Hi,
I just took delivery of my new 2013 Jayco Jay Flight Swift 184bh yesterday (just in time for the first hailstorm of the season, missed me by about 10 miles) which is my first RV or towable of any sort. I'd been lurking/shopping for a while but a series of unfortunate events involving a set of failed tie-downs and the loss of a $1400 outfitter tent on the return trip from a miserable family camping trip ended up on the market ("yes dear"). We'd settled on a $10,000 budget for the trailer plus some money to add the brake controller/7 wire harness and WD hitch to our vehicle. We have 3 young kids (2-6) and no pets so the trailer had to sleep 2 adults + 3 kids or 3-4 grown men during hunting season. We shopped a bunch of tent trailers but decided to jump right into a compact TT right away due to the improved amenities and likelihood that I'll use the trailer year round (winterized and minus water amenities when appropriate of course). At my price point the 184bh was pretty much the only option in the Jayco line, I looked at some similarly priced competing models and came back to Jayco based on the better build quality, warranty and dealer reputation.
My tow vehicle is a 2013 Kia Sorento SX (3.5l V6) with an Equalizer WD/anti sway hitch and a Primus brake controller installed... it's certainly more noticeable than towing a 6' utility trailer but after practicing getting a feel for the combo and doing some braking/maneuvering and backing up I drove it home without issue and got it parked where I wanted it in our driveway while I wait for the concrete guy to get my pad installed.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the wealth of knowledge available in this forum, in particular the "how to buy" thread which helped me score an internet retailer price through a local dealership after much back and forth. The various "what to buy" and checklist threads have also been a huge help. I did veer off the beginner path a bit and started looking at a 12v solar charging system which will likely start out as a stand-alone kit for charging phones and entertainment devices/lighting around our hunting camp but eventually be integrated into the charge system on the trailer itself via roof mounted 50-100 watt panel(s). No need to void the warranty quite yet..
First trip will be to camp driveway this weekend followed by a local campsite with full hookups to work out the kinks before we range too far from home.
Cheers -- J:fistpump:
New member/RV owner from MN (184bh)
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