Which would you buy - 2007 or 2011 Jayfeather 23B

charles_cincy · 09-19-2014, 06:22 AM

Hello,

Wife and I are looking for our first trailer. Till now we've always used tents.

We've found both a 2007 and 2011 Jayco Feather 23B. The 2007 is 10K and seems to be in great shape (dealer is including new tires for the trailer). The 2011 is 14K going to look at it Saturday (new dealer has two, so I'm hoping one will be in great shape).

From a price vs NADA retail, the 2011 is a better deal. But I'm hesitant to go so far above that 10K barrier on our first trailer.

I'd appreciate any thoughts from the veterans here as too which one might be a better choice.

Thank you!

nbhybrid · 09-19-2014, 06:38 AM

IMO I hate buying other peoples possible junk. I would first Email all of the dealers with new X23B's and determine what the best price you could get. I wouldn't be surprised if this time of year you got a smoking deal on a new 2014 for not much more than that 2011.

Do you need such a large trailer for your first?

How many people?

What kind of tow vehicle do you have?

My roomy X17A was only 13000 brand new.

nwminnesota · 09-19-2014, 07:36 AM

I bought my 2011 last year for 14000. Maybe you could get them to come down a bit more. I did buy mine from a private party. Could they throw in a warranty of some kind for you? With that being said I would buy the 2011. Mine is an earlier year 2011 so my tv is not mounted to the wall which leaves me with less counter space. If it is a later year 11 the tv should be on wall then the counter will be extended. I think the 2012 model comes with a curved roof though. No matter which one you get you'll love it. So with that in mind go with the 2011 or a 12 because once you start using it you won't want to sell it. My budget was 10000 but once I seen this one I had to buy it. Figured get the nicer one now because kids grow fast and as the get older chaneces are you'll be doing less camping . I haven't regret spending 4000 grand over my budget. As long as you can afford it. You still want cash to stick in you gas tank so you can use it

charles_cincy · 09-19-2014, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nbhybrid

Do you need such a large trailer for your first?

Probably not, but that's what the wife wants.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nbhybrid

How many people?

We have two kids 8 & 6 and want enough room to bring along another couple with a child or two. One reason for the bigger trailer is in case it rains and we're all stuck inside!

Quote:

Originally Posted by nbhybrid

What kind of tow vehicle do you have?

Honda Ridgeline (600# TW, 5000# Towing) . Yes, I realize the 23B will be right at the limits. But talking to other RL owners, including one with a 23B I think I can do it safely. Especially with a P3 controller and a Equal-i-zer E4 hitch; though gas mileage will suck. In addition, we are in Ohio. Most are trips will be local and we won't have to worry about mountains for the most part.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nbhybrid

My roomy X17A was only 13000 brand new.

Definitely something to consider...

Thank you!

charles_cincy · 09-19-2014, 07:50 AM

Thanks, the info about the TV should be useful. I'll look at that tomorrow when we check it out.

Interesting about the change from the flat to curved roof. Will have to look for positive/negative feedback from other owners.

nwminnesota · 09-19-2014, 07:51 AM

Fyi I have a family of 4 with a dog. Love the space. I originally wanted a x20e but the x23b was a good deal. I really happy that I went with the x23b being it has plenty of clothing storage for the whole family. Also we were with another couple with there 2 kids it started to rain we all had dinner around the u shaped dinnett think god for the extra space.

kvangil · 09-19-2014, 08:01 AM

Get the one in the best shape for what you want to spend; based on your reluctance with the high price tag of the 2011, you may want to lean toward the 2007 and see if they'll come under $10K on it. We are a family of 6 and bought our '04 23B last year for $6K and have not regretted it at all. There are some features of newer ones that would be "nice" but we tend to stay under $10K for our trailers too... The only money I've had to put into it since we bought it was 4 new tires at a cost of $400 installed, and new bunk end latches for $30. Some will say buy the newer one, some will say buy new altogether, but ultimately it's your money....

nbhybrid · 09-19-2014, 08:14 AM

When we moved from our pop up we were not concerned about size I guess. We only sleep in the trailer as we are usually adventuring from sun up to sunrise. If it rains we hit an indoor attraction like a museum or mall or sit under the awning.

I have had a campfire every evening of our 39 nights even with rain

If those were my only 2 choices I would take the 2007. IMO used is used and unless maintenance was adhered to the 2011 could be in worse shape mechanically than the 2007.
The 4000 in savings will be nice to have for repairs.

Good Luck

kvangil · 09-19-2014, 08:23 AM

...Another thing to consider...With the 23B's, it seems as the newer models came up, the "dry" weight crept up while the gross weight stayed the same. For example, my '04 has a "dry" weight of 3700lbs according to Jayco brochure (actual dry weight 4026lbs according to the sticker on my trailer), where as Jayco brochures for 2007 lists dry weight of 4035lbs, and for 2011 it's 4170lbs.

I'd check the stickers on the units you're looking at and see what the actual dry weight is so you know which one gives you most cargo capacity, and also would be a lower weight starting-point for your Ridgeline, considering you are at your limit already... Good luck!

Rustic Eagle · 09-19-2014, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charles_cincy

snip......We've found both a 2007 and 2011 Jayco Feather 23B.....snip

Your question was which model year, 2007 or 2011? IMO I would eliminate the 2007 model year from your short list. The 2007 model year was a transition year for Jayco with the TPO roofing material that had a 'fleece' backing, which was a moisture wicking problem for Jayco.

In general the 23B HTT's have a great floorplan offering a spacious feel once the bed-ends are opened. BIL had a 2006 model and worked out well for them.

Bob

charles_cincy · 09-19-2014, 09:34 AM

Thank you!

That's very helpful to know. Care to expand on how the problem manifests? The 2007 seemed to have a very solid roof. Though I didn't get up on it; as it was dark by the time I got a ladder. I did look over it with a pretty strong flashlight and pressed upwards from the inside everywhere I could reach.

The only roof related thing we noticed was a small stain/blemish about 6" in diameter that was hidden until we slid out the side. It didn't appear to be bubbling or delaminated as it was as solid as the rest of the roof.

I'm assuming there was a small leak that was fixed quickly enough to prevent non-cosmetic damage.

Thanks again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

Your question was which model year, 2007 or 2011? IMO I would eliminate the 2007 model year from your short list. The 2007 model year was a transition year for Jayco with the TPO roofing material that had a 'fleece' backing, which was a moisture wicking problem for Jayco.

In general the 23B HTT's have a great floorplan offering a spacious feel once the bed-ends are opened. BIL had a 2006 model and worked out well for them.

Bob

lightcs1776 · 09-20-2014, 06:38 PM

At 14k, I would be looking at something new, and do all I could to convince the wife that it is big enough. I purchased an older model for our current trailer. We have only had it five years, one of which I was gearing up for deployment and one which I was deployed. We didn't use it last year as we were getting used to me being home again. This year we took it out and found soft spots in the floor. We are now waiting on delivery of a new trailer. I agree with a previous post about buying other folks problems. If you are going to put down 10-14k, might as well make any problems your own. Just my 2 cents.

Rustic Eagle · 09-20-2014, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charles_cincy

snip.....Care to expand on how the problem manifests? The 2007 seemed to have a very solid roof.......snip

Moisture can reach the TPO fleece backing from anywhere on the roof where caulking has been compromised (vents, stink pipes, skylights, etc.) and also along the roof/sidewall seam...., specifically moisture getting trapped behind the gutter rail and following the screws into the structure.

Bob

nwminnesota · 09-20-2014, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lightcs1776

At 14k, I would be looking at something new, and do all I could to convince the wife that it is big enough. I purchased an older model for our current trailer. We have only had it five years, one of which I was gearing up for deployment and one which I was deployed. We didn't use it last year as we were getting used to me being home again. This year we took it out and found soft spots in the floor. We are now waiting on delivery of a new trailer. I agree with a previous post about buying other folks problems. If you are going to put down 10-14k, might as well make any problems your own. Just my 2 cents.

For the money these trailers cost. I sure hope they make them good enough to last longer then a couple of years. Its like anything else if their is a year that has known issues stay away from that year. Mine is used and I haven't had any issues other than the normal maintance stuff you should do. Check caulking, a/c tighten down screws, check seals around openings etc.

Samebutdifferent · 09-21-2014, 04:06 PM

We have a 2008 jayco 19 h. Wish we had the 23B for the extra space. Make sure you check around the bunkends for no leaks. Especially the front
Also check rvdirect.com for a quote on a new one. you may be able to use that to get a lower price.

Kellys · 09-21-2014, 04:41 PM

We purchased a 2006 23b a year ago instead of buying new,we love it, we bought it from a dealer we paid a little less than 10k for it the only issue it had was the awning was a little worn , the dealer replaced the awning and replaced all four tires because of being original and replaced the battery we were very happy we went with used because another year and it will be paid off and far as we are concerned you never have enough room thx

KiltDog · 09-21-2014, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lightcs1776

At 14k, I would be looking at something new

X2. 14K is a lot of cash. Not used money IMO

nbhybrid · 09-21-2014, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KiltDog

X2. 14K is a lot of cash. Not used money IMO

x3 actually. I kind of referred to this in my first post

Smitty75 · 09-21-2014, 08:56 PM

What area of the country are you in? I know a dealer that has a couple new 2014's with the power package left over for 16,500. I just got mine there a few weeks ago and he had a couple left. It's a little more than the 14k for the 2011, but it's new and includes a 2 year warranty. Just a thought.

charles_cincy · 09-21-2014, 08:57 PM

Cincinnati, Ohio.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smitty75

What area of the country are you in? I know a dealer that has a couple new 2014's with the power package left over for 16,500. I just got mine there a few weeks ago and he had a couple left. It's a little more than the 14k for the 2011, but it's new and includes a 2 year warranty. Just a thought.

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