In lieu of a Jayco?

[SomersIsles]

I love Jayco’s because they seem like they are built better and their quality is better ... but I want to browse other brands because of our tow capacity.

If you didn’t have a Jayco, what would you consider?

[tott9713]

I’d probably look at Grand Design, Highland Ridge or the newer co Venture RV. Still like my Starcraft even with the issues i’ve had because at least I know what I have and how it’s been fixed.

[33 RLDS]

Arctic Fox (Northwood Manufacturing) is on our short list for our next camper. Grand designs is also on the short list. Jayco didn't make the cut.

[DocBrown]

Lance

[MontanaRick]

Bought Jayco 195RB because it had the only model with the features we wanted at a weight we could comfortably tow.

But I would really like a Black Series HQ15!

[icr21801]

Originally Posted by SomersIsles

I love Jayco’s because they seem like they are built better and their quality is better ... but I want to browse other brands because of our tow capacity.

If you didn’t have a Jayco, what would you consider?

We love our Jayco....but I’d never buy another. Beautiful looking camper but dreadful build quality...as are most RV’s but we’ve been particularly cursed with this one..

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by 33 RLDS

Arctic Fox (Northwood Manufacturing)........snip....... Grand designs.......snip

X2

Bob

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by 33 RLDS

Arctic Fox (Northwood Manufacturing) is on our short list for our next camper. Grand designs is also on the short list. Jayco didn't make the cut.

We had a 2006 Northwood Nash. Nice unit but HEAVY for its size.

[Tunce the traveler]

Just the DW & Tunce so my choice ( and I have an eye on one ) would be a Bigfoot from Canada. Their employees have been with them for years and take pride in their work.

[Campingteacher79]

I love my Jayco, and I’d buy another, maybe an Eagle next time. But I also like trying different brands, for fun. Grand Design would be at the top, also Coachmen Chapparal, and Tiffin recently got into the fifth wheel business, called a Vilano. I’d consider all three.

[ttavasc]

You might also check out Outdoors RV which is a sister company to Northwood Mfg (maker of Arctic Fox/Nash). We are currently scheduled to pick up a Timber Ridge 23DBS this coming w/e. These units are known to be a bit heavier which is why we moved up to a 3/4 ton TV.

Our 195RB was a pretty good unit - relatively trouble-free and reliable. We put about 25K on it over the last 4.5 seasons. I still feel like Jayco has better quality than a lot of other units, but we really wanted to change up a bit how we use the trailer and the ruggedness of the Outdoors RV units looks to fit our needs better this time around.

[jbrnigan]

We have camping friends that have almost every different make listed above. They all like their trailers as much as we like our Jayco and will be happy to tell you why. IMO, it all boils down to "floor plan". Being a happy camper means being able to "fix" it yourself and having a floor plan that accommodates your camping lifestyle.

[33 RLDS]

Originally Posted by jbrnigan

We have camping friends that have almost every different make listed above. They all like their trailers as much as we like our Jayco and will be happy to tell you why. IMO, it all boils down to "floor plan". Being a happy camper means being able to "fix" it yourself and having a floor plan that accommodates your camping lifestyle.

True that any camper can and will have issues. But the Northwood and Outdoor RV are built on custom chassis designed for off road. They even have shocks on all 4 corners. They are also typically 4 season rated. Floor plan is only part of the equation when looking at campers, at least for us.

[Doubleheader]

If Northwood has more PA dealers I would have bought an Arctic Fox 5th wheel. I had pined for one for 2 years before settling on our Jayco Eagle.

[Captain D]

I had a Jayco 23 rd for 1.5 years and had zero problems with it. However when it was time to upgrade to a 26 rls for more rear living area, we just did not like the Jayco as much as the Grand Design Transcend 26 Rls. The Transcend had a lot more features for the price and the initial impression of the fit and finish was superior to the Jayco. Time will tell regarding the reliability.

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by Doubleheader

If Northwood has more PA dealers I would have bought an Arctic Fox 5th wheel. I had pined for one for 2 years before settling on our Jayco Eagle.

The last one left is Kelley Mobile Homes and RV sales in Milton PA. I visited there twice before we purchased this Jayco. Great dealership, but 4 hours away from home.

[Doubleheader]

Midnight, been there as well. It is a very nice family owned business but I just couldn’t justify spending $5K more for the same unit I could buy in the west. Was planning to drive out and buy but decided to go Jayco.

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by Doubleheader

Midnight, been there as well. It is a very nice family owned business but I just couldn’t justify spending $5K more for the same unit I could buy in the west. Was planning to drive out and buy but decided to go Jayco.

I completely understand. Northwood also has a somewhat limited bunkhouse selection which also factored in to our decision.

[ynpmoose]

I was talking to 2 friends that are RV mechanics about brand quality. For them, Grand Design is Tier 1, Jayco/Keystone are Tier 2.

Thor is the plague. Even their class A's are garbage.

[SomersIsles]

Thanks for the tips everyone!