Thinkin' about a change...

[KevinD]

We're long time TT owners and currently own a Lance 2285 that we've had for several years. We're considering a change to a 5er and I'm wanting to make sure we move to a brand that will include a high build quality with all of the normal high expectations...quality materials and good fit/finish.


So far, Jayco keeps coming up in the discussion...but I am a total newbie when it comes to fifth wheels! It looks like the Eagle line is where we will be looking. Our normal trips are either long weekends, or a week or two in duration. Normal trips are anywhere from a few hours from home to a full drive to southern Louisiana or heading west to the Rockies. Moving closer to full timing may in the picture as we get closer to retirement.



The kicker is that I'm also an avid kayak fisherman.


We have a couple of kayaks that I've been throwing on a rack on the Chev 2500, but that option goes away with a 5th wheel. My kayaks are 12'-14' long and weight from 75# to 100#.



Would some of you experienced owners...kayak owners...give me some feedback on how you transport your kayaks? Is the Jayco quality still there?


I guess I'm on a fishing trip here but any feedback or advice is appreciated.


Thanks!

[Jagiven]

I cannot really help with the 5vers, as I have never owned one.

As for quality, these things are all handmade, so sometimes, some units have more issues than others. If your handy, most of those items will not be an issue. The key is a really good dealer.

As for kayaks, I have seen a few racks that push the canoe, or kayaks forward over the hood and cab. Maybe worth looking into. google "canoe rack for 5th wheel", and you can find lots of examples.

[DrSmart]

I've been using a T-bar at the front bumper and forward roof rack for my 14' and now 16 foot kayak. Two kayaks could be carried using J style racks.
As far as quality of build on trailers, there will likely always be something to fix. If you're lucky your list may be short. I'm on several RV forums and members on all these forums have problems. Doesn't matter the make or price bracket. They're all assembled by hand. Important considerations are dealer and manufacturer reputation for support.

[33 RLDS]

Have you looked at Arctic Fox (Northwoods Manufacturing) That will be our next camper most likely. We really like the 27-5L but may go larger. I don't see another Jayco in our future.

[Vasquez Kid]

I will also be looking at Northwoods as well as these:

https://outdoorsrvmfg.com/glacier-peak/

[kayakterp]

Have you thought about a larger TT?
I am an avid kayaker and use a "Universal Truck Rack" to haul my kayaks when I go camping. The TT allows much more space in your truck bed and the Universal Rack has many options (places) to hook onto with or without an RV hooked up.

[KevinD]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

I cannot really help with the 5vers, as I have never owned one.

Sorry...I fat fingered "5ers" as a shorthand for 5th wheel.

[KevinD]

Originally Posted by DrSmart

I've been using a T-bar at the front bumper and forward roof rack for my 14' and now 16 foot kayak. Two kayaks could be carried using J style racks.

I'm familiar with these but never used one. I've wondered about pulling a small kayak trailer behind a 5th wheel...I've seen a few of them on the road. It would eliminate the problem of loading overhead but would also mean I'd have to drop the trailer before backing...plus possible issues with state to state laws.

[KevinD]

Originally Posted by 33 RLDS

Have you looked at Arctic Fox (Northwoods Manufacturing) That will be our next camper most likely. We really like the 27-5L but may go larger. I don't see another Jayco in our future.

Not a lot of local dealer options for them in my area but I hear good things about them.

[33 RLDS]

Originally Posted by KevinD

Not a lot of local dealer options for them in my area but I hear good things about them.

Same here on the east coast. No biggie, when ready I will just make a road trip west !

[KevinD]

Originally Posted by kayakterp

Have you thought about a larger TT?
I am an avid kayaker and use a "Universal Truck Rack" to haul my kayaks when I go camping. The TT allows much more space in your truck bed and the Universal Rack has many options (places) to hook onto with or without an RV hooked up.

A larger TT may be an option but I wanted to look into 5th wheels too. We currently use a rack on the truck bed loaded with 2 kayaks. A bit of a pain to load/unload and tie down properly. I'm kicking around the idea of getting a Malone kayak trailer, and had thoughts about possibly pulling it behind the 5th wheel...but it's a lot of "stuff" to pull around and the trailer would have to be dropped before I could back the 5th wheel into a site.


Here's the current setup with my old TV...we tow with a 2015 Chev 2500 Duramax now.





I guess we're looking at all options. I like what I'm seeing on storage and ease of operation with a 5th wheel vs. deciding to stay with a TT and just get along with it.



I stopped by a local dealer today to see for myself. There are some pretty attractive units out there.

[Bakersfish]

As a two time Jayco owner, I would avoid Jayco. Workmanship is lacking and customer service is a joke! We've had our Jayco 321RSTS for 24 months...it's been in the shop for 5 of those 24 months and it's still not fixed properly!!

[bender88]

We have a 317RLOK now and love it but we're looking at a toy hauler. Grandkids are getting close to being old enough to go with us so a toy hauler checks the box a bunkhouse does AND we can load canoes/kayaks and such.

[Ringneks]

The top pic could be an option for you, the bottom pic is how we haul our kayaks.

[GScott]

I own a Malone kayak trailer mostly because I am tired of lifting the yaks up on my truck. I have never towed it behind a 5th wheel. They are very light and easy to move by hand so I don’t think it would be muck of a problem when you get to camp.