What defines a "hybrid"?

[bucko]

I have a Jayco Jay Featherlight SLX16XRB. I was told this is best described as a "hybrid".

Why is that? Is it because it has solid walls (no pop up), yet pop out beds like a pop up?

[33 RLDS]

Yes..Tents like a pop up but hard sides like a conventional TT. It shares traits from both.

[Tunce the traveler]

And they come with free ear plugs. I really like my Hybrid but it can be noisy at night. But what ever makes the Tunce happy.

[33 RLDS]

Even though we tent camped for year, our first camper, a hybrid, we hated it for the noise at night. It seems worse than being on the ground. Maybe noise travels better. Plus the wife was always cold. We quickly jumped to a hard side and been happy ever since !!

[Camper_bob]

Even with my hardsided TT, I've been disturbed by various noises. One camp site was so close to the road, the cars going by got us up really early in the morning. On another occasion, we had some really noisy late-arrival neighbors. I couldn't hear them from bed, but when I was up going to the john, I could hear them clearly. I let it go since it wasn't bothering DW.

Bottom line: we came VERY close to buying a hybrid, and having been out in our new trailer, I'm mostly glad we didn't. It would be nice for the weight and ease of towing and access to more places, but I like our TT just fine...

[Jeff61]

Originally Posted by 33 RLDS

Even though we tent camped for year, our first camper, a hybrid, we hated it for the noise at night. It seems worse than being on the ground. Maybe noise travels better. Plus the wife was always cold. We quickly jumped to a hard side and been happy ever since !!

I second that!

[OnTheGo]

We had a 17Z hybrid some years ago. Then we had a MH and missed the hybrid so much we traded and got another hybrid. After reading the other posts, I guess I would say we get more fresh air than noise. Also, there is enough room in the bigger hybrids that turtling is acceptable when necessary.

Much like Tunce, Atlas & Buckeye think the tent ends are great.

[bucko]

Originally Posted by OnTheGo

We had a 17Z hybrid some years ago. Then we had a MH and missed the hybrid so much we traded and got another hybrid. After reading the other posts, I guess I would say we get more fresh air than noise. Also, there is enough room in the bigger hybrids that turtling is acceptable when necessary.

Much like Tunce, Atlas & Buckeye think the tent ends are great.

I started my camping at 13, and in an old Boy scout canvas two person tent. Then tents got fancy; nylon, light weight, and huge! I saw a VW Westy pull up next to my tent one day, and angels sang! I had to have one. Bought one. Then sold it years later. Now I have my first camper/trailer, a hybrid. Love it. Really like the idea that I got to keep my trusty old Ford Ranger with 216K on it's odometer, and still pulls this "hybrid" without issue.

The wife and I in our older years like the "feel" of being a bit in the "outdoors" with the pop outs. I suppose if we want quiet, we can always rent a cabin.

Love the pic of the dog in post #3. He/she seems right at home!

Thanks for the answers, I feel more educated today. A good day!

[Snake Plissken]

I just run the A/C fan at night to counter the noise.

[bucko]

Originally Posted by Snake Plissken

I just run the A/C fan at night to counter the noise.

Or turn the TV up louder?

[Tunce the traveler]

Originally Posted by OnTheGo

We had a 17Z hybrid some years ago. Then we had a MH and missed the hybrid so much we traded and got another hybrid. After reading the other posts, I guess I would say we get more fresh air than noise. Also, there is enough room in the bigger hybrids that turtling is acceptable when necessary.

Much like Tunce, Atlas & Buckeye think the tent ends are great.

Yes, turtling is easy with the slide out. I take the front mattress and put it on the floor at night and still have room to walk around and it's not in front of the table or bathroom door.

[Paulx213]

Noise isn't an issue for me, none of the parks I've been to recently are party parks. I always sleep with the windows open anyway, it's summer enjoy it while it lasts.

We have a rigid hybrid ( is it still a hybrid ) because my wife didn't think canvas could stop bears.

[Snake Plissken]

Originally Posted by Paulx213

We have a rigid hybrid ( is it still a hybrid ) because my wife didn't think canvas could stop bears.

She has a valid point

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by Paulx213

We have a rigid hybrid ( is it still a hybrid ) because my wife didn't think canvas could stop bears.

LOL! This is one of the reasons DW cited for her vote against the hybrid we were looking at. We live in S Central Texas! So I guess it was the "2-legged" bears she was worried about.

[bucko]

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

LOL! This is one of the reasons DW cited for her vote against the hybrid we were looking at. We live in S Central Texas! So I guess it was the "2-legged" bears she was worried about.

"2 legged"... as in sasquatch?

[DocBrown]

Originally Posted by 33 RLDS

Even though we tent camped for year, our first camper, a hybrid, we hated it for the noise at night. It seems worse than being on the ground. Maybe noise travels better. Plus the wife was always cold. We quickly jumped to a hard side and been happy ever since !!

Hybrids aren't for everyone that's for sure. Still, I wonder what kind of places people camp where it's that noisy all night? We've only had people noise problems 2 or 3 times in nearly 30 years of camping in tents, pop-ups, and hybrids. All other noises are normal outdoor night noises. Very relaxing.

We bought our second hybrid last year. We had our first one for 10 years. We wouldn't have it any other way. A hard side would just feel too closed in.

Originally Posted by Paulx213

Noise isn't an issue for me, none of the parks I've been to recently are party parks. I always sleep with the windows open anyway, it's summer enjoy it while it lasts.

We have a rigid hybrid ( is it still a hybrid ) because my wife didn't think canvas could stop bears.

Neither will that cheesy RV door! http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bears.htm

[njdanmc]

The main reason we chose a hybrid was the amount of light and openness when all windows are zipped open.

[Tunce the traveler]

Originally Posted by njdanmc

The main reason we chose a hybrid was the amount of light and openness when all windows are zipped open.

X2 and that makes the TT one big living room and kitchen in a small tow package. Easy to fuel up at just about any gas station. My post #11 shows just how light and bright it is inside and when we pull into an ocean view sideways it's like living right on the beach.
My site on the Rogue river

[MrKong]

Does anyone ever run the AC? I don't know how you can hear anything above that.

[Paulx213]

Originally Posted by MrKong

Does anyone ever run the AC? I don't know how you can hear anything above that.

A/C at night? Not that I can remember. I just open the windows.