Jayco Eagle vs. Open Range Light

I believe the Jayco is a much better built unit with a much larger base of dealer support .... it has a stronger frame which can be fitted with a 4 point auto leveling system .... Open Range has cut its frame to where in order to support it and keep it from bouncing takes a 6 point system .... on top of the 6 jacks they usually require additional stabilizer bars between the jacks .... while some think they are fine, they also use the cheapest (cable) slide system on the market .... they do a good job of spinning their system to make it look good but spin is spin .... if you are going to park it most of the time, they are OK .... if you plan to travel, the Jayco is the way to go

Jim

The models are fairly comparable. Both are decent manufacturers with 2 years warranties. The Open Range is 1200 pounds lighter. The secret to OR reduced weight is the slide system. The cable slide system does not require any drive shaft mechanism all the mechanicals are inside of the RV. Because there are no slide shafts the main beam does not need to be drilled to accommodate the slide drive shaft. The net result is a smaller lighter beam can be used resulting in a 1000# lighter trailer. Open Range units are typically 1000-1500 pounds light than the competition.
They have the same gross cargo capacity. Jayco has a about a 10 gallon larger fresh tank while the 305 has 2 gallons more capacity in each waste tank.

The two units have basically the same capacities except the OR is a bit lighter.

Does the slide has to be moved to acces the bathroom in the 305?,If so it would be a concern in my book. The Jayco has uninhibited bathroom access.

Both units have reduced capacities vs. a non light model 2000 pound cargo capacity is not much once tank capacities and options are subtracted.
Tank sizes are smaller as well vs. a non light unit.

I am not a fan of light models however they are an option for less capable tow vehicles. The OP however has a F-350 which is capable of towing a larger rig.
If I were in the OP's shoes and had a F350 as a TV, I would not be shopping for light models. I prefer the larger capacities and amenities of a full size RV.

I would say they are very comparable and think JEBar is way off base on his OR comments. 4 and 6 point systems and standard JT strong arms are an upgrade from most systems in this price point. I have not had a slide problem at all with my OR, and going on my second year full timing in their Base model the Roamer and have not had any freezing issues and its been below freezing in my area since mid Dec, 7 degrees this morning. The heat recirculation system works very well and the standard heat pump is worth having if they still use them.

Factory support is good with both brands so it come down to dealer support and service because they are your middleman on warranty repairs.

Trail-Mate wrote:
JEBar is way off base on his OR comments. 4 and 6 point systems and standard JT strong arms are an upgrade from most systems in this price point.

facts are facts .... a frame on which a 4 point leveling system without any stabilizers can be used is much more solid/rigid/strong (pick the term you like) than a frame which requires 6 jacks plus JT's stabilizers .... as noted, Open Range uses a slide system that cuts weight, they also cut weight in their frame .... for some folks that is fine .... for others it is a point of concern

Jim

The difference in the two for usage is

Jayco - bunk room is also the living/entertainment space for the kids out of their parents hair.

OR - bunk room is for sleeping only. Larger common living/entertainment space for the whole family together.

I've seen plenty of Jayco and OR rigs - and both are excellent in quality and usage from the owners I've talked to.

Never seen or heard of anyone having problems with the frame on an OR, or issues with the slide. Wish my TT had cable slides.

Check out the Open Range Owners Forum for more info
http://www.openrangeowners.com/

JEBar wrote:

Trail-Mate wrote:
JEBar is way off base on his OR comments. 4 and 6 point systems and standard JT strong arms are an upgrade from most systems in this price point.

facts are facts .... a frame on which a 4 point leveling system without any stabilizers can be used is much more solid/rigid/strong (pick the term you like) than a frame which requires 6 jacks plus JT's stabilizers .... as noted, Open Range uses a slide system that cuts weight, they also cut weight in their frame .... for some folks that is fine .... for others it is a point of concern

Jim

They also do not bore sizeable holes in their main beams.
It's all related.

JEBar wrote:

Trail-Mate wrote:
JEBar is way off base on his OR comments. 4 and 6 point systems and standard JT strong arms are an upgrade from most systems in this price point.

facts are facts .... a frame on which a 4 point leveling system without any stabilizers can be used is much more solid/rigid/strong (pick the term you like) than a frame which requires 6 jacks plus JT's stabilizers .... as noted, Open Range uses a slide system that cuts weight, they also cut weight in their frame .... for some folks that is fine .... for others it is a point of concern

Jim

I don't see where either of these 5'ers offers any kind of 4 or 6pt leveling. It's not in either of the options list. No where in the build and price list for Jayco. OR doesn't show an option for it either. Where are you getting your information from?

My OR Roamer 2010 has 4 way leveling system , No Auto level but I know it was available on the upper models. I also have not seen 6 a point on any newer OR's that I have seen, but have on others makes and models and would guess it would be there to take some of the wiggle out that is common on all 5th wheels. I did put mid jacks on my last 32 foot trailer and that helped take some of the bounce out of it. The 4 way was standard and auto was the option from what I have seen. I know my 2010 roamer is the exact same construction of their Higher end models, Just not as fancy. On their web site under options on the roamer, look under packages, 5th wheels, One touch Auto level is listed.

goducks10 wrote:
I don't see where either of these 5'ers offers any kind of 4 or 6pt leveling. It's not in either of the options list. No where in the build and price list for Jayco. OR doesn't show an option for it either. Where are you getting your information from?

I believe the 2nd post was talking about four point and six point stabilizers, not levelers.

OR does have six point stabilizers on some of the larger models. And many models higher up the chain/ price list than the Light/Lite line do offer auto leveling.

OR, or at least the OR dealers in the Dallas area, does offer extra stabilizer bars like the JT system on every Light/Lite I've seen as an option. I've also seen those stabilizers on the Mesa Ridge, Roamer and full size OR models in the various dealer lots.

IMHO a six point stabilizing or auto leveling system is superior to a four point system. The more points on the ground, the better it can do the job.

I notice that most big toy haulers have stabilizers right behind the rear axle and again at the rear of the body.

I've seen Dutchman, Jayco, DRV Suites, Landmark and other Heartland brands all with six point systems. Even on trailers as short as 32 feet.