One reason we decided to go for the 2017 267BHSW SLX was because we felt that it met the minimum requirement without going overboard, thus saving us a few dollars on premium features and keeping the tow weight down as an added bonus.
Ours has all the entry level features I think I need, and I'm not paying a premium for those nice to haves.
What I really wanted in the layout was more places to sit than just the dinette area. Ours has a jack-knife sofa next to the dinette in the slide-out.
Not sure about previous year models or other models in the series, but ours has:
- Power Awning
- Power slide out
- Heating duct in the bathroom
- Tub surround
- Sealed underbelly
- Bluetooth in the sound system
- Plenty of storage including a cabinet above the jack knife sofa
- Fridge/freezer seems plenty big enough (Gas/Electric powered)
- Propane tanks covers (2x30lb)
The next model up has in addition, in general:
- Alloy wheels
- Heated underfloor
- Fake tile backsplash behind sink
- A more rigid frame and a stronger roof (I think)
- A roof access ladder
- A built-in bunk access ladder I think
- A mounted TV and DVD player in the sound system
- Sink cover over the sink for more worktop space
- Gas strut supports under the bed for lifting the mattress to get to the under-storage area
- Larger storage tanks I think
- Maybe it has a thermostat-driven A/C. Not a big deal for me north of the 49th...
As far as I can tell the cabinetry style is identical. I do wish our model had more drawers than just 2 (but this is the model layout design not an SLX/non-SLX thing). They add a few extra furnishings in them I think (like a medicine cabinet and a nice lampshade above the dinette... bless!).
Even though I think the structure of the next model up may be a bit more robust, I was satisfied that the build of the SLX was strong enough for my needs and it also meant that this model weighed in at
over 1000lbs less than the non-SLX version.
This puts less strain on my Ford Expedition SUV and allows me to pack more when needed. I personally feel more comfortable being way below my tow capacity and several thousand less $$ in debt for the Trailer. (Try as I might, I just couldn't buy one second hand. I have to feel like it's my home and mine alone!)
On top of that I have done my own additions, and saved a ton of money:
- Added 32" TV/DVD combo set ($250 from Walmart) and a full motion bracket mount ($30 from Amazon).
- Laid down an extra piece of carpet (free from in-laws)
- Cut out my own Sink cover ($15 piece of 2'x4' laminated hardboard from Home Depot)
- Add struts under the bed to re-inforce when raising the bed ($40/pair from Amazon)
I also re-inforced under the queen bed. There are crazy large gaps under there and I don't think this is just limited to the SLX edition. It's a 'feature' of all Jay Flight models. Just sitting on the bed will rip out the stapled-in trim from under the sides of the mattress. Sloppy if you ask me!
Fortunately all it took was a couple of 2'x2's on each side and some caulking to seal the gaps. ($15)
Another important factor for me was the overall length. The 267BHSW at 30'2" fit
exactly on my driveway. Even if it had a roof access ladder it would have been pushed out a few inches onto the road.
So if you don't mind a little extra customization work, I think the SLX is a very good value entry level TT. We love ours! Managed to get out twice after purchasing it before the cold season hit.
Good luck with your decision making.