Forum Discussion

Pinikki36's avatar
Pinikki36
Explorer
Feb 20, 2014

2014 Jayco Eagle vs. Columbus Palomino

My family and I have decided to become full-timers! We know we want a 5th wheel with bunkhouse. Our boys are 4.5 and 9-year-old. We really liked the Jayco Eagle and thought that was what we would get. Then I fell in love with the Columbus Palomino. (They are at 2 different RV dealerships). The Columbus seemed to have a lot more storage, I really just liked the interior better, and it was cheaper...but it's not a 4 season. The Jayco has the boring brown interior, it's just a bit more expensive, but it is a 4 season. We do plan to head down to FLorida and stay there as long as I can handle it there (husband is hoping to stay in FL for full year). We don't think we would purposefully be in freezing temps, but yet, we don't really want to limit ourselves and our travels either. Is it hard to winterize a 3 season? Are these 2 types pretty comparable?

We will get a truck after we get the 5th wheel to know for sure it will haul what we get.
  • SpknTC's avatar
    SpknTC
    Explorer
    Feb 20, 2014
    We had a Jayco Eagle bunk house and loved it! However, it ended up being too big for us (kids grown with own family now). If we ever go with a 5er again I would not hesitate to look at Jayco again. We were completely satisfied. Good luck!
  • rvrev2's avatar
    rvrev2
    Explorer
    Feb 20, 2014
    I don't know anything about the Columbus. However, you mention the Jayco was a 4 season and the Columbus was not. Something to consider is that the added insulation in the Jayco also works to your advantage in the heat, not just the cold. It tends to get warm and humid in Florida in the summer. With that thinking in mind, how many Air Conditioners does either have? As far as quality, my 36' Jayco is a 1995 model, and still going strong. I do not know about the quality of the Columbus. Wish I could be more helpful.
  • kzspree320's avatar
    kzspree320
    Explorer
    Feb 20, 2014
    Why do you say the Columbus is a 3 season trailer? We have a new 2014 Columbus. Some heating vents go into the insulated fresh water, black and grey water tank areas. In addition, ours has electric tank heaters. The tank heaters may be an option, but ours has them. I turned them on a few weeks ago when it got down to 18 (which is really cold for Louisiana). I just wonder what your definition of 4 season is?

    I have owned a Jayco, it was also a good trailer. I have owned my Columbus about 9 months. Forest River let me buy an additional year of factory warranty for $150. That makes the warranties the same. We love our Columbus. I don't know how good it would do below zero, but that is really not a concern for me.

    I have looked under cabinets and storage compartments at the construction quality. Having owned 5 previous RVs, I think its pretty darn good for a fifth wheel with an MSRP just under $70K.

    I would tell you to pick the floorplan that suits you best. I don't know that I would recommend fulltiming with small kids, but that's certainly your call and I wish you the best of luck.
  • twins89's avatar
    twins89
    Explorer
    Feb 20, 2014
    Jayco has a two year warranty. Not sure on the other. Jayco has great customer service, as we have experienced many times. There is a reason the other is cheaper. I can't tell you what to buy but if you have ideas of being full time with kids I would get the Jayco.

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