What's also nice about the design, is the ability to turtle.

What are you using for a wdh? I like my equalizer hitch.

havnfun · 03-29-2016, 08:40 PM

Hey Gowest......take a look at the 24FBS. Its got all that you want, pulls easy, parks easy, and with dinette and sofa. One slide.
Happy RVing,
Jeff

tbwill · 03-29-2016, 08:48 PM

I ran into a couple last week camping that had downsized and went with the 23RB. It has a sofa and dinette. They were really enjoying the floorplan.

Eatersmom · 03-29-2016, 08:57 PM

How many people are you hoping to sleep in it?

olyelr · 03-30-2016, 06:10 AM

Yeah, most likely going from a 25' to a 22' or 23' in all reallity isnt going to change tow experience much. Maybe if it is a hybrid?

I think you will need to be in the teens for size to feel much of a difference, and like stated above it will most likely be difficult to find an open floor plan in a smaller trailer like that. Personally i dont know, though, as i have never looked at them. Have you checked out the jayco website and looked at all of the layouts offered in a shorter trailer? That would be where i would start.

Best of luck!

Houghtjr · 03-30-2016, 07:42 AM

Jagiven mentioned the X23B hybrid as on option. I am not sure if that is something you are considering. That has been our camper since august of 2014. It is a fantastic camper and pulls great. I actually pull it with a 2014 Explorer with the ecoboost v6. Never a problem through the mountains of NC or the winds at the coast. We just upgraded to a 2016 Eagle 31BHDS. It is big, but fits our family of 6 well. I have my 2015 X23B for sale. It is in perfect shape and priced to sell. You can see it at 2015 Jayco Jay Feather 23B, Raleigh NC - - RVtrader.com. Also happy to answer any questions about it. Hope you find what fits your needs.

gowest · 04-01-2016, 07:01 PM

We have also looked at the x models and wife doesn't like the layout. Gonna hit some different dealers in the next couple of weeks and look at some different brands. Were also wanting to look at the Jay feather 23rlsw but no one around here has one. We are only trying to sleep 2. Thanks for everyones help.

Murff · 04-01-2016, 08:05 PM

If I might make a suggestion, the White Hawk 23MRB. I know you wrote you didn't particularly want a unit with a Murphy Bed but our 2015 20MRB (no longer available) feels like the largest trailer we have owned. A couch when you want one and a full queen bed.

If you don't want the outside fridge or stove, more storage!

2016 White Hawk 23MRB | Jayco, Inc.

My advice and worth what you paid for it.

Murff

SouthCo · 04-02-2016, 05:39 AM

What is it about how the trailer tows with your 3/4 diesel that u don't like? Not saying you shouldn't go smaller if you want but not sure a few feet will feel any different for you. Could it be your hitch setup that makes you not enjoy it? I have a barely larger trailer, also a 3/4 ton diesel and with my Blue Ox WDH i can easily forget it's back there. Have towed from MD to FL, MD to TN and many shorter trips (3-5 hours) and my truck drives just as good as when the trailer is not back there. Just wondering if there is another solution other than the trailer as you say you really enjoy the trailer.

LiftedAWDAstro · 04-02-2016, 06:07 AM

I agree with SouthCo...a smaller trailer won't pull any easier really. I went from a 232 EXP hybrid to a 26BH which weighs about 1500# more and is quite a bit taller than the hybrid and noticed no real difference in how they towed using the same truck. My thought on why they towed similar is the tire diameter on the hybrid was smaller on 14" wheels.

I bet if you spent money on the best hitch out there, your towing experience would be different. I use a ProPride 3P and while I still know my trailer is there, I do need to watch my speed as I can easily find myself hitting 65 - 70 on 2 lane roads. I am pulling with a 1/2 ton Tundra.

Wireman · 04-02-2016, 01:39 PM

I have a 23RLSW on order. 1000lbs less and 2 ft shorter than your model. Only downside is the storage.

Can't say yet how it tows. I ordered the sway control option, $375.

gowest · 04-02-2016, 07:27 PM

We are using the equalizer hitch and i don't feel its the problem. I think a lot of it is the boxy shape of the trailer and not being able to see around it. Were gonna hit some dealers and see whats out there in the next few weeks

SouthCo · 04-02-2016, 07:53 PM

If it's just seeing around it your going to want to look at popups. My truck has the factory tow mirrors and they are great but your only going to see down the side of any non-popup trailer. No way to see around it. Keep us posted on what you find.

SouthCo · 04-07-2016, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gowest

I wish someone made something around 21ft with double slides. We have been looking at the open range 216rbs but weight is comparable to the 25bhs

I doubt it will have double slides but Jayco has a new Jay Flight Model for 2017. Its the JayFlight 21QB. I would guess it'll be around 21' and have a queen bed from the model designation. Not any real information on it but it was listed in the 2017 Jay Flight Enhancements. May be one to keep an eye on...

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f4...nts-34878.html

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