Chuck5395
Keizer, OR
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Joined: 07/18/2003
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We currently own a 2018 Jayco Eagle HT 28.5RSTS. As we get closer to retirement, our thoughts have turned to taking longer (in duration and distance) trips. I'm concerned about this rig being an HT since that implies that it was built to be light and possibly not durable.
First question: Is it built strong enough for extensive travel?
Second question: If we go back on the market to buy a new rig, what should we be looking for? I'd like to stay under 36' and we tow with a 2017 RAM Cummins Club cab long bed SRW.
Thanks
-Chuck
2018 Jayco 28.5 RSTS
2017 RAM 3500 Cummins
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ssthrd
Vancouver Island
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Joined: 03/23/2016
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Only my opinion, but lighter means cutting corners somewhere to get the weight down to where it can be called HT capable. Longer term continuous use might not be best.
My GMC 3500 Duramax is fine with my 14,000# 5er in tow, but set up for us, it is on the line or just over the rear axle weight rating which for me is 7050#.
Power will definitely not be an issue for you, but weight might be. Depends on what you decide to get and how you load it.
2014 Keystone Laredo 292RL
2013 Palomino Maverick 2902
2018 GMC 3500HD, 4x4, 6.5' box, SRW, Denali, Duramax, Andersen
DeeBee, JayBee, and Jed the Black Lab
The hurrier I go the behinder I get. (Lewis Carroll)
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agesilaus
North Florida
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You might want to join the Jayco Users Group:
Jayco
As for a better model, Northwood (Arctic Fox etc) makes some of the best but they are not lightweight. See the above.
Arctic Fox 25Y Travel Trailer
2018 RAM 2500 6.7L 4WD shortbed
Straightline dual cam hitch
400W Solar with Victron controller
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Chuck5395
Keizer, OR
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agesilaus wrote:You might want to join the Jayco Users Group:
Jayco
As for a better model, Northwood (Arctic Fox etc) makes some of the best but they are not lightweight. See the above.
Thanks agesilaus, I didn't post on the Jayco forum since I didn't want to be limited to Jayco options. We will have to give Artic Fox another look.
-Chuck
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agesilaus
North Florida
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We have a Arctic Fox TT right now but we boondocked with a couple of fivers at the south rim last spring and they were very nice. Think they are 35 or 36 ft. And they managed the dirt road back into the area we camped. Not cheap tho.
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RickLight
Washington
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Our lightweight is inches short of 30' and was fine over 7 states in 4 months last summer. A few mods have made life easier, LFP batteries, generator on a tray, and the usual minor stuff.
Rick,
2019 Grand Design Reflection 150 273MK
2015 Ford F350 CC SB Lariat Powerstroke
PullRite Superglide
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thomas201
Eastern Panhandle WV
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Run the 18 till the wheels fall off. We have been running a 12 HT since new. It has been to the lower 48, and parts of Canada. Some stuff has broken over the years, but not structural or the running gear. After all it is light.
If you like it keep it, but if you want a new one, buy it.
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Veebyes
Bermuda & Maryland Eastern Shore
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So many trailers are sitting on a Lippert frame however all Lippert frames are not the same. The area to check on is where the frame & running gear takes the worst beating.
Specifically, the spring hanger area & the number of spring leafs. Also, if not already installed, shocks.
As for the rest of the trailer it really depends on how well the builder has constructed 'the house'.
We have a 11,500lb dry weight Alpenlite 5er 34 of late 2007 vintage. Lippert frame. Spring areas re engineered completely. Spring packs upgraded from 6 to 7 leaf plus it already had shocks. Wish I knew more precisely but estimate that way more than 100,000 miles have been put on the trailer.
We are multi month long distance travellers seldom being anywhere more than 3-4 days. That is an awful lot of wear & tear on the trailer systems such as the slides. Don't expect trouble free performance with that kind of travel. Being able to take care of the small issues, & some of the big ones, saves lots of money.
Boat: 32' 1996 Albin 32+2, single Cummins 315hp
40+ night per year overnighter
2007 Alpenlite 34RLR
2006 Chevy 3500 LT, CC,LB 6.6L Diesel
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theoldwizard1
SE MI
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I would show for a smaller model.
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goducks10
There
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Joined: 02/22/2010
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Todays RV market is totally lopsided. Used RV's are going for a premium and new ones are either in short supply or the MSRP's are off the charts. On top of that the overall QC seems to have dropped for many brands.
If it were me I'd use what you have for this year and or next year and then see about getting a different one if you still think you need a newer one. What you have will work just fine. Extended trips are nothing more than more short trips rolled into one.
Like thomas201 said, "run the wheels off it"
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