Opinions please.....228 or x213 ?

[Grumpymom73]

We have looked at both models and see pros and cons to both. Any owners out there have some thoughts or opinions I would greatly appreciate them.

We are a family of 4 who are upgrading from a pop-up. We like these two models for the bunks and their weights. We are towing with a 2008 Explorer V6 w/ towing package. These trailers come close to our max towing. We travel light. Empty tanks, no bikes or batteries. We shop for food/drinks after set up. It's really just bedding, clothes and the basics. However, if after purchase we find all our cargo and passengers push us over the limit we will have to take an additional car. We are not happy about it, but it is what it is. We plan to get a better TV in the future. Is it better to tow the shorter X213 or the longer but lighter 228? According to the Yellow sticker weight the 228 was about 150lbs lighter.

Any thoughts.....

[Redhorse 823]

Welcome to the Site!
Both look like nice TT. I don't have one however, I would lean towards the X213 over the 2.
Here is why;
Better seating area
More usable floor space
Higher cargo carrying capacity (when you do get your new TV)

I really bet you already thought about all this...
Just my .02

GL

[s1njin]

I'd agree w/ Tom above. That's why I ordered the X213. You get more interior space b/c of the slide, and you get more CCC (trust me it matters - don't ask me how I know). W/ the 228 the bed is always in the way of the living area, with the X213 the bed is off to the end like in a hybrid or popup.

[Jayco 228]

We looked at both and chose the 228. We are also a family of 4 w/ 2 kids 4 and 8 and the 228 works great for us. Tons and I mean tons of storage space with everything we need. We pull ours with a 2014 Toyota 4-runner with no problems. I like being able to walk around the bed which is another huge plus. We upgraded from a hybrid where I had to climb over my wife all the time, pain in the butt.

[s1njin]

Walking around the bed would be nice. You probably also have a 'real' mattress too.

[Paulx213]

Agreed about walking around the bed but you lose the couch. Basically you have to look at how you'll use it and which features matter most.

[s1njin]

The couch is HUGE for me. I love the Jayco couch. Going from my X17z to my X213 affords me a even BIGGER couch.

Seriously, L-O-V-E the couch. I started out using my campers to actual CAMP in State Forests. To be able to bring a long a couch was just such a new idea to me; it really sold me on the whole concept. Many RV'ers take a couch for granted, but to have a TRUE couch (not one of those tiny fold-down trailer type cushion on a box type couches) is a big deal for me.

[Grumpymom73]

Thanks for all the replies!! You all had very good points. The storage in the 228 is a big plus, as is the couch in the X213. I'm still undecided. I have heard that Jayco stopped making the 228 so not sure we will be able to find one when we go to buy in a few months. In that case the decision will be made for us. LOL

[Ry-guy]

Hey, were a family of five with the Jayfeather 228 and used to tow with a 2011 Ford Explorer. Just as everyone has already mentioned, it's a matter of if you want more storage or the couch. We personally find we do not spend a lot of time in the trailer so we went with the storage and the 228 has lots of it! The DW and I have our own closet as well as the overhead cabinet above the queen bed and the kids get the large wardrobe in the back. We just recently went to the local RV show, talked to the sales people from the dealership we had bought our 228 from, and as far as I know Jayco still makes the 228. Now that might change for the 2015 model year but that is still to be determined. The only thing I would caution you on is you TV. You will be disappointed with the Explorer towing either of these. Our 2011 with the 3.5 liter made 290HP and we had a hard time towing. We did make the trip from Edmonton, Alberta to Jasper, Alberta which was in the Canadian Rockies and the Explorer was being pushed to the upper end of its capabilities. Towing within a 2 hr drive and keeping things light (no water, minimum gear, no bikes, etc.) was ok but we always had to leave a lot at home (the kids always wanted to bring the bikes). The 2008 Explorer, with less HP, will be difficult to tow with to say the least. Ryan

[Grumpymom73]

I know the Explorer will not be the best TV and we do plan to replace it fairly soon. Like I said we will travel light if we can and if we can't we will just load up another car. Luckily we have 3, soon to be 4, drivers in the family. Another plus, but not sure how much it will help, is that we live and camp mostly in FL. Very flat

I'm leaning more towards the 228. I like the storage and the "feel" of it better. My son likes the X213 because the bunks are bigger.
I really hope Jayco keeps the 228. It seems to be still avail on their website but I was told by Jayco Factory Direct that it is a discontinued model.

Thanks again for all the replies. Keep them coming......

[Quantum]

We like our 213 for a couple reasons;

1. We liked the bike door on the drivers side, we flip up the lower bunk and slide in stuff through there.

2. The shorter overall towing length works well with our Chevy Traverse. Gaining the 5 feet when getting to site with the big slide out means no compromises.

3. Units with slideouts "tend" to have higher resale (not always true, but I think more often than not).

Interestingly, Jayco advertises the x213 with a Chevy Traverse. Ours tows very well.

[bigbird]

I looked at the floorplan of the x213 and think the bike storage area is a real plus. The bike storing can be a real headache as many of us have mention on this forum. Jayco must be listening to us.

[Grumpymom73]

I do like the bunk storage area, but does it bother any owners that there is very little "true" outside storage? I'm just thinking there are some things I don't want in my living area. Where do you store your hoses and sewer stuff?

[Paulx213]

Sewer hose goes in the rear bumper and I just put the fresh water hose under the lower bunk. BBQ and hitch stuff go in the small outside locker. More storage would be nice but then I would just bring more stuff.

[s1njin]

Originally Posted by Grumpymom73

I do like the bunk storage area, but does it bother any owners that there is very little "true" outside storage? I'm just thinking there are some things I don't want in my living area. Where do you store your hoses and sewer stuff?

Aside from the sewer hose going in the bumper, I have 3 Rubbermaid totes: electric, water, sewer. In the electric I have my extension cords, dog bones, pedestal tester, power drill, 30 amp twistlock plug form my generator, and 6' propane hose. In the water bucket I have my flow limiter, 3 x 20' fresh water hose, elbows and 45's. In the sewer bucket I just have the various attachments for the Rhino hose setup I have. All 3 close up nice and tight and will live in the forward storage/bunk area upon travel, and the back of the truck upon arrival at camp.

[Ry-guy]

For our 228 I also use the 3 Rubbermaid containers, one for fresh water, one for sewer hose/connections and one for electrical. All three stack in the pass through front storage with the Camp chef BBQ and other misc. Items. Ryan

[Grumpymom73]

The Rubbermaid containers sound like a great idea for both models. Moving up from a pop-up we have a lot to learn. Never dealt with holding tanks or sewer stuff before. We're still undecided but love hearing everyone's ideas. Like I said with them no longer making the 228 I have a feeling we will just have to see what's avail. when we are ready to purchase in a few months. It might end up being a blessing for us as I just can't decided between the two.

[Grumpymom73]

Sorry about all the questions but like I said this is all new to us. What type of towing set up do you all use? I know we need a WDH but what size? Anything else? Thanks!

[bigbird]

One of the things that also sold me on the 228 was the u shaped dinette after sitting in one that wasn't. More leg room for someone sitting on the ends. Mine you there's only the two of us.

[Paulx213]

Another good one to look at is...

http://m.jayco.com/php/products/floo...id=2479&id=462

It was our second choice. Murphy bed was cool and you get a couch (although not at the same time) and it has bunks. For us the X213 won for its cheaper price and lighter weight.