new trailer thoughts - can't decide what to do

[mjwills]

Hello - I am thinking about buying a TT (have been renting the last couple years) and am interested in the 314bds (need the space).

I found some new ones for a decent price but wondering if it would be smarter to find used since it is my first one.

I have not heard "bad" about Jayco quality and am comfortable sticking with this brand (looked at Forest River and Keystone products).

Can anyone tell me the good and bad about Jayco (specifically the 314 if possible) and about buying new vs used?

I assume that most people buy a trailer and own it for many years? I am not interested in trying to get out of this in a year or so.

Thanks for your help - the more information the better.

Mark

 

[Topher24]

I can only comment on the new vs used based on my experience. My wife and I have shared space in a seasonal camper for years now (weekend warriors). We looked at new and old campers and quickly discovered that a used trailer can look/feel exactly the same as a new trailer without the extra upfront cost. We recently purchased a 2007 and I can honestly say we could not tell that the camper has ever been used (even smelled new). So we decided to purchased a used trailer and save on the cost. We are planing on doing it again for our next trailer.

 

[Crabman]

Welcome to the forum, mjwills!
No doubt you can find some good deals on used trailers, IF you can find what you want and in good well kept condition. Obviously there are many more choices and options to select from when purchasing new. If you are in no hurry you could test the waters on used ones and see what`s out there. The main thing to look for with any used RV is any evidence of leaks, which can lead to big unforeseen problems and repair expense.

 

[Denise-JAY]

Welcome to the Jayco Owners Forum Mark! We bought our tt knowing we would try and hang onto it for 10yrs or so. Have had it over two years now. It's traveled over 10,000 miles and 'lived' in for about 6 months total so far. Most warranty issues were dealt with in the first year, but it was still nice to have a two year warranty. We still like it.

We looked at used tt's but couldn't find a newer one that didn't seem lived in. One guy showed us his three year old tt and proudly exclaimed that it's made three trips cross country and not a single problem (can't remember what brand). I asked when he last re-packed the wheels and he said never... LOL that the wheels always turned ok and never had to be re-packed! That's when we realized that if we were to keep our tt for quite a few years, we might as well buy new.

If you do look into a new purchase, check out this thread on have to save money on your purchase! Good luck and happy shopping

 

[clutch-FRF]

Just keep looking at both and when you find the 'ONE' you will know it. Only you can answer the question. There are benefits to each.

 

[mjwills]

Thanks for the welcomes and info. Trust me, I won't have any less of a good time with the family in a nice used unit, but for the long haul, new will get me what I want, I will know its history and it will have the warranty.

 

[Rustic Eagle]

Mark,

Welcome to the Jayco forums.

Just a couple of thoughts, new or used.........;

When shopping for a TT, ignore unloaded and dry weights...., focus on potential "loaded" weights, look for the GVWR's to be safe, because no one tows an empty TT.

If you want to be a real happy camper, purchase a TT that your TV can tow. Start your TT shopping by knowing what your TV is capable of towing, don't guess. The following stickys in the "Towing and Tow Vehicle" section of this forum may be helpful:

http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=3866

http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=3169

Bob

 

[Duckogram]

New or Used

Mark,
First, welcome to the forum. I'm new here myself and have found some sage
advice available here.
Bob is spot on. As you can see from my signature block, I bought a new Keystone Bullet 215RBS to tow behind my 2010 Honda Ridgeline. The TT was 4020 dry and the Ridge had a 5000 lb tow capacity. Wow almost 1000lbs extra capacity... NOT. After loading the TT with only 15 gal of H2O and all of our stuff (include wife and dogs) we headed up to the CAT scale, filled up with gas and pulled up on the scale to check the numbers. The Ridge had a CGVW of 10,080lbs. We tilted the scale at 9,700! Now you have to subtract altitude per the manufacturer and we could only climb a 5000' hill and stay within specs and then only if we burned 91+ octane. So we were good to go to Denver but thats about it. Also, on a steep grade in the Ozark foothills (Branson) we slowed to a whopping 15 mph in a 65 mph zone. Not my idea of safety at all. Soooo, I swapped the Ridge for a real truck and traveled the same route. Didn't notice the TT behind us. Up the same hill at 65 mph in cruise. Ahhhhhhh. It became so much fun camping that we bought a 5er so we can snow bird. But first I joined the smash the truck and trailer (5er and a shortbed - dont ask) club so we are waiting until it is fixed before we bug out. BTW, I have a new Pullrite Superglide... LOL
The guy that bought our TT got all the manuals and a complete record of service (which included greasing the bearings;-) and a mileage log.
We bought our used one from a friend of a friend so I knew the history. Its a good one overall but needed some TLC. Hope u find a good one as well.

 

[CityFarmer]

Welcome to the forum mjwills ! We looked at a lot of TT's, new and used, Bought a new one cause that's the one we fell in love with.

 

[mjwills]

Well - I put a deposit on a new 2012 314BDS today. Really excited, ordered it the way I want and it has the new fiberglass front cap and domed interior ceiling. I'm sure I'll be back with plenty more questions.....

 

[Wiscampsin]

Congrats mjwills!!!!!

 

[CityFarmer]

Well - I put a deposit on a new 2012 314BDS today. Really excited, ordered it the way I want and it has the new fiberglass front cap and domed interior ceiling. I'm sure I'll be back with plenty more questions.....

Excellent choice, Congrats!

 

[Crabman]

Yes Indeed congrats are in order! Enjoy your new rig

 

[Topher24]

Congrats Mark!

So do you have to wait till spring to use it?

 

[clutch-FRF]

Getting exactly what you want is worth the wait. Congrats.

 

[mjwills]

I will have to wait until spring to use it. Actually it is not even being delivered to the dealer until mid/late Feb. I guess that will give me time to check out the early yeard shows to make sure I did get a great deal

 

[CityFarmer]

Now you have time to get some good shopping in and buy all those this and that's you'll need when you do get to start camping.

 

[Duckogram]

New

Congrats... use it in good health.