Best Quality/Value Expandable?

bikendan wrote:

Hoosierdaddy47 wrote:
Camping Life's Tow Ratings Database says 4250 - just sayin'.

so, who's right?
GM or Camping Life?

Good question! I personally have had pretty good luck with CL, and GM is likely going to be REALLY conservative with their numbers. I do know this: The owner's manual for my '08 Nissan Quest(3500,CL) says Nissan DOES NOT recommend towing. Yet Nissan dealers in Canada sell a hitch for the car. Possibly GM is just worried - we Americans are kind of a litigious bunch...

Hoosierdaddy47 wrote:
Camping Life's Tow Ratings Database says 4250 - just sayin'.

so, who's right?
GM or Camping Life?

I could tow a much larger hybrid camper, but our Jayco 17Z has everything we need and we adore our little camper. We bought it in 2010 after three popups over 20 years.

The max gross weight is only 3500 lbs and it's a full 8 feet wide. It's been perfect for just the two of us and we haven't had any quality issues worth speaking of.

Actually, as far as amenities, our 17Z has every single thing that any of the bigger hybrids have with the exception of a slide-out. Well, some things like a wardrobe are missing also, but I mean the big things like:

Two queen beds
A Sofa (most small trailers don't have a sofa, but the 17Z does)
Bench style dinette
Fridge with freezer
full bathroom
Stove with oven
microwave
Stereo system
Air conditioning
Furnace

Sure, some things are smaller like the sofa (two seater instead of three)or the counter space, but we still have everything, just smaller.

If and when we do replace the trailer some day, it would only be to move over to a small full hard side trailer. Not because we don't enjoy the hybrid, but just because of health issues. I may need to reduce the work and have a regular bed that I don't have to climb into if I'm still able to enjoy camping. but for now we love our Jayco 17Z and have for four seasons.

Ray

Camping Life's Tow Ratings Database says 4250 - just sayin'.

according to GM's towing guide, your SRX can only tow 3500lbs., IF it has the factory towing package.
http://www.gmfleet.com/vehicle-search/by-body-style/suvs-crossover.html
the only number i could find close to the 4250 number, is the SRX's curb weight of 4277lbs.

so, where are you getting the 4250 number?

and you'd be surprised how close all these smaller hybrids are in quality, craftsmanship and longevity.

Agree that weight is going to be your problem. Michigan isn't exactly like trying to climb the Rockies, so if you stay in the flat lands, it'll help. And you're going to have to pack light.....really light. Without looking at a dozen models, I'd guess that you're going to be looking at maybe a 17'absolute max with no slide. You don't mention the genders of the children, but it would sure be helpful if you had 2 instead of 1 and 1. Making up a sofa or dinette every night gets old in a big hurry. Also with something in the 17' or less range, you'll likely be looking at a dinette only and no sofa. With your max being 4250#, for safety you need about 1000# of excess, which I don't think you'll find. And you'll need a WDH with sway. More weight. Suggest you start looking at the smallest you can find, which IIRC might be the KZ Sportsmen Classic at 13'. It's available with a rear bunkend and you would have to make up the dinette but it's a nice u-shape. Surprisingly roomy inside with a lot of countertop space, Have you considered a tear-drop style or something like a Casita?? Something like that might work. You mentioned time being a factor and, unfortunately, to find what will SAFELY work with your tow vehicle, you're going to need plenty of online time and then actually going to see it in person. And please, please do not listen to a salesman tell you that you can tow 4250# fully loaded and ready to camp, because it just isn't so. Remember that his/her job is to get your signature on the dotted line and the problems you'll encounter will be all yours. For starters, check the KZ lines, Forest River, Jayco, and you might go on Hybrid Explorer to see if you can get some other suggestions. Good luck...it's going to be a challenge.

I'm towing with a Cadillac SRX, and 4250lbs is the rating.

Best selling is a good indicator. I was hoping that someone has had a similar weight restriction and had done the research that I really don't have the time for.

A Ford truck vs. a Chevy truck can be argued because both have similar prices, use similar quality material, use similar manufacturing processes, and end up with similar life cycles. I doubt that these small hybrids are all that similar in quality, craftsmanship, and longevity. That's why I ask.

murbanczyk wrote:
I'm new to the forum, and the RV world. I'm looking to by a new or slightly used expandable for my family of four. I'm looking for the best quality materials & construction, and value for my dollar.

There aren't many trailers that my tow vehicle can handle (4250# max) but each brand seems to make one.

Any advice on how to rate the quality of the Solaire, Rockwood, Jayco, Wildwood, Aerolite, and Coachmen models? I don't have the time to invest in walking through each one. Essentially I'm looking for a consumer reports on the smallest hybrids.

Thanks,
Mike

first, what tow vehicle do you have cause i've NEVER heard of any vehicle having a tow capacity of 4250lbs.:?
if it is that, then you are going to be limited to hybrids with a GVWR of 3500lbs. meaning only the smallest of hybrids will work.

and as for your question, i'm sorry but every brand has its fans and haters. you'll probably get someone from every brand saying that theirs is the best quality for the price.
there is no "consumer reports" for hybrids. there's really not even anything like that for RV's period.

what kind of answers would you get if you asked: "what's the best car for quality and value?" or which is best, Ford, Chevy or Dodge?

unfortunately, your question is will be too subjective to answer. only by you looking at and into all the brands, will you be able to answer the question from your own subjective perspective.
asking for subjective opinions from strangers is no way to make the best choice for you.

but, the best selling hybrids are the Rockwood Roo and the Jayco Jayfeather, if that is any indication of quality/value.

If your tow rating is 4250 there aren't any you can tow. Your 4250 is for a boat not a TT. TW's and frontal drag will be too much.