Considering a new TT, looking for thoughts/opinions
Hey y'all,
My wife and I are considering buying a new TT. I bought my Layton going on 4 camping seasons ago and we have gotten out about once per month in the spring/fall/summer and really enjoying it.
The A/C in the Layton is weak and it's the original unit so it should be replaced. I figure this would cost around $600 if I do it myself. The awning is OK but not in the best of shape and the Dometic refridgerator works, but does not get as cold as it should, especially when it's hot outside.
We went on two camping trips this year, unfortunately two of the hottest weekends of the summer (July and August weekends). The A/C took enough humidity out to make it tolerable to sleep, but got me thinking if we should make the move to a new TT as my boys, ages 9 and 12 love camping.
I'm looking at trailers under 7K GVW, and no more than 29' or so in length. I'd want bunk beds for the boys and beyond that we are open as far as floor plans go.
Part of me would like an aluminum frame trailer (no rot), but I know with TT's from years of RV'ing if you maintain all the calk joints and keep the water out of them, they will last a long time (as my 27 yr old Layton is still in good shape).
This would be our first new TT. I've hesitated in considering new in the past due to the financial investment,but figure if we go new, it should be a 10+ yr rig for my family.
I would prefer not to have a slide (lots of reasons, not looking for a slide versus no slide debate), it's just my preference.
I hear lots of good things about Jayco, they have a 2 yr warranty, built by Amish craftsmen in IN, etc. My wife and I like their Jay Flight SLX 26BHW, which is 29'3", 6500 GVW, no slide, rear bunks with front queen bed. It's longer and taller than what I have now, but still very do-able with my 15' Chevy 1500 5.3/3.42 geared CC.
What do you all think about Jayco? If any owners of newer Jayco rigs could comment I'd appreciate it. If we went with the SLX 26BH, I'd almost want to order one with a roof ladder on the rear since the SLX line does not come with a roof ladder and I am anal about checking roof calk joints. From what I was told by my local dealer (Gayle Kline RV in Mountville, PA) the construction of the the Jay Flight and SLX are the same, but the interior bits on the regular flight are nicer and they have some nice options such as black tank flush, power tongue jack, ETC. I don't need any of that stuff, just a basic trailer that's new.
As an aside, one thing I really like about the Layton is that it has a 1 piece aluminum roof, but to my knowledge, unless I went with an airstream (can't afford) I can't get a new TT with an aluminum roof, correct? If any still make them with aluminum roofs, Please let me know. I'm not a big fan of the rubber roofs on today's rigs, as I think they are only good for 15 or so years and it's several thousand dollars to replace one.
At any rate, I'd sure appreciate any help you all could offer.
Thanks,
Greg
My wife and I are considering buying a new TT. I bought my Layton going on 4 camping seasons ago and we have gotten out about once per month in the spring/fall/summer and really enjoying it.
The A/C in the Layton is weak and it's the original unit so it should be replaced. I figure this would cost around $600 if I do it myself. The awning is OK but not in the best of shape and the Dometic refridgerator works, but does not get as cold as it should, especially when it's hot outside.
We went on two camping trips this year, unfortunately two of the hottest weekends of the summer (July and August weekends). The A/C took enough humidity out to make it tolerable to sleep, but got me thinking if we should make the move to a new TT as my boys, ages 9 and 12 love camping.
I'm looking at trailers under 7K GVW, and no more than 29' or so in length. I'd want bunk beds for the boys and beyond that we are open as far as floor plans go.
Part of me would like an aluminum frame trailer (no rot), but I know with TT's from years of RV'ing if you maintain all the calk joints and keep the water out of them, they will last a long time (as my 27 yr old Layton is still in good shape).
This would be our first new TT. I've hesitated in considering new in the past due to the financial investment,but figure if we go new, it should be a 10+ yr rig for my family.
I would prefer not to have a slide (lots of reasons, not looking for a slide versus no slide debate), it's just my preference.
I hear lots of good things about Jayco, they have a 2 yr warranty, built by Amish craftsmen in IN, etc. My wife and I like their Jay Flight SLX 26BHW, which is 29'3", 6500 GVW, no slide, rear bunks with front queen bed. It's longer and taller than what I have now, but still very do-able with my 15' Chevy 1500 5.3/3.42 geared CC.
What do you all think about Jayco? If any owners of newer Jayco rigs could comment I'd appreciate it. If we went with the SLX 26BH, I'd almost want to order one with a roof ladder on the rear since the SLX line does not come with a roof ladder and I am anal about checking roof calk joints. From what I was told by my local dealer (Gayle Kline RV in Mountville, PA) the construction of the the Jay Flight and SLX are the same, but the interior bits on the regular flight are nicer and they have some nice options such as black tank flush, power tongue jack, ETC. I don't need any of that stuff, just a basic trailer that's new.
As an aside, one thing I really like about the Layton is that it has a 1 piece aluminum roof, but to my knowledge, unless I went with an airstream (can't afford) I can't get a new TT with an aluminum roof, correct? If any still make them with aluminum roofs, Please let me know. I'm not a big fan of the rubber roofs on today's rigs, as I think they are only good for 15 or so years and it's several thousand dollars to replace one.
At any rate, I'd sure appreciate any help you all could offer.
Thanks,
Greg
