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Old 06-20-2014, 04:07 AM   #1
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Looking at 2 Jayco Travel Trailers.

I am getting back into camping after being out of it for 25 years. There are 2 Trailers that my wife and I am looking at. They are the 2015 JAY FLIGHT 33RLDS and the 2014 EAGLE 318 RETS. I have a few questions if you don't mind.

1. The price is close on these 2 models, is the Eagle that much of a better constructed trailer than the jflight.
2. Does the Eagle have better Windows and Outside Skin than the jay flight.
3. If you were getting back into trailering after 25 years what would you suggest I buy. We don't want any bunks.

Would love to hear your replies.

tks Reboot123
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Old 06-20-2014, 06:32 AM   #2
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Welcome, again, to The Forum. So much of the trailer selection decision is based on personal use & preferences, that offering much advise without more info is pretty superficial. For instance: How, where, and when will you be using it. A trailer that is well suited for week-ending in Florida, may not be practical for full-timing in Michigan.

I'm a little partial to the Eagle, because I own one. Although a lot of folks dislike the fiberglass exterior siding, I think it gives a trailer a sleeker, more contemporary look. It also offers slightly better insulation for early/late season camping. The ceilings are also 3" higher, which gives a more spacious feeling - particularly nice if you spend a lot of time inside the camper (full-timing, cold or rainy weather, long winter evenings, etc.) With the smaller door-side slide-out, it also gives you a larger awning/porch area. On the other hand, the kitchen countertop space is very limited in this particular model. Where are you going to put your coffee maker, toaster, etc.?

The Jay Flight has more kitchen countertop space and slightly larger fresh, grey and black water tanks. (The tanks size may not be terribly important to you if you plan on using it mostly/exclusively at full hook-up campgrounds.)

Both trailers have virtually identical wardrobe storage, so that's pretty much a wash. I would be remiss if I didn't point out a personal bugaboo of mine: both trailers have rear entertainment centers. Unless you are sitting in the front dinette booth, you are forced to turn your head to the side to watch the television. If you live/camp in a hot, cold, or wet climate - or you are a full-time RVer - you may be spending quite a bit of time indoors watching television. After a few days of sustained head turning in a S & B house I use to own with a similar setup, I developed a nasty pain in the neck - literally! After I changed my viewing position, it took several weeks to clear up. As I said, that's my personal bugaboo. There are thousands of trailers & FW's out there with similar setups (either rear entertainment centers, or ET's between the living room and master bedroom), so it's obviously not an issue for everyone. JMHO!

Good luck making your decision, and enjoy your new trailer for many, many years!

Happy Camping!
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Old 06-20-2014, 11:22 AM   #3
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Our 33 RLDS has two huge sofas to watch tv from so We have no problem watching TV on rainy days..
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Old 06-20-2014, 12:24 PM   #4
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I think Brownie's points are very well taken.

The TV viewing position & angle is a serious thing, especially if you are old enough to remember black and white TV...It was one of the compelling features of our most recent trailer (and note, it's different from Brownie's, thought the designator is the same).

I would add that unless you really need to buy a new unit, try looking for a used one, and one possibly smaller than what you are currently looking at. Here's why:

1) Less money/more value
2) All of the initial problems should have been taken care of
3) As a "starter" RV, you get a chance to explore what you like and dislike
4) Lower overall risk. If you don't like it, it's easier to sell and get something else
5) Towing a big, long, heavy trailer is an acquired skill and taste. Give yourself some time.
6) A used unit may have a lot of the "incidentals" included, saving you money and giving you a more turn-key unit.

My $0.02 on getting back into RV's..


Have fun!
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Old 06-20-2014, 12:35 PM   #5
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Great points by all.
Heard a great quote during the Tampa RV show.
"Your first RV is an investment in your RV education"
His point was your don't really know what you want until you use it.
I agree completely with his comment. And after 25 years of being out, its like its all new to you...

Good luck/welcome back

Tom
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Old 06-20-2014, 12:43 PM   #6
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Tks appreciate the replies.
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Old 06-20-2014, 12:46 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Redhorse 823 View Post
Great points by all.
Heard a great quote during the Tampa RV show.
"Your first RV is an investment in your RV education"
His point was your don't really know what you want until you use it.
I agree completely with his comment. And after 25 years of being out, its like its all new to you...

Good luck/welcome back

Tom
Very true, we bought our first camper a Hybrid and hated it. Now on our second one we love it. Live and learn
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Old 06-22-2014, 11:43 PM   #8
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Our trailer is similar to the 33RLDS. We removed the sofa on the side with the dinette and bought two recliners. One is a wall hugger and the other is a rocker. In our experience the sofa's are not real durable or nearly as comfortable as a recliner..
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Old 06-22-2014, 11:50 PM   #9
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Not that you need a third choice. But check out the WhiteHawk 33RSKS
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Old 06-23-2014, 06:12 AM   #10
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Our trailer is similar to the 33RLDS. We removed the sofa on the side with the dinette and bought two recliners. One is a wall hugger and the other is a rocker. In our experience the sofa's are not real durable or nearly as comfortable as a recliner..

Our sofas are ridiculously comfortable and the steel frame looks strong.

We like the idea of the recliners and will probably do that to one of the sofas when the kids get older and we wont need the 2 beds.
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Old 06-23-2014, 09:21 AM   #11
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So much to agree with here. Looking at the floor plan on the 318, I couldn't tell how easy or difficult it will be to change the sheets on the bed. That is of interest to my DW. And viewing the TV would require moving furniture or twisting necks. Our Eagle came with a 10 gallon WH, and it's a huge improvement over our previous camper's 6 gallon unit, which the specs show for the 318. I've also heard complaints about the very attractive brown cap fading. Just some thought that may not matter to you.
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Old 06-23-2014, 09:20 PM   #12
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We had the same decision in our floor plan and went with the eagle. I liked the smooth siding better and just liked the look of the eagle more plus if I remember right it was a little lighter too as we had an f150 at the time. I say eagle
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