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

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.

You might want to join the Jayco Users Group:JaycoAs for a better model, Northwood (Arctic Fox etc) makes some of the best but they are not lightweight. See the above.

agesilaus wrote:You might want to join the Jayco Users Group:JaycoAs 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

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.

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.

Extensive Traveling with a 5th Wheel | Good Sam Community

46 Replies

thomas201
Explorer
Feb 24, 2022
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.
RickLight
Explorer III
Feb 24, 2022
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.
agesilaus
Explorer III
Feb 24, 2022
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.
Chuck5395
Explorer
Feb 24, 2022
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
agesilaus
Explorer III
Feb 24, 2022
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.
ssthrd
Explorer
Feb 23, 2022
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.

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Extensive Traveling with a 5th Wheel

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